The message “This device is locked. Unlock code” on the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is one of the most unpleasant situations for a smartphone owner, it appears after a failed firmware, reset or activation of the Mi Account protection when the system requires you to enter a special unlock code, without it the device becomes a “brick”: you can not boot the system, use or even connect to the PC in normal mode.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to solve the problem, from official code receipt through Xiaomi to workarounds for emergency cases, you will learn why blocking occurs (even if you did nothing!), how to avoid it in the future, and what to do if the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to work.
⚠️ Important: Some techniques require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty or complete inoperability of the device.If you are not sure about your actions, contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard.
Why is this device locked and what does it mean?
The message “This device is locked. Unlock code” is a bootloader hardware lock that Xiaomi has implemented to protect against unauthorized access.
- 🔄 Resetting settings via Fastboot or Recovery without detachment Mi Account.
- 📱 Firmware custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on a locked device.
- 🔧 Failed update through MIUI Updater with process interruption.
- 🛡️ Activation of Find Device protection with subsequent reset.
- 🔐 Buying a used phone with a tied Mi Account.
Unlike a normal password request, this lock is not removed through recovery or flashing — it is chip-level stitched. The only “legal” way to unlock is to get a unique unlock code from Xiaomi. However, there are alternative methods, which we will discuss below.
💡 Interesting Fact: On devices POCO F1, Redmi Note 7/8 Pro and some other models 2018–2020 In years, the lock can work even after a normal shutdown when the battery is discharged.
How to Get an Impression Code from Xiaomi
If your device is not stolen and you are the rightful owner, you can request an unlock code through Xiaomi Support.The process is slow (3 to 14 days), but reliable.
Step 1: Preparation of documents
You'll need:
- 🔑 Mi Account data linked to the phone (if any).
Step 2: Appeal for support
Go to the official Xiaomi support website and select:
- Mobile Phones section → model.
- The subject line is Unlock Device or Bootloader Unlock.
- Fill out the form, attach the documents and wait for the answer.
⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased by hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, the official code will not be given to you).
Make sure your phone is not on the IMEI blacklist
Check that Mi Account is not linked to another user
Prepare a check or a contract of sale
Take a picture of the serial number and IMEI-->
Unofficial Unlocking Methods (if the code cannot be obtained)
If the official path is not available, you can try to bypass the lock using alternative tools, which are suitable for devices with an already unlocked bootloader or older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5, etc.).
Method 1. Use Mi Flash Unlock (only for unlocked bootloader)
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and run the utility. If the bootloader is unlocked, the program will prompt you to enter the code.
Method 2. Firmware via EDL Mode (for power users)
This method works even on locked devices, but requires:
- 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
- 📂 Firmware in.mbn format for your model.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
📌 Instructions:
- Transfer the phone to EDL Mode (usually by closing contacts on the board or via adb).
- Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Deletes all data and can cause loss IMEI. Use only if there are no other options!
What is EDL Mode?
Table: Compatibility of unlock methods with Xiaomi models
| Model of the device | Official unlock code | Mi Unlock Tool | EDL Mode | Bypassing through TestPoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Only with an unlocked bootloader | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| POCO X3/X3 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (needs soldering iron) |
| Mi 11/12 Series | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (chip-level locking) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (simple TestPoint) |
| Redmi Note 8/8T | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yeah (needs a mediator) |
🔍 Note: For models on a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A, POCO C31) Unlocking methods are different – a utility is required SP Flash Tool and Authorization File (auth_file).
What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures
If all of these methods fail, radical solutions remain:
- 📱 Flip-through UFI Box or EasyJTAG (requires equipment).
- 🛠️ Requesting a service center to re-sweeten the memory chip (expensive but effective).
Critical information: On Xiaomi devices 2021 and later (for example, Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), blocking “This device is locked” may be due to the activation of Anti-Rollback Protection. In this case, unlocking without an official code is impossible – even firmware through EDL will not help.
⚠️ Note: Before you bring your phone to the service, check it on IMEI.info. If Blacklisted status is blacklisted, unlocking it may be illegal!
💡
If you buy used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to make a Factory Reset with you and unblock Mi Account.
How to avoid blocking in the future: prevention
To never see the message “This device is locked,” follow these rules:
- 🔑 Untie your Mi Account before resetting or selling your phone (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Get out).
- 📱 Do not use custom recovery (for example, TWRP) lock-down.
- 🔄 Use only official firmware from MIUI bootloader.
💡 Tip: If you often flash Xiaomi, unlock the bootloader in advance through the Mi Unlock Tool (even if you don’t need it now). This will take 7-15 days of waiting, but will save you problems in the future.
💡
The most common reason for blocking is to reset your settings without detachment from Mi Account. Always check your account status before selling or transferring your phone!