Unlock the loader on MIUI 9: A complete guide with proven methods

Branded shell MIUI Xiaomi’s 9 is still popular with users, despite the release of newer versions, and one of the key problems faced by owners of devices on this firmware is a blocked bootloader. Without unlocking it, you can't install custom software, get root rights, or even bring your phone back to life after a software failure. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to unlock it. MIUI 9, including the official Mi Unlock Tool method, workarounds for old accounts, and error fixes like "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not bound".

It is important to understand that the unblocking procedure MIUI The 9 has its own nuances compared to the newer versions, such as some models (like the Redmi Note). 4X Mi 5 or Mi require the device to be linked to the Mi Account in advance, and others (such as the Mi Max 2) may need to wait 72-360 hours after the binding.We will look at each step in detail so that you can avoid typical errors and successfully unlock the device without the risk of turning it into a brick».

If you've never unlocked a bootloader before, don't worry: it's a multi-step process, but it's a very easy process for beginners to do, and the key is to follow the instructions and not skip the steps. from the device preparation to the final firmware via Fastboot or EDL. Also in the article you will find answers to frequent questions, table compatibility models and relevant links to the necessary tools.

Why? MIUI 9 requires unlocking the bootloader?

The blocked bootloader is a standard security measure that Xiaomi has implemented to protect user data. MIUI 9 The lock works on the same principle as on newer versions, but with some features:

• 🔒 Protection against viruses and unauthorized access: without unlocking, it is impossible to install uncertified software, which reduces the risk of malware infection.
• 📱 Link to the Mi Account. MIUI 9 Many models require the device to be linked to a Xiaomi account before unlocking, making it more difficult for hand-buyed devices.
• ⏳ Waiting for confirmation, unlike the newer versions, where unlocking can take up to 7 days, MIUI 9 for some models is enough 72 hours (for example, for Redmi). 4X).
• 🔧 Custom firmware restrictions. You can't install it without an unlocked bootloader. TWRP, LineageOS or other alternative firmware.

But there's a downside: a locked bootloader is not just a problem for the attackers, but for the owners themselves, for example, if you forget the device's password or it's stuck on the Mi logo, unlocking the bootloader may be the only way to bring the phone back to life. Many users also want to avoid advertising in the MIUI 9 or install a more recent version of Android, which also requires unlocking.

Important: On some models (e.g. Mi) 5s Mi Note 2) unlocking the bootloader through the official tool may result in loss of module functionality NFC This is due to the features of the firmware based on Qualcomm. Before starting the procedure, make sure that your model is not included in the list of devices with such restrictions.

Preparation of the device for unlocking

Before you start unlocking, you need to follow several mandatory steps, and skipping any of them can lead to errors such as "This device is locked" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device."

The first thing you need to do is link the device to your Mi Account.

1. Go to Settings. → Sign in to your Mi Account (if you haven’t already done so).
2. Turn on the settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM (On some devices, this item may be called Mi Unlock Status).
3. Connect your device to the Internet and wait for the successful binding notification to appear. MIUI 9 can take up to 24 hours.

Next, you need to install the necessary drivers and tools:

• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi for unlocking. Download the latest version from the official website (pay attention to the bitiness of your OS).
• 🔌 Drivers. ADB You can use Mi Flash Tool or Google's universal drivers for Windows. Linux/macOS Drivers are not usually required.
• 📱 Debugging by USB. Activate it in Settings. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

Important: If you are using Windows 10/11, Turn off driver signature verification, otherwise the Mi Unlock Tool may not recognize the device:

1. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.
2. Follow the command: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on
3. Restart the PC.

Battery charge > 60%|The device is tied to the Mi-account|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version-->

The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

It's the most reliable way to unlock, but it takes patience. MIUI 9 The process can take anywhere from 72 hours to 15 days depending on the model and status of the account:

Step 1 Launching the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Unlock the file with the Mi Unlock Tool and open the file. miflash_unlock.exe (for Windows) or the corresponding script for Linux/macOS.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that your device is linked to.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (to do this, turn off the device, then press Volume down). + Food before the appearance of a bunny with the inscription Fastboot).

Step 2: Checking the status of the device

Once connected, the tool should identify your device. If Unknown is displayed instead of the model, check:

• 🔌 Correct driver installation (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface).
• 📱 Condition of cable USB (It is better to use the original cable from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 is sometimes a problem).

Step 3: Begin unlocking

If the device is correctly identified, press Unlock. The system can give one of the messages:

If the process is successful, the next time you turn on the device, you will see the words Unlocked in Fastboot mode. TWRP.

Less than 72 hours.|3-7 days|More than 7 days|Failed to unlock.-->

Alternative methods of unlocking for MIUI 9

If the official method did not work (for example, due to the error "This device is locked and cannot be unlocked now"), you can try alternative methods. They are suitable for devices that can not be associated with the account or have problems with the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

This method works for Qualcomm processor devices (e.g. Redmi Note). 4X, Mi 5? He demands it:

• 🔧 Auth file for your model (can be found on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFil for firmware in mode EDL.
• 🔌 Cable for EDL (Sometimes a special cable with the closure of contacts is required).

Instructions:

1. Put the device in mode EDL (This usually requires the volume to be pressed upwards. + Loudness down + Power or use the adb reboot edl command).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Device Manager should have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run Mi Flash Pro, select a firmware file with the unlocked bootloader and press Flash.

Method 2: Use of the old version of the Mi Unlock Tool

For some devices on MIUI 9 (e.g. Redmi) 3S or Mi 4c) Older versions of the utility are suitable, where there is no strict binding to waiting. v2.3.803.1 And try unlocking the device through it, and it's important that this method may not work on new Mi accounts created after 2018.

Method 3: Bypassing test firmware

Some users successfully unlocked the bootloader, first by putting the device on the MIUI China Developer ROM, And then using the Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (choose the Developer version).
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
3. After the firmware, repeat the unlock procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

The process of unlocking MIUI 9 is often accompanied by errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Error: "Couldn't unlock. Wait. 72/168/360 hours"

⚠️ Note: If you see this message, the device has not passed the waiting period. Do not try to bypass the wait through a time reset or change of account - this can lead to a complete lock of the bootloader. → Mi Unlock status.

Sometimes it helps:

• 🔄 Re-binding the device to the account (untie and re-bind).
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings (but not via Fastboot, but via the recovery menu).
• 🌐 Use of the VPN access to servers in China (sometimes speeds up the confirmation process).

Error: "This device is locked and cannot be unlocked now"

This error occurs if:

• The device was bought from hand and is already tied to another account.
• Mi's account has been blocked or deleted.
• The firmware of the device has been changed (for example, custom firmware has been installed without unlocking).

Decisions:

• 📧 Try to restore access to the original account (if the device used).
• 🔧 Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
• 🛠️ Use it. EDL-method (see previous section).

Error: "Current account is different from the account info on the device"

This problem arises if:

• You have signed in to another account in Mi Unlock Tool.
• The device has a second Mi Account (e.g., a guest account) enabled.
• Your account information is not synchronized (check your internet connection).

Decision:

1. Delete all Mi accounts from your device via Settings → Accounts.
2. Log in again under the account you use in the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Reboot the device and repeat the binding.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a server is busy error, try running the utility in Windows 7 compatibility mode or changing the system time on your PC 1-2 days ahead, sometimes bypassing server limitations.

What to do after successful unblocking?

Once you unlock the bootloader, you get new opportunities, but you also get risks. Here's what you can do next:

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

With the unlocked boot loader you can install TWRP — Popular custom recovery that allows:

• 📁 Make backups of the entire system (Nandroid backup).
• 🔧 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔑 Get root rights through Magisk.

To install TWRP:

1. Download the TWRP image for your model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Restart the device in Fastboot.
3. Run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Reboot to recovery by holding Volume up + Nutrition.

2. Custom firmware ROM

Nana MIUI 9 Many users install alternative firmware to:

• 🆕 Update the Android version (for example, from Nougat to Oreo or Pie).
• ⚡ Improve performance (some custom firmware is better optimized than others) MIUI).
• 🚫 Remove Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Services.

Popular Firmware for Devices on MIUI 9:

3. Obtaining root rights

With the unlocked loader and TWRP You can get root access through Magisk:

• 🛡️ Blocking Advertising at System Level.
• 🎮 Use modifications for games (e.g. GameGuardian).
• 🔧 Configure the hidden parameters of the system.

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub.
2. Reboot to TWRP.
3. Install. Magisk.zip via Install.
4. Reset the device.

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device becomes more vulnerable to malware. Do not install firmware and modules from unreliable sources to avoid security issues.

Security and risks of unlocking

Unlocking the bootloader is a powerful tool, but it has its downsides. Here's what you need to know:

Risks:

• 🛡️ Xiaomi's official service centers may refuse repairs if they find an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔓 Virus vulnerability: With the bootloader unlocked, malware can access system partitions.
• 💥 Risk of bricking: Incorrect firmware or interrupted process can render the device inoperable.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📥 Install firmware only from verified sources (XDA-Developers, 4PDA, official project sites).
• 🔋 Always back up (Nandroid backup) before the firmware.
• 🔌 Use high-quality cables and stable PC power (to avoid connection breakdown).

Can I get my guarantee back?

Technically, yes.

1. Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Close the bootloader with command: fastboot oem lock
3. Remove all traces of root and custom firmware (for example, through Magisk Uninstaller).

However, Xiaomi can detect the fact of unlocking the device logs, so there is no 100% guarantee of recovery warranty.

💡

If you plan to sell the device after unlocking, be sure to return the official firmware and close the bootloader.This will increase the chances of a successful sale and save the new owner from problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions