How to properly install (unlock) the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Installing custom software, fastboot firmware, or getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones starts with one mandatory step: unlocking the bootloader. Without this action, the system simply won’t allow changes to system partitions by issuing a Device is locked error. But the process is far from as simple as it seems: Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions, including binding to a Mi Account account, a mandatory wait of up to 168 hours and checking for the originality of the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the bootloader (including bypassing restrictions for older models), dwell on typical errors (for example, Couldn’t unlock 86006 or 10008), and give a checklist for preparing the device. Particular attention will be paid to the new rules of 2026, which affected models on the platform HyperOS and smartphones with chipsets Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. If you plan to flash Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 — This guide is for you.

What is Xiaomi bootloader and why you need to unlock it

A bootloader is a low-level software that runs to the operating system and checks firmware integrity. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is locked by default to protect against:

• 🔒 Unofficial firmware installations (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
• 🛡️ Unauthorized access to system partitions (including /system and /vendor)
• 🔄 Data recovery after reset via fastboot
• 📱 Getting root rights (Magisk, SuperSU)

Without unlocking, you will not be able to:

• 📥 Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (Flash not allowed in locked state)
• 🔧 Install custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
• 🔄 Restore backup via adb sideload in fastboot mode
• 📶 Change the firmware region (e.g. from Global to EEA china)

However, unlocking also has risks:

⚠️ Warning: After unlocking the loader is reset DRM (Multimedia encryption, which can lead to quality loss in Netflix, Disney+ and banking applications. On some models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) It also disables Widevine support. L1 (HD-content in streaming services).

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The only method supported by Xiaomi is the use of the Mi Unlock Tool utility. The process includes 4 key steps:

1. Linking the device to your Mi Account.
2. 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts.
3. Transfer of the smartphone to fastboot mode.
4. Connect to the PC and start unlocking.

Detailed instructions:

Step 1: Preparation of the device

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times to activate the developer mode.

2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB debugging)
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM unlocking)
• 📶 Allow unlocking of the bootloader (Mi Unlock status)

3. Link your Mi Account to your device:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account.
• 🔗 Click Link your account to your device (Bind Mi Account).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

4. Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission for USB (will appear a request on the screen of the smartphone).

Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website (Windows only).

2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

3. log in under the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.

Step 3: Waiting 168 hours

Since 2021, Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory wait for new accounts:

• 🕒 168 hours (7 days) – for accounts that first link a device.
• 🔄 72 hours (3 days) if your account has already unlocked other devices.
• ⏳ 0 hours for accounts with confirmed developer status (development.mi.com application required).

Check the waiting status:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
2. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Check and the program will show the remaining time.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your settings or change your account while you wait, the timer will reset! VPN Change of region in your account – this can lead to blocking the unlock for 30 days.

Step 4: Unlocking the bootloader

After the time has elapsed:

1. Transfer the smartphone to fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power).
2. Connect to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
3. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen (Volume Up button).
4. Wait for the Unlocked Success message (usually takes a lot of time) 10-30 seconds).

The device will automatically reset to factory settings! All data will be deleted.

💡

The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only secure method, but requires account binding and waiting. EDL) It can lead to blocking. IMEI.

Typical Unlocking Errors and Their Solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter errors.

If you see this device is locked by Mi Cloud, it means that:

• 🔒 The device was stolen or blocked by a previous owner through Find Device.
• 📧 Mi Account has been deleted or blocked for violating the rules.
• 🔄 You are trying to unlock your smartphone after being reset via Mi Cloud (requires an original account from the previous owner).

In such cases, official unlocking is not possible. EDL) may help, but require soldering work or specialized equipment.

1. Delete the Mi Account on the device.

2. Reboot.

3. Re-add the same account and link it in the settings.-->

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official method does not work (for example, due to error 20031 or account lock), alternative methods can be tried.

• 🚨 Brick of the device (complete inoperability).
• 📵 Poose. IMEI or serial number.
• 🔒 Blocking of Mi Account Account.

Let’s look at the two most common methods:

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Regime. EDL It allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm port without checking the bootloader. Suitable for models on Snapdragon chipsets (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware in.mbn format (you can download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Instructions:

1. Put the device in mode EDL: For most models: Press the Volume up + Loudness down + Power on the device turned off. For some (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro): requires the closure of test points (need to disassemble the device).

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI and SN. After the procedure, you will need to restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities (for example, SN Writer Tool).

Method 2: Use of vulnerabilities (for older models)

Some devices on the MIUI 10-12 They have vulnerabilities that can bypass the loader check:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8, Mi 9, Redmi Note 7/8 Pro - vulnerability in fastboot oem unlock.
• 📱 POCO F1 — Circuit unlock_go.
• 📱 Redmi 4X, Redmi 5 - Unlocking through the TWRP wait.

Example POCO F1:

fastboot oem unlock_go


fastboot flash unlock /path/to/unlock_file.img




fastboot oem unlock

However, with the release of HyperOS and security updates, most of the vulnerabilities were closed. 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13) These methods don't work.

How to check the status of the loader

Before you start unlocking, make sure the bootloader is indeed locked. There are three ways to check:

Method 1: Through fastboot

1. Transfer the device to fastboot mode (clip Volume down) + Nutrition).

2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot oem device-info

3. Find the lines:

• Device unlocked: false – the bootloader is locked.
• Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

Method 2: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.

2. Find the Mi Unlock status (Mi Unlock status) item.

3. If it says Locked, the bootloader is locked.

Method 3: Through ADB

1. Connect the device to the PC with USB debugging enabled.

2. execute the command:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Results:

• Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
• green - the loader is locked.

If all three methods show different results, it is likely that the device has an unofficial firmware with altered statuses. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

What to do after unlocking the loader

After successful unlocking, you can:

• 📥 Install TWRP ox-recaveri.
• 🔧 Switch custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Recover the backup via adb sideload.

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Lack of support OTA-Updates (you will have to hand-write them).
• 🔒 Widevine will drop L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+).
• 📵 Banking applications may not work (due to lack of SafetyNet).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (due to modified cores and schedulers).

To minimize the problems:

1. Install Magisk and activate the modules:

Widevine L1

MIUI EU

Xiaomi.eu

TWRP

dm-verity

forceencrypt

If the device does not turn on after unlocking or is getting stuck on the MI logo, try:

• 🔄 Swipe the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
• 📥 Install TWRP Make format data (eradicates all data!).
• 🔧 Check file integrity boot.img (It's probably damaged).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader