How to Include Bootloader on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Unlocking the bootloader, or Bootloader, is the first and most important step for anyone who wants to gain full control of their Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device. This procedure opens the door to install custom recavators, obtaining superuser rights (Root) and flashing the smartphone to global versions of the software if you purchased a Chinese model.

But the process is complex and requires care. Xiaomi has implemented strict security restrictions that make it impossible to unlock by simply switching the switch in the settings, you will have to go through waiting, linking your account and using specialized software on your computer.

Before you take action, you need to be clear about the consequences: once you unlock Bootloader, the security of the device decreases, which theoretically makes data more vulnerable, and some banking applications and services Google Pay can stop working normally without additional manipulation with disguise.

It is also important to note that the procedure is guaranteed to result in the complete removal of all data from the internal storage.Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is always accompanied by a full formatting of the userdata partition, so backing up photos, contacts and documents is a prerequisite before starting work.

What is Bootloader and Why Unlock It

Bootloader is a special program code that runs immediately after a smartphone is turned on and checks the integrity of the operating system before it boots. In Xiaomi devices, it is blocked by default, which means that it is forbidden to run any software that does not have a digital signature of the manufacturer. This protects the user from installing malware at a deep level, but limits the possibility of modification.

Unlocking this component gives the user the status of "device owner." You get the ability to install modified firmware such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS, which can significantly improve autonomy or bring new features, and it also makes it possible to completely remove system debris and preinstalled Chinese applications that cannot be removed by standard methods.

For developers and enthusiasts, this is the only way to test their applications in an environment with increased privileges. However, for the average user who just wants a stable phone for calls and social networks, unlocking can be an unnecessary source of problems, since the warranty department can refuse service if traces of software interference are detected.

There's a myth that unlocked bootloaders slow down your smartphone. In fact, the unblock status itself doesn't affect performance, but custom firmware installed on top can be optimized worse than stock ones. So weigh the pros and cons before you start the process.

Preparation of device and computer

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. The first thing you need to make sure that the smartphone is debugging on USB. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version) seven times until you see the message "You became a developer".

Then, in the Advanced Settings menu → For developers, activate the USB Debugging Switch. Also in the same menu, find the Mi Unlock status and click on it. The system will warn about the risks and require you to link your current Mi Account to your device via the mobile Internet (Wi-Fi must be disabled).

On your computer, you will need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the Xiaomi developer site. Antivirus is better to disable for the duration of operation, since it can block the interaction of the program with the phone. USB cable should be an original or high-quality analogue, capable of transmitting data, not only charging.

Be sure to charge your smartphone to at least 60%.The unlocking process can take time, especially if waiting is required, and discharging the battery at a critical moment can lead to firmware errors.Do not use damaged cables or shaky ones. USB-computer-connectors.

Waiting and binding of the account

The most difficult psychological stage for many users is waiting, and once you have an account attached to the bootloader status menu, the system imposes a time limit, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases can be reduced to 360 hours or, conversely, extended.

During this period, you cannot log out of your Mi Account on your phone, reset your settings or change your phone. SIM-If you violate these conditions, the timer will reset and you will have to start waiting again, a security measure designed to protect the device in the event of theft.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to bypass the timer with third-party paid services or system files. This often leads to the blocking of the account on the Internet. IMEI or turn your smartphone into a “brick”, which can only be restored through a paid account Mi Flash Pro.

You can check the status periodically by going to the same bootloader status menu. Once the timer expires, Mi Unlock on your computer will allow you to unlock. If you hurry and try to unlock the device ahead of time, the utility will give an error indicating the remaining time.

Some users note that when you try to unlock the same device again in the future, the wait may not be necessary or only be 30 seconds.However, this is not guaranteed system behavior, so always count on the full 7 days.

Unlocking process through Mi Unlock

When the wait period is up, we'll go into the active phase. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the android-repairing hare appears on the screen and the words FASTBOOT.

Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that was attached to your phone. The program automatically detects the device and checks the anchor status. If all the conditions are met, the Unlock button will become active.

Press the unlock button. You'll see a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. It'll take between seconds and a couple of minutes. It'll show the progress bar on the phone screen. It's strictly forbidden to interrupt the connection.

Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot may last longer than usual (up to 10-15 minutes), as the system creates new encrypted partitions. A warning may flash on the screen that the bootloader is unlocked, and an invitation to press the power button to continue is normal.

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Successful unlocking is always accompanied by a complete data reset, so logging into a Google account after activation will require confirmation of the password that was before the reset (FRP protection).

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

One of the most common mistakes is "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device." This means that you have logged in to a PC with a different Mi Account than the one you're tied to on your phone, or that you haven't logged in enough time since you've linked.

Another common problem is the hanging on 99%. If the process is 99% more 10 I'm sure there's been a recording error, so you're going to press the power button on the phone. 10-15 So you have to force it to reboot, go back to Fastboot and try again, and often the second time it's successful.

If the program can't see the phone, check the Windows Device Manager. Android Devices or Other Devices should show the Android Bootloader Interface. If there's a yellow exclamation point, you need to manually update the driver, indicating the path to the driver folder. ADB/Fastboot.

There is also a "Unlock failed: Can't verify update" error, which can occur if the phone has a MIUI beta or firmware installed for another region, in which case it is recommended to reset to the factory settings (Wipe Data) through Recovery (clamping Volume up + Power) before trying to unlock again.

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Use it. USB-port located directly on the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), rather than on the front panel or through the computer USB-This will provide stable power and data transfer, which is critical for Fastboot mode.

Consequences of Unblocking and Safety

Once unlocked, you'll notice changes in the device, and every time you boot, for a few seconds, you'll see a screen that warns you about the unlocked bootloader, and you can only turn it off by flashing the device with the bootloader closed, which will require a data reset again.

Find Device will be less effective, as an attacker with an unlocked bootloader can theoretically bypass some layers of security, and features tied to system integrity, such as payment through Mi Pay or some banking applications using SafetyNet, will also stop working.

To regain the ability to use banking applications, users have to resort to sophisticated methods of cloaking, such as using Magisk and modules to bypass inspections, but this is an arms race: banks update detection methods, and at any time payment can stop working.

The table below shows a comparison of the state of the device before and after the procedure:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)