How much it costs to unlock a Xiaomi phone: prices 2026 and a detailed guide

Unlocking a Xiaomi smartphone is a procedure that owners of the brand’s devices face for various reasons, from a forgotten password to a desire to install custom firmware. The cost of the service varies depending on the model, the method of unlocking and the region, but the key factor is the way to unlock. The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is free, but requires waiting and meeting strict conditions. Informal services offer unlocking for money, but with risks for data security and warranties.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔓 Official and unofficial ways to unlock Xiaomi (including Redmi and the likes of the two). POCO) and their value.
• 💰 Current prices in service centers and private masters (data for 2026).
• ⚠️ Hidden risks that are not warned in the salons.
• 🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for self-unblocking (if possible).

Important: If you're looking for a way to bypass a Mi Account (associated with a Mi Account), it's a separate procedure, often requiring proof of ownership.

1. Official unlock through Mi Unlock Tool: free, but with nuances

Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, which requires no payment, but has strict restrictions:

• ⏳ Wait 7–30 days after your account is linked to your device (depending on model and region).
• 📱 Support not all models: some older smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note) 4X) no longer supported.
• 🔗 Mi Account Link: Your phone must be logged in to your account for at least 72 hours.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: for Russia and CIS, the procedure may differ from the global version.

How it works:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Log in to your phone under your Mi Account and enable Developer Options → Unblock OEM.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Run the utility and follow the instructions, and the system will check if enough time has passed since the account was linked.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a used phone with an unlocked bootloader, the official method may not work.

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Link Mi Account to your phone (minimum 72 hours)|Insert "Unlocking" OEM" developer-setting|Make sure the model is supported by the utility|Prepare. USB-cable (original or high quality)

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2.The cost of unlocking in service centers and private masters

If the official method is not available or you do not want to wait, you can contact the service.

• 📅 Urgent: express unlocking (in 1-2 hours) more expensive.
• 🔐 Type of lock: password, pattern lock, Mi Account or bootloader.
• 📍 In Moscow and St. Petersburg prices are higher than in small cities.
• 🛡️ Guarantees: Some services provide a guarantee for work, others do not.

💡 Tip: Ask for a job guarantee before you go to the service and check if the data will be saved. Some workshops offer a "safe reset" with photos and contacts, but this increases the cost by 30-50%.

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If the phone is bought with your hands, ask the seller for a check or box – this will make it easier to unlock Mi Account through Xiaomi support.

3.The risks of unofficial unlocking: that you will not be warned

Cheap unlock offers (for example, 300-500) ₽) They often hide the serious consequences:

⚠️ After unofficially unlocking Mi Account without proof of ownership, Xiaomi may block IMEI It's going to make the phone a brick, it's not going to be able to call and go online.

• 🔄 Loss of warranty: even if the phone is warranty, after informal intervention, the service center will refuse to repair.
• 📱 Unstable work: custom firmware or "curved" unlocks can lead to overheating, rapid discharge of the battery.
• 🔒 Data Leakage: Some “masters” copy your photos, passwords and logins while working.
• 🚫 Blocking Xiaomi account: with frequent bypassing the security, your Mi Account can be banned.

📌 How to minimize risks?

• Check the reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
• Ask for a contract or a check for the provision of services.
• Before handing over your phone, make a backup copy of the data (if possible).

4 Unblocking Mi Account: a separate case

If the phone is locked due to binding to someone else's Mi Account (for example, after buying used), you can officially unlock it only if you have:

• 📄 Check or warranty card in your name.
• 📧 Access to an email linked to a previous owner’s account.
• 📞 The phone number used to register the account.

If this data is not available, informal methods remain:

1. Contact the service (price: 1,500–5,000) ₽). The master can reset the binding through EDL or specialty software.
2. Buying "unlock code" on forums (e.g. 4PDA or XDA-Developers) is a high risk of fraud!
3. Replacement of motherboard (extreme case, cost from 5 000) ₽).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has tightened security policies since 2023, and now, bypassing Mi Accounts without proof of ownership, the device can be permanently locked (even after paying for unlocking).

5. Self-unlocking: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to unlock your phone yourself, follow this algorithm. Importantly, the method is only suitable for unlocking the bootloader, not bypassing the Mi Account!

Xiaomi phone with charge ≥50%|Original. USB-cable|Windows computer 7/10/11|The Mi Unlock Tool|Mi Account tied to phone ≥72 hour

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Step 1: Preparing the phone

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Options.
2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

Mi Account

Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the utility from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Start the program and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Step 3. Unlocking

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Press Unlock in the utility.
3. If you receive a message about the need to wait, wait for the specified period (usually 7-30 days).

📢 If you are selling your Xiaomi, you should:

1. Make a hard reset (Settings → Resetting).
2. Unplug Mi Account in your account settings.
3. Delete everything. SIM-memory-cards.

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Before selling your phone, check if your Mi Account is still tied. SIM-map and try to activate the device.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)