Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has been one of the most popular mid-range devices for several years, attracting users with excellent price-to-features ratio. However, the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users, preventing them from removing system applications or installing modified versions of the operating system, and it is in these situations that owners think about how to unlock the bootloader to gain full control of their gadget.
Unlocking allows you to install custom recavators like TWRP and get root rights, which greatly expands the functionality of the device. You can change the themes at a deep level, overclock the processor to improve performance or, conversely, save battery power. It is important to understand that this action requires care and strict follow the instructions, as incorrect actions can lead to the failure of the device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail each stage of preparation and conducting the procedure, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the Mi Unlock Tool utility. You will learn what data you need to save before starting manipulation, how to set up the developer mode correctly and what to do if the process is stopped at the stage of checking your account.
Why it is necessary to unlock the loader
A bootloader is a special program that runs to the operating system and checks the integrity and signature of the system software. In Xiaomi smartphones, it is blocked by default, which prevents the installation of unofficial firmware and interference with system partitions. Unlocking this component is the first and mandatory step for any modding, allowing you to replace standard software with modified builds.
After successful execution of the procedure, the user is able to install custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which often work faster and cleaner than stock MIUI. In addition, access to complete removal of preinstalled garbage that cannot be removed by standard means, and install powerful utilities to automate tasks requiring superuser rights.
It is worth noting that unlocked bootloaders are not only opportunities, but also risks. Some banking applications and services with protection from copying content may stop working or limit functionality when they detect a violation of the integrity of the system, and a warning may appear on the device about the unlocked bootloader at each turn on, which, however, is easily removed by software methods.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the smartphone’s internal drive will be permanently deleted.
Preparation of the device and computer for the procedure
Before you start taking action, you need to carefully prepare the workspace and software environment. You will need a computer running the Windows operating system (version 7 and above), a working computer. USB-Also make sure that your Redmi Note 7 battery is at least 60% charged to avoid a sudden shutdown at a critical moment.
You need to install specialized ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, as well as the SDK Platform Tools platform. Without these components, the computer will not be able to correctly interact with the phone in debugging mode. It is recommended to download the official Mi Unlock utility from the manufacturer's website and unpack it into the root folder of the disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.
An important step is to link your Mi Account to your device, so you need to log into your profile and enable Find the Device in your smartphone settings, and that account will be used to log in to the unlocker, and changing your account after you link will require a 7 or 30 day wait.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking
Remember to back up all important contacts, photos and documents, as the phone will be completely cleared during the unlock process.You can use Mi Cloud cloud storage, Google Photos or transfer files to your computer manually via the computer. USB-cable.
Setup of the developer mode and debugging
To activate hidden system management functions, you need to turn on developer mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and find the MIUI version. Click on it 7 times in a row with quick clicks until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
Once you activate the hidden menu, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer. Here you need to find and activate the USB Debugging switch. When you first turn on, the system will request confirmation of action - agree to the warning.
Next, in the same menu, find Factory Unlock (or Mi Unlock Status) and click on it. The system will suggest linking your current device to your Mi Account. Click Add Account and Device and wait for the operation to be completed successfully. This action captures the binding and triggers a waiting timer.
What if the timer shows 168 hours?
Please note that in some versions MIUI may require insertion SIM-mobile internet cards to confirm phone number. Make sure that the mobile network settings for this SIM-Data transfer enabled, not just Wi-Fi.
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
When the waiting period has expired (or if you are lucky and unlock is available immediately), you can proceed to the immediate execution of the procedure. Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode: turn off the device completely, then press the volume down and power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the image of a hare repairing an android that says Fastboot appears on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Launch the previously downloaded Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Log in to the same Mi Account that was previously linked to the phone.
Press Unlock. The system will give a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The unlocking process will take some time, during which it is not recommended to turn off the cable or close the program. The progress bar will show the status of the operations.
fastboot oem unlockOnce successfully completed, the utility will report this, and the phone will automatically restart, and the first boot after unlocking can last longer than usual — up to 5-10 minutes, as the system performs the initial configuration and verification of the file systems.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
During the unlock process, users often encounter various errors that can stop the procedure. One of the most common is the "Couldn't verify device" error, which occurs when accounts are desynchronized. Make sure that the same Mi Account is entered on the phone and in the program on the PC.
If the utility says "Unlock failed: Try again later," it may mean that not enough time has passed since the last attempt to unlock. Xiaomi limits the number of attempts to protect against hacking, in which case you need to wait 24 hours or more without performing any actions with the bootloader.
Driver issues can also prevent successful unlocking. If your computer can't see your phone in Fastboot mode, check Windows Device Manager. There should be no unknown gadgets with an exclamation mark in the Android Devices or Other Devices section. If necessary, reinstall ADB drivers manually.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to unlock the bootloader using third-party scripts or modified versions of the Mi Unlock utility found on questionable forums. IMEI server-level.
The following table contains the codes of common errors and a brief description of the causes of their occurrence:
| Code/Error text | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Account mismatch | Different accounts on the phone and PC | Log in and log in to the same Mi Account |
| Current account is different | Changing your account after linking | Use your original account or wait 30 days |
| Device not found | Problems with drivers or cable | Replace USB-cable, reinstall drivers |
| Wait 168 hours | The waiting period has not expired. | Wait 7 days from the time of binding |
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the logical next step is to install the custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) restore menu, which allows you to install firmware, make full system backups and get root rights. Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) requires you to download the current version of the image twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.img.
Place the downloaded file in the ADB tool folder on your computer and rename it to recovery.img for convenience. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (down volume + power buttons) and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and type in the command to flash the recovery.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgAn important nuance for Xiaomi: immediately after performing the firmware command, you can not just restart the phone in the usual way, otherwise the stock recaveri will overwrite TWRP. You need to perform a special combination of buttons to enter recovery mode.
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Immediately after the fastboot flash recovery command, turn off the cable and press the power and volume buttons up until vibration to enter the TWRP.
If you did everything right, you'll see a touch-controlled TWRP menu on the screen. Now you can install a Magisk superuser archive or custom ROM. Remember, when you first download to TWRP, the system may require you to enter a screen unlock password.