Owning a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device offers a huge amount of customization opportunities, but standard MIUI or HyperOS firmware often limits access to system files. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to gain full administrator rights, install customized recoveries like TWRP, and replace the operating system with pure Android.
Many users are afraid to start this procedure because of the risk of turning a smartphone into a “brick”, but with strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, the probability of error is minimal. Modern models, released in 2026 and 2026, require the binding account Mi Account and waiting for a certain period set by the manufacturer. Below we will discuss in detail all the nuances of preparation, configuration and direct unlock.
It is important to understand that once the operation is completed, all data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted, a security measure implemented by the company's engineers to prevent identity theft in the event of loss or theft of a gadget, so you need to create a full backup of important information before any manipulations begin.
What is a bootloader and why unlock it
Bootloader, or Bootloader, is a special program that starts when the device is turned on before the operating system boots, its main task is to check the integrity of the software and run the Android kernel. In the standard state, the bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked, which means that it is forbidden to run unverified or modified code.
Unlocking this component removes digital signatures and restrictions, allowing the user to make changes to the system partition. Without this procedure, it is impossible to install custom recavators, obtain Root rights or flash a modified version of the operating system. For enthusiasts, this is the only way to extend the life of the device after the end of official support.
But the downside is that unlocked bootloaders reduce the overall security of the device; an attacker who gains physical access to the phone can theoretically inject malicious code at a deep level; and some high-security banking applications and services may not work on modified devices.
- 🔓 Possibility of installing custom firmware and mods.
- ⚙️ Full access to the file system and system settings.
- 🛠️ Installation of custom recap to create full backups.
- 🚀 Removing system debris and embedded advertising.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, high-security features such as Mi Pay and some banking apps will stop working until the Root rights are obtained and modifications are configured to hide.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you get to the bottom of the game, you need to make sure you have all the required components and conditions met.The process is in no hurry, and the absence of even one element can lead to an error in the authorization phase. First of all, you will need a Xiaomi smartphone, Redmi or POCO battery-charged%.
The second critical element is a personal computer running Windows. While there are methods for macOS and Linux, the official Mi Unlock Tool is only stable in Windows. It is also necessary to have an original or quality certified USB-cable capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device.
Be sure to check the stability of the Internet connection on both devices. The authorization process and the unlock itself require constant data exchange with the manufacturer's servers. If Xiaomi servers are overloaded or communication is interrupted, the procedure may end in error and the process will have to start again.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Setting the developer’s parameters on a smartphone
The first stage of software training takes place directly on your smartphone, and you need to activate the hidden developer menu, which is hidden by default from ordinary users, to do this, go to the Settings menu, select About Phone, and start quickly clicking on the MIUI or HyperOS build number seven times in a row.
Once you've been notified that you've become a developer, go back to the main settings menu and find the Additional section, then the Developer section, and then you need to find the OEM Unlocking and activate it, and the system will alert you to the risks, we agree.
Next, in the same menu, find the USB Debug option and turn it on. This will allow the computer to interact with the phone at the debugging level. It is also crucial to link your current Mi Account to the device. To do this, click on the Factory Unlock menu to Add Account and Device. Make sure the status says "Added Successfully."
In some regions and versions of firmware may require insertion SIM-cards with active mobile Internet (not Wi-Fi) to confirm the phone number when you link your account. If the mobile Internet is disabled, the system may give an error of connection.
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Use mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) instead of Wi-Fi when linking your account to the unlock menu – this often helps avoid login server errors.
Installation of drivers and Mi Unlock Tool
Now, you're going to have to download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the manufacturer's website, and don't use third-party builds or programs from unknown sources, as they may contain malicious code or not work properly with new 2026 models.
After downloading the archive, unpack it into the root folder of the disk, for example, in the C:\MiUnlock, So that there are no Cyrillic symbols on the way, which sometimes cause malfunctions in scripts. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account, the same one that was tied to the phone.
The critical thing is to install the right drivers. Mi Unlock may suggest installing them automatically, but often the process is not correct. The best thing to do is manually install the ADB and Fastboot drivers. You can download the universal Xiaomi USB Drivers package and install it before you connect your phone.
If your computer doesn't see your device in Fastboot mode, check Device Manager. USB" Or "Other Devices" should come up with a device called Android Bootloader Interface or something like that. USB-port.
| Component | Appointment | Where to download |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | The main utility for unlocking | Official website en.miui.com |
| ADB & Fastboot | Command line tools | Android SDK Platform Tools |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Drivers for PC and phone communication | Xiaomi Support Site |
| .NET Framework | Library for the programme | Microsoft website |
Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode
To start unlocking, the phone must be in a special diagnostic mode called Fastboot, which is not a mode where the device boots the operating system, but waits for commands from the computer, and you can enter this mode by hardware, which is the most reliable method.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press and hold the volume down and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the image of a rabbit in an orange cap fixing an android appears on the screen, or the words FASTBOOT. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released.
There is also a software login method that is convenient if the device buttons are damaged. When USB debugging is enabled, connect the phone to the PC in normal mode and type the command in the command line: adb reboot bootloader. The device will automatically restart to the desired mode.
What if your phone is not included in Fastboot?
Unlocking process through Mi Unlock
Connect the device in Fastboot mode to the computer using USB-In Mi Unlock Tool, click Check, and the utility will identify the device and show it's status, and if it's successful, you'll see the green tick and the model information.
Press Unlock. You'll see a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm. There are two scenarios. One is that unlock will happen instantly and the phone will reboot. The second, and the most frequent one for new accounts, will be a waiting message.
Xiaomi’s security system requires that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the account is linked to the device (a step with the SIM card and the developer menu) and is usually 7 days (168 hours), but for some regions or new accounts, the period can be extended to 30 days.
If you have a standby requirement, just use your phone as normal. Don't log out or reset your account. Repeat the procedure after that time period and unlock it successfully. It takes a few minutes to clear and restart the phone.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to bypass the waiting timer with paid services or changing the region - this can lead to the locking of the device on the Internet. IMEI server-side.
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Successful unlocking is confirmed by the appearance of the open lock icon when the device is turned on and in the Mi Unlock program.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
When unlocking, users often encounter different error codes. One of the most common is an error. -4 or a message, "Couldn't verify device." This often means a driver problem or unstable device. USB-Try another port (better). USB 2.0) cable.
The error -20003F or "Account isn't bound to device" occurs if you're not properly linked to your phone's menu or using another account on your PC. Make sure the "Factory Unlock" menu on your phone has a green tick and the correct account ID.
If the program is stuck in the Unlocking phase by 99% for a long time, don't panic. Sometimes the process takes up to 10-15 minutes. However, if the progress does not move for more than 20 minutes, interrupt the process by holding the power button for 10 seconds to restart, and try again.
- 🔄 Network Error: Check the antivirus and firewall, they can block the connection utility.
- 🔌 Cable Error: Use only original cables, many cheap counterparts don't transmit data.
- 📱 Android version error: Some beta versions MIUI Unlocking may be temporarily unavailable.