OEM-Unlocking Xiaomi: what you need and when you can not do without it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I think they probably came across the term «OEM-unlocking is a feature that lies deep in the developer's settings, but why is it even needed? Why does the manufacturer lock the device out of the box, and unlocking it requires complex manipulation of the Mi Account account and waiting in line?

Actually, OEM-Unlocking is not just a checkmark on the menu, it's a key to the advanced capabilities of your device, and without it, you can't install custom software, restore your phone after a major crash, or even sell it without being tied to your old account, but with the freedom to do so, there are risks. From loss of warranty to bricking of the device. In this article, we will discuss:

🔓 What is it? OEM-Unlocking and how it differs from factory unlocking bootloader
📱 Why do you need a user and enthusiast?
⚠️ What risks the procedure entails and how to minimize them
⚙️ Step-by-step unlocking process in 2026 (with the new Xiaomi rules in mind)

Spoiler: If you never plan to install TWRP, LineageOS or sell your phone, you probably don’t need it. OEM-But if you've ever thought about custom firmware or soft-brick recovery, read on.

What is it? OEM-Unlocking and how it works

term «OEM-Unlocking (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means unlocking the bootloader, a special software that runs to the operating system and controls what software can be installed on the device. POCO) loader blocked.

This is not done for nothing: the manufacturer thus protects the device from:

🛡️ Malware installations (for example, if the phone is stolen and the attacker tries to reflash it)
🔄 Unauthorized recovery after resetting to factory settings (so that the thief can’t bypass Mi Account)
📉 Violations of system stability (castom firmware can conflict with hardware»)

When you activate. OEM-unlocking, the loader allows you to install unofficial firmware, TWRP recovery and avoiding some limitations MIUI. However, this does not mean that the device becomes fully “open”: Xiaomi still links the unlock to your Mi Account and can track such actions.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. This is an irreversible process - make sure to back up before you start!

📊 Have you ever tried unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi?

Yes, successfully.

Yeah, but it's a brick.

No, but I want to try.

No, and no planning.

Why do you need it? OEM-Unlocking: 5 Real Reasons

Many users mistakenly believe that unlocking is only needed by “geeks” who install custom firmware. In fact, there are at least 5 practical reasons why even a regular user may need this feature.

Let's take a closer look at them:

1. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

Official. MIUI Not everyone likes it: someone doesn't like the abundance of advertising, someone lacks updates, and someone just wants a "clean" Android. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install:

📱 LineageOS – the most popular custom firmware with support for old devices
🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface and features from Google Pixel
⚡ Havoc-OS or Corvus OS — Firmware with advanced performance settings

Example: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet), you can install Pixel Experience 13 and get Android 13, even if Xiaomi officially no longer supports the device.

2.Recovery from the "soft brick"

If your smartphone stopped booting after a failed update or reset (called a “soft brick”), the unlocked bootloader allows you to:

🔧 Install TWRP recovery and recovery of the backup
📥 Swipe the official firmware through fastboot without binding to Mi Account
🔄 Bypass the lockdown FRP (Reset protection if you forget your account information

Without unlocking in such cases, you often have to contact a service center or buy a new phone.

3. Removing the Mi Account binding before sale

If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to unlock the bootloader and remove the account binding.

🚫 Can not reset the phone to factory settings (you will need your login / password)
🔒 Cannot flash the device through fastboot (Anti-Rollback lock)
📵 Could be facing a blockage. FRP post-discharge

This is one of the most common reasons why customers return used Xiaomi smartphones.

4. Obtaining root rights (Magisk)

Even if you don't want to change the firmware, unlocking the bootloader is needed to get root access through Magisk.

🎮 Use root emulators (e.g. Dolphin for GameCube)
🔊 Customize the sound through ViPER4Android or JamesDSP
📱 Uninstall system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or GetApps)
🔋 Optimize battery consumption with Greenify or Battery Charge Limit

Important: Getting root disables the ability to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet), but this can be circumvented with the help of Magisk modules.

5. bypassing regional restrictions

Certain functions MIUI (For example, Google Services or 5G) They can be blocked depending on the region of the firmware:

🌍 Install global firmware on a Chinese model (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra)
📶 Unlock support 5G Or VoLTE if they are disabled in your area.
🔄 Remove pre-installed Chinese apps (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Community)

Example: Redmi K50 Ultra (redmi k50 Ultra) Chinese firmware does not support Google Play - unlock allows you to flash MIUI Global.

💡

Oh.EM-unlocking is necessary not only for custom firmware, but also for basic operations: recovery after a failure, selling a phone or obtaining root rights.

Risks. OEM-Unlocking: What could go wrong

Despite all the benefits, unlocking a bootloader is an unsafe procedure that can lead to serious problems.

Risk	Effects of consequences	How to minimize
Loss of guarantee	Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking will void warranty.The service center may refuse repairs.	Before unlocking, check if the warranty period has expired. Some services turn a blind eye to unlocking if the problem is not related to the software.
"Brick" (brick)	A faulty firmware or interrupted process can make the phone inoperable (“hard brick”).	Use only proven firmware and tools (Mi Flash Tool, XiaomiTool) V2). Do not turn off your phone during the process.
SafetyNet problems	Unlocked bootloader interferes with the work of banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) and services (Google Pay).	Use Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix or MagiskHide Props Config.
Security vulnerabilities	Custom firmware may contain backdoors or may not receive security updates.	Install firmware only from verified sources (XDA Developers, official project sites).
Anti-Rollback lockdown	If you run the old version MIUI On an Anti-Rollback device, the phone will lock permanently.	Always check the Anti-Rollback version before you run the firmware (fastboot getvar anti).

One of the most frustrating scenarios is blocking your Mi Account. If you unlock the bootloader and then forget the data from your account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to your phone. Xiaomi can require proof of identity through your passport or even refuse to unlock.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Unlocking the bootloader permanently links the device to the first Mi Account, which means that even after the sale, the new owner will not be able to unlock the bootloader without your consent.

💡

Before unlocking, back up your Mi Account data (login, password, email and phone) and keep it in a safe place to avoid any problems with recovery.

Step-by-step: how to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi in 2026

The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi changed in 2023: now you need to be bound to the Mi Account and wait in line (3 to 30 days). POCO F6.

Step 1: Preparation of the device

Before the procedure begins:

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)|Charge your phone at least 60%|Make sure the latest version is installed on the device MIUI|Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi (not mobile internet)-->

Also check if the bootloader has been unlocked before.

Turn off the phone.
Press Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot.
Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info
If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is already unlocked.

Step 2: Activate the Developer Mode and OEM-unlock

To enable the unlock option:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Find the option. OEM-unlock and turn it on.
Confirm the action by clicking Allow.

In some models (for example, POCO X6 Pro option may be called "Mi Unlock Status).

Step 3: Linking Mi Accounts

Sans is a mandatory step from 2023:

Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
Sign in or create a new account (it is advisable to link email and phone).
Go back to For Developers and find the Unlocking Status of Mi.
Click Add Account and Device.
Confirm the link via SMS or email.

If Add Account and Device is Inactive, Update MIUI Before the latest version or try another account.

Step 4: Waiting in line to unlock

Once your account is tied, Xiaomi adds your device to the queue, depending on the model:

📱 3-7 days for most devices (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5)
📱 15-30 days for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 14)
📱 72–168 hours for new models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+)

You can check the status in the settings → For developers → Unlock status Mi. When the wording "Device unlocked" appears, you can proceed to the next step.

What to do if the line is not moving?

If the status does not change beyond the specified period, try: 1. Untie and re-assign the Mi Account. 2. Update MIUI 3. Contact Xiaomi with the model and IMEI. Sometimes changing your account region (for example, from Russia to India) helps, but this may violate the warranty.

Step 5: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

When the line comes to an end:

Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
Install ADB and Fastboot drivers (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
Turn off the phone and go to fastboot (Loudness down). + Nutrition).
Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

If the program gives you a Couldn’t unlock error, check:

🔌 Cable USB (Better to use the original)
🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (should be the last version)
📱 Quest status (perhaps 168 hours have not passed yet)

After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

💡

Since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: now unlocking is only possible through the official Mi Unlock Tool.Using third-party tools (for example, XiaomiTool). V2) This may result in the blocking of the account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems unlocking, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

Error: "This Mi Account is Not bound to this Device"

The reason: You try to unlock your phone from an account that is not tied to the device.

Decision:

Delete all associated accounts in Settings → Accounts.
Go to the Developers' Form → Unblock Mi status and re-link your account.
Wait 24 hours and try again.

"Couldn't unlock. wait for 168 hours"

Reason: 7 days (168 hours) have not passed since the account was linked.

Decision:

🕒 Wait for the specified time (check the status in the Unlock Status of Mi).
🔄 If the queue is hanging, try untie and re-assign the account (timer reset).

Error: "Device is locked. Relocking is not allowed."

The reason: you try to lock the bootloader after unlocking, but Xiaomi forbids it on some models.

Decision:

❌ On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) it is impossible to lock the bootloader back.
✅ If you need to return the warranty, contact the service center - sometimes they can "nullify" the unlock status.

The answer is “Anti-Rollback check fail.”

Reason: You are trying to re-read the old version MIUI on a device with Anti-Rollback (rollback protection version).

Decision:

📥 Just run that version. MIUI, not lower than the current.
🔍 Check out the Anti-Rollback version by the team: fastboot getvar anti
🚨 If the phone is already locked, it will only help. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

If you encounter another error, check the code in the official Xiaomi documentation or forum. XDA Developers.

Alternatives OEM-Unlocking: When You Don't Need It

Unlocking the bootloader is not always mandatory, and in some cases, you can do without it:

1. Installation GSI-firmware

In some models (for example, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) can be installed GSI-Generic System Image via fastboot without fully unlocking:

📥 Download. GSI-page-image XDA.
🖥️ The Fastboot Flash System: Fastboot Flash System system.img
⚠️ Disadvantages: Not all functions will work (camera, mobile network, sensors).

2. Getting a temporary root without unlocking

Vulnerabilities (e.g., DirtyPipe or CVE-2023-21085) You can get a temporary root without unlocking the bootloader:

📱 Install Termux and execute the exploit.
🔧 Root will be operational until reboot.
⚠️ Xiaomi may close the vulnerability in the next update.

3.Use of ADB modifyable

Some of the settings can be changed through ADB unlockless:

📵 Removal of system applications: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser
🎨 Change of change DPI Adb shell wm density 440
🔋 Disable battery optimization for applications: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app

Limitation: These changes will be reset after the update MIUI.

4. Bypass FRP unlockless

If you forgot the Mi Account after the reset, you can try to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) without unlocking the boot loader:

📞 Use the Mi Account Removal Tool (for example, FRP Bypass APK).
🔧 Connect your phone to your PC and use it. SP Flash Tool (for devices on MediaTek).
⚠️ Risk: These methods may not work on all models and versions. MIUI.

Important: bypass FRP This can be considered a hack, so use these methods only on your devices.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader without waiting 168 hours?

No, since 2023, Xiaomi has been waiting for 3 to 30 days, depending on the model. There used to be workarounds (like changing your account region), but now they don't work. The only way to speed up the process is to use an account that has already unlocked other devices (sometimes the queue is faster).

❓ What happens if you sell a phone with an unlocked bootloader?

If the bootloader is unlocked, the new owner can: ✅ Switching custom firmware. ✅ Install TWRP and backup. ❌ But it won't be able to lock the bootloader back (on new models). ⚠️ Also, the phone may not pass the SafetyNet check, which will prevent the use of banking applications.

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader on the Chinese version of Xiaomi?

Yeah, but there's nuance: 🌏 On Chinese models (China) ROM) The unblocking is the same as on the global. 📱 However, after unlocking, you will have to manually flash Global. ROM, To obtain Google Services. ⚠️ On some Chinese devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking can block the device. 5G or NFS. Before buying the Chinese version, check if it supports Global. ROM (information is available XDA).

❓ How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

There are two ways: Fastboot: fastboot oem device-info If the answer is Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.