“This Device Is Locked” on Xiaomi Redmi 7: Step-by-step unlocking instructions

Why Redmi 7 is showing “This device is locked”?

The message “This Device Is Locked. Connect to Mi Account” on the Xiaomi Redmi 7 screen is one of the most common problems among owners of MIUI-based devices, which is caused by the Mi Account protection that links the phone to the user’s account, most often an error occurs after a reset, firmware or incorrect system update.

The reasons for activating the lock can range from a banal hard reset to an attempt to install custom firmware without detachment of the account. In some cases, the problem occurs even after the motherboard is replaced, the system recognizes the change in hardware components and requires proof of ownership. It is important to understand that Xiaomi has implemented this protection to combat theft, so it will not be possible to bypass it “in the forehead”.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to unlock Redmi 7, including official methods through Mi Account, bypassing with the help of the Redmi 7. EDL-The mode, as well as alternative solutions for cases when access to the account is lost, we will pay special attention to the nuances associated with this model, for example, the features of working with the bootloader and version. MIUI.

Official method: unlocking through Mi Account

The most reliable and legal method is to use the original Mi Account that the phone is attached to, and if you remember the username and password, the procedure will take no more than 5 minutes.

1. On the lock screen, select Unlock with Mi Account (or similar Chinese if the firmware is localized).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Enter your password and confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. After successful authorization, the phone is unlocked automatically.

If the device was purchased by hand, try contacting the previous owner and asking them to untie the phone from their account via account.xiaomi.com.

• 🔑 Log in to your Mi Account profile.
• 📱 Go to the Devices section (Devices).
• 🗑️ Find Redmi 7 in the list and click Remove Device).

⚠️ Note: If the previous owner cannot or does not want to unplug the device, it is not possible to officially unlock the phone).

Alternative Unlocking Methods Without Mi Account

If the original account is lost, workarounds will be used, and it is important to understand that these methods may violate the terms of the Xiaomi license and require technical skills.

1. Unlock through EDL-Mode (Emergency Download Mode)

The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you first need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool (but this requires access to the account associated with the phone - a vicious circle).

For Redmi 7 with unlocked bootloader:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL (Hold the volume up + Loudness down + USB-cable).
• 💻 Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (you can download it) XDA Developers).
• 📥 Download the firmware for Redmi 7 in.tgz format and unpack it.
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware in Clean All mode.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI and NV-After the procedure, restoration may be required IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##).

2. bypassing Fastboot (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can try flashing a modified boot.img with Mi Account check disabled.

1. Download the modified boot for Redmi 7 (make sure the version matches your firmware!).
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
3. Connect to the PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the lock may disappear, but this method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. If the phone freezes on the logo, you'll need to re-rout the firmware.

Battery charge > 50% | ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Download modified boot.img| Data backup (if possible) | Antivirus disabled (can block utilities)

-->

Table: Compatibility of Unlocking Methods with MIUI Versions

Important for Redmi 7: Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has tightened firmware signature verification, which means that “old-fashioned” methods with Fastboot or TWRP firmware can result in a complete “brick” (inoperability) of the device if the Anti-Rollback version does not match.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase, and in some cases, they can unlock the device by serial number.
2. Use your phone as a “brick” – for example, for spare parts or as a media player (if only the bootloader is unlocked).

For owners of Redmi 7 with lock on Chinese firmware (for example, MIUI China Stable), there is another option: try flashing the global version of MIUI through Fastboot.

💡

If the phone is locked after buying on AliExpress or another Chinese store, try contacting the seller.Some stores provide data from Mi Account to unlock (check this before buying!).

How to avoid blocking in the future?

To avoid the problem again, follow these rules:

• 📱 Don't buy Xiaomi off your hands without checking. ask the seller to reset the settings in front of you and make sure there's no lock.

If you frequently reflash devices, consider buying global firmware phones (MIUI Global) — they are less likely to be blocked when reset, and it’s also helpful to create a backup Mi Account and link your phone to it in case you lose your main one.

💡

The only 100% reliable way to avoid lockdown is to unplug the device from the Mi Account before it is dumped or sold. All other methods have risks or limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 7 lockdown