How to Unlock and Restore Xiaomi with a Locked bootloader: The Complete Guide to 2026

Why Xiaomi bootloader is blocked and what it means

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a manufacturer’s protection against unauthorized changes to the system, and the company has implemented this feature to prevent custom firmware, rooting and other manipulations that can disrupt device stability or cancel warranty. However, locking is often a problem for users who want to restore the phone after a crash, flash a global version of MIUI or bring the device back to life after a failed update.

Since 2017, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: all new models (starting with the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 6) come with a locked bootloader. Even after a factory reset or critical failure, the system may require unlocking for further action. In this article, we will discuss official and informal unlocking methods, and explain how to avoid typical errors that lead to a “brick” (complete device failure).

It is important to understand that the process of unlocking the bootloader is not just a technical procedure, but interaction with Xiaomi servers. The company can refuse to unlock if the device was purchased informally, has a suspicious history of use or is on a “black list” (for example, after a theft).

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met, and without them, the process can result in an error or locking of the account.

• 📱 Check the device model: not all methods work on older models (until 2018) and new flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi). K70). Clarify the exact modification in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 🔑 Link your Mi Account: the device must be connected to your Xiaomi account for at least 72 hours (up to 7 days for new models.
• 🔌 Charge your phone: battery level should be at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the firmware.
• 💻 Prepare a PC: You will need a Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit), original USB-cable and disabled antiviruses (they can block unlock utilities).

Also, look at the firmware region. If your device was purchased in China (CN version), you may need to have additional confirmation via a Chinese phone number to unlock it, so it’s easier to flash the global version (Global or EEA) first through Fastboot and then unlock the bootloader.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader approved by Xiaomi.

1. Account Linking: The device must be linked to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (for new models).
2. Time limit: After successful unlocking, you can re-block the bootloader only after 30 days.
3. Model support: Some devices (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Mediatek chip) require additional drivers.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press the Power Button + Volume Down before the Mi Bunny logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the utility gives you an error called “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device not supported”, try the following solutions:

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the original cable).
• 🔧 Update Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🕒 Wait another 24-72 hours if your account was recently linked.

Alternative methods: when Mi Unlock does not work

If the official method didn't work, you can try alternative methods, which are suitable for older models or devices with damaged firmware, but require technical skills.

1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm port, bypassing the bootloader lock.This method works on most Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon chipsets (for example, Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F1).

To unlock, you will need:

• 🔧 Paid credit EDL (cost ~$5–$10 on sites like DC-Unlocker or XiaomiTool).
• 💾 Firmware file in.mbn format for your model.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Process:

1. Turn the phone into EDL mode: turn off the device, press the Power button + Volume increase for 10-15 seconds (some models require short circuit of the contacts on the board).
2. Connect your phone to your PC – a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear in Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware file and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: use EDL-The regime may result in loss of IMEI After the firmware, check the communication modules in the settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).

2.Blocking bypass through Test Point

For devices on Mediatek chipsets (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9A), you can use the Test Point method. It involves physically closing the contacts on the motherboard to force the transition to firmware mode.

Instructions:

1. Take the phone apart and find Test Point (typically two metal dots next to the battery marked as TP).
2. Close the contacts with tweezers or wires, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
3. Install Mediatek Preloader drivers and run the device through the SP Flash Tool.

This method is risky: improper closure can damage the board, we recommend using it only as a last resort or contact the service center.

Table: compatibility of unlock methods with Xiaomi models

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.Couldn't unlock error in Mi Unlock Tool

Reasons:

• 🔹 Mi Account is not tied to the device for long enough (less than 7 days).
• 🔹 The device is blacklisted (for example, after theft or unofficial firmware).
• 🔹 Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest from the official website).

Decision:

• 🔄 Wait 24-72 hours and try again.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi Support via account.xiaomi.com to check device status.
• 🔧 Try a different PC or version of Windows (like Windows 10) LTSC updateless).

2.The phone is not identified in Fastboot

If the PC does not see the device when connecting in Fastboot mode:

• 🔌 Check the cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. "Anti-rollback" error in firmware

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11) have anti-rollback protection. If you try to flash an older version of MIUI, the device locks.

Decision:

• 📥 Download the latest firmware version for your model from en.miui.com.
• 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (delete all data, but remove the lock).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is not bound to this device", try to re-assign the Mi Account: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account, delete your current account and log in again.

Recovery after Unblocking: What to Do Next

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, your device will be reset to factory settings.

1. Installation of custom firmware

If you unlocked a bootloader to install custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or crDroid):

1. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. Download the firmware in.zip format and transfer it to your phone.
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then run the firmware.

2. Firmware of the official MIUI

If the goal is to return the device to the stock firmware:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the clean all option and press Flash.

3. Checking of performance

After the firmware be sure to check:

• 📶 Network and Calls: Make sure IMEI Save (*#06#).
• 🔋 Charging: Connect the charger and check the indication.
• 🎵 Sound and speakers: Test music playback and microphone.
• 📷 Camera: Take a photo on the main and front cameras.

⚠️ Note: if you have lost your firmware after IMEI, Restore it with the help of the engineering menu (#4636##) or utilities. SN Write Tool (requires NV-data backup) Wrong recovery IMEI This can lead to a network blocking!

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Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Xiaomi warranty is cancelled. If you are interested in warranty, use official recovery methods through the Mi Assistant or service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions