Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. Xiaomi officially provides the Mi Unlock Tool, but the process is fraught with severe restrictions: binding to the Mi Account, the mandatory expectation and risk of blocking if errors. In this article, we will analyze current methods of unlocking in 2026, circumvent typical errors and explain how to speed up the process legally.
Many users are facing problems: the tool can’t see the device, errors like Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked, and the wait time is stretched by weeks, the reasons are rooted in the changed policies of Xiaomi, updated versions of the Mi Unlock Tool and features of new models (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6), we tested all methods on devices from 2023 to 2026 and collected working solutions.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Backup data (photos, contacts, messages) is a mandatory step before starting the procedure. Using informal methods (for example, bypassing waiting through the process). EDL) This can lead to permanent blocking. IMEI.
What is Xiaomi’s Unlock Tool and Why You Need It?
Mi Unlock Tool is Xiaomi’s official utility that allows you to unlock the bootloader on the brand’s smartphones. Factory bootloader lock is a security measure that prevents the installation of uncertified software, but it also limits users to:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
- 🔧 Restore the device after a brick (for example, after a failed update).
- 📱 Use of alternative rivers (TWRP, OrangeFox).
Without unlocking, even legal actions (such as rolling back to the older version of MIUI) may not be possible. However, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: from 2022, new models (Redmi K60, Xiaomi 14 and newer) will have an unlock waiting time of up to 720 hours (30 days), and some devices require additional verification via SMS.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on the device. The manufacturer may refuse service if it finds traces of using Unlock Tool or custom software.
Requirements for unlocking the bootloader in 2026
There are several prerequisites that must be met before using the Mi Unlock Tool, and failure to comply with them will lead to errors such as Couldn't verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device.
| Requirement | Details. | For which models? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Account | Your account must be over 30 days old, with a phone number and mail attached, and some devices require SMS verification. | All models. |
| Linking the account to the device | In the settings of the smartphone must be authorized the same Mi Account as in Unlock Tool. Checked in Settings → Xiaomi Account. | All models. |
| USB debugging enabled | Activated in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB. | All models. |
| OEM-unblocking permission | Included in Settings for developers → Unlock OEM. On some devices, the option may be hidden. | All models except the POCO F5 and newer (requires additional steps) |
| Standby time | Between 72 and 720 hours (3-30 days) depending on model and region, and for Xiaomi 13T and newer, always 720 hours. | All models 2022-2026. |
💡
If the OEM Unlock option is inactive, try disabling Find Device protection in your Xiaomi account settings and restart your smartphone.
Step-by-step: how to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
The unlocking process consists of three steps: preparing the device, linking the account and directly unlocking through the PC. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid errors.
Stage 1: Preparation of the smartphone
Activate Developer Mode (7 clicks on MIUI Version)
Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Link Mi Account to account settings
Disable Find Device and Mi Cloud Sync
Reset the device-->
1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times in a row to activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:
- 🔌 Debugging by USB
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM (If there is no option, see spoiler below).
What to do if there is no OEM Unblock option?
3. log in to Mi Account on your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account) and make sure your account is linked to your phone.
Step 2: Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC
1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (check the Downloads section).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. log in to the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Using outdated versions of Unlock Tool (for example, 2021) will lead to the error Can't get info.
Stage 3: Unlocking the bootloader
1. Turn off the smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode by clamping the Power + Volume buttons down.
2. Connect the device to the PC via the original USB-cable (using uncertified cables may cause an error) USB device not recognized).
3. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If the device is selected, the waiting time will start counting.
Less than 72 hours.|3-7 days|1-2 weeks|More than 30 days.|I haven't unlocked yet.-->
4. After the wait is over, reconnect the device in Fastboot mode and press Unlock. The process will take 10–30 seconds.
Does Mi Account match on PC and smartphone?
- The option to unlock the OEM is activated.
- Are you using the original? USB-cable.-->
Unblocking errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and here is a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | The device is not tied to a Mi Account or is used by another account. | Check the authorization in the smartphone settings and restart it. |
| This device is locked | The waiting period has not expired or the device does not support unlocking. | Wait for the specified time or check the model for compatibility. |
| USB device not recognized | Problems with drivers or cable. | Install the official Xiaomi drivers and use the original cable. |
| Current account is different | On the PC and smartphone, different accounts are authorized. | Sign out of all accounts on both devices and log in again. |
| Network error | Problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers. | Use a VPN (such as Hong Kong or Singapore) or try again later. |
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool is hanging during the device verification phase, try disabling the antivirus on your PC and temporarily disabling the Windows firewall.
Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions or server errors), alternative methods can be used.
- 🔧 EDL-Emergency Download Mode: Allows you to unlock the bootloader through special firmware (firehose). Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and knowledge of fastboot commands.
- 📱 Patch bypass: Some modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. XiaomiTool) V2) speed up the process, but the risk of blocking the account is high.
- 🔓 Use of custom Recovery: Installation TWRP via fastboot without unlocking the bootloader is possible only on older models (until 2020).
Risks of use EDL-regime
For Xiaomi 12 and later, alternative methods often don’t work because of the anti-Rollback hardware, leaving only the official Mi Unlock Tool with waiting.
How to speed up unlocking the bootloader legally
The waiting time (72 to 720 hours) is a major hurdle for users, and while it can’t be completely circumvented, there are legal ways to reduce the time:
- ⏳ Use of the VPN: Connecting to Hong Kong or India servers can reduce the waiting time to a minimum of 72 hours.
- 📱 Linking the device to the account in advance: If you plan to unlock, log in to Mi Account on your smartphone immediately after purchase - the waiting period will start counting down automatically.
- 🔄 Update MIUI: On some devices after upgrading to the latest version MIUI waiting-time.
💡
Since 2026, Xiaomi has introduced additional verification for the Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6 models: if the device was purchased less than 30 days ago, unlocking is impossible even after waiting.
What to do after unlocking the loader
Once successfully unlocked, the device will automatically reset to factory settings, depending on your goals:
- 📲 Install custom firmware: Download the right firmware (for example, LineageOS for Xiaomi) 11T) and run it through fastboot or TWRP.
- 🔐 Getting root rights: Install Magisk via patch boot.img ornamental.
- 🔧 Recovery after failure: If the device was in a “brick state”, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Find Device and Mi Cloud are disabled. No backups will be created to the cloud. Use third-party services (e.g. Google Drive) to sync your data).
💡
To return the bootloader lock factory (for example, before selling the device), run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option.