How to get around the lock on Xiaomi: from Mi Account to regional restrictions

Blocking Xiaomi devices is a common problem that users face after resetting, buying a used phone or trying to flash custom firmware. The manufacturer implements several layers of protection, from binding to a Mi Account account to regional restrictions in firmware. In this article, we will discuss legal and semi-legal ways to bypass locks, relevant for devices on MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS.

It is important to understand that some methods require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty or "bricking" of the device. We do not recommend using them on phones with a valid warranty or without a backup.

1 Unlocking Mi Account after reset (FRP)

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) locks when you reset your phone if you have a Mi Account, and requires you to enter your previous owner's login and password, and you can only legally bypass it through your original account, but there are workarounds for devices on MIUI 12-15.

The most reliable method is to use the Mi Flash Unlock Tool with authorization through a developer account, but since 2023 Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires you to link your phone to your account 72 hours before unlocking, and if this condition is not met, you will have to use alternative methods.

  • πŸ”§ Method 1: Using the Fastboot and the fastboot oem unlock command (works on older models up to the Redmi Note 9).
  • πŸ“± Method 2: Bypassing EDL-mode (requires an authorized developer account and a special cable).
  • πŸ”“ Method 3: Installation of patched firmware through TWRP (Risky, and may lead to blocking IMEI).

⚠️ Note: From 2026, Xiaomi will block IMEI Unauthorized Unlocking through EDL. Before using this method, check if your model supports recovery. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##).

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model
I don't know.

2. bypassing regional restrictions (Global β†’ CN and back)

Many users face a problem when Global’s firmware blocks access to certain features (e.g, 5G on the Redmi Note 11T Pro+ or IR-blaster POCO X5). The solution is reflashing into Chinese (CN) European (EEA) version MIUI/HyperOS.

This will require:

  1. Unlocked boot loader (see section 1).
  2. Official firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).
  3. Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot.
ModelSupported regionsRisks in changing regions
Xiaomi 13/14CN, Global, EEA, INLosing Google Pay on CN, blocking NFS on IN
Redmi Note 12Global, EEA, IN, RUNo VoLTE on IN-firmware for European operators
POCO F5Global, EEA, IN5G frequency restriction on the IN-version

Important: if you change the region from Global to CN, all data will be deleted, and Google services will have to be installed manually via APK. Some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) require additional unlocking of Anti-Rollback.

Make sure the loader is unlocked|Download the correct firmware version for your model|Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least 60%|Connect the original USB-cable-->

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) in 2026

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the process of unlocking the bootloader, now requiring:

  1. Link your phone to your Mi Account 72 hours before unlocking.
  2. Getting permission through the official website (can take up to 30 days).
  3. Use the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at the time of writing - v6.5.224.30).

The unlocking process:

1. Enable USB debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times).


2. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and activate OEM Unlock.




3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.




4. Follow the instructions of the program (the phone will reboot to Fastboot).




5. Wait for the message Unlocked successfully.

⚠️ Warning: On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) unlocking the bootloader resets Widevine protection L1 on L3, What is the impact of streaming on Netflix and Disney?+ before 480p.

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or use the original cable from the kit.

4. Bypassing the lock through the engineering menu (for experienced)

Some locks (e.g., 4K@60fps in camera or 5G bands disabled) can be bypassed through the engineering menu.

  1. Enter the code ##4636## or #284## (to test the network).
  2. Go to Device Information or Network Lock.
  3. Change the settings manually (e.g., turn on Band 78 for 5G).

For models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F5) can be used QPST or QXDM It's a very sophisticated way to fine-tune the modem, but it requires knowledge. NV-parameter and may result in loss of network.

List of hidden codes for Xiaomi
##4636## - Phone and battery information ##284## - Network test (including: 5G) ##6484## - Camera test (permits) 4K on uncertified models ##2338## β€” MAC-Wi-Fi address ##06## β€” IMEI (originality-testing)

5.IMEI recovery after failed unlock

If the loader or firmware is missing after unlocking IMEI (The phone doesn't catch the network, it can be restored through an engineering menu or specialized utilities. MTK Engineering Mode, for Qualcomm β€” QCN-file.

Instructions for MediaTek:

1. Install MTK Engineering Mode from Play Market.


2. Go to Connectivity β†’ CDS Information β†’ Radio Information.




Enter AT- the command:


   AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1"
   AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2"


4. Reboot the phone.

Qualcomm will require a QCN backup made before the IMEI loss, which can be restored via QPST or QFil, but the process is more complex and requires Qualcomm HS-USB drivers.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI via ChimeraTool or Octoplus could lead to hardware modem lock on new Snapdragon chips 8 Gen 2/3. Use only official methods.

6. Alternative methods: bypass without unlocking

If unlocking the bootloader is not possible (for example, on phones with HyperOS), you can try:

  • πŸ”„ Reset via Safe Mode: Press the power button β†’ Hold "Switch off" β†’ confirm the transition to safe mode, and here you can sometimes uninstall the problem application causing the lock.
  • πŸ“¦ Installation APK through ADB: If the blocking is due to the lack of Google services, you can manually install the lock. GMS via command: adb install com.google.android.gsf.login-7.1.2.apk
  • πŸ”— Use of Mi PC Suite: Sometimes the official utility allows you to reset the Mi Account lock when connecting to a PC with an authorized account.

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the security bypass is complicated by the new HyperProtection protection system, in which case only contacting a service center with proof of purchase can help.

πŸ’‘

On HyperOS devices (2026), most of the β€œholes” to bypass locks are closed, and the only legal way is to officially unlock through Mi Account or service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I bypass Mi Account without unlocking the bootloader?
New models (2023-2026) don't. There used to be methods using TWRP or EDL, but now Xiaomi blocks these vectors, and the only option is to find the previous owner and ask for data from the account.
What if the phone does not turn on after unlocking the bootloader?
There's probably a firmware error. Try: Click Power. + Volume Up to log in to Fastboot. Swipe the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. EDL-If the phone doesn't respond at all, it's a hard brick, and you can't do without a service center.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?
Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Down. If you see "Unlocked" with the open lock, the bootloader is unlocked. If "Locked" is not.
Can I return the warranty after unlocking the bootloader?
Unlocking the bootloader automatically voids Xiaomi’s warranty, but some service centers may be willing to do so if the problem is not related to the software part (e.g., a broken screen).
Which Xiaomi models can’t be unlocked in 2026?
List of models with blocked unlockability: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (HyperOS restrictions) Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (anti-Rollback 5 protection), POCO F6 Pro (requires authorization through Mi Account with region binding) Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (ban on unlocking for Chinese versions) For these models, bypassing the locks is possible only through service centers with official access to EDL.