Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi smartphones (a Xiaomi brand) is a procedure that allows you to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, and deep customize the system. However, this process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to device blink. Unlike most manufacturers, Xiaomi provides an official unlock tool, but with strict restrictions. Why is it important? Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to install TWRP, flash LineageOS, or even upgrade your device through fastboot in case of critical failures.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock for Redmi (including the Note 12 Pro+, K50, 10C and others), features of working with the Mi Unlock Tool, as well as alternative methods for devices with a blocked Mi Account.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi's warranty and could result in data loss.On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G) The procedure blocks access to banking applications due to the SafetyNet trigger.
1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start unlocking, make sure your device meets the key requirements. Without them, the Mi Unlock Tool will refuse to work or lock the smartphone for 72 to 168 hours.
First, check the bootloader status. To do this, turn off Redmi, press Volume Down + Power, and look at the screen: if there's a Locked sign at the bottom (usually red), the bootloader is locked. On some models (for example, Redmi K40), this status can be checked through the command:
fastboot oem device-infoSecond, link your Mi Account to your device. Without this step, unlocking is impossible. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure your profile has a valid phone number, which you will need to confirm.
- 🔗 Link the device to your account: In the same settings for developers, activate the Unlock Status OEM and Unlock the loader.
⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi from hand, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account. Otherwise, you will need to bypass the lock through the EDL (about him in section 4).
2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
The Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal unlock method approved by Xiaomi, but it has a number of restrictions, most notably the mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) after an account is linked.
- 🔄 Change your Mi Account on your device.
- 📵 Hard reset (Wipe Data) via fastboot.
- 🔌 Internet shutdown while waiting.
To avoid looping the timer, follow the exact instructions:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official version is available on Xiaomi's website (authentication required).Do not use third-party sources - they may contain viruses.
- Connect Redmi in fastboot mode: Turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power, then connect to the PC via USB.
- Log in to the tool: Enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C) You may need an additional auth file to work with fastboot. It can be obtained through the official Xiaomi service (the request takes up to 3 days).
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool|Linking your Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Connect your phone to fastboot mode|Sign in to the tool with the same account-->
3. Waiting bypass 168 hours: Does it work in 2026?
The official wait of 7 days is a major hurdle for users, and in 2020-2022 there were ways to bypass this timer by manipulating the date/time or using older versions of the Mi Unlock Tool.
However, there are legitimate life hacks that can reduce the waiting time:
- 🔄 Resetting your timer through region change: If your Mi Account is tied to a region with less stringent rules (such as India or Indonesia), the timer can be reduced to 72 hours:
- ⏳ Use of test versions MIUI: On some beta firmware (for example, MIUI China Developer) no timer, but this method is risky - unstable builds can lead to failures.