Xiaomi Tool: detailed instructions for use for unlocking and firmware

Xiaomi Tool has become an indispensable tool for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones who want to gain full control of their device. With its help you can unlock the bootloader, flash custom software, restore the “brick” after a failed update or even circumvent some of the limitations of MIUI. But careless use of the program is fraught with turning the phone into a useless piece of plastic – so before you start it is critical to understand all the nuances of the process.

In this article, we will discuss all the features of Xiaomi Tool – from basic unlocking to advanced firmware operations – and give specific recommendations for preparing the device and eliminating typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to compatibility with the latest models of 2023-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), where standard methods may not work due to tightened security measures from the manufacturer.

What is Xiaomi Tool and Why is it Used?

Xiaomi Tool is a universal utility for Windows, developed by enthusiasts to work with devices based on Qualcomm and Mediatek processors from Xiaomi. Unlike official tools (for example, Mi Flash Tool), it offers advanced features:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader without waiting 7-30 days (on some models).
• 📱 Firmware custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox and ROM (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🚨 Recovery of bricks (devices not included after a failed update).
• 🔧 Reset FRP (Google account) and deletion MI-account when buying a used phone.
• 🔄 Switching between regions MIUI (Global → China → EEA).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi Tool is an informal tool, and its use can lead to loss of warranty, blocking IMEI or even breaking the device. The manufacturer is actively fighting such utilities: for example, in the firmware MIUI 14+ added Anti-Rollback protection, which blocks downgrade software.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO M6 Unlocking the bootloader via Xiaomi Tool may require an additional authorization file (auth.ini), which is issued only after linking the account to the device in the official Mi Unlock application.

Preparing the device before using Xiaomi Tool

Before connecting your phone to a PC, there are several critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can make it impossible to restore the device:

1. Backup: All files, including photos, contacts and messages, will be deleted. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
2. Battery charge ≥ 60%, interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with hardware damage to the power controller.
3. Initiation of debugging USB. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔄 Unlocking OEM (On some models, this item is hidden until the Mi Account is linked)

Installation of drivers.

Xiaomi

Mi PC Suite

For devices on Qualcomm (for example, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), you will additionally need to switch the phone to EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.

• Through the command adb reboot edl (if debugging is enabled).
• The combination of buttons Volume up + Volume down + Power (on the phone turned off).
• With the help of a test point (requires disassembly of the device).

Installation and configuration of Xiaomi Tool

The utility doesn't have an official website, it's distributed through forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA. Only download the verified versions, as there are modified builds of malware on the network. Current versions for 2026:

After downloading:

1. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\XiaomiTool\).
2. Launch the XiaomiTool.exe file on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
4. Wait for the model definition. If the program can't see the device, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Standard unlocking methods may not work, and an additional patch will be needed to bypass the Anti-Downgrade protection that unpacks on top of the original firmware.

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If the Xiaomi Tool does not identify your device, try manually specifying the model in the config.ini file (find the line). device_name= and write a code name, such as tissot for Redmi Note. 7).

Unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi Tool

Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to install custom software. The official way through Mi Unlock requires a wait of up to 30 days, but the Xiaomi Tool allows you to bypass this restriction on some models.

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
2. In Xiaomi Tool, select the Unlock tab.
3. Click Check Device – the program will determine the status of the bootloader (Locked/Unlocked).
4. If you are Locked, click Unlock Bootloader and follow the instructions.

For devices with Mediatek, the process is more complicated:

1. Download the auth.ini file from the official Xiaomi website (account binding is required).


2.Put it in a folder with Xiaomi Tool.




3. In the program, select Mtk Auth Bypass → Select Auth File.




4. Connect the phone in BROM mode (clip Volume up + Volume down when power is off).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset, and don't disconnect it from your PC until you see the MIUI welcome screen.

Firmware custom software with Xiaomi Tool

Xiaomi Tool supports both official firmware (Fastboot ROM) and custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS).

1. firmware of official software (restore the "brick")

If the phone is not turned on or stuck on the MI logo:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Xiaomi Tool.
3. In the program, select Flash → Select Folder and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
4. Click Flash All (erase all data) or Flash All Except Data (saves user files).

2. Installation of TWRP and custom firmware

To install TWRP or LineageOS:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see the previous section).
2. Download TWRP.img for your model (e.g. from twrp.me).
3. In Xiaomi Tool, select Flash TWRP and specify the path to the file.
4. After TWRP firmware is installed, restart the phone to recovery (Loudness up + Power) and install ZIP with custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) customization TWRP This can cause data loss in the super sections.Be sure to backup the installation via the command: fastboot pull /dev/block/by-name/super super.img

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The firmware via Xiaomi Tool only erases data when you select the Flash All option. If you want to save files, use Flash All Except Data, but this can lead to conflicts when changing the version of MIUI.

Solving the Common Mistakes of Xiaomi Tool

When working with the utility, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If Xiaomi Tool issues an SLA Auth Error on HyperOS devices, it means that the bootloader is locked at the hardware level.

1. Send a request for unblocking through the official website.
2. Wait for confirmation (can take up to 720 hours).
3. Repeat the process using the Mi Unlock Tool.

Safety and Risks of Using Xiaomi Tool

Despite its convenience, the Xiaomi Tool is a high-risk tool.

• 💀 Loss of warranty: Any manipulation of the bootloader will void Xiaomi's warranty.
• 🔋 Battery damage. Incorrect firmware can disrupt charge control, causing the battery to bloat.
• 📡 Lockdown IMEI. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) may be reset after firmware IMEI.
• 🔒 Previous articleData leak: Unofficial builds of Xiaomi Tool may contain keyloggers or spyware.

To minimize the risks:

• Use only proven sources for downloading utilities and firmware.
• Check the firmware before you run it. MD5-hash files (for example, through 7-Zip).
• Do not stitch devices with a discharged battery (< 30%).
• Create a persist backup (responsible for IMEI and sensor calibration): fastboot pull /dev/block/by-name/persist persist.img

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If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI, Restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the Maui utility. META For Mediatek, use Qualcomm. QPST.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Tool