Unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 2: Complete Guide with Official and Alternative Ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is the legendary smartphone of 2015, which is still used by enthusiasts due to its maintainability and support for custom firmware. However, to install alternative software requires unlocking the bootloader, which on older models Xiaomi has its own nuances. Unlike new devices, where the process is most automated, the Redmi Note 2 requires manual intervention and knowledge of specific commands.

This article will take a look at all the steps from the device preparation to the final unlock, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 2 (codenamed hermes).We will look at both the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, and the workarounds for cases where the standard method does not work. Importantly, the procedure carries the risk of complete data loss and the potential "brick" of the device if errors occur, so follow the instructions carefully.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 2

The factory bootloader Xiaomi blocks:

• 🔄 Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP, OrangeFox)
• 📱 Firmware for informal versions MIUI Android (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔧 Modification of system partitions (deletion of bloatware, change of kernel)
• 🛠️ Using tools like Magisk for root rights

On the Redmi Note 2, unlocking is especially relevant because of:

• ⏳ Outdated Official Firmware (the latest global version — MIUI 9 based on Android 6.0)
• 🔋 Battery problems solved by custom cores with energy optimization
• 📵 Lack of support for modern networks (updated firmware adds VoLTE)

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Create a backup of the data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or use Mi PC Photos and files on internal memory will be deleted!

Preparation of the device: steps before unlocking

Before the procedure, perform mandatory preparatory actions:

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) | Connect Mi Account to device | Install Xiaomi USB Drivers on PC | Download Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version | Disable antivirus (can block unlock tools) | Charge the phone at least 60%

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Detailed instructions for each item:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap the version number 7 times until the "You're a developer" notification appears. Then go back to the main settings menu, find the developer section and turn on the developer section: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Linking the Mi Account

Xiaomi bootloader is linked to the manufacturer's account.

• 📱 Mi Account added and activated on the phone (via Settings) → Accounts. → Mi)
• 🌐 Account confirmed by email/phone
• 🔒 Two-factor authentication is disabled on the account (can block unlocking)
• Device binding: The utility will require you to link Redmi Note 2 to your account. 1. Put your phone in fastboot mode (turn off, then press <power button> + <volume down button>). 2. Connect to your PC - the device manager should see "Android Bootloader Interface." 3. In Mi Unlock Tool, press "Unlock". The process will take 3-5 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 2 may display a warning about an uncertified bootloader when it is turned on, which is normal and does not affect the operation. To remove the message, you need to flash the custom Recovery and disable the dm-verity check.

Alternative methods: if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

On devices older than 2016, the official tool sometimes refuses to unlock the bootloader due to outdated certificates.

Method 1: Unlocking through Fastboot and ADB

Required:

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB Fastboot (Platform Tools Package)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB and unlock OEM
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (power button + volume reduction).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: true in the second command, the bootloader is unlocked. If not, try:

fastboot flashing unlock


fastboot flashing unlock_critical

Method 2: Using third-party utilities

For Redmi Note 2, suitable:

• 🛠️ XiaomiTool V2 (Automates the process, but requires.NET Framework 4.8)
• 🔓 UnlockBoot (script in Python, works through the ADB)

A critical feature of Redmi Note 2: when using third-party tools, be sure to turn off driver signature verification in Windows, otherwise utilities will not see the device in EDL mode (9008).

1. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.
2. Do this:

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on


bcdedit /set testsigning on

After unlocking, return the settings back:

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off


bcdedit /set testsigning off

Installation of custom recavéri after unlocking

The unlocked bootloader gives access to the installation of TWRP or OrangeFox. For Redmi Note 2 (hermes) are relevant:

• 📥 TWRP 3.7.0 (The latest stable version with Android support 6.0/7.1)
• 🦊 OrangeFox R11.1 (alternative with extended functions)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the image of the recovery (.img) for hermes from the official TWRP website.
2. Move the file to the ADB folder and rename it to twrp.img.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and do:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After that, the phone will be loaded into TWRP. Important: immediately back up the persist partition (it is stored in it) IMEI and the modem data. TWRP:

1. Go to Backup.
2. Select the persist section.
3. Swipe to create a backup.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 2 After installing the custom recavator, the network may disappear, due to damage to the modem partition. modem.img through TWRP or Fastboot.

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Once the TWRP is installed, the first launch must be in the recavéri, not the system, otherwise the stock firmware will overheat the custom recavéri!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Unlocking Redmi Note 2 is often accompanied by specific errors.

1. "Device Not Found" Error in Mi Unlock Tool

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Driver problems: Install Xiaomi USB Drivers manually through Device Manager (select driver for Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Port conflict: Connect your phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📱 Incorrect Mode: Make sure your phone is in fastboot, not in recovery.

2. The bootloader is unlocked, but the TWRP is not installed

On the Redmi Note 2, it is related to:

• 🔓 Block recovery: Use the fastboot flashing command unlock_critical before-fixing.
• 📦 Incorrectly: Download TWRP Only from the official website (the forums may be damaged).

3.The network is missing after unlocking (IMEI invalid)

Decision:

1. Stream modem.img and persist.img via Fastboot:

fastboot flash modem modem.img


fastboot flash persist persist.img

1. If the IMEI is reset, restore it via Maui META or SN Write Tool (backup required).

4.The phone does not turn on after unlocking (brick)

Symptoms and actions:

Recommendations after successful unblocking

After unlocking the loader:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: Install the latest stable version MIUI Or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 14.1 for Android 7.1).
• 🔒 Lock the bootloader back: If you do not plan further modifications, return the lock with the fastboot oem lock command (will protect against accidental changes).
• 📱 Set up backup: Use it TWRP to create full backups of the system, data and boot section.

For Redmi Note 2, firmware with optimization for weak iron is especially relevant:

• 🐌 MIUI Lite - a lightweight version without unnecessary services.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – pure Android with minimal resource consumption.
• 🔋 CrDroid – firmware with improved energy management.

Remember, custom firmware can take away official Xiaomi support (warranty, air updates) but for Redmi Note 2, whose official support has long been discontinued, this is irrelevant.

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To avoid performance problems, after installing custom firmware, disable the interface animation. To do this, in For Developers, set all animation values to Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration on the Off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 2