Xiaomi’s “This Device Is Locked” – What to Do and How to Unlock Your Smartphone

The message “This device is locked” on the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is one of the most frightening mistakes for owners. It means that the device is locked at the bootloader level, and without the right actions you will not be able to use it. The reasons for this inscription can vary from accidental resetting to trying to install custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal ways of unlocking, and explain why this mechanism even exists and how to avoid it in the future.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all devices by default, which is a security measure against theft and unauthorized access. However, sometimes the lock works for legitimate owners, for example, after a software update or hardware reset. If you see a black screen that says This device is locked and the Mi logo, do not panic - in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without contacting the service center. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not try to "hack" the device with improvised means, which can lead to complete loss of data or a blink (inoperability) of the gadget.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the device: the main reasons

The bootloader lock mechanism in Xiaomi devices was introduced in 2016, and since then, the company has tightened its security policy, and now even after resetting to factory settings (Hard Reset), the device can require confirmation of the Mi Account account.

• 🔄 Resetting settings via Recovery Mode without detachment Mi Account.
• 📱 Buying a used device that was not properly “untied” by the previous owner.
• 🔧 Failed firmware or interrupted software update.
• 🔓 Attempt to unlock the bootloader through unofficial tools (for example, Fastboot without permission from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions resulting in system failure (e.g. damage to eMMC connector).

If your device is locked after buying from hand, there is a high risk that the previous owner did not delete his Mi Account. In this case, unlocking without his data is almost impossible - you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).

The official way to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

The only legal method to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi is to use the manufacturer’s Mi Unlock Tool utility, which is suitable for devices that have been locked after a reset or upgrade, but does not work if:

• 🚫 The device was stolen or lost (confirmation of original owner required).
• 🚫 Previous owner did not delete Mi Account (you need his login / password).
• 🚫 The device is in Relocked status after a failed unlock.

To unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, you will need:

1. Computer with Windows (7/10/11, 64-bit).
2. Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
3. Mi Account linked to the device.
4. Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website)

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool| Log in Mi Account on your phone and PC| Enable debugging by USB in the developer settings | Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Vol-)| Disable antivirus on your computer (can block the utility)

-->

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB.
3. Attach Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Data Synchronization (should be enabled).
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power + Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds.
5. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Log in to the same Mi Account as the phone.
6. Press Unlock and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock or Device not supported error, then your device does not support unlocking through this method. In this case, try alternative methods (see next section) or contact the service center.

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

If the official utility didn't work, there are a few informal ways that might work, but they do require technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty or a breakdown of the device. Use them at your own risk!

1. Unlock through EDL-regimen (Qualcomm)

The method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 🔌 Cable EDL (Or a special adapter for entering the 9008 mode).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Connect it to the PC by holding the Power + Volume Up buttons (it may require a short circuit of test points on the board to enter the EDL).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

2.Use of Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If the bootloader is unlocked on the device, but it is locked at the Mi Account level, you can try installing TWRP Recovery and manually delete your account files. It does not work on all models!

Algorithm of action:

1. Install TWRP via Fastboot (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Download to TWRP and connect to your PC via ADB.
3. Delete your account files: adb shell rm -rf /data/system/mi_account* rm -rf /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to unstable operation of the device. After such unlocking, it is recommended to perform a full reset (Wipe Data) through the device. TWRP.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you unlock Xiaomi, users often encounter common errors, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your device is blacklisted by Xiaomi (for example, if it was stolen or restored after warranty repairs), in which case unlocking is possible only through an official service with the provision of purchase documents.

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the status of the device through IMEI on imei.info. If the phone is listed as stolen or locked, it is better to refuse the transaction.

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid this device is locked again, follow these rules:

• 🔗 Always untie your Mi Account before selling or resetting your device: Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.
• 🔧 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.

If you’re a frequent firmware experimenter, consider buying devices with an already unlocked bootloader (e.g., global versions of POCO or Redmi for the European market).

💡

Even after successful unlocking, the bootloader may lock again when you update MIUI. To avoid this, disable automatic software updates in the settings.

Unblocking through the service center: when it is necessary

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 🔐 The device is locked by the previous owner and you can’t contact it.
• 🛠️ The device is in the Hard Brick state (not turned on, not determined by the PC).
• 📄 You have documents proving legal possession (check, contract of sale).

What you need to unlock in the service:

1. The owner's passport.
2. Documents for the device (guarantee card, check).
3. IMEI of the device (can be found on the box or via the command *#06#).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock. In some cases (for example, when you steal), unlocking may not be possible even through the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi