You turned on your Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of your desktop, a frightening message appeared on the screen asking you to enter the unlock code? Don't panic - it's not a virus or a breakdown. This lock appears on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a locked bootloader if you try to boot in Fastboot mode or install custom firmware.
In this article, we will explain why there is an error, what Mi Unlock Code stands for, and how to legally unlock a device without risking turning it into a brick. PIN-code – this is a hardware protection that Xiaomi has implemented to combat theft and unauthorized firmware modification, the unlock process takes from 72 hours to a week and requires official permission from the manufacturer.
Why this device is locked on Xiaomi
The message "This device is locked. Unlock code:" is the system's response to trying to boot in Fastboot mode (for example, when holding down Loudness + Power buttons) or when connecting to a firmware PC.
- 🔒 Blocked bootloader – all Xiaomi smartphones from the factory come with a locked bootloader to protect user data.
- 🔄 Firmware Attempt – if you’ve tried installing custom software (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) without first unlocking.
- 🛠️ Fastboot reset – even a legal factory reset via fastboot erase userdata requires an unlocked bootloader.
- 📦 Buying a used device – the previous owner could block the bootloader before selling.
Important: If you didn’t try to flash your phone and the message came on its own, it could be a result of a system failure or an attempted hack (e.g., through ADB), then first check the device for viruses using Mi Security.
What is Mi Unlock Code and Why is it Necessary?
Mi Unlock Code is a unique digital key that Xiaomi servers generate to unlock the bootloader of a particular device.
- 📱 IMEI Smartphone (unique device identifier).
- 👤 Mi Account to which the phone is linked.
- ⏳ Waiting time – after requesting the code, you need to wait from 3 to 7 days (depending on the model and region).
Why Xiaomi has introduced this system:
⚠️ Warning: Without an official unlock code, any manipulation of the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will result in a full lock of the device (hard brick state.
The code is valid once, and once successfully unlocked, the bootloader remains open forever (until the next reset via the Mi Flash Tool), but some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may require re-unlocking after the MIUI update.
Official way of unlocking: step-by-step instructions
The only legal method is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool, which takes at least 72 hours (3 days) and requires you to meet all the conditions:
Link your Mi Account to your device (in settings → Xiaomi Account)
Enable debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → For developers → Debugging by USB)
Turn it on. OEM-unlocking (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM)
Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC (download from the official website en.miui.com/unlock)
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (keep Volume down + Power)
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Step-by-step process:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your MIUI). Install the utility on a PC running Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux is not officially supported).
- Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone. If your account is not tied, do so in your smartphone settings before you switch to Fastboot.
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press the buttons <Loudness down> + <Nutrition> 3. connect the phone to the PC via the original USB-cable.
- In Mi Unlock, click Unlock, and the system will show a waiting timer (usually 168 hours for new accounts).
If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is not bound to this device", check:
- 🔌 Correct cable connection (try another port) USB cable).
- 📋 Linking the Mi Account to the device (in the phone settings).
- ⏳ Is the waiting timer expired (Mi Unlock Tool displays the remaining time).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the phone in Fastboot mode, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Windows Device Manager.
How long does it take to unlock?
The waiting time depends on the status of the Mi Account and the device model.
| Type of account | Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models | Standby time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New account (<30 days) | All models. | 168 hours (7 days) | Maximum period for new users |
| Account over 30 days old | Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 | 72 hours (3 days) | Confirmation by SMS is required |
| Account with Unblocking History | POCO F5, Redmi K60 | 24 hours. | If you have previously unlocked other devices |
| Service account (for SC) | All models. | 0 hours | Only for Authorized Partners |
Important: The timer is reset when you try to unlock from another account or device, for example, if you connect your phone to another PC or log in under a different login, the countdown will start again.
How to speed up the process:
- 📅 Do not change your Mi Account – use the same as the first link.
- 📱 Do not reset your phone to factory settings while waiting.
- 🔄 Check status in Mi Unlock Tool once a day – sometimes the timer is reset due to server errors.
What to do if the unlocking does not work
If the Mi Unlock Tool makes an error after the timer expires, try the following solutions:
⚠️ Warning: The error "Device is locked. Relock timer: X hours" means you have exceeded the limit of unlock attempts. 72–168 Wait until the time is up, other methods won't help. Common errors and their solutions: Error code Reason Decision Couldn't verify device Wrong account binding Reconnect account in Network error phone settings Problems with Xiaomi servers Try later or use VPN (Region: Hong Kong) Device not supported Device not supported Device not supported Unlock Check model on official website If nothing helps: Update Mi Unlock Tool to the latest version (remove the old before installing the new). Try another Windows PC 10/11 (Windows 7 You may have problems with drivers. Contact Xiaomi Support with the indication IMEI and screenshot of the error. What happens if you use informal unlock methods? - Unofficial tools (e.g. XiaomiTool) V2 or EDL Mode) can bypass the lock, but are fraught with consequences: - Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty). - Risk hard brick (complete inoperability without recovery). - Blocking the Mi Account for violation of the rules of use. - Problems with updates MIUI (Conclusion: for most users, the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only safe option. Xiaomi models that cannot be unlocked Not all Xiaomi devices support unlocking the bootloader. The manufacturer limits this opportunity to: 📱 Smartphones for the Chinese market (models with the C suffix in the name, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G China). 🛡️ Devices with corporate firmware (for example, Xiaomi Mi) A3 Enterprise). 🔒 Phones blocked by the operator (network-bound, for example, Redmi) 9A from MegaFon). 🆕 New models of the first batch (within 3-6 months after release, unlocking can be temporarily disabled). How to check if your device supports unlocking: Go to the Mi Unlock Status website. IMEI Your phone (you can find it by command *#06# or in the settings About the phone). → All parameters. → IMEI). The system will show the status: Unlockable (you can unlock) or Not unlockable (unlockable). If your model is blacklisted, there are two alternatives: Use a device with a locked bootloader (limits: You can’t install custom firmware, but official updates will work. Contact Xiaomi Service Center for legal unlocking (paid service, requires proof of ownership). 💡Even if the model supports unlocking, Xiaomi may temporarily suspend this feature for specific regions (e.g. India or the EU). Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi: Can you unlock Xiaomi without waiting? 72/168 No, it's not official to bypass the timer. All the accelerators and bypasses (like changing time zones or PC dates) don't work -- Xiaomi's server tracks the time of the clock. IMEI The only legal way to reduce the wait is to use a Mi Account that previously unlocked other devices (in which case the time limit may be reduced to a minimum of three). 24 What happens if you unlock the bootloader? Pros and cons: ✅ Possibility to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience). ✅ Installation TWRP Recovery for backups and modifications. ✅ Rooting (Magisk) for deep system tuning: ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty). ❌ Security risk (open bootloader makes it easier to hack your device). ❌ Problems with updates MIUI (You may need a handheld firmware). ❌ Block some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Game Turbo) How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account? If you don't remember the Mi Account details associated with your phone, restore access through the recovery page. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner to untie the device. In extreme cases, contact support with proof of purchase (check, box with a box of goods). IMEI). Important: without proof of ownership, Xiaomi will not remove the account binding. EDL (9008) without code? Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to stitch the device bypassing the locked bootloader, but: 🔓 An authorized Xiaomi account is required (available only to service centers). 🚨 Risk of hard brick when incorrect firmware. 📵 On new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) EDL It's not recommended for most users, but it's better to wait until the official unlock is done through the Mi Unlock Tool. Once you unlock it, it's no longer updated. What do you do? It's normal -- after unlocking the bootloader, the official updates are done. MIUI through settings → System updates may not be installed. Solutions: Install the update manually via the Mi Flash Tool (download the firmware from the official website). Return the bootloader lock (fastboot oem lock command), but this will block the ability to install custom firmware again. Use custom firmware on the base MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu, which supports OTA-update.