Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have powerful hardware, but the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users. The key to full control of the device is Bootloader, a special program code that runs first and starts the operating system. Many gadget owners wonder how to turn on the bootloader on the shaomi to access the installation of custom firmware, kernel modifications or system utilities for deep memory cleaning.
The unlocking process is not an instantaneous action that requires just one click, but a multi-step procedure that requires preparation.The bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer by default for security reasons to prevent data theft or malware installation. However, if you are prepared for the possible risks and understand what you are doing, activating this mode will open up new horizons for customizing the interface and optimizing the operation of the smartphone.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the consequences: unlocking Bootloader entails the complete removal of all user data from the device. This is a mandatory security measure implemented at the hardware level. If you have not backed up important contacts, photos and documents, after the procedure, it will be almost impossible to restore them without pre-created backups.
What is a loader and why include it
Bootloader is a low-level program that boots before the main Android operating system starts, and its main task is to verify the integrity and authenticity of system partitions before they start. When the bootloader is locked, it allows only components officially signed by the manufacturer to run, and turning on or more precisely unlocking the bootloader removes these restrictions, allowing the system to download unofficial images.
Why do regular users take this step? Most often, the goal is to gain Root (superuser) rights, which allows you to remove system applications that cannot be removed by standard methods, and this is necessary for installing custom recavators such as TWRP, which make full system backups and allow you to install modified versions of Android even on devices for which official updates are no longer available.
It is worth noting that unlocked bootloader reduces the overall level of security of the device, Bank applications can stop working without additional manipulations with the masking of root rights, and some features, such as Widevine L1, can be lost, which will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming video in services like Netflix.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will automatically cancel the warranty on the device in many service centers.If the smartphone is under warranty, think twice before you start the procedure.
But for enthusiasts, it's the only way to bring a second life to the device, and you can install a lighter version of Android, speed up the processor, or reduce power consumption with custom cores, and understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision about the need for this procedure.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for unlocking
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. You can't just pick up your phone and start typing commands; you first need to create the right environment. You need a Windows computer (on macOS and Linux the process is more complicated and requires additional driver settings), an original or quality USB cable and a stable Internet connection.
The first step is to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to your phone's settings, find the About Phone section, and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer mode. Then, in the advanced settings, enable USB debugging and USB installation permission.
- 📱 Back up all your important data to a cloud service or computer as your phone will be completely cleaned.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, So that it doesn't turn off at the critical moment of flashing.
- 📶 Make sure the device is installed SIM-A card with active mobile internet, not Wi-Fi, to confirm your account.
Next, you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the manufacturer’s website, which is the only legal software that allows you to interact with Xiaomi activation servers, and you will also need to install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer so that it correctly recognizes the phone in bootloader mode.
☑️ Checking readiness for unlocking
Step-by-step: Enabling Fastboot mode
In order for the computer to see the bootloader, the phone must be switched to a special Fastboot mode. This is a low-level state in which the device expects commands from the PC. There are several ways to get into this mode, and the choice depends on the state of your smartphone (on or off).
The most common method is to use buttons on the device that is turned off. Turn off your smartphone completely, wait a few seconds, and then press the volume down button (Loudness Down) and the power button at the same time, hold them until the image of a hare in an eardress cap fixing an android or the words FASTBOOT appears on the screen.
If the phone is on and you don't want to turn it off in the standard way, you can use the software method through debugging. Connect the phone to your PC, open the command line in the ADB tool folder, and type in the command:
adb reboot bootloaderThis method is often more convenient if the buttons on the case are defective or stick. After switching to Fastboot mode, connect the device to the computer with a cable. The Mi logo or Fastboot inscription should appear on the phone screen, and a device called Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Windows Device Manager under the “USB Controllers” section.
It's important not to confuse Fastboot with Recovery. Recovery usually shows the Mi logo with a crossed-out cable or a menu with English text. To unlock the bootloader, we need Fastboot. If you're in Recovery, press the power button before the screen turns off and try to clamp Volume Down + Power again.
What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
Once the phone is Fastboot and connected to your PC, you can run Mi Unlock, run the program on behalf of the administrator, and log in to your Mi Account. The same account must be active on the unlockable smartphone.
The program will automatically check the status of the device. If done correctly, you will see the Unlock button. However, when you first start, the system will issue a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm consent. Then you may have a situation where the program will require you to wait a certain time (usually 168 hours, that is, 7 days, but sometimes the time is less).
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock successfully | Unlocking was successful | You can reboot your phone. |
| Couldn't verify device | Error of device inspection | Reconnect the cable, check the account |
| Please wait 168 hours | Waiting for a timer | Wait for the specified time without untiing the account |
| Current account is not the same | Accounts don't match. | Sign in to the same Mi Account on your phone |
One important thing is that you can't untie your account from your device, log out of it, or reset your phone when you wait for a timer, and if you do, the timer will reset and you'll have to wait again. Some users try to trick the system by changing the date on the computer, but Xiaomi servers record the first fix, so this method doesn't work.
When the timer expires, repeat the connection procedure and press Unlock. The process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will automatically restart and begin to clean the data. The screen will display the progress bar. Once completed, you will see a welcome language selection window, which signals a successful unlock.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
The Bootloader unlocking process rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. There are often specific bugs that baffle newcomers. One of the most common problems is the "Couldn't verify device" error, which occurs if the accounts on the PC and phone don't match, or if the phone wasn't properly tied to the developer menu account.
Another common problem is the 99% freeze or the endless download cycle after unlocking, which can be due to corrupted firmware files or driver failures, in which case the device is re-flashed through the Mi Flash Tool program in Clean all mode.
- 🔌 Cable problem: Use only the original cable or the quality cable. Cheap cables can only transmit current, but not data.
- 💻 Port port USB: Connect your phone directly to the motherboard (ports behind the system unit) while avoiding USB-hubs and front hull ports.
- 🌐 Antivirus blocking: Antivirus software or Windows firewall can block the Mi Unlock utility from connecting to the server.
⚠️ Warning: If after unlocking the phone hits bootloop (infinitely restarts), don't panic. + Power) and reset (Wipe Data), or refashion the device again.
Also worth mentioning is the error "This device couldn't be verified." It often appears if you try to unlock a device that has previously been unlocked and locked again, but the firmware has not been returned to the stock official version.
What to do after unlocking the loader
Once you've successfully unlocked, you've got new opportunities, but you've got new responsibilities for maintaining your system, and the first thing you need to do is reconfigure your phone by logging into your Google account and recovering the data from the backup, and since the data has been deleted, this is inevitable.
Now you can install custom TWRP recavers. To do this, download the image of the recavery specifically for your device model, put it in the folder with ADB and enter the command in Fastboot mode:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgAfter installation TWRP Do not boot into the system immediately, otherwise the stock recaveri may overwrite. + Power to get you straight into the recovery menu, and you can install it from there. ZIP-Root-enabled archives (such as Magisk) or custom firmware.
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Tip: Once the bootloader is unlocked, a special icon (open lock) will appear in the phone settings when booting, you can only remove it by locking it again, but you can only do this on stock firmware, otherwise the phone will turn into a “brick”.
Keep in mind security. With the bootloader unlocked, an attacker who has physical access to your phone can easily pull data out of it even if a password is set. So try not to leave the device unattended and use additional security tools such as data encryption (although it is on by default in modern Android).
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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible guarantee and security action, but it gives you full control over the device, allowing you to install any version of the software and modify the system.