Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with official limitations, technical nuances, and potential risks. In this article, we will discuss the legitimate way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, and explain why Xiaomi has tightened the requirements for waiting to unlock up to 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts since 2026.
It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty, reset all data on the device, and can lead to a brick in case of errors. Not only will we give you a step-by-step instruction, but we will also warn you against the typical errors that users make during the account binding or fastboot phase. If you are a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13 owner, this instruction is relevant for you.
What is Bootloader and Why Unblock It?
Bootloader is a program that starts when you turn on your smartphone before you start the operating system, and on Xiaomi devices, it is locked by default to protect against unauthorized changes. Unlocking gives the user:
- ✅ The ability to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- ✅ Install Magisk for root rights.
- ✅ Restore the device via fastboot if it is not enabled.
- ✅ Removal of embedded software MIUI (For example, unnecessary system applications).
However, there is a downside: unlocking resets all data on the device, disables storage encryption, and can disrupt some features (such as Google Pay or banking apps), and Xiaomi can block an account if fraud is suspected during the process.
⚠️ Note: From 2023, Xiaomi will block unlocking bootloader on devices purchased on credit or lease until full repayment of debt. → The phone. → Status of the device.
Xiaomi's official requirements for unlocking in 2026
The company has tightened its unblocking rules, and users have to wait longer.
| Requirement | Details. |
|---|---|
| Linking the Mi Account | The device must be tied to a Xiaomi account for at least 7 days (168 hours), and for old accounts (created before 2022) can be enough 72 hours. |
| MIUI version | Only official global or Chinese firmware (EEA or Russia versions may not be supported). |
| Communication with servers | The device must have Mobile Data or Wi-Fi enabled to check the unlock status. |
| Battery charge | At least 60 percent. With a lower level, the Mi Unlock Tool will refuse to continue the process. |
| USB-debugging | Must be included in Settings → For developers (activated 7 clicks on the MIUI version). |
From March 1, 2026, Xiaomi introduced an additional check on the number of devices tied to one account: if more than 3 devices are tied to one account in the last month, unlocking will be rejected, this is done to combat the resale of unlocked smartphones.
Step-by-step: unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
This method works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2018. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at any stage can lead to account locking.
Step 1: Linking your Xiaomi account to your device
1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in (or create a new account).
2.In the same menu, find the Mi Unlock Status item (on some firmware it is hidden - use the search by settings).
3. Click Add Account and Device. The system will show a countdown timer (usually 168 hours).
⚠️ Warning: If you log out or reset your phone before the timer ends, the countdown will start again. SIM-map.
Step 2: Preparing the PC and installing drivers
1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official Xiaomi website). The version should match your firmware (for example, MIUI 14 will suit tool version 6.5.406.24).
2. Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers:
- 🔧 For Windows: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack to the root of the disk C:\platform-tools.
- 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install Android-tools-adb via the terminal.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until a bunny with the inscription FASTBOOT appears).
Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. log in to the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
3. The program will automatically detect the device. Press Unlock.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds) and the Unlocked successfully message will appear.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
If the program gives you a Couldn’t unlock error, check:
- 🔄 Has the waiting timer expired (there is a Check button in the Mi Unlock Tool to check the status).
- 🔌 Is the phone connected to the original cable (cheap cables may not be transferring data to fastboot).
- 📱 Is the beta version installed? MIUI (Unlocking works only on stable assemblies).
Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to the error This device is locked by Mi Cloud), you can try workarounds. They are risky and can lead to hard brick, but sometimes save old models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, etc.).
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
This method requires a special EDL cable or short circuit test points on the board, suitable for devices on Qualcomm processors (for example, Snapdragon 660/845).
Algorithm:
- Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model in.tgz format.
- Transfer the phone to EDL (dot closure or adb reboot edl if there is root) mode.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Refresh – the device should be defined as COM-port.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI. On newer models (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), this method often fails due to secure booting.
Method 2: Bypassing waiting through region change
Some users report that changing the region of Xiaomi’s account to India or Russia reduces the waiting time to 72 hours.
1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Change your account settings to India (Indian phone number will be required for confirmation).
3. Link the device again and check the timer in the Mi Unlock Tool.
What happens if you break the unlock?
Typical errors and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | The discrepancy between accounts on PC and phone. | Re-connect your account in your phone settings and restart the Mi Unlock Tool. |
| This device is locked by Mi Cloud | The device is linked to another account (for example, after purchasing a used one). | Contact the previous owner for a detachment or contact Xiaomi for proof of purchase. |
| Current account is not bound to this device | The waiting timer has not expired or the account has not been confirmed. | Check the status in Settings → Mi Unlock status. |
| Fastboot command not allowed | Prohibited commands in fastboot (for example, on devices with HyperOS). | Use the official Mi Unlock Tool, not manual commands. |
If you see Mi Flash not responding error when running through EDL, try:
- 🔌 Disable the antivirus (it can block Qualcomm drivers).
- 🖥️ Use Windows 10/11 (Windows 7 Often lacking drivers).
- 📡 Connect to the Internet via cable (not Wi-Fi) as Mi Flash downloads additional components.
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in fastboot, try manually installing drivers through Windows Device Manager. Open the Manager in fastboot mode, find the device with an exclamation mark, update the driver, and specify the path to the platform-tools folder.
What to do after successful unblocking?
When the bootloader is unlocked, a warning will appear on the boot screen This device is unlocked.
- 📱 Install TWRP or other custom recovery.
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🔄 Switch alternative firmware (e.g. ArrowOS or HavocOS).
- 🗑️ Remove system applications MIUI (For example, Mi Browser or GetApps).
However, remember the consequences:
- ⚠️ Security: Unlocked bootloader makes it easier to access data when your device is stolen.
- ⚠️ Updates: Official updates MIUI They may not be installed (manual firmware is required).
- ⚠️ Xiaomi will refuse warranty repairs if it detects unlocking.
To return everything as it was, you can re-block the bootloader with the command:
fastboot oem lockBut it'll dump all the data and bring back the stock firmware.
💡
Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is an irreversible process from a warranty perspective, and even if you lock it back, service centers can detect the interference from the device’s logs.