Protection against changes on Xiaomi smartphones is a set of measures that the manufacturer implements to prevent unauthorized modifications of the system. MIUI Protection, restrictions on third-party firmware installations, and blocking engineering menus are designed to improve security, but often become a barrier for power users who want to customize a device, obtain root rights, or install alternative software.
Removing protection opens up opportunities for deep customization of Xiaomi, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to a complete loss of warranty, a “brick” of the device or blocking the Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss legal and safe ways to disable protection, relevant for models 2018-2026, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others.We will pay special attention to changes in Xiaomi’s policy after 2022, when the company tightened the requirements for unlocking.
1.What is Change Protection on Xiaomi and Why You Should Remove It
Protection from changes in the Xiaomi ecosystem is implemented on several levels:
- 🔒 Blocked bootloader – prevents the installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) and modified cores.
- 🛡️ MIUI Protection – blocks access to system files even after unlocking bootloader (introduced in 2021).
- 🔧 Anti-Rollback Protection – protects against rollbacks on older firmware versions, which can lead to a “brick".
- 📱 Mi Account Limits – linking the device to the account, without which it is impossible to unlock the bootloader.
The main reasons for the withdrawal of protection:
- 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM) life-extension.
- 🛠️ Getting root rights to remove embedded applications (bloatware) or fine-tuning the system.
- 🔧 Use of modified cores for overclocking / undervoltage of the processor.
- 📱 Restore the device after a software failure if standard methods do not help.
⚠️ Warning: Removing the protection will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in the blocking of services such as Mi Cloud, Mi Pay and Find Device. on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Unlocking bootloader blocks broadband modulation 5G.
2.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before starting the process, be sure to follow the following steps to minimize the risks:
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the battery level (at least 60%)
Unplug Google Account (if used) FRP)
Make sure the version MIUI Supports unlocking (see table below)
Download the official tools (Mi Unlock Tool, ADB, Fastboot)
-->
Pay special attention to the version MIUI. Starting with MIUI 13 (2022), Xiaomi tightened the requirements:
| MIUI version | Required version to unlock | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 and older | Last stable firmware. | 7-day waiting period |
| MIUI 13–14 (2022–2023) | China Stable or Global Stable | 14-day period + binding SIM-map |
| HyperOS (2026) | Official assembly only | 30-day period + check-up IMEI |
To check the current version, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you have custom firmware installed, first go back to the official via Fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Attempting to unlock bootloader on unofficial firmware leads to irreversible blocking IMEI.
3 Unlock bootloader: the official way through the Mi Unlock Tool
The only legal method of unlocking is the official Mi Unlock Tool, which takes between 7 and 30 days depending on the model and version of the software.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronize and enable synchronization.
- 🔗 In the Settings section → Additionally. → Developer → Mi Unlock status link account to device.
- ⏳ Wait for the specified period (7 to 30 days) during which you can not reset settings or change your account!
Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool
- Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
- Install Xiaomi drivers through Mi Phone Manager.
- Launch the device in Fastboot mode: turn off the smartphone, then press Volume down + Nutrition.
Step 3. Unlocking
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔑 Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- ✅ Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).
Once you successfully unlock it, you'll see Unlocked in Fastboot mode. Now you can install custom firmware, but you can't. MIUI Protection is still active.
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try 5.5.224.30, which often works where newer versions fail.
4. How to turn off MIUI Protection after unlocking bootloader
MIUI Protection is an additional layer of protection that blocks access to system partitions even on unlocked devices. TWRP and editing system files.
Method 1. Through the Magisk patch (for MIUI 12–14)
- Install. TWRP For your model via Fastboot:
- Download Magisk-MIUI-Protection-Bypass (look for the latest version for your firmware).
- V TWRP plough ZIP-patch-file.
- Reboot and check access to the /system via Root Explorer.
Method 2. ADB (for HyperOS)
On HyperOS, standard methods may not work.
adb shell
su
setenforce 0
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm /system/bin/miui_protection
reboot⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5) shutdown MIUI Protection causes loss of functionality NFC Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix).
What happens if you don't turn it off? MIUI Protection?
5. Getting root rights: Magisk vs SuperSU
Root rights to Xiaomi are obtained through Magisk (recommended) or SuperSU (obsolete method). Magisk allows you to hide root from applications (for example, banking) and supports modules.
Instructions for installation of Magisk:
- Download the latest version of Magisk (APK + ZIP).
- Install Magisk. APK phone-on.
- Copy Magisk ZIP device.
- Boot in. TWRP and sew ZIP-file.
- Reboot and check root through the Magisk app.
To hide root from banking applications:
- 🏦 Enable MagiskHide in the Magisk settings.
- 🔍 Add apps to the Hidden List (SafetyNet, Google Pay).
- ✅ Check SafetyNet status through the app YASNAC.
HyperOS may require an additional Universal SafetyNet Fix patch, as standard Magisk is not always certified.
💡
Magisk is the only way to get root on modern Xiaomi without losing functionality. MIUI 12 and newer.
6 Risks and How to Avoid Them: What Could Go Wrong
Removing protections can cause several types of problems, and the most common ways to prevent them are:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Brick (excluded) | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Switch through EDL (authorized account required) |
| Loss of IMEI | Damage to the modem partition | Restore through QCN or SN Write Tool |
| Blocking of Mi Account | Frequent attempts to unlock | Apply for support with proof of ownership |
| Loss of Widevine L1 | Modification of system files | Reverse changes or stitch the original vendor |
How to minimize the risks:
- 📌 Always check the compatibility of firmware and patches with your model on the XDA Developers.
- 🔋 Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 (not) USB 3.0) for stable connection.
- 🔄 Keep the backup of the persist partition before any modifications (saves) IMEI and MAC-address).
- 🛡️ Do not update "over the air" after unlocking - it will return MIUI Protection.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro unlock bootloader blocks hardware acceleration in some games (e.g. Genshin Impact).
7.Alternative methods: bypassing protection without unlocking the bootloader
If unlocking bootloader is not possible (for example, due to HyperOS limitations), alternative methods can be used to partially remove the restrictions:
Method 1. ADB-debug-room
Some functions can be unlocked through ADB rootless:
adb shell
settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 # Unlocks hidden API
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics # Removes telemetry
pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab # Disables advertising servicesMethod 2: Use of Shizuku + AppOps
- 📱 Install Shizuku and connect via ADB.
- 🔧 Use AppOps to block system application permissions.
- 🚫 Turn off MiuiDaemon to reduce background activity.
Method 3: Castomy themes and modules without root
Through MIUI Theme Editor can be installed informal themes, and LSPosed (with Shizuku) allows you to modify the behavior of applications without rooting.
💡
For HyperOS devices, try HyperCeiler, a tool to bypass some limitations. MIUI Protection without unlocking bootloader.