Xiaomi’s “This device is locked”: how to unlock your smartphone through your computer in 2026

The message “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi screen is one of the most frightening mistakes for smartphone owners of the brand, it appears after a failed reset, firmware via Fastboot, or if the device was purchased from hands with a tied Mi Account. Unlike locking the screen, this problem cannot be solved by entering. PIN-It requires a computer connection and the use of specialized tools.

Many users mistakenly believe that unlocking via PC is a universal method that will work on any device. In practice, success depends on the Xiaomi model, bootloader version, Mi Account status, and even the firmware region. For example, smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM) often require additional actions, while global versions (Global ROM) are easier to unlock. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock through the computer, including official tools from Xiaomi and alternative solutions for complex cases.

Before you start, consider that some methods can lead to complete data loss or even “bricking” of the device. If your smartphone stores important files, try first to restore access through a service center or official support Xiaomi.

Why is this device locked and what does it mean?

The message "This device is locked. Connect to MiAssistant to unlock" indicates that the smartphone is locked at bootloader level.

• 🔄 Improper resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without detachment Mi Account.
• 📱 Buying a used device with a tied someone else’s Mi Account (even after resetting the lock remains).
• 🔧 Unsuccessful firmware via Mi Flash Tool or third-party utilities (for example, SP Flash Tool).
• 🛡️ Activation of the Find Device function (device search) followed by resetting.
• 🌍 Smartphone firmware version for another region (for example, installation of China) ROM global).

It’s important to understand that “This device is locked” is a security mechanism, not a bug. Xiaomi has implemented it to combat theft and unauthorized use of devices. If a smartphone is stolen, unlocking it without the previous owner’s data is almost impossible.

A critical difference from other locks: even if you know the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the device, unlocking via PC may not work without first requesting permission from Xiaomi (via the Mi Unlock Tool).

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The only legal method of unlocking is to use Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool, which only works if you meet three conditions:

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version should match your model).
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically, download Mi Phone Manager).
3. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account.

If the utility gives you an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Waiting for 72/168 hours," it means:

• 🔓 Mi Account is not linked to the device (you need to enter the data of the previous owner).
• ⏳ The smartphone has never been officially unlocked (it takes up to 30 days to wait).
• 📵 Unofficial firmware is used (you need to flash Global). ROM).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (If Mi Unlock Tool is Not Working)

If the official method did not work, you can try to bypass the lock through the firmware in EDL mode or bypass the Mi Account. These methods are risky and can lead to loss of warranty or breakage of the device.

Method 1: Firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash your smartphone even with a locked bootloader.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices).

Instructions:

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found in the archive with the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn the smartphone into EDL mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC. 3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention, firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI If the network goes missing after the procedure, you'll need to restore it. IMEI through an engineering menu or service center.

Method 2: Bypassing your Mi Account through ADB (for some models)

If the lock is linked to a Mi Account, you can try to delete your account via ADB. This method does not work on all devices and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot boot twrp.img (where twrp.img is a custom Recovery image for your model).
4. V TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager and delete files: /data/system/mi_account.db /data/system/mi_account_info.xml
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention, deleting system files can lead to a bootloop. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

Compatibility table of unlock methods with Xiaomi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular models (current for 2026):

If your model is not in the table, check for compatibility on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking via PC, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

• 🔌 «Device not defined": Check the cable (use the original), install drivers manually through Device Manager, try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• ⏳ «Waiting for 72/168/360 hours": Means that the Mi Account is not tied to the device or the smartphone has never been unlocked.The solution is to wait for the specified time or find the previous owner to unblock.
• 🚫 «Couldn't unlock": The error appears if you use unofficial firmware or your smartphone is blocked by an operator (e.g. T-Mobile, Verizon). ROM.
• 🔄 «Hanging on the Mi logo after firmware: It's likely that the firmware isn't suitable for your model or region.

⚠️ If you're unlocking it through EDL The smartphone stopped turning on (black screen, no button response), do not try to flash it again - this can aggravate the problem.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool is a version mismatch, download an older utility (e.g. Mi Unlock 5.5.224.24). Newer versions often block unlocking on older Xiaomi models.

How to Unlock Xiaomi Without Losing Data

Unfortunately, most PC unlock methods result in a complete reset (including photos, contacts, and messages).

1. Data extraction via TWRP

If the smartphone has custom recaps (TWRP), you can copy files on the PC:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when turned on).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select Mount → Enable MTP in TWRP.
3. Copy the files from internal memory to the computer.

2.Use of Fastboot Mode (for some models)

On devices with unlocked bootloader, you can try to extract data via ADB:

adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\

This command will copy the contents of the internal memory into a folder. Xiaomi_Backup disk-C:.

3. Contact the service center

If your smartphone has critical data (such as work documents), it is better not to take the risk and take it to an authorized service Xiaomi. wizards can unlock the device without reset using special equipment (such as UFi Box or Octoplus).

⚠️ Don't trust artisanal craftsmen who promise to unlock in 5 minutes.Unqualified actions can damage the eMMC chip, and the smartphone will become unrepairable.

💡

The only reliable way to save data is to back up your files in advance via Mi Cloud or Google Drive, and once this device is locked, the chances of file recovery are minimal.

What to do if nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, there are three options:

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi for support: Write to official support describing the problem by attaching a purchase check (if the smartphone is new.
• 🏠 Find the former owner: If the device is bought with hands, try contacting the seller and asking him to untie the Mi Account through his personal account.
• 🔧 Swipe your smartphone through service box: Specialized devices like UFi Box or Medusa Pro can unlock even the most stubborn models, but the service is expensive (from 3000 to 10 000 rubles).

If a smartphone is locked because of theft, it is legally impossible to unlock it, in which case Xiaomi, at the request of law enforcement, can lock the device permanently (via IMEI).

Critical point: when buying used Xiaomi, always check whether the Mi Account is untied. To do this, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and try to log out. If the “Login” button is inactive, the smartphone is tied to someone else’s account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi