Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that allows you to install custom firmware, obtain root rights and other advanced settings. However, the formal process takes time, and informal methods come with risks. How much will you pay to unlock in 2026? The answer depends on the device model, the method chosen, and even the region.
Many users are faced with the need to unlock the bootloader after buying a used phone or if you want to install global firmware on the Chinese version. In this article, we will discuss current unlock prices, compare official and alternative methods, and explain how to avoid scams, POCO X5 Mi 13: Leaders of the query in 2026.
Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy: while it used to be free (but required waiting), it now pays to expedite the removal of the lock, with some services offering “circumventive” methods that can lead to a loss of warranty or even a “brick” of the device.
Xiaomi official unlock: prices and conditions
The official way to unlock the bootloader involves using Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool, a process that is free but has strict restrictions:
- 🔗 Requires to link your Mi Account to your device (minimum 7 days of active use).
- ⏳ Waiting for unblock confirmation – 72 hours to 30 days (depending on model and region).
- 📱 Not all devices are supported: new models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) They may be blocked for unlocking.
However, since 2023, Xiaomi has introduced a paid option of accelerated unlock through authorized service centers, the cost varies from 1,500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model:
- 💰 Redmi Note 12/11, POCO X5/M5: 1 500–2 500 ₽
- 💰 Mi 13/12, Xiaomi 13T: 3 000–4 000 ₽
- 💰 Flagships (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold 3): up to 5,000 ₽ (in some regions).
⚠️ Warning: Official unlocking through the service center will void the software warranty. Physical defects (screen, battery) remain under warranty.
To use the official method, follow the steps:
Link your Mi Account to your device (in Settings → Xiaomi Account)
Enable USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press, then Additional → Developers)
Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only)
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power)
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Informal Ways: Risks and Costs
If the official method is not suitable (for example, due to a long wait), users turn to alternative services.
- Paid online services (for example, XiaomiTool, UnlockBoot) – offer unlocking through remote access.
- Local wizards are physical points where unlocking is done manually (often using exploits).
The cost of unofficial unlocking in 2026:
| Method | Price (₽) | Timeline | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online services (automatic) | 800–2 000 | 10–60 minutes | Blocking of Mi Account, viruses |
| Local masters. | 2 000–4 500 | 1-3 hours | "Brick" devices, loss of IMEI |
| Private sellers (Telegram) | 500–1 500 | 5-30 minutes | Fraud, data theft |
Critical information: Since March 2026, Xiaomi has started blocking accounts used to unlock through unofficial services more than 3 times, which can lead to loss of access to cloud data and purchases in the Mi Store.
Popular services and their features:
- 🌐 UnlockBoot.com: Price from 1,200 ₽, It supports 90% of models but requires prepayment.
- 🛠️ XiaomiTool V2: Free for old models but new (Redmi Note 12)+) A paid license is required (1,800). ₽).
- 📱 Local workshops: in Moscow and St. Petersburg the average price is 3 000 ₽, regions - 2,000-2,500 ₽.
⚠️ Unofficial Unlocking through services like DC-Unlocker or MTK Bypass can lead to network loss (IMEI) on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 12C, POCO M5).
The cost of unlocking for popular Xiaomi models in 2026
Prices vary not only depending on the method, but also on the model of the device. Below are the current data for June 2026 (average prices in Russia):
| Model | Officially (service centre) | Informally (online) | Informally (master) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+ | 2 500 ₽ | 1 500 ₽ | 3 000 ₽ |
| POCO X5 Pro | 2 000 ₽ | 1 200 ₽ | 2 500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 4 000 ₽ | 2 500 ₽ | 4 500 ₽ |
| Redmi A2/A2+ | 1 500 ₽ | 800 ₽ | 2 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | 5 000 ₽ | - (unsupported) | 6 000 ₽ |
Why are there such differences?
- 📱 New models (Redmi Note 13, Xiaomi 14) have enhanced protection, so their unlock is more expensive.
- 🔧 Devices on Snapdragon (for example, POCO F5) It is easier to unlock than on MediaTek (Redmi). 12C).
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Europe and China are cheaper to unlock than Russia (due to exchange rates and demand).
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Before unlocking, check if your device is a "grey" import. Chinese versions (CN ROM) of some models (Redmi K60) may have hardware locks that cannot be removed software.
Hidden expenses: what else will you have to spend?
Unlocking the bootloader is just the first step, and it often requires additional costs.
- 🔄 Installation of custom firmware: from 500 ₽ (loading) up to 3,000 ₽ (master-set).
- 🔐 Getting root rights: free through Magisk, but some services charge 1,000-1,500 ₽ for "guaranteed" rout.
- 📡 Recovery IMEI (If lost after unlocking: 1,500–3,000 ₽.
- 🔧 Repairs after the "brick": from 2 000 ₽ (software reset) up to 10,000 ₽ (chip-substitute).
Example: Users unlocked Redmi Note 11 Pro+ through an unofficial service for 1,200 ₽, But after the installation, LineageOS lost the network. IMEI It cost 2,500. ₽, a module setting NFC — 1,000 ₽. Total: 4,700 ₽ instead of the planned 1,200 ₽.
⚠️ Note: If you unlocked a phone for sale, the new owner may encounter problems when linking their Mi Account. 12T) require reset to factory settings before unlocking, otherwise the new user will not be able to activate the device.
How to save money on unlocking Xiaomi?
There are several legal ways to reduce costs:
- Waiting for an official unlocker: if you take your time, you can save 2,000-4,000 ₽, Waiting for a free confirmation from Xiaomi.
- Group unlocking: Some workshops offer a 10-20% discount when unlocking 2+ devices.
- Self-Unlocking: For models older than 2021 (e.g., Redmi Note 10), you can use free tools like Fastboot Scripts.
- Buying an unlocked device: Avito or Yule often sell phones with an already unlocked bootloader (but check the history!).
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?
If you still decide to pay for the unlock, compare the prices:
- 🔍 Use aggregators like YouDo or Profi.ru – there you can find a master with a rating and reviews.
- 💬 Ask in thematic chats Telegram (for example, Xiaomi Russia or the Internet). 4PDA) — They often share discounts on services.
- 🛒 Check the promotions in service centers: sometimes Xiaomi holds promotional periods with cheaper unlocking.
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The safest way to save money is to wait for the official unlocker. Yes, it will take up to 30 days, but you will avoid the risk of losing the warranty and the device's "brick."
What happens if you unblock Xiaomi incorrectly?
Unsuccessful unlocking can lead to serious consequences:
- 💀 "Brick (complete device failure): phone not turned on, not detected by PC. Recovery costs 3,000-8,000 ₽.
- 📵 Loss of loss IMEI: The device is not catching the network. A common problem for models on MediaTek.
- 🔒 If the unofficial method was used, Xiaomi can ban the account for 30-90 days.
- 🚫 Denial of warranty repair: Even if the problem is not unlocked, the service center may refuse to release the service.
Example: Users tried to unlock POCO X3 Pro through DC-Unlocker, but interrupted the process, and as a result, the phone stopped turning on, and the recovery through the EDL-The regime cost 5,000 ₽.
How to restore the “bricked” Xiaomi?
To minimize the risks:
- 🔋 Charge your phone 100% before unlocking.
- 💾 Make a data backup through Mi PC suite TWRP (if already established).
- 📄 Save all Mi Account data (logins, passwords, backup codes).