Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the manufacturer deliberately limits this feature: according to 2026 statistics, only 12% of users successfully pass the procedure on the first try, the reason is the strict requirements of the Mi Unlock Tool, frequent server errors and changing company rules.
Many people mistakenly believe that unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the warranty. In practice, this is not true: warranty obligations are retained if the damage to the device is not due to software manipulation. L1 (reproduction-man HD-content from Netflix, Disney+), It can only be restored through an official service center.
In this guide, we will break down the 2026 unlock process, bypass common bugs (e.g. Couldn’t unlock or Device not bound) and explain why some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require additional steps.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
Factory lock bootloader is standard practice for Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands, the main reason is protection against malware.
- 🔹 Install custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
- 🔹 Unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
- 🔹 Get root rights through Magisk
- 🔹 Restore the device after the "brick" (if there is no official firmware)
On the other hand, unlocking opens up risks:
- 🚨 Loss of data in case of incorrect firmware
- 🚨 Vulnerability to viruses (if you install software from unreliable sources)
- 🚨 Problems with OTA-Updates (you will have to hand-write)
Important: Xiaomi models from 2023-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) use a new protection mechanism - Anti-Rollback. Once unlocked, it will be impossible to roll back to the old version of MIUI without the risk of turning the device into a "brick".
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before starting the procedure, make sure that:
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your smartphone at least 60%
Install the latest version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update
Connect the device to your Mi Account (required to be linked to your phone number)
Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (do not use versions from torrents!)
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The most common error at this stage is a non-tethered account. If you did not sync your Mi Account with your device in advance, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you a Couldn't verify device error, which can only be corrected by waiting (7 to 30 days) or contacting for support.
For POCO models (e.g., POCO X6 Pro) additionally, the following are required:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stamp 7 times)
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers
- Disable the factory protection (if there is such a point)
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) point OEM Unlock may not be available, in which case unlocking is only possible through an official service center.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only legal method approved by Xiaomi, which takes 3 to 15 days to verify your account.
- Link your device to your account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync Make sure device status is Connected
Request permission to unlock
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version)
- Launch the utility and log in under the same account as on your phone
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power)
- Expect confirmation: The system will show the message Added successfully. Wait for XX hours. For new accounts, it is usually 168 hours (7 days).
- Complete unlock: After waiting, repeat the steps in the Mi Unlock Tool. If everything goes well, the message will appear: Unlocked successfully.
Typical errors and decisions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | Waiting period has not expired | Wait for the specified time (7-30 days) |
| Device not bound | The account is not tied to the device | Reconnect the account in the settings |
| Network error | Problems with Xiaomi servers | Try it later or use a VPN |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Attempt to roll back on old firmware | I only want to see the new version of MIUI. |
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try installing drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
Alternative methods: when the official method does not work
If the Mi Unlock Tool is giving out errors or the waiting period is too long, you can try workarounds. Please note that these methods are informal and can lead to the blocking of an account or device.
1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
Suitable for bricks or devices with damaged firmware.
- 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account with rights EDL (can be purchased on forums)
- 🔧 Cable USB Type-C with support EDL (Ordinary might not work)
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil
Process:
- Transfer the device to EDL mode (close contacts on the board or use the command adb reboot edl)
- Connect to your PC and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
- Re-unlock the device through the Mi Unlock Tool.
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Unauthorized can lead to blocking IMEI. On the newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) this method only works with official access.
2 Unblocking through third-party services
Some services (like UnlockBoot or DC-Unlocker) offer unlocking for a fee (between $5 and $30).
- 💰 Fraud (a service may take money and fail to do the job)
- 🔒 Blocking of Mi Account for Violation of Rules
- 📱 Loss of warranty (if the service uses illegal methods)
List of reliable services to unlock
What to do after successful unblocking
When the bootloader is unlocked, the Orange State alert will appear on the screen when it is turned on. This is normal and does not affect the operation of the device.
Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)
Create a full backup with adb backup or TWRP
Switching to custom firmware (if necessary)
Get root rights through Magisk
Disable Forced Encryption (for some firmware)
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Important for POCO/Redmi owners 2023-2026: once unlocked, it is recommended to flash the Global ROM immediately, even if you had an EEA or China ROM.
If you are planning to install Google Camera (GCam) or other modes, consider:
- 🔋 Some modes, for example, ViPER4Android) Requires the DM-Verity to be disabled
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, do not update via OTA, which can result in re-blocking. All updates must be installed manually via Fastboot or TWRP.
How to get it back: Re-blocking the bootloader
If you want to sell the device or return it to its original state, you can lock the bootloader back.
- Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all and lock option)
- Use the command in Fastboot: fastboot oem lock
- After blocking, reset to factory settings (fastboot erase userdata)
Important: Re-locking will reset all data and may result in the loss of Widevine L1 (if it was restored).On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), blocking is possible only through the official service.
⚠️ Attention: If you block the bootloader on a custom firmware device, the smartphone will stop turning on (hard brick). EDL service-centre.