Xiaomi smartphone users often have to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or deep setup. However, this process does not always go smoothly, and the most common stumbling block is the question of where exactly to enter the unlock code that comes to the phone in the form of SMS. Many are lost, seeing a countdown timer and not knowing where to look for a hidden field for entering numbers.
In fact, the interface of the Mi Unlock utility may not be obvious to a beginner, especially if you are first encountering an anlock procedure. An error at this stage often leads to the idea that the code does not come or the program is not working correctly. It is important to understand that the field for entering the code does not appear immediately, but only after a certain algorithm of actions is performed, which requires strict adherence to the sequence.
In this article, we will look in detail at where to look for this field, how to properly prepare your smartphone and computer, and also look at the typical errors that prevent you from completing the process. We will not use complex technical terms without explanation, so that every device owner can successfully pass this stage.
Preparation for entering the unlock code
Before you search for a field to enter, you need to make sure that all the preconditions are met. Unlocking the bootloader is a critical operation that requires you to link your Mi Account to the device. Without this step, the utility will simply not allow you to proceed to the stage of receiving the code. Make sure that the phone settings include debugging over USB and permission to unlock.
To be successful, you will need a stable Internet connection on both devices, the computer must be connected to the network directly, not via a mobile Internet phone if possible. SIM-the card of the operator to which the Mi Account is registered, otherwise SMS code-wise.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up all important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader leads to the complete removal of all files from the internal storage device.
Check the Mi Unlock version. Using older versions of the program often leads to connection errors or incorrect display of input fields. download the software only from the official miui.com/unlock site to avoid malicious modifications.
The Mi Unlock Tool Programming
The main action is on the computer. Once you start the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account, you need to turn your phone into Fastboot mode. This is done by turning off your smartphone and then pressing the volume down and power button at the same time, and the image of a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT, will appear on the screen.
Connect the device to your PC via the original cable. In the program window, click the "Unlock" button. If the account is successfully linked and the server is in order, a window will appear with a loss warning, and if you agree with it, you will start the process of checking the status of the device.
- 📱 Make sure that the Windows Device Manager defines the smartphone as Android Bootloader Interface.
- 🔒 The status of the account in the program should be displayed as "Bound" (Tiered).
- 🌐 Check if the antivirus does not block the connection of the utility with Xiaomi servers.
It is in this window, after the status check, that the system will ask you to confirm the operation. If you are doing it for the first time, the server may refuse or ask you to wait 168 hours (7 days), and if (wait time) is already out, you will be asked to enter the confirmation code.
Where is the field for entering the code
The most important point of this article is, where do you type the code? After you press the Unlock button and confirm the risk warning, the utility sends a request to the server. At this point, your phone, which is specified when you pegged the account, comes to your phone. SMS-numerical.
In the Mi Unlock window, a special dialog box will appear with the title "Verification." It is in the field inside this window, marked as "Code" or simply an empty line under the query text, you need to enter numbers from SMS. Don't confuse this with the password field from the Mi Account, which is located on the main screen of the program.
Users often do not see this field because:
- 👁️ The window is blocked by other programs or hidden in the tray.
- 📉 The screen resolution is too low and the confirmation button has gone beyond the limits of visibility.
- 🔄 The status check process is not yet complete and the window just didn’t have time to appear.
⚠️ Warning: The code is only valid for 5 minutes. If you don't have time to enter it in time, you'll have to start the process again by pressing Unlock again.
If the field appears but the code is not accepted, check if the keyboard is not included in the layout other than digital, or if CapsLock is clamped, although this is less relevant for numbers. The main thing is to enter the sequence exactly as it came in the message.
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If the code input field does not appear for more than 30 seconds, try reconnecting the USB cable to another port, preferably USB 2.0, located on the back of the system unit.
Step-by-step input instruction
To rule out human error and error, follow this algorithm, and following the steps clearly ensures that you don't miss the time the input field appears.
☑️ Unlocking algorithm
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (Loudness minus + Power).
- Connect the cable to your PC and press the Unlock button.
- In the confirmation window that appears, click "Unlock anyway".
- Wait for the SMS and enter the code in the field that appears on the PC screen.
- Press OK and wait for the process to be completed.
Once the code is successfully entered, the unlocking process will begin, the progress bar will fill up and the phone will automatically restart. The first boot can take up to 10-15 minutes, which is normal for the system after a reset.
What if the code doesn't come?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical failures, and one of the common problems is the error "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device." This means that you are logged in with one account and another is linked to your phone.
Another common situation is a waiting timer, and if you see a message saying you have to wait 168 hours, it's not a mistake, it's a security requirement for Xiaomi, and in this case, the code field won't appear until the time has run out, and you can't get around that restriction legally.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Code expired | It took more than 5 minutes to receive an SMS. | Click Unlock again and request new code |
| Network error | Problems with connecting the PC and server | Use wired connection, disable VPN/Proxy |
| Account mismatch | Different accounts on the phone and PC | Log out and log into the correct Mi Account in both places |
| Device not bound | The account is not tied to the device | Turn on the Internet on your phone and re-tether in the settings |
Also worth mentioning is an error related to the account region: If your account is registered in a region where Xiaomi services are limited, unlocking may not be possible, in which case the account region should be changed through support or create a new one.
Security and Consequences of Unblocking
Unlocking the bootloader is not just a technical procedure, it is a change in the status of trust in your device by the manufacturer, after which some security features cease to work, for example, payment through NFC (Mi Pay, Google Pay) without additional manipulation of the system (Magisk Hide, Shamiko).
In addition, Widevine L1, which is responsible for playing content in high quality (HD, 4K) on streaming services like Netflix, may be downgraded to L1, which means that the video will only be played in standard SD quality.
⚠️ Warning: After unlocking the bootloader, the software warranty is removed. In the event of software failures (the “brick”), the service center may refuse free repairs.
However, for enthusiasts, these risks are often justified by the ability to install global firmware on the Chinese version of the phone, remove system debris or install a fresh version of Android, which the manufacturer has already stopped producing for this model.
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Unlocking the bootloader gives you full control over the device, but requires the user to be highly technically literate to ensure data security.