OEM Unlock on Xiaomi: what it is, why you need and how to unlock the bootloader

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone and are interested in customization of firmware, installation TWRP Or alternative OSes like LineageOS, sooner or later you will come across the term. OEM Unlock. It's not just a tick in the settings, it's the key to complete control of the device. But what exactly is behind this feature? Why does it turn off by default? And most importantly, how to properly unlock the bootloader without turning the smartphone into a brick»?

In this article, we will discuss OEM Unlock on Xiaomi from the technical and practical side, from the theory (what is a bootloader and why it is blocked) to the step-by-step instructions with nuances for different models. You will also learn about the risks, the consequences for warranty and legal ways to get around restrictions. We'll explain it in simple language, without too much jargon. If you're a seasoned user, you'll find the latest updates. MIUI and tools like the Mi Unlock Tool.

What is it? OEM Unlock and why you need it on Xiaomi

OEM Unlock (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a feature that allows you to unlock the bootloader of a smartphone. The bootloader is a program that runs to the operating system and determines which software will be downloaded. By default on Xiaomi (as on most Android devices) the bootloader is blocked.

Why would a manufacturer want this?

• 🔒 Security: A blocked bootloader protects against installing malware or fake firmware.
• 📱 Stability: Users will not be able to accidentally “break” the device with incompatible firmware.
• 📜 Warranty obligations: Unblocking often voids the warranty (but not always – more on that later).

Why would you want to unlock the bootloader?

• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• ⚙️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Installation TWRP (Custom recovery) for backups and partition manipulation.
• 📡 Bypassing regional restrictions (for example, for firmware global version on a Chinese smartphone).

It’s important to understand: unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is not the same as unlocking. SIM-The first one gives you access to system files, the second one allows you to use a smartphone with any operator.

The consequences of unlocking: what awaits you

Before we get to the instructions, we'll evaluate the risks and consequences. Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible process (or rather, reversible, but with nuances), and it entails several changes:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 pro POCO F3) after unlocking, they are reset DRM-That means Widevine will stop working. L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+), It can also be used to remove camera functions like 4K HDR Or Super Night Mode. You can only restore the keys with the official firmware with the bootloader locked.

Other implications:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: when unlocked, all data on the device is deleted!
• 🛡️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support unlocking, but in practice, service centers often turn a blind eye if the problem is not related to firmware.
• 🔓 Vulnerabilities: Your device becomes more vulnerable to attacks if you install unofficial software.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Some features (such as Mi Cloud or Find Device) may not work properly.

There are pluses:

• ✅ Full control of the device: you can remove system applications, change the kernel, optimize performance.
• ✅ Access to the latest versions of Android: custom firmware often updates faster than official ones.
• ✅ The ability to “reanimate” the device: if the smartphone is stuck on the logo, the unlocked bootloader will allow you to flash it through Fastboot.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is not a single click of a button; it requires preparation, otherwise you risk losing data or getting a broken device.

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your smartphone at least 60%

Make sure the model supports unlocking (see list below)

Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version

Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC

Link your Mi Account to your device (required!)

-->

Now, more details on each item:

1. Data backup. Unlocking erases everything from internal memory, including photos, messages and installed applications. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copy on your PC.

• 📸 Photo and video (folder) DCIM).
• 📞 Contact and SMS (Export through Settings → System system → Backup).
• 🎮 Save games (use Helium or root backup if you already have root).

2. Model support check: Not all Xiaomi devices can be unlocked, for example, some models for the Chinese market (marked China) ROM) The full list of supported devices is available on the official Mi Unlock website, and if your model is not there, unlocking is possible only by informal methods (risky!).

3. Linking Mi Account. This is the most important step! Without a tied Xiaomi account, unlocking is impossible.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Make sure you are logged in.
3. Turn on data synchronization.
4. In the Device Status section, the inscription “Device is tied” should be included.

💡

If you have two Mi accounts (e.g. Chinese and global), use the one that matches your smartphone’s region.

Step-by-step instructions: how to unlock OEM Xiaomi

Now, let's get to the process itself. The instructions are relevant for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO on MIUI 12/13/14. If you have an older firmware version, update first through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Step 1. Turn on the debugging. USB unlock OEM.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn on: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (If you don’t have an option, your model doesn’t support unlocking).

Step 2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm debugging.

When you first connect, you'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen. Check Always Allow from that computer and click Allow.

Step 3: Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool.

The official utility can be downloaded from the site en.miui.com/unlock. Make sure you have the latest version (at the time of writing – Mi Unlock Tool) 5.5.224.24). Install the program on your PC and run on behalf of the administrator.

Step 4. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool.

Enter the username and password from the same Mi Account that is linked to the smartphone. If the utility gives an error Couldn't verify device, then:

• The account is not linked to the device (see Step 3 in the Preparation section).
• You are using the wrong account (e.g. Chinese instead of global).
• The smartphone does not support unlocking.

Step 5: Start the unlocking process.

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
5. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen (if necessary).

It takes 1 to 10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool shows you need to wait XX It's normal to wait until the specified time (usually 72-168 hours) and try again.

💡

Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official and safe way. EDL Deep Flash Cable can cause hardware damage to your device.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

Error: "This device is bound to another account."

This means that the smartphone was previously linked to another Mi Account (e.g., if the device is used).

• 🔄 Ask the previous owner to untie the account via account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• ⚠️ In extreme cases, it can be used EDL-The mode, but it is risky and requires special cable.

The error is, "Device is not supported."

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi K50 Ultra) have additional protection:

• Check that you have the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Update the firmware to the latest official version.
• If nothing works, look for informal methods (but be aware of the risks!).

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked

If you’re not sure if the bootloader is unlocked on your Xiaomi, there are a few ways to check it out:

Method 1. Through Fastboot.

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type in: fastboot oem device-info
5. If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

Method 2. Through settings.

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Click the kernel version a few times, and if it says "bootloader unlocked," it's okay.

Method 3. Visually.

When you load a device with an unlocked bootloader, the Orange State warning or an open lock icon will appear at the bottom of the screen.

💡

If you buy a used smartphone and see an Orange State, it doesn’t always mean a problem, but check with the seller before you buy if the bootloader is unlocked, which can affect the warranty and functionality.

Can I lock the bootloader back?

Xiaomi does not officially provide a back-locking tool, but there are two ways to get things back to the way they were:

Method 1. Firmware official software via Fastboot.

1. Download the official firmware for your model (e.g. Fastboot) ROM).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all_lock.bat (if it's in the archives).
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and wait until it is completed.

The loader will then be blocked, but DRM-The keys may not be restored (e.g., Widevine) L1 stay on L3).

Method 2. Through the Mi Flash Tool.

This utility allows you to flash your smartphone with the option of clean all and lock.

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Select Fastboot firmware ROM for your model.
3. In the settings, select clean all and lock.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader after unlocking does not guarantee warranty recovery. Xiaomi service centers can check firmware history through service tags. If the device has previously been unlocked, this may remain in logs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions