Owning a smartphone from Chinese giant Xiaomi often involves owners wanting to squeeze the most out of the device. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS offer many features, but the real potential is only revealed after gaining full control of the system. A key step along the way is unlocking the bootloader, a procedure that opens the door to install custom recoveries, obtaining root rights and installing global firmware on Chinese versions of devices.
Many users are searching for information on the popular 4PDA resource, which has a huge knowledge base on modifying Android devices, and it is there that you can find proven tools, current versions of the Mi Unlock utility and advice from experienced enthusiasts who have faced various errors of authorization servers. The process is slow and requires careful attention to detail, as incorrect actions can lead to software failures.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire algorithm of actions necessary to successfully remove the restrictions from the bootloader, learn about the preparation of the computer and smartphone, the features of account binding and the latency that is dictated by the company's security policy, and discuss the typical problems that arise when trying to use a device and the methods of solving them that are relevant at the moment.
Why you need to unlock the bootloader and what risks exist
Bootloader is a special program that runs in front of the operating system and checks the integrity of its components. In Xiaomi smartphones, 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. Unlocking allows you to change the system partition, install modified versions of Android, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and implement system ad blockers.
But when you make a decision to modify the software, you have to be aware of the consequences: the first and most notable change will be the release of a bootloader alert every time you turn on your phone. In addition, data security is reduced: an attacker who gains physical access to the device can theoretically reset the lock screen password, although current Android encryption methods make this task much more difficult.
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader, the Widevine function L1 It may stop working, which means streaming services like Netflix will only stream content in low resolution (SD). Bring it back. L1 Often impossible without full flashing of the original stock software and re-blocking.
Also worth mentioning is the loss of warranty. Although it is easy to detect the unlocking software (status is visible in Fastboot mode), service centers may refuse free repairs if the problem is related to software. Hardware breakdowns are usually maintained, but it is better to clarify the policy of the specific SC.
Another important aspect is the operation of banking applications. Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and various banking clients use SafetyNet security or its new version of the Play Integrity API. On an unlocked bootloader with superuser rights, these applications may fail to work, requiring additional manipulations to hide modifications through Magisk modules.
Preparation of the device and computer for the procedure
Before you start taking action, you need to carefully prepare the workplace. You will need a Windows computer (preferably versions 7, 8, 10 or 11), which is in good working order. USB-It is important to use the original cable or a quality analogue, since cheap wires often do not provide the stable connection necessary to transfer large amounts of data when flashing.
You need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. Without them, the unlock utility will not be able to interact correctly with your phone. You can download a separate Minimal ADB and Fastboot package or install a full-fledged Mi Flash Tool that automatically tightens the necessary components. Also make sure that all system updates are installed on your PC and the antivirus does not block the driver's work.
The smartphone itself must be charged at least 60% so that a sudden power outage does not interrupt the critical process. Create a full backup of all important data in advance, as unlocking the bootloader irreversibly deletes all data from the internal drive, including photos, contacts and applications. After the procedure, the phone will return to factory state.
In the phone settings, you need to activate the developer mode. → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the item Version MIUI (or OS). After the message "You became a developer" go to the → For developers, you need to include Factory Unlocking (OEM Unlocking) and Debugging USB.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Linking the Mi Account and waiting for the timer
Xiaomi's security policy requires that you bind your Mi Account to your device before unlocking it, and this is done through a special menu in developer mode. SIM-card with active mobile Internet (Wi-Fi must be turned off at the time of binding, so that the system correctly determines the IP-address).
In the Developer menu, look for Mi Unlock Status (or Unlock Status) and click on the Add Account button, the system will request confirmation via SMS or password, and after successful linking, a message will appear that the account has been added, and from that moment the waiting timer will start.
The standard latency is 168 hours (7 days). In some cases, especially for older accounts with high activity, the timer can be reduced to 72 or even 24 hours, but you should not count on it. If you try to unlock the device ahead of time, the utility will give an error indicating the remaining time.
⚠️ Warning: Do not log out of your Mi Account on your phone or reset your settings before the timer expires. This will cancel the binding and the time counter will start again.
It's important to understand that the timer is tied to a specific account and device IMEI. If you change your phone but leave your account, the timer won't automatically be transferred to the new device without re-associating. Some users use the "warm-up" method of the account - actively using Xiaomi services, buying themes and games in GetApps, which sometimes positively affects the approval rate.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Use of Mi Unlock and the Unlock process
Once the waiting time is up, you can go straight to unlock. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from miui.com/unlock. On 4PDA forums, you can often find modified versions of the program that bypass some restrictions, but for the first time, it is better to use the original software to avoid unpredictable errors.
Run the program on your computer and log in to your Mi Account (the same one you tied on your phone) and turn your smartphone off to Fastboot mode: turn the phone off completely, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Mi Bunny logo appears.
The utility is to identify the device. Press the "Unlock" button. The program will warn you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The unlock process will begin, which takes from a few seconds to a few minutes, at which time the progress bar can be displayed on the phone screen.
Once successfully completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot after reset can last up to 10-15 minutes. On the greeting screen, you will be greeted by the standard Android setup procedure. You can check the bootloader status by re-entering Fastboot mode: there will be an orange inscription "Unlocked" on the greeting screen.
| Step | Action | Data Status |
|:--- |:--- |:--- |
| Preparation | Installation of drivers, enable debugging | Data saved |
| Tethering | Mi Account + SIM-map | Data saved |
| Waiting | 168 hours (usually) | Data saved |
| Unlock | Mi Unlock in Fastboot | Complete Deletion |
| Result | First system boot | Data deleted |
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Successful unlocking is possible only from the same Mi Account that was tied to the phone menu, and only after the mandatory wait timer has expired.
Installation of custom TWRP recavator and obtaining Root
Once the bootloader is unlocked, most users tend to install customized recoveries, most commonly TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a recovery environment that allows you to install firmware, make full partition backups, and clear cache. To install, you will need to download a recovery image (.img file) that matches your smartphone model.
The installation process is done via Fastboot. Place the image file in the folder with ADB-Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and type a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (the serial number is displayed), you can proceed to the firmware of the Recovery.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImportant nuance: immediately after the firmware TWRP You can't boot into the normal system, or the stock recap will overwrite the custom. You need to immediately press the button combination (usually Volume Up). + Power) to enter recovery mode. TWRP You can sew it up. ZIP-Magisk superuser archive, which gives full control of the system.
⚠️ Attention: When installed TWRP Encrypted devices (and most of them) may require formatting the Data partition. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Format Data, type "yes" and confirm. This will delete all data, but allow the Recovery to work correctly.
Getting Root rights through Magisk allows you to remove system debris, change fonts, take screenshots of the screen with scrolling and use powerful modules to improve sound or network performance. However, remember that with superuser rights, the responsibility for the stability of the system lies entirely with you.
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When searching for files for your 4PDA model, always check the branch of your device. The Redmi Note 9’s TWRP firmware on the Redmi Note 10 can lead to a “brick” of the phone.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Unblocking doesn't always go smoothly. One of the most common problems is the "Couldn't verify device" error, or the message that your account is not connected to the device, which often happens if you change your password, log out or use different accounts on your phone menu and on your PC between binding and unlocking.
Another common problem is that you're stuck 50 percent or 99 percent in the unlocking process, so you don't have to panic and pull the cable out. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, not 3.0) or another cable. Sometimes it helps to temporarily shut down the antivirus or Windows firewall.
If the utility says that "Current account is different from the account info on the device", make sure that the settings in the phone "Mi Unlock Status" show the account you signed in to the computer. The "Error 10006" error often indicates network connection problems or the locking of Xiaomi servers by the provider - in which case it may be necessary to change the DNS or use alternative methods of connection.
In cases where the phone goes into an endless bootloop after a failed modification attempt, the only way out is often to return to stock firmware via Emergency Download (EDL) mode. This may require an authorized Mi Account or special authorization, which can be obtained from service centers or through forums like 4PDA.