How to block a bootloader on Xiaomi without a computer: all ways 2026

Why Users Want to Block bootloader and When It Is Needed

The unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to deep customization: installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after a failure. However, many users face a situation where you need to return the factory lock – for example, before selling a phone, to improve security or fix errors after unsuccessful software experiments.

The official way to lock a bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool requires a computer, which is not always convenient. Fortunately, there are alternative methods that allow you to perform this operation directly from the phone. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of 2026, their advantages and pitfalls, and explain why some methods stopped working after the MIUI 14/15 updates.

It's important to understand that locking a bootloader is not just a "backup" to unlocking. It involves a complete data reset and can lead to irreversible loss of warranty if the device has previously been unlocked by unofficial methods. Before you start, make sure you have backups of all important data.

Preparation of the device: what to do before blocking

Before you start blocking the bootloader, you need to follow a few critical steps, and ignoring them can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device or loss of access to the Mi Account.

• 📱 Check the device model: locking methods may differ for Xiaomi, Redmi and other brands POCO. You can find out the model in the settings → The phone. → Model.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Make sure the device has the latest stable version installed. MIUI. To check, go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔐 Link your Mi Account: the device must be authorized in an official Xiaomi account. Without this, you can not lock the bootloader.
• 📡 Set up an internet connection: the process will require a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network connection (Wi-Fi is recommended).

If you have previously used informal unlocking methods (e.g., via EDL or 72/360 hours wait bypass), the system can block the re-binding option, in which case the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Note: If the device has custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), before blocking the bootloader, you must return the stock MIUI. Otherwise, the phone will turn into a brick after the first reboot.

Method 1: Blocking through Developer Mode (official way without PC)

This method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but requires the bootloader to be unlocked beforehand via the Mi Unlock Tool (at least once).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable the option to Unlock OEM (if any).
3. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find your device and turn off Find the device.
4. Perform a factory reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
5. After the reboot, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Mi Account and wait for the bootloader to automatically lock (it can take up to 24 hours).

This method does not guarantee 100% results, as Xiaomi periodically tightens its security policy.If the bootloader remains unlocked after the reset, try alternative methods.

Method 2: Use the Mi Flash application (alternative to some models)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) support bootloader locking through the proprietary Mi Flash app, which can be installed manually.This method does not require a computer, but only works on devices with official MIUI firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-Mi Flash file from the official Xiaomi forum (e.g., from miui.com).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Start Mi Flash, log in to your Mi Account, and select the Lock Bootloader option (if available).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The device will restart several times, after which the bootloader will be locked.

Note: this method may not work on newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Turbo), as Xiaomi gradually removes PC-free lock support. If the app does not have a Lock Bootloader option, then your model is not supported.

Method 3: Locking through reset to factory settings with account binding

This method is suitable for devices that previously unlocked the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. The essence of the method is to force the Mi Account to be linked to the device after the reset, which in some cases leads to automatic locking of the bootloader.

How to do this:

1. Make sure that the device has an authorized Mi Account that was used to unlock.
2. Go to Settings → Google → Backup and disable data backup.
3. Perform a complete reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Erase all data.
4. After the reboot, connect to Wi-Fi, but don’t restore data from the backup!
5. Log in to the same Mi Account that was previously linked.
6. Restart the device in fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If the response is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

This method doesn’t work on all devices, but it has a high probability of success for the Redmi Note 9/10 and POCO X3. If after several attempts the bootloader remains unlocked, try combining this method with others.

⚠️ Note: Do not use this method if you bought the device “hand-held” and do not know which account Mi was originally linked. Incorrect linking can lead to blocking activation (Mi Account Lock), after which the phone will require the username / password of the previous owner.

Table of compatibility of methods with popular models

Not all bootloader locking methods work on all Xiaomi devices, and here is a compatibility table for popular models (data is up to mid-2026):

If your model is not listed in the table, try methods in descending order of effectiveness: Method 3 → Method 1 → Method 2. For new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), locking without a computer is impossible - you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool tool.

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If neither method worked, try locking through fastboot from another Android device. OTG-cable and terminal (e.g. Termux application) However, this method requires technical skills and can lead to errors if the commands are entered incorrectly.

What to do if the bootloader is not blocked: alternative solutions

If all of these methods have failed, don't despair. There are several alternative approaches that can help:

• 🔧 Contact the service center: official Xiaomi centers can block the bootloader for a fee (about 1000-2000 rubles.
• 📦 Use "clean" firmware: some users report that installing official firmware via fastboot (even without a PC) sometimes results in automatic locking. OTG and the Fastboot Tools app.
• ⏳ Wait for the update: Xiaomi periodically releases patches that restore the ability to lock.See updates in Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Sell the device "as is": if the lock is critical for sale, indicate in the ad that the bootloader is unlocked. Many buyers specifically look for such phones for customization.

If you choose to use informal methods (e.g., through EDL or modified firmware), be aware of the risks:

• Loss of warranty.
• The ability to turn the phone into a brick.
• Blocking of Mi Account for violation of the rules of use.

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If the bootloader is not blocked by standard methods, the safest option is to contact the service center. EDL Unofficial firmware can have irreversible consequences.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking Xiaomi bootloader