Introduction: Why unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
Unlocking the bootloader unlock on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for anyone who wants to install custom firmware, get root rights or flash the device through Fastboot. Without this action, even official tools like the Mi Flash Tool will refuse to work with your device, giving an error about the locked bootloader.
The unlocking process requires special files — Xiaomi Bootloader Unlock Files, which include the Mi Unlock Tool utility, drivers and support scripts. However, many users face problems from the lack of an unlock button in the settings to errors like “Couldn’t” or “This device is locked.” In this article, we will discuss the current 2026 unlock algorithm that works even for new models like Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
What is Xiaomi Bootloader Unlock Files and where to download them
Xiaomi Bootloader Unlock Files is a set of files required to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.
- 📁 Mi Unlock Tool – Xiaomi’s Unlock Tool (versions vary for different regions).
- 🔌 Drivers. ADB and Fastboot for PC device recognition.
- 📄 Scripts for checking the status of the lock (fastboot oem device-info).
- 🔐 Authorization files (if you need to link your Mi Account).
You can download official files from Xiaomi website only at en.miui.com/unlock.Warning: Third-party sources often distribute outdated or modified versions of the utility, which can lead to errors such as "Mi Unlock Tool not responding" or even blocking the Mi Account due to suspicious activity.
Preparing the smartphone before unlocking
Before using the Xiaomi Bootloader Unlock Files, you need to follow several critical steps on the device itself, skipping any of them will lead to errors such as "This account is not bound to the device" or "Waiting for device."
⚠️ Note: If you previously linked another Mi Account to this device (for example, when buying a used phone), unlocking will not be possible without resetting via Fastboot with loss of data.
Instructions for training:
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Settings menu → More → For developers.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud (require to confirm email and phone number!).
- Disable all screen locks (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint).
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Once prepared, restart your phone to Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down) and connect it to your PC. Make sure the Android Bootloader Interface is displayed in Windows Device Manager – which means the drivers are installed correctly.
How to use the Mi Unlock Tool
Now we move on to the unlock process itself with the help of Xiaomi Bootloader Unlock Files. Follow the instructions strictly by steps to avoid errors:
- Run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator (important for Windows 10/11).
- Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
- Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (the screen should display the hare in the hat-eared).
- Press Unlock and wait for the check (can take up to 5 minutes).
If it goes well, you will see a message saying "Unlocked successfully" and the phone will automatically restart.Warning: on new models (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60) after unlocking, a full factory reset occurs - back up the data in advance!
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
| Mistake in Mi Unlock Tool | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | The account is not tied to the device or the phone does not support unlocking | Check your account’s binding in Settings → Mi Cloud. Some models (such as the POCO M6 Pro) require a wait of 7-15 days after the peg. |
| This device is locked | The phone has already been unlocked before, but the bootloader is locked again (for example, after firmware) | Repeat the unlocking process – sometimes 2-3 attempts are required. |
| Waiting for device | Drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty | Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface). |
| Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% | Xiaomi servers are overloaded or blocking requests from your region | Use a VPN (we recommend ProtonVPN with servers in Hong Kong or Singapore). |
Unlocking without waiting 7/15 days: bypassing restrictions
Starting in 2022, Xiaomi introduced a mandatory waiting period for new accounts: once the device is linked to the Mi Account, unlocking becomes available only after 7 days (for some models – 15).
- 🔄 Use a Mi Account that has already unlocked other devices before (the restriction applies only to new accounts).
- 🌍 Link your device to your account via Mi Cloud in a region where there is no waiting time (such as India or Indonesia). VPN-server.
- 📱 Buy a used phone with an already unlocked bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team - look for the line Device unlocked: true).
💡
If you unlock your phone for sale, be sure to follow the command fastboot oem. clean_all After unlocking, this will delete all data of the previous owner, including the link to the Mi Account.
Important: Bypassing waiting through informal methods (for example, changing build.prop or using modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool) can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account or the IMEI ban. Xiaomi actively fights against such methods, so taking risks is not recommended.
What to do after successful unblocking
Once unlocked, your Xiaomi is ready for further manipulation, but there are a few critical points to consider:
- Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP or OrangeFox) for backup and firmware ZIP-file.
- Squeeze Magisk for root rights (use the latest version from the official GitHub website).
- Turn off the automatic bootloader lock (on some firmware it turns on after updates). TWRP edit the file /vendor/build.prop, line ro.oem_unlock_support=1.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G or POCO M5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss of support for Widevine L1, Netflix and other services will only work in the future. 480p. Before unlocking, check the processor model in the application CPU-Z.
If you plan to flash custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), make sure it supports your model. A list of compatible firmware can be found on the XDA Developers forum.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi’s warranty. If you need to return the phone under warranty, pre-lock the bootloader back with the fastboot oem lock command (but this will result in a data reset!).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with strict adherence to instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool is not running | .NET Framework 4.5+ is missing or antivirus is blocking the utility | Install the.NET Framework from Microsoft's official website. Add the Mi Unlock Tool to the antivirus exceptions. |
| Error 0x80070005 when unlocking | Conflict with drivers or insufficient rights | Run the utility on behalf of the administrator. Remove old drivers via USBDeview. |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | Faulty cable or USB port | Try a different cable (preferably original) and a USB 2.0 port (on the back of your PC). |
| After unlocking the phone does not turn on | Boot or recovery section damaged | Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. |
If neither method worked, try using alternative tools like the Fastboot Enhance or XiaomiTool V2, which automate the unlocking process and often work where the Mi Unlock Tool is bugged.