Xiaomi’s “This device is locked”: How to turn off the lock and return access to the phone

The message “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi screen is one of the most frightening mistakes for users, which appears after a failed firmware, reset settings or activation of the Mi Account protection, blocking access to the system. Unlike a standard password request, this inscription signals a hardware lock of the bootloader that cannot be circumvented by simple input. PIN-code.

In most cases, the problem occurs on devices with MediaTek-processors (Redmi Note series). 8/9/10, Poco M3/X3) Or after manually interfering with firmware through the Fastboot.However, even the owners of flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13, Mix 4) The main difficulty is that there is no universal solution: the method of unlocking depends on the cause of the error and the device model.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to disable locks, including official Xiaomi tools and workarounds for advanced users, and learn how to avoid the recurrence of the error and what to do if the phone turned into a brick after unsuccessful manipulations.

Why this device is locked on Xiaomi

The device lock message is a security mechanism that works in three key scenarios:

1. Mi Account Lock activation: If a Xiaomi account was attached to the phone and the Find Device option is enabled, after the Hard Reset, the system will require the original owner to enter the username/password, a standard anti-theft measure, but it also blocks devices purchased from hands without detachment of the account.
2. Unauthorized firmware, custom recaveri installation (TWRP) or firmware through Fastboot without first unlocking the bootloader leads to the activation of protection, especially on new models with a closed bootloader by default (for example, Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi). 12T).
3. Error when updating software Interrupted update "over the air» (OTA) Or through the Mi Flash Tool, it can damage the boot partition, causing a hardware lock, in which case the phone does not boot even in Recovery mode.

A separate category is MediaTek-based devices, which are often blocked after using tools like this. SP Flash Tool or MTK Bypass that misinteract with the preloader section.Critical nuance: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The error may be due to hardware damage to the eMMC memory, in which case software methods will not help.

Official ways to unlock (without data loss)

If the phone is switched on but requires unlocking, try the official methods first. They work 80% of the time and don't require technical skills.

Method 1: Entering Mi Account Data

If the lock is linked to a Xiaomi account, you'll see a login and password field on the screen, and it's important that you use the first owner of the device. If you bought the phone with your hands, ask the seller:

• 📧 Login (email or phone number) linked to Mi Account.
• 🔑 Password from the account.
• 📱 Confirmation through SMS/email (If two-factor authentication is enabled).

If the seller does not respond, try to restore access through the official Xiaomi website. IMEI Devices (on the box or under the battery) will speed up the verification process.

Method 2: Unlocking with Find Device

If your phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), use Find Device:

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click Unblock (the option is only available to the original owner).

⚠️ Note: If a device is stolen, this method won’t work – Xiaomi blocks access to Find Device for other people’s accounts.

Method 3: Appealing for Xiaomi

If the official methods don't work, make a request to support.

• 📄 Check for purchase (if the phone is new).
• 🆔 IMEI device.
• 📧 Mi Account data (if available).

The review period is 3 to 7 days, and in rare cases Xiaomi may request video with the device (for example, to confirm that the screen is not damaged).

💡

Official unlocking is possible only if there is evidence of ownership of the device (check, box, Mi Account data).

Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone doesn't boot beyond the logo or message "This device is locked" but responds to a PC connection, try unlocking it via Fastboot.Warning: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and can result in data loss.

Step 1: Preparation of tools

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🛠️ Utility: Mi Flash Tool (official). Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader).

Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader

If the bootloader is blocked, it must be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Install the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
2. Put the device into Fastboot mode: turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock.
4. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

⚠️ Note: On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), unlocking the bootloader can lead to locking. IMEI Check the status of the bootloader with the team before the procedure:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

Step 3: Firmware with Mi Flash Tool

After unlocking the bootloader, swipe the phone with the official firmware:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware (.tgz format).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash.
5. Select the “Clean all” or “Clean all and lock” mode (if you want to lock the bootloader again).

Download the firmware for your model |

Install ADB/Fastboot | drivers

Unlock the bootloader (if blocked) |

Backup important data (if the phone is turned on)|

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Bypassing blocking on MediaTek devices (SP Flash Tool)

Devices on MediaTek (Redmi) 9/9A/9C, Poco C3) They're blocked in a different way, by damaging the preloader partition. SP Flash Tool and special auth file (signature for firmware).

Step 1: Download firmware and auth file

1. Find firmware for your model on xiaomifirmwareupdater.com (choose the version marked "Auth").

2. Download. SP Flash Tool (version 5.2 or later) and an auth file for your chipset (e.g., a file for your chipset, MT6765 for Redmi 9).

Step 2: Firmware through SP Flash Tool

1. Unpack the firmware and run SP Flash Tool.

2. In the “Scatter-loading File” field, select the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt firmware.

3. In the settings, specify the path to the auth file (the "Authentication File" tab).

4 Connect the phone turned off to the PC (without the battery if it is removable).

5. Click Download and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is interrupted, the phone can turn into a brick. Never turn off the cable during the process! SP Flash Tool is an error SLA Auth Fail, try another auth file or utility version.

Hardware methods: when software does not help

If none of the above methods worked, the problem may be memory damage (eMMC/NAND) In this case, repairs to the service center or replacement of components will be required.

Signs of hardware locking:

• 🔌 Phone does not respond to charging (indicator does not burn).
• 🔄 It does not even include Fastboot (black screen) mode).
• 🔥 Heats up when connected to a PC.
• 🛠️ SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash Tool is an error DRAM Fail or Storage Not Detected.

Possible solutions:

1. Replace the eMMC memory, if the memory controller is damaged, it needs to be soldered over, and the cost of repair is between 3,000 and 8,000. ₽ model-wise.
2. Firmware through test points. On some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco C3) You can restore access by closing contacts on the board and by flashing the phone through UFI Box or EasyJTAG. This method requires experience in soldering.
3. Replacement of the motherboard. Last resort, if other methods didn't work, the price is 50 percent of the cost of a new phone.

⚠️ Warning: Before repairing, check if the warranty period has expired. If the phone is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service center - self-repair will void the warranty.

How to Avoid “This Device Is Locked” in the Future

To avoid the problem again, follow these rules:

1. Purchase of used phones

• 📦 Check if the Mi Account is untied from the device. Ask the seller to do a Hard Reset with you.
• 🆔 Write it down. IMEI Check it on imei.info – if the phone is blacklisted, it can be blocked.
• 🔄 Buy a phone with rooted firmware? immediately run it through the official version through the Mi Flash Tool.

2 Update and firmware

• 🔄 Update the software only through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ If you need it. TWRP or custom firmware, first unlock the bootloader officially.
• ⚡ Do not turn off your phone during the upgrade – this can damage the boot partition.

3. Backup

• ☁️ Regularly save data to Mi Cloud or PC.
• 🔐 Keep your Mi Account login/password in a safe place (e.g. KeePass).
• 📱 Before resetting settings, untie the account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account.

💡

If you’re experimenting with firmware often, buy Xiaomi with a Qualcomm processor (like Poco). F3 or Redmi K40). It is easier to unlock the bootloader and restore the phone after failures.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When unlocking, users often face additional problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Error: "Couldn't unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool

🔹 Reason: The bootloader is already unlocked, but the Mi Unlock Tool doesn't recognize it.

🔹 Decision:

1. Reinstall the driver. ADB/Fastboot.
2. Try another version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 5.5.224.30 instead of the latest one).
3. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone before connecting to your PC.

Mistake: “Invalid IMEI» post-fix

🔹 Reason: Nvram or nvdata is damaged (often on MediaTek).

🔹 Decision:

1. Restore. IMEI via Maui META or SN Writer Tool.
2. If IMEI Reset to 0, contact the service - self-recovery may be illegal.

Error: "Storage Not Detected" in the SP Flash Tool

🔹 Reason: Memory controller or incorrect auth file is damaged.

🔹 Decision:

1. Try another auth file (for example, for the MT6768 instead MT6765).
2. Check if the Device Manager defines the phone as MediaTek Preloader.
3. If nothing helps, bring it to the service – you may need to replace the eMMC.

💡

If after unlocking the phone does not turn on, check the sequence of actions: unlock the bootloader → firmware → Mi Account binding. Skipping any step can bring back the lock.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions