How to Install (Unlock) a bootloader on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide 2026

Installing a custom bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to complete freedom of action with the device. Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to flash alternative firmware, obtain root rights or even restore a “brick” through Fastboot. But the process is not as simple as it seems: Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking, adding a mandatory binding Mi Account account, waiting 168 hours and checking the originality of the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO 2026 – from the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds for older models. You will learn how to avoid errors Couldn’t verify device or This device is locked, which models require additional manipulation (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with anti-rollback), and what to do if Mi Unlock refuses to see your device. And also – we will analyze in detail the risks and consequences of unlocking, which Xiaomi prefers to keep silent about.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user

Xiaomi has been blocking bootloaders on its devices since 2016, first on the Mi series flagships and then on the Redmi budget, the official reason being to protect user data from theft and unauthorized access.

• 🔒 Preventing the installation of pirated firmware - without unlocking, custom software cannot be flashed, which reduces the risk of spreading fake versions MIUI.
• 🛡️ Protection against viruses – many malware requires root rights, and their receipt is impossible without an unlocked downloader.
• 📱 Ecosystem Control – Xiaomi links users to its services (Mi Cloud, Mi Account), which complicates the transition to third-party firmware.
• 🔧 Reducing the number of “bricks” – inexperienced users often spoil devices when trying to flash incompatible software.

However, for enthusiasts and power users, a locked bootloader is the main obstacle to full control of the device.

• 📲 Install TWRP or other custom recovery.
• 🔄 Switch LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware.
• 👨‍💻 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔧 Restore the device after a “soft brick” (for example, if the firmware flew off).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, messages and installed applications. It also cancels the warranty (if the device is officially purchased). MIUI It can work incorrectly, such as Find Device (phone search) or Mi Pay.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before the Process Begins

Before you start unlocking, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to a Mi Account lock, a device brick, or an inability to complete the process.

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Make sure the latest version is on the device MIUI (Update through Settings → The phone)

Tie it down. SIM-card to the Mi Account (for models from 2021)

Disable device search (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device)

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking (Settings → Developers)

Download the latest Mi Unlock Tool (only from the official website)

Prepare the cable. USB (preferably original, without damage)-->

Pay special attention to the binding SIM-From 2021, Xiaomi requires that the device be inserted SIM-The card that was previously used with this Mi Account for at least 72 hours.If you do not do this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you an error Couldn't verify device.

Also check if unlocking is allowed for your model.Some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi K50 Ultra) have additional limitations, and you can find out by trying to link the device to an account in Mi Unlock - if the process ends in an error in the verification phase, then the model does not support unlocking through the official tool.

Redmi Note 10/11/12 series series

POCO F3/F4/F5

Xiaomi 11/12/13 series

Redmi K40/K50/K60

Another model-->

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable and recommended way is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices despite numerous limitations. POCO, It's been released after 2016. Here's the step-by-step instruction:

Step 1: Linking your device to your Mi Account

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in.
2. Turn on data synchronization and wait for the process to be completed.
3. Back to Settings → About the phone and tap 7 times on the line Version MIUI, to activate the Developer Mode.
4. Then go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

ADB

adb shell

If the command is executed without errors, the binding was successful.

Step 2: Wait 168 hours (7 days)

Xiaomi artificially delays unlocking for 168 hours (7 days) from the time the device is linked to an account, designed to cool down impulsive users, a wait that is officially impossible to get around – any promises to speed up the process through “secret” methods usually lead to account lockdown.

💡

If you bought a used phone, ask the previous owner to untie the device from your Mi Account account through the official website. Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without resetting through the Internet. EDL (This requires an authorized service center account).

Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only!).
2. Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Connect the device to a PC. The Mi Unlock Tool should show a message Phone connected.
5. Press Unlock and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

If it went well, you'll see a message that's Unlocked successfully. TWRP If you have a mistake, see the table below.

⚠️ Warning: If the device stopped loading after unlocking (hung on the logo) MI), Don't panic, it's okay. Just run the original firmware through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Alternative methods: if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

Not all Xiaomi devices can be unlocked through an official tool, such as models for the Chinese market (China). ROM) Often require additional manipulation, and some new smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 14) generally block unlocking through Fastboot.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Regime. EDL (emergency boot allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the bootloader lock. However, this requires an authorized account of the Xiaomi service center (or paid access to it:

⚠️ Warning: Use of EDL Without an authorized account, it can result in a complete blocking. IMEI (The phone will become a brick without recovery, a method recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

Method 2: Waiting bypass 168 hours (older models)

On devices before 2020 release (for example, Redmi Note 7, Mi 9) sometimes works bypassing the wait by changing the time on Xiaomi servers.

1. Turn off the internet on your phone and PC.
2. On PC, change the date 8 days ahead (for example, if it is June 1st, set June 9th).
3. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and try unlocking the device.
4. If a Network error occurs, return the actual date and try again in a day.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for your model from the official website (file with the extension.img).
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-redminote10pro.img (Replace the file name with yours).
4. Immediately after the firmware go to TWRP (Hold the volume up + Power, otherwise the system will overwrite it to stock recovery.

2. Custom firmware firmware

With the unlocked loader and TWRP You can install any compatible firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
• 📱 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many chips.
• 📱 MIUI EU — European MIUI softwareless.

Important: Always check compatibility with your model before firmware! Installing an inappropriate firmware can lead to a brick.

3. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root.

• 🔧 Remove system applications (bloatware).
• 🎮 Use mods for games (e.g. GameGuardian).
• 🔒 Configure access rights for applications (MagiskHide).
• 📶 Modify network operation (e.g., unlock) LTE-ranges).

Instructions for installation of Magisk:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.apk) from GitHub.
2. Install Magisk as a regular app.
3. Download the file. boot.img from the firmware for your model (can be extracted from the official package) MIUI).
4. In Magisk, select Install. → Select and Patch a File and specify boot.img.
5. Copy the patch file on your PC and run it through Fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched-26100_xxxxxx.img
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: After rooting, some apps (such as banking or Netflix) may stop working. Use MagiskHide to hide root, or install modules like SafetyNet Fix.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with strict follow-up, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If your problem is not described in the table, try searching for a solution in the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA. When describing the problem, always indicate:

• 📱 Exact model of the device (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G (veux)).
• 🔧 Version MIUI (You can find out in Settings → The phone).
• 🖥️ The Unlock Tool (Mi Unlock Tool, TWRP etc.).
• 📝 The exact text of the error (if any).

Risks and consequences of unlocking the loader

Unlocking the bootloader is free, but it also carries a number of risks. Before you start the procedure, consider the possible consequences:

1. Loss of guarantee

Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty, which means that when you contact the service center, you may be denied free repairs, even if the problem is not related to the firmware.

• ✅ If a device has a physical breakdown (such as a broken screen), service centers often turn a blind eye.
• ❌ If the problem is software (for example, a “brick” after firmware), repair will be refused.

2. Security concerns

An unlocked boot loader makes the device more vulnerable to:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data theft – an attacker can flash custom recovery and access your files.
• 🦠 Viruses – some malware can be stitched at a low level, bypassing antiviruses.
• 🔓 Screen lock bypass – if the phone is stolen, it will be easier to crack.

💡

If you unlock the bootloader, but you no longer plan to flash custom software, lock it back. To do this, run the stock firmware through Fastboot and run the command fastboot oem lock.

3. Unstable operation of the device

After unlocking and installing custom software, there may be:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – some custom firmware is poorly optimized.
• 📶 Network problems – mobile Internet or Wi-Fi may disappear.
• 🎮 Lags and drop-offs of apps – especially if the firmware isn’t designed for your model.
• 🔊 Sound or camera problems – drivers may not work properly.

If you are experiencing instability, try:

• 🔄 Switch another firmware version (preferably official).
• 🔧 roll back change through TWRP (if you've done backup).
• 📱 Reset the settings to factory (but this will erase all data).

4.Blocking of Mi Account

Xiaomi may block your Mi Account if:

• 🔓 You unlock different devices too often (suspicion of resale).
• 📱 Use unofficial unlock methods (such as fake versions of the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🌐 You're logged in with different IP-addresses (for example, through VPN).

If your account is blocked, try:

1. Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (checks, box).
2. Wait 30 days – sometimes the lock is automatically removed.
3. Create a new account (but it won’t help if the device is already locked).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions