Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the company strictly controls this process: it is impossible to unlock the bootloader without official permission. In 2026, the rules for requesting have changed, now requiring a binding Mi Account account to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new models.
In this article, you will find the latest step-by-step instructions for applying for an unlock, a list of models with special conditions (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 Ultra), as well as solutions to common errors like Couldn’t verify device or Account not bound.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it
Xiaomi has been blocking bootloader on all devices by default since 2017.
- 🔒 Protection against theft: A blocked bootloader makes it harder to reset the device after a loss.
- 🛡️ Data security: prevents malware installation through custom firmware.
- 📱 Warranty compliance: Unlocking will void the official warranty on some models.
However, unlocking is necessary to:
- 🔧 Installations TWRP or other custom Recovery.
- 📲 LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI from other regions.
- 🔓 Getting root access (via Magisk).
- 🛠️ Restore the brick after a failed update.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Create a backup of data via Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
Conditions for unlocking the loader in 2026
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements, and now you need to unlock:
| Conditions | Requirements | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Linking Mi Accounts | The account must be added to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and confirmed by SMS/email. | Models up to 2020 (such as the Redmi Note 7) may not require a tether. |
| Waiting to unlock | 72 to 720 hours (3-30 days) depending on the model and region. | POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T – 168 hours (7 days) |
| MIUI version | Official assemblies only (Global/China/EU) Castom firmware is not supported. | The Redmi K60 requires a MIUI 14.0.3+. |
| SIM card. | The device must be active. SIM-map. | Not required for eSIM models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite). |
Important: From January 1, 2026, Xiaomi will block unlocking for devices purchased less than 7 days ago.This rule applies to all models except the POCO M6 Pro and Redmi 12C.
Step-by-step: how to request unlocking
The process consists of 4 steps: device preparation, account binding, application and confirmation waiting. Follow the instructions strictly in order.
1. Preparation of the smartphone
☑️ Preparation for unlocking
Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
- Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Make sure the device has official firmware installed. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If there is custom firmware, run the stock through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Mi Account binding
Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and:
- 📱 Sign in (if there is no account, register).
- 🔗 Confirm email and phone.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
After binding, check the status through the command:
fastboot oem device-infoThe answer should be Device unlocked: false and Mi Account: bound.
3. Applying through Mi Unlock Tool
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version 2026) and:
- Start the program on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- Connect your smartphone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Vol Down).
- Press Unlock and confirm the request.
If done correctly, the Unlock successfully. Rebooting message will appear... If not, the utility will show the wait time (for example, 168 hours left).
⚠️ Warning: Do not disconnect your device from your PC during the process.If the Mi Unlock Tool is getting stuck during the Checking account step, restart the program and try again in 10 minutes.
How long does it take to unlock?
The timeline depends on the model, region and history of the device.
| Category of devices | Standby time | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|
| New flagships (2023-2026) | 720 hours (30 days) | Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi K70 Pro |
| Midsize segment (2022-2023) | 360 hours (15 days) | POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ |
| Budgetary models | 168 hours (7 days) | Redmi 12C, POCO M6 Pro |
| Devices until 2021 | 72 hours (3 days) | Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 Lite |
The timeline starts when you first successfully link the Mi Account to a device, and if you reset your phone to factory settings, the timer will reset.
How do you speed up unlocking?
Check the remaining time with the Mi Unlock Tool or the command:
fastboot oem unlock-goIf the answer to Unlock device is false, then the deadline has not expired.
Typical errors and their solutions
About 30 percent of unblock requests end in errors, and let's look at the most common ones.
1. "Couldn't verify device" error
Reasons:
- 🔌 The device is not in fastboot mode.
- 🔄 The Mi Unlock Tool is a new version of the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📱 There is an unofficial firmware on the phone.
Decision:
- Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.
- Update the Mi Unlock Tool to the latest version (at the time of writing, 6.5.224.24).
- Sweep the official MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
2. "Account not bound" error
This error means that the Mi Account is not tied to the device.
- Delete your account in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
- Reboot the phone.
- Go back to your account and confirm by SMS.
- Wait 24 hours and repeat the request.
Error "Device is locked. Unlock time not arrived"
The device is not yet ready to unlock.
- ⏳ Has the waiting period expired (see table above).
- 🔄 Have you dropped your phone after you linked your account.
- 📅 Purchase date (if the device is less than 7 days old).
⚠️ Note: If you see Mi Account is associated with too many devices, you have more than 3 devices linked to your account in the past month, so you can either create a new Mi Account or wait 30 days.
💡
The most common mistake is trying to unlock on an unofficial firmware. Always check the MIUI version through Settings → About the phone before requesting.
What to do after successful unblocking
When the bootloader is unlocked (Device unlocked: true), you can:
- 📲 Install TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
- 🔧 Switch custom firmware (LineageOS, ArrowOS).
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🛠️ Restore the device after a soft breeze.
However, keep in mind the risks:
- 🚫 Loss of official warranty for most models).
- 🔋 Possible problems with OTA-update.
- 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (if protection is not configured).
Recommended procedure after unlocking:
- Install TWRP via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
- Create a backup of the persist section (command: adb backup -f persist.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system).
- Squeeze Magisk for root rights (instruction: official website).
💡
After unlocking the bootloader, turn off automatic MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update to avoid accidental flashing to the runoff.
Xiaomi models with special unlock conditions
Some devices have unique requirements, such as:
| Model | Features | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13T/Pro | Requires confirmation via Mi Community (Chinese forum). | Create a theme on the forum with the IMEI device. |
| Redmi K60 Ultra | Unlocking for Chinese firmware devices (CN ROM). | Run the MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool. |
| POCO F5 Pro | 168 hours of waiting, even for old accounts. | Use an alternative Mi Account with an unlock history. |
| Redmi Note 12 Turbo | Demands. SIM-Chinese operator card for first binding. | Use a virtual SIM (for example, via Airalo). |
For Xiaomi 14 Series and Redmi K70 models, unlocking is possible only through authorized service centers in the first 6 months after purchase.