Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, there are risks: wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick, and the official procedure requires strict manufacturer rules. In this article, we will discuss how to check the current status of the bootloader, prepare the device for unlocking and perform the procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool without errors.
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements: now to unlock you need to link your Mi Account to your device, wait for approval of the request (from 72 hours to 1 week) and use only official software. We updated the instructions with the latest changes, including bypassing typical errors like Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked. If you plan to flash Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13 – this article will help to avoid common problems.
Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
The factory-locked bootloader is a security measure that protects the device from unauthorized firmware changes, but for experienced users, locking creates limitations:
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) is impossible without unlocking.
- 🛠️ Root access requires an unlocked bootloader to run Magisk or SuperSU.
- 🔄 Recovery through TWRP — Without unlocking the custom recavery will not start.
- 📱 Update via Fastboot – some official firmware is only installed with the bootloader unlocked.
It is important to understand that unlocking resets all data on the device to factory settings. Also, after the procedure, the Widevine L1 (downgraded to L3) may stop working, which will worsen the quality of streaming on Netflix or Disney+ to 480p. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), this is irreversible.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi's warranty in most regions.The manufacturer may refuse service if it finds traces of firmware interference.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi
Before you start unlocking, make sure that it is really necessary. You can check the status of the bootloader in two ways:
Method 1: Through Fastboot Mode
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the buttons Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) type: fastboot oem device-info
- Find the Device unlocked: true line – if there is one, the bootloader is already unlocked.
Method 2: Through the Developer Settings
This method only works on some models (e.g. POCO F4 or Redmi K50):
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times on the build number.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the item "Mi Unlock status" if it says "Unlocked", no procedure is required.
Requirements for unlocking Xiaomi bootloader in 2026
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking, and now it is not enough to download the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to meet a number of conditions:
| Requirement | Details. | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Linking Mi Accounts | The account must be added in the phone settings and confirmed by SMS/email. | Settings → Accounts → Mi Account |
| Waiting time | After the account is tied, you need to wait 72–168 hours (3–7 days). | Trying to unlock before the deadline will cause a Couldn't unlock error. |
| MIUI version | Only official global or Chinese firmware (not custom!). | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI |
| Battery charge | At least 60% to avoid failures. | Check the charge indicator. |
If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account, otherwise unlocking will not be possible without his data.
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
- If someone else’s email is displayed, reset via Settings → Additional → Resetting (but it doesn’t always help!).
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new models 2026), the unlocking process may be different. For example, Xiaomi 14 requires additional confirmation via the Mi Unlock app on the phone.
Step-by-step: how to unlock the Xiaomi bootloader
If all the requirements are met, proceed to unlock. The process consists of 4 stages:
Step 1: Preparation of the telephone
Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times according to MIUI)
Enable debugging over USB (Settings → Developers → Debugging over USB)
Enable OEM unlocking (Settings → Developers → Unlock OEM)
Link Mi Account to account settings
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Once OEM Unlock is activated, the phone can automatically restart. That's normal, as Xiaomi checks the integrity of the system.
Step 2: Installation of the Mi Unlock Tool
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only!).
- 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB/Fastboot (You can download it through Mi. PC Suite).
- 🔌 Used by the original USB-cable (cheap cables can cause connection errors).
- 🚫 Antivirus disabled (it can block Mi Unlock Tool as potentially dangerous software).
Stage 3: Launching Unlocking
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (Power buttons + Volume down).
- Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account that is tied to your phone.
- The program will automatically check the status of the device. If you see the message Added successfully. Wait for 168 hours, wait 7 days.
- Press Unlock after the deadline. It takes 1-2 minutes.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Step 4: Verification of the result
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings to make sure everything went right:
- Download to Fastboot again.
- Enter the command: fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability
- If answer 1, the bootloader is unlocked.
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Even after successfully unlocking, some features (like Google Pay or Widevine L1) may not work properly, due to a change in the security status of the device.
Common mistakes and their solutions
The process of unlocking is often accompanied by errors, and let’s consider the most common of them and ways to fix:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | The waiting period (72-168 hours) has not expired or the account is not tied. | Wait for the specified time or re-link the Mi Account. |
| This device is locked | The device does not support unlocking (e.g., some models for the Chinese market). | Check the compatibility on the official website. |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Mi Unlock Tool uses a different account than your phone. | Sign in with the same account that is linked to the device. |
| Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% | Problems connecting to Xiaomi servers or blocking with antivirus | Turn off the antivirus, try another PC or VPN (like Hong Kong). |
If the phone doesn’t turn on after unlocking or hangs on the MI logo, try:
- 🔄 Reflash the device through Fastboot official firmware (download on the site Xiaomi).
- 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option (delete all data!).
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If unlocking is needed to install custom firmware, immediately after the procedure, make a backup of the persist partition via the command fastboot flash persist persist.img. This will help avoid problems with the IMEI or camera module.
What to do after unlocking the loader
An unlocked bootloader opens up new possibilities, but it also requires caution. Here's what to do next:
- 📥 Install. TWRP — custom recaps will allow you to create backups and sew ZIP-There is a version for each model (see twrp.me).
- 🔐 Get root access through Magisk, which gives you control over system files, but can disrupt banking applications.
- 🔄 Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for pure Android). Remember that some firmware does not support VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.
- 📡 Check it out. IMEI After the firmware command *#06#. IMEI Reset, restore it through the backup persist.
If you unlocked the bootloader to recover your phone after a crash, we recommend:
- Install official firmware via Mi Flash Tool (select the version for your region!).
- Check the operation of all sensors (gyroscope, NFC, Camera) using the Phone Tester application.
- If you have problems with the network, reflash the modem module separately.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Turbo 3), custom firmware installation may result in a camera or fingerprint scanner failing. XDA Developers or 4PDA.