How to unlock Xiaomi if this device is locked is available – 4PDA

The message “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi screen is one of the most frustrating situations for a smartphone owner, which means that the device is locked at the bootloader level, and standard reset methods (for example, through Recovery) will not help, most often the problem occurs after a failed firmware, reset to the factory settings without detachment of the Mi Account, or when buying a used phone with a tied account of the previous owner.

On the forum 4PDA Gathered the most up-to-date information on unlocking Xiaomi, including methods through Fastboot, EDL-In this article, we have systematized the working methods (including those requiring an authorized developer account), added risk warnings and detailed instructions with commands, POCO Or Mi shows the lock on the screen, and here you will find the solution.

Why is this device locked and what does it mean?

This device is locked. Connect to Mi Assistant on PC to unlock" indicates hardware locking of the bootloader. It's not the same as locking the screen (PIN/pattern lock) or binding to Mi Account:

• 🔧 Failed firmware via Fastboot or Recovery with process interruption.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings without detachment Mi Account (if Find Device was enabled).
• 📦 Buying a used device with a previous owner’s account tied.
• 🛠️ Intervention in the boot or recovery section (for example, when installing a custom recavery).
• 🔒 Activation of Anti-Rollback (protection against rollback of firmware on older versions).

It is important to understand that this lock is not removed through:

• ❌ Reset to Recovery (even if you know the password from your Mi Account).
• ❌ Flip-through SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash without authorization.
• ❌ Removing frp partitions (this will only work for Google) FRP, But not for Mi Lock).

⚠️ Warning: If a device is stolen or bought from hand without an account being detached, official unlock methods will not work. EDL-Firmware with an authorized account (more in the section below).

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The safest method is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable if:

• 📱 You have access to the Mi Account linked to the device.
• 🔓 The phone was not locked for breaking the unlock rules (for example, trying too often).
• 🖥️ You have a Windows PC (the utility does not work on Windows) macOS/Linux).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (the version must match your firmware).

If the utility gives you an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Device is locked":

• 🔹 Make sure the phone is off. OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if you have access to the system).

Unlocking through Fastboot: commands for experienced users

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn't work, you can try unlocking the device via Fastboot commands.

• 💻 PC with installation ADB/Fastboot driver.

The main commands to unlock:

fastboot oem device-info # Check the lock status


fastboot flashing unlock # Unlock (requires confirmation on your phone)




fastboot oem unlock # Alternative command for older devices




fastboot reboot #Reboot

If flashing unlock does not work, try:

fastboot oem unlock-go # For some models (e.g. POCO F3)


fastboot flashing unlock_critical # Unlock critical partitions

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) These commands may not work without authorization through Mi Account. EDL-firmware.

If the phone does not load after unlocking:

• 🔹 Install stock firmware through Mi Flash.
• 🔹 Check if Anti-Rollback is activated (info is available in the device-info).

Install ADB/Fastboot driver|Download the firmware for your model|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Connect the original USB-cable-->

EDL-Mode: The last resort for blocked Xiaomi

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash your device even when you lock it completely.

• 🔒 The phone shows “This device is locked” and does not respond to Fastboot commands.
• 📵 The device is not defined in the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔧 You need to get around Mi Account without the previous owner’s data.

For firmware in EDL you will need:

1. Mi Flash or QFil utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Transfer the device to EDL: 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC, press the Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (on some models you need to close the testpoints). 🖥️ In the Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Squeeze the device:

Open Mi Flash → Select firmware → Press “Refresh” → “Flash”

Wait for completion

(The process takes 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL The newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) require an authorized account that can only be accessed through affiliate service centers.

Bypassing the Mi Account lock without previous owner data

If the device is locked on the previous owner's Mi Account, the official methods won't help.

• 🔓 Reset FRP (Factory Reset Protection via Fastboot.
• 📱 Installation of patched firmware (for example, OrangeFox Recovery).
• 🔧 EDL-Firmware with the removal of persist-partition.

The most reliable way is to run firmware through EDL and remove the link to the account.

1. Download a special firmware (such as Anti-Rollback Off or No Auth Firehose) with 4PDA.
2. Swipe it through Mi Flash in clean all and lock mode.
3. After the firmware, the device will be unlocked, but it may need to be activated again.

For models running a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO C31), you can use the SP Flash Tool with authentication file (is available on 4PDA).

⚠️ Note: Delete Mi Account through FRP-Bypassing can lead to blocking iCloud style on new devices (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+). In this case, the phone will become a “brick” without the possibility of recovery.

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If you are buying a used Xiaomi, always check the Mi Account undue through the Settings menu → Mi Account → Devices. If the previous owner did not remove the device from the list, request it with you!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you unlock Xiaomi, users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

If the device after unlocking:

• 🔹 Not included. → Check it out. EDL-mode and pass the full package.
• 🔹 Logo-obsessed. → Set stock recovery and do a reset.
• 🔹 Asks for a password. → Remove Gatekeeper Sections Through EDL.

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If the phone doesn’t boot after unlocking, never try to flash it through informal tools (e.g., unblocking, MTK Bypass.This could cause damage. NAND-memory and irreversible brick.

Where to look for relevant firmware and tools

All the necessary files to unlock Xiaomi can be found at:

• 🔹 The official site of Xiaomi – stock firmware: MIUI Downloads
• 🔹 GitHub - Unlocking Utility: Xiaomi Firmware Updater EDL Client

Before downloading the firmware, check:

• 🔹 The code name of your model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) = sweet).
• 🔹 Anti-Rollback (if any, you can not stitch old versions).

Important: 4PDA firmware is often modified. If you want 100% stability, use official Xiaomi packages (but they require authorization for EDL).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions