How to request unlocking Xiaomi bootloader: an official and secure way

The blocked bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard security measure that protects the device from unauthorized access to system files. However, for enthusiasts who want to install custom software, obtain root rights or flash alternative firmware, unlocking becomes a mandatory step.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of unlocking, from submitting an application through the Mi Unlock Tool to completing the process on the device itself, paying special attention to typical errors (for example, Couldn’t unlock or Device not bound), how to fix them and the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T If you plan to modify firmware, this guide will help you avoid the brick and save time.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices for two key reasons:

• 🔒 Protection against viruses and malware – without unlocking, attackers will not be able to replace system files.
• 📱 Compliance with warranty obligations – modification of the firmware automatically cancels the warranty.
• 🛡️ Risk Warning – Incorrect firmware can cause data loss or device failure.

However, unlocking the bootloader is necessary to:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 📲 Removing embedded software (bloatware) or optimizing performance.
• 🔧 Restore the device after software failures ("brick»).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking will reset all data on the device! make a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud backup.

It is important to understand that after unlocking the device will become more vulnerable to attacks, and updates. MIUI Xiaomi also limits the frequency of unlocking: between attempts must pass 30 days (for new accounts) or 7 days (for tied devices).

Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings

Before starting the process, make sure that all the mandatory conditions are met:

1. Mi Account – must be created in advance (preferably at least) 7 days ago) and confirmed by email/phone.
2. Device binding – the smartphone must be linked to the account in Settings → Mi Account.
3. Version. MIUI — The firmware should be official (not custom) and up-to-date (update via Settings). → The phone. → Updating the system).
4. USB-Debugging - include it in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
5. Factory unlocking OEM — activate in the same settings for developers.

If the device was purchased less than 7 days ago, Xiaomi will block the unlock attempt, this rule applies even for tied accounts, and it is impossible to unlock the bootloader on devices with the status of “Lost / Stolen” (checked through the IMEI).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The unlock process may be different! Before you start, check the compatibility of your model on the official website.

Create and confirm a Mi Account|Link the device to the account|Update MIUI last-minute|Turn on USB-debug OEM-unlock|Install drivers ADB PC-only-->

Step-by-step: how to apply for unlocking

The unlocking process begins with the application via Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:

Step 1: Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

1. Go to the unlock page and download the latest version of the utility (at the time of 2026 — v6.5.424.24).

2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

3. log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the device.

Step 2: Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the device.

2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears (robot with gear).

3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original USB-cable (using uncertified cables may cause an error) USB connection failed).

Step 3: Start the Unlocking Process

1.In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

2. Confirm the risk agreement (check I agree).

3. wait for the device to be checked (may take up to 5 minutes).

4 If everything is fine, the Unlock Anyway button will appear - press it.

The process will take 10 to 30 seconds. Once successfully unlocked, the device will automatically restart, and the Mi Unlock Tool will display a message Unlocked successfully.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users encounter errors, and consider the most common of them and how to fix them:

You need to bind your account with this device

Reason: The device is not tied to a Mi Account or the link was made less than 24 hours ago.

Decision:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and Check the Status of the Link.
• 🔄 If the binding is active, wait 24 hours and try again.
• 🔧 Make sure your device is on mobile internet or Wi-Fi (linking requires a network).

Current account is different from the account info on the device

Reason: Mi Unlock Tool uses a different account than the one the device is linked to.

Decision:

• 🔑 Log out of the account in the utility and log in again.
• 📋 Check that the smartphone settings have the same email as the Mi Unlock Tool.

Error: Device is locked. Waiting for OEM confirm (360 hours)

Reason: The device has previously failed to unlock, or it has been unlocked and locked again.

Decision:

• ⏳ Wait 15 days (360 hours) is a tough limit for Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Do not try to bypass the timer through a change of account or firmware - this will lead to a timer reset.

⚠️ Note: If you see Mi Cloud server is busy, try using it. VPN servers in Hong Kong or Singapore – sometimes this helps to bypass regional restrictions.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool is an error USB Debugging not authorized, disable the device, remove it from the list of authorized in the developer settings (Revoke permissions). USB-debugging), then connect again and confirm the resolution on the smartphone screen.

Features of unlocking for different models Xiaomi

While the overall unlock algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi devices, some models have nuances.

HyperOS devices (2026)

New HyperOS firmware (installed on Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70, POCO F6 etc.) requires:

• 🔗 Attachment of the device to the account for at least 7 days (instead of 24 hours for the account) MIUI).
• 📦 Use the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (v6.5.424.24 or newer).
• 🔧 Activation of the regime OEM Unlocking in Developer Settings 1 Hour Before Unlocking.

Older models (until 2020)

For devices like Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 or POCO F1 There are simplified rules:

• ⏱️ Timer between attempts - 72 hours (instead of 360 for new models).
• 🔓 Unblocking is possible without binding to the account (on firmware) MIUI 10 and older).

Devices for the Chinese market (CN-version)

Smartphones with firmware for China (Xiaomi Mi 11) CN, Redmi K40 Pro CN) have additional limitations:

• 🌏 You need a Mi Account with a Chinese phone number.
• 📡 Unlocking is possible only through Chinese IP (use VPN).
• 🔄 After unlocking, you need to flash the global firmware (Global) ROM), Otherwise, the device will not work smoothly.

To check the model and firmware region go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a name at the end CN, China ING — It's the Chinese version.

💡

On HyperOS devices, unlocking can take up to 10 days due to additional security checks.

What to do after successful unblocking

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device is ready for modifications, but requires additional steps to work safely:

1. Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

Unofficial firmware or backups will be required TWRP:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website.
2. Reboot the device in Fastboot (Loudness down) + Nutrition).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-xiaomi.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
4. Reboot to Recavery (Loudness Up) + Power) and make a backup of the Boot section.

2. Getting root rights through Magisk

For rooting:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub).
2. Move the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip device.
3. V TWRP Choose Install → Specify the Magisk file → swipe for confirmation.
4. Check root through the Magisk Manager app.

3. Custom firmware ROM

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – Pure Android with Pixel features.
• 🔄 LineageOS - stable and lightweight firmware.
• 🎯 crdroid – Balance between productivity and customization.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, roll back to the official MIUI It will be difficult – you will need a full reset via Fastboot and re-unlock the bootloader.

💡

Before the custom firmware ROM Check compatibility with your model in the forum XDA Developers. Incompatible firmware will lead to a brick»!

How to get it back: Re-blocking the bootloader

If you decide to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), the bootloader can be blocked back.

1. Flush the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All: fastboot flashall mode --clean
2. Restart the device and wait for the first setup.
3. Turn it on. USB-debug OEM-Unlocking (as at the beginning of the article).
4. Connect to the Mi Unlock Tool and press Lock (only for previously unlocked devices).

After the lockdown:

• ✅ The device will return to factory settings.
• ✅ Xiaomi warranty will be restored (unless there was physical damage).
• ❌ All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

Important: Re-unlocking after locking will require a re-waiting period (7-30 days depending on the model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi