How to Enable OEM Unlock on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Error Solutions

Unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock) on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device through Fastboot. However, since 2020, the company has tightened its security policy: the option has become hidden, temporary restrictions have appeared, and the new models with HyperOS algorithm has changed dramatically. This article will help you understand how to properly activate unlock, avoid Mi Unlock Status errors and not lose data.

We analyzed Xiaomi’s official instructions, user reviews on 4PDA and XDA Developers, and tested the process on 15 models (from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), resulting in a guide that takes into account all the nuances from binding a Mi Account to bypassing locks on anti-rollback (ARB) devices. If you see gray text “OEM unlock” or the button is inactive, here you will find a solution.

What is OEM Unblocking and Why You Need It

OEM unlock (Original Equipment Manufacturer Unlock) is the permission to modify the system partition of the smartphone. By default, the Xiaomi bootloader is locked, which protects the device from malware, but also limits the user to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI EU)
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU
• 🔄 Restore the brick through Fastboot or EDL
• 📱 Removing embedded system applications (bloatware)

Without activating this option, any attempts to flash your device through fastboot flash will result in a device is locked error. It is important to understand that unlocking resets all data on the phone (including internal memory) and can lead to a loss of warranty in some markets (for example, in India or the EU).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) When unlocked, Anti-Rollback Protection is automatically activated (ARB). Trying to roll back on the old version MIUI It will cause a full breech (irreparable damage).

Since 2023, Xiaomi has also introduced a mandatory binding Mi Account to the device. Without this, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will be impossible - the system will give an error Couldn't unlock. Current account is different from the account info on the device.

Preparing a smartphone: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking

Before activating OEM Unlock, you must make presets, and skipping any of the items can lead to errors such as Mi Unlock Status 401 or This device is bound to another account.

Link the Mi Account in the settings|Enable debugging on USB|Activate the Developer Mode|Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Let’s look at each step in detail:

1. Mi Account Link: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure your smartphone is displayed in the Devices section. If the device doesn't show up, restart your phone and check the Internet connection.
2. Firmware Verification: Outdated versions of MIUI (below 12.5) may not support a modern unlock mechanism. Update through Settings → System Update.

Pay special attention to the item with the Mi Account. If you have previously used another profile (for example, when buying a used phone), it must be deleted through Settings → Accounts → Delete your account, otherwise Mi Unlock Tool will block the process.

Official global MIUI|LineageOS, Pixel Experience |MIUI EU |Another version of HyperOS |Until decided-->

Where to find OEM unlock in Xiaomi settings

The location of the option depends on the shell version and device model. On new smartphones (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12) the path has changed, and on some devices the button can be hidden until additional conditions are met.

If the option is not pressed in gray, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔒 Device is linked to another Mi Account (solution: delete old account)
• ⏳ It has not been 7 days since the account was linked (on new devices)
• 📱 Phone purchased in China (requires unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool even to activate option)
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware installed (return to stock version needed)

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K50i), the option only appears after connecting to the Internet via a mobile network (Wi-Fi can block activation).

Step-by-step instruction for enabling OEM unlock

When all the preparations are complete, we move on to the main process. The instructions are universal for most models, but there are nuances for devices with HyperOS (they are marked separately).

1. Activate OEM Unlock in Settings: Follow the path corresponding to your version of MIUI (see table above) and turn on the slider. HyperOS will need to confirm the action via SMS or email.
2. Connect to Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool (only from the official website!). Launch the utility on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off your smartphone, then press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC via the original cable.
4. Check the unlock status: In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. The system will check the account's binding. If the Couldn't unlock error appears. Wait 168 hours, then you need to wait 7 days from the first binding.
5. Completion of the process: After successful validation, press Unlock anyway. Phone reboots, all data is erased. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes.

On devices with HyperOS after unlocking additionally require:

1. Sign in to your Mi Account after the first activation.
2. Confirm unlocking through a notification in Mi Security.

1. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator.

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Use another USB-port (preferably 2.0).-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct follow-up, users are experiencing problems, and we have compiled the most common errors and ways to fix them, based on data from the 4PDA and XDA forums.

There is a workaround for the Wait 168 hours error (not working on all devices):

1. Untie the Mi Account in the settings.
2. Reset your phone to factory settings.
3. When you first turn on, connect to the Internet and do not log into your account.
4. Activate Developer Mode and enable OEM Unlock.
5. Only then log in to your Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), 168 hours of waiting can lead to lockdown IMEI. It is not recommended to take risks – it is better to wait for the end of the term.

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through MiFlash.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.
• 🛠️ Disable driver signatures in Windows (use bcdedit for this). /set nointegritychecks on in the command line from the admin).

What to do after successful unblocking

Once unlocked, your Xiaomi is ready for further modifications, but there are a few critical steps you shouldn’t miss:

1. Check the unlock status: Restart your phone in Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info The answer should be Device unlocked: true.
2. Custom recovery installation: Most firmware will require TWRP or OrangeFox. Install it via the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img Important: Use a recovery version compatible with your model and Android version!
3. Lock bootloader (optional): If you plan to stay on custom firmware, you can lock the bootloader again for security: fastboot oem lock But remember: this will disable the ability to return to stock firmware without a complete reset.

On devices with HyperOS, after unlocking, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version via Fastboot (to avoid problems with the new version) ARB).
• 📱 Install Magisk for root rights management (use version 26.1)+).
• 🔒 Disable automatic updates in settings (they can overwrite custom recovery).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra, 13 Pro and other flagships with ARB 5 installing firmware older than the one that was at the time of unlocking, will lead to loss IMEI Always check for version compatibility!

Xiaomi models with unlocking features (2023–2026)

Xiaomi’s new devices have unique limitations, and below is a table of models where the unlocking process is different from the standard one:

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi K60), the 720-hour rule is applied instead of the previous 168, which means that after the first account is attached, you have to wait 30 days before unlocking, and it is almost impossible to get around this restriction on these models without the risk of a breeze.

If your model is not listed in the table, but unlock does not pass - check:

• 📋 Compatibility with the official list of supported devices.
• 🔄 Mi Unlock Tool (should be at least 6.5.424.24 for HyperOS).
• 🌍 Firmware region (Chinese versions) CN require a separate procedure).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions