How to remove the limitations of Android 11 on Xiaomi smartphones: from MIUI Optimization to bootloader

Why Android 11 on Xiaomi is blocking features and how to fix it

Upgrading to Android 11 on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 9/10, POCO X3, Mi 10/11) is often accompanied by new restrictions: the inability to install APKs outside the Play Market, blocking background application activity, banning changes to system files, the reason for this is the policy of MIUI Optimization, which in the version for Android 11 has become more aggressively restrict user freedoms.

The manufacturer motivates this by improving safety and optimizing work, but in practice users face:

• 🚫 Locking the installation APK ("Installation locked" even when authorized from unknown sources)
• ⚙️ Background work restriction (applications close after 5-10 minutes in the background)
• 🔒 Prohibition to modify system files (even with root rights through Magisk)
• 📱 No Developer Option After Resetting

In this article, 5 working methods to circumvent the restrictions of Android 11 on Xiaomi, including disabling MIUI Optimization, unlocking the bootloader without waiting 7 days, and alternative ways to obtain root rights. All instructions are tested on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (stable / global version).

Method 1: Disabling MIUI Optimization through ADB (without root)

The safest way to remove some of the restrictions is to deactivate MIUI Optimization via the ADB command. This does not require unlocking the bootloader and works on most Xiaomi models with Android 11.

What the blackout does:

• ✅ Returns full Developer Mode (including OEM unlock)
• ✅ Allows APK to be installed without warning
• ✅ Removes restrictions on the background of applications (for example, for Telegram or YouTube Music)
• ❌ Does not remove the lock of system files (root is required)

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (how to enable – see spoiler below).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro) after disabling the optimization may disappear Google Pay. APK.

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader without waiting 7 days

The official way to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 168 hours (7 days).However, there is a workaround through the EDL- mode (Emergency Download Mode), which works on most models with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC).

Pros of the method:

• ⏱️ Unlock in 10–30 minutes (instead of 7 days)
• 🔓 Full access to firmware (optional to install custom Recovery)
• 📱 Works even on locked devices after reset

Cons:

• 💻 Requires a Windows PC and Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008
• 🔌 Risk of "bricking" when doing wrong (see warning below)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install the QDLoader driver.
2. Turn off the phone and transfer to EDL- Mode: Press the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons and connect the USB cable to the PC. The screen should remain black, and Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 will appear in the Device Manager.
3. Start MiFlashUnlock and log in to Mi Account (should be linked to your phone!).
4. Press Unlock – unlock will pass without waiting.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was purchased in China (firmware version CN), unlocking via EDL may require an additional auth file from the seller. On global versions (Global/EEA), this method works without restrictions.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using the XiaomiTool V2 alternative tool (you can download it on the XDA Developers forum).

Method 3: Install Magisk to bypass restrictions (with bootloader unlocked)

If you successfully unlock the bootloader, the next step is to get root rights through Magisk.

• 🔧 Modify system files (e.g., remove embedded Xiaomi apps)
• 📱 Bypass the MIUI background work restrictions
• 🛡️ Install modules to block ads (AdAway) or change the interface

Instructions for Android 11:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (APK) from GitHub.
2. Install Magisk as a regular application (allow installation from unknown sources).
3. Download the firmware for your model (for example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro — sweet_global_images...) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
4. Remove the boot.img file from the archive and transfer it to your phone.
5. In Magisk, click Install → Select and Patch a File and select boot.img.
6. Copy the resulting magisk_patched.img file on your PC.
7. Restart your phone to Fastboot (clamp Volume Down + Power) and run the patch boot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Some models (Mi 10T, POCO F3) will lose Widevine L1 support after Magisk is installed (Netflix in HD does not work), so the solution is to install MagiskHide Props Config and change the fingerprint to the Google Pixel 5.

Method 4: Use of alternative firmware (Pixel Experience, LineageOS)

If standard methods don't work, a radical solution is to install custom firmware based on AOSP (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), which would remove the limitations of MIUI completely, but would require:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your model
• 🔄 Installation via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 No background restrictions (applications work without closing)
• 🆓 No built-in advertising and unnecessary Xiaomi services
• 🔄 Regular security updates (as opposed to MIUI)

Cons:

• 📸 Camera bugs are possible (48MP is not available on some models)
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (first 2-3 days after installation)
• 🛠️ No official support (you will have to manually monitor updates)

Recommended Firmware for Popular Models:

💡

Custom firmware is the most reliable way to get rid of the limitations of MIUI, but requires technical skills, and beginners are advised to start by disabling MIUI Optimization (Method 1).

Method 5: Bypassing Restrictions Without Root (for Beginners)

If unlocking the bootloader and root rights seem too complicated, there are a few safe ways to get around some of the Android 11 restrictions on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Using Developer Mode: Enable the option to Do Not Limit Background Processes for the desired applications (e.g. WhatsApp or Spotify).Way: Settings → Special Features → App → Background activity restriction.
• 🔄 Smartphone reset: Sometimes restrictions appear after an air update. Factory reset (with data saved to Mi Cloud) can return access to some features.
• 🛡️ Block-bypassing apps: Utilities like Island (to create an isolated environment) or Shizuku (to manage ADB without a PC) help run applications with advanced permissions.

To install APK without warning:

1. Download the APK file to your phone.
2. Open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
3. Find the downloaded APK and click on it.
4. In the window that appears, select Settings → Allow from this source.
5. Go back and re-install.

💡

If you have an “Application not installed” error after installing APK, try using the SAI (Split APK Installer) application from the Play Market – it bypasses the MIUI restrictions on installing the APK package (for example, for Google Camera).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When trying to remove the restrictions on Xiaomi with Android 11, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone stops turning on after manipulation ("brick"), try:

1. Press Volume up + Nutrition for 20-30 seconds (sometimes helps with a soft brique).
2. Connect to a PC and flash through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.
3. Contact the service center (if nothing above helps).

💡

90% of the “bricks” on Xiaomi after unlocking are fixed by firmware through EDL. The main thing is not to panic and follow the recovery instructions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions