How to turn on the bootloader on Xiaomi: official and alternative instructions

Bootloader (Bootloader) on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO This is a security measure that protects the device from unauthorized firmware changes, but at the same time limits the user's ability. ROM), Get root rights, restore bricks after failed updates or use tools like Fastboot and ADB.

The unlocking process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has a number of nuances: from linking a Mi Account to waiting for confirmation (sometimes up to 720 hours!). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to include a bootloader - from the standard through the Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds for devices with outdated versions. MIUI. You will also learn how to check the lock status, avoid errors like “Couldn’t unlock” and what to do if the smartphone is not detected in Fastboot.

Why unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi?

Most users face the need to unlock in three cases:

🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.) – without unlocked bootloader it is impossible.
🛠️ Recovery after a crash – if the smartphone “bursts” due to a failed update or virus, unlocking allows you to flash stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
🔓 Getting root rights – Magisk or SuperSU requires an unlocked bootloader and a modified bootloader to work boot.img.

However, there are risks:

⚠️ Loss of warranty – official Xiaomi service centers may refuse repairs if they detect an unlocked bootloader.
🚨 Malware Vulnerability – Without bootloader Locking, Malware Can Gain Control of the System at a Low Level.
🔄 Data reset – unlocking always results in the complete deletion of user files (photos, contacts, applications).

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the loader may result in loss IMEI Before the procedure, save a backup copy of the nvram partition!

Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings

Before proceeding, make sure all conditions are met:

📱 The device is a smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO (Except for models for the Chinese market without global firmware).
🔗 Mi Account – linked to the device (required to confirm email and phone!).
🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. When discharged during the process, the smartphone can turn into a brick».
💻 Computer with Windows 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool), USB-cable (original!) and disabled antivirus (it can block utilities).

Check out the MIUI version as well:

📌 For devices on MIUI 12.5+ Account binding to the device 7 days before unlocking is required.
📌 Nana MIUI 13/14 Additional confirmation may be required through SMS.
📌 HyperOS smartphones (2026) support unlocking, but the process can take up to 360 hours to wait.

If you are using a smartphone with a locked bootloader and Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro China) ROM), First, make a global version. MIUI Otherwise, the Mi Unlock Tool will not be able to connect to Xiaomi servers.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

It is the only method Xiaomi supports, and works on most devices, but requires a wait time of 72 to 720 hours.

Step 1: Enable debugging by USB and tie up the account

1. Go to Settings. → About the phone and tap on the version MIUI 7 times to activate the developer mode.

2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:

🔌 Debugging by USB
🔓 Unlocking OEM (if)

3. Connect the smartphone to the PC, confirm access to debugging and execute the command in ADB:

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter:

adb reboot bootloader

Step 2: Install the Mi Unlock Tool and log in

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (only from the official website!).

2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).

3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (screen with a hare and a sign). FASTBOOT).

Step 3: Start unlocking

1. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock. If the message appears "Couldn't unlock. Wait XX "hours" is fine. Close the program and try again at the specified time.

2.After successful unlocking, the smartphone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is different from the account info on the device", then the account on the PC and phone are not synced.

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Couldn't unlock. Wait XX hours	Too early to attempt to unlock	Wait for the specified time (usually 168-720 hours)
Device isn't connected	No drivers or cable is not original	Install Xiaomi drivers, use the original USB-cable
Mi account not bound	The account is not tied to the device	Log in to Mi Account on your phone and in Mi Unlock Tool
Network error	Problems with the Internet or servers Xiaomi	Try it later or use it later VPN (for example, for the India region)

📊 How long have you waited for the bootloader to unlock?

Less than 72 hours.

72 to 168 hours

168 to 720 hours

More than 720 hours

I haven't tried it yet.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, because of the error “Device is locked” on older models), you can try workarounds. They are risky and can lead to failure of the device, but sometimes save in desperate situations.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11, POCO F3). Demands:

🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account for EDL (You can buy it on forums like this. XDA).
💻 Mi Flash Pro and Firmware for Your Model.
🔌 TestPoint – closing contacts on the board for transfer to mode EDL.

Step-by-step:

Download the.tgz firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
Unpack the archive and find the file. prog_emmc_firehose.mbn (necessary EDL).
Put the phone in mode. EDL (via TestPoint or fastboot oem edl command, if supported).
In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method is recommended only if other methods are exhausted!

What is TestPoint and how to find it?

TestPoint is contacts on the smartphone motherboard, the closure of which puts the device in mode EDL. For each model, the dots are different. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, these are two contacts next to the battery that you need to close with tweezers when you connect. USB-Circuits are searched for "TestPoint phone model" EDL" on XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Method 2: Bypassing waiting through region change

Some users report that changing the Mi Account region to India or Russia reduces the waiting time for unlocking.

Go to the Mi Account website.
In the profile settings, change the region to India.
Reboot your phone and try again in the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Important: After changing the region, you may need to re-assign your account to your device (go to Settings). → Mi Account and Sync Data).

How to check the status of the loader?

To find out whether the bootloader is unlocked, you can in several ways:

Method 1: Through Fastboot

1. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Volume down) + Nutrition).

2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot oem device-info

3. Find the lines:

Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.
Device unlocked: false – the bootloader is locked.

Method 2: Through the MIUI settings

On some firmware, the status is displayed in the menu:

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Stick 10 times on the logo MIUI.

If the word “Unlocked” appears, the bootloader is unlocked.

Method 3: Through ADB

Follow the command:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Results:

Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
green - the loader is locked.

💡

If the fastboot oem device-info command is in error "FAILED (Remote: Unknown command) updates to Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers on PC.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi rarely goes smoothly.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

1. "Couldn't verify device" or "Device not connected"

Reasons:

🔌 Not original. USB-cable.
🖥️ There are no Xiaomi or Qualcomm drivers.
🔒 Antivirus is blocking Mi Unlock Tool.

Decision:

Use the cable from the kit.
Install drivers manually through Xiaomi Developer Tools.
Add the Mi Unlock Tool to the antivirus exceptions.

2. "This account is not bound to this device"

Reason: Mi Account is not tied to phone or tied less than 7 days ago

Decision:

Go to Settings. → Mi Account and Sync Data.
Reboot the phone.
Wait 7 days (for a while) MIUI 12.5+).

3. "Network error" or "Server busy"

Reasons:

🌍 Xiaomi servers are overloaded (often on weekends).
🔒 Lock-in IP (if you use VPN).

Decision:

Try to connect via mobile internet (turn off Wi-Fi).
Use it. VPN India or Singapore.

4.The phone is not identified in Fastboot

Reasons:

🔌 Port port USB faulty.
🖥️ Drivers not installed.
🔋 Phone discharged (less than 30%).

Decision:

Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
Install drivers via Android SDK Platform Tools.
Charge your phone to 50% and try again.

5. After unlocking the phone does not turn on

Cause: Damage to the boot or system partition if it is not properly unlocked.

Decision:

Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
If it doesn’t help, use it. EDL (see section above).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Wait 360 hours” error, it’s not a bug, because Xiaomi limits the frequency of unlocks.

What to do after unlocking?

When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities — but also new risks. Here's what you should do first:

🔄 Install. TWRP Recovery - custom recovery for backups and firmware Custom ROM.
🔒 Make a backup of the persist partition (especially on MediaTek devices!).
🛡️ Turn off automatic updates MIUI — It can block the loader back.
🔧 Please use Magisk to obtain root rights (if necessary).

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone becomes vulnerable to attacks via Fastboot. Always disable debugging by USB In public places and do not connect the device to unfamiliar PCs!

If you are planning to install Custom ROM, Choose firmware with Project Treble support or GSI (Generic System Image. Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026) will be suitable firmware based on Android 14, for example:

Pixel Experience 14 (as close as possible to pure Android)
LineageOS 21 (Stable and Optimized)
ArrowOS (with a balance of customization and performance)

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock the bootloader without waiting 720 hours?

Officially, no. But some users are speeding up the process by switching from Mi Account to India or using unofficial versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (risky!), and forums are also selling "authorized accounts" with reduced latency.

Will Google Pay work after unlocking the bootloader?

Not if you get root rights or install Custom ROM Google Pay requires: Install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix, hide root status in Magisk settings, and pass SafetyNet (use SafetyNet Test app).

Can I lock the bootloader back?

Yes, but it will result in a complete data reset. For this: Run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode. Or run the command in Fastboot: fastboot flashing lock. ⚠️ After blocking the installation of Custom ROM or TWRP It will be impossible without re-opening.

Does unlocking work on Xiaomi with HyperOS?

Yes, but with reservations: HyperOS (2026) can have latency up to 360 hours. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14) require additional authorization via the HyperOS. SMS. After the release, it is recommended to open Global ROM, HyperOS China can block the bootloader back.

What to do if Mi Unlock Tool writes "Add account and device in Mi Cloud"?

This error means that the Mi Account is not synced to the device.Solution: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud and sync. Reboot your phone. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Sign in again and log in again. If it doesn't work, delete your Mi Account on your phone, reboot it and add it again.