Blocked bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO — This is the standard security measure that the company has put in place to protect devices from unauthorized access, but for power users who want to install custom software, get root rights, or flash alternative firmware, blocking becomes a major obstacle. Unlocking the bootloader opens up access to low-level system settings, but requires strict adherence to instructions - errors can lead to a device "brick" or loss of warranty.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking (including the official through the Mi Unlock Tool and workarounds for old models), the requirements for the Mi Account account, as well as typical errors like Couldn’t unlock or Device not connected. Special attention will be paid to the preparation of the device – without a properly tied account and the developer options included, the process will not be completed. If you are a beginner, we recommend you carefully study each section: skipping even a small step can turn into the need to contact the service center.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
Bootloader locking is a protection against:
- 🔓 Installation of unofficial firmware with viruses or spyware.
- 🛠️ Unauthorized repairs (replacement of fees without the manufacturer’s permission).
- 📱 Data theft in case of loss of the device (the attacker will not be able to reflash the phone to bypass the lock).
- 🔄 System stability disturbances (castom cores or modified recovery may cause failures).
On the other hand, the unlocked boot loader allows:
- 📲 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🔧 Get root rights for deep system configuration.
- 🔄 Restore the device via fastboot in case of serious failures.
- 📡 Optimize performance (e.g. overclocking the processor or disabling unnecessary services).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty (even if you return it all back), and after the procedure, Anti-Rollback protection will work - you will not be able to roll back on the old version. MIUI risk-free".
Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but makes it harder for untrained users, such as requiring a 72-hour account to be linked to a device from 2022 (which used to be 24 hours), to fight fraudsters who steal phones and try to re-flash them for sale.
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, make sure all the conditions are met:
Create and confirm a Mi Account (with a linked phone number)
Link the account to the device in settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account)
Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap)
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (download from Xiaomi website)
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (only with the en.miui.com/unlock)
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Let's take a closer look at each item:
- Registration and confirmation of Mi Account. The account must have been created at least 30 days ago (for new devices). If the account is fresh, unlock will not be available. Also, be sure to link the phone number - without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow you to continue.
- Account-to-device binding. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Security → Link your account to your device. After that, wait 72 hours (previously 24 hours, but the rules have tightened).
- Turn on the developer mode. Tap 7 times on the line Version MIUI In the About Phone section, go back to the basic settings and find a new Developer section.
- Activation of debugging by USB and unlock OEM. In the developer menu, turn on: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock)
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) Unlock option OEM It can disappear after you restart. Check if it's available just before you connect to your PC.
Installation of drivers.
Official Xiaomi drivers
ADB Driver Installer
Mi Unlock Tool
After completing all the steps, restart your phone and check that:
- 📱 Device is defined in fastboot (checked by the command of fastboot devices).
- 🔗 Mi Account successfully linked (green status should be on in security settings).
- ⏳ 72 hours have passed since the binding (timer is reset when resetting settings!).
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO F3/F4/F5
Mi 11/12/13
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Another model-->
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it doesn’t work on all devices, such as Redmi Note 8 Pro models and older with a Mediatek processor, which may require an authorized developer account (discussed below).
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool. The official version is available here (Windows only). Avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses.
- Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator. When you first start, you will need to log into your Mi Account (use the same account that is linked to the phone!).
- Press Unlock in Mi Unlock Tool. If done correctly, the unlocking process will begin. 1-3 When completed, the phone will automatically restart.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | It has not been 72 hours since the account was linked. | Wait until the time is set (the timer is reset when settings are reset!) |
| Device not connected | Not installed drivers or phone not in fastboot mode | Check the connection with the fastboot devices command, reinstall the drivers |
| Mi account not bound | Account is not linked to a device or linked to another account | Check the binding in Settings → Xiaomi account → Security |
| This device is locked | The device does not support unlocking (e.g., Chinese versions for the domestic market) | Try alternative methods (see the next section) |
⚠️ Warning: If you unlock your phone and it's stuck on the Mi logo, don't panic. This is normal: it can take up to 10 minutes for the first time after the procedure to turn it on!
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The official method only works for global versions. MIUI. Chinese firmware (for example, for Xiaomi) 12S Ultra requires an authorized developer account.
Alternative methods: if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work
If the official tool comes up with a bug or your model is not supported (for example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a Mediatek processor), you can try workarounds. These methods carry risks - use them only if you understand the consequences!
Method 1: Unblocking through an authorized developer account
Some models (POCO X3 NFC, Redmi K40) You need a special account with developer rights:
- 📩 Buy on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers. The cost is from 500 to 2000 rubles.
- 🛠️ Get free if you are an official Xiaomi developer (you need to fill out the form at dev.mi.com).
After receiving the account:
- Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under a new account.
- Connect your phone to fastboot and repeat the unlocking process.
Method 2: Use of the EDL-mode (only for Qualcomm)
For devices on Qualcomm processors (e.g, POCO F3, Mi 11) can be used in the mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode:
- 🔧 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuit of the circuit board.
- 📥 Firmware in.mbn format (downloaded from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Process:
- Transfer the phone to EDL (usually by pressing buttons or using adb reboot edl).
- Connect to a PC – Qualcomm device must be determined HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
What happens if you use informal methods?
Method 3: Bypassing test firmware (for older models)
On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) You can install a test firmware that will automatically unlock the bootloader:
- Download the test firmware from Xiaomi.eu (Developer section) ROM).
- Fastboot is a fastboot flash boot command. boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot reboot
- After installation, the loader will be unlocked.
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If Mi Unlock Tool says "This device is locked," but you're sure you did it right, try changing your Mi Account region to "China" in your profile settings.
What to do after unlocking the loader
When the bootloader is unlocked, the Orange State alert will appear on the screen when it is turned on. This is normal and does not affect the operation of the device.
- 📲 Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🔄 Switch to alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
- 🛠️ Restore the device after a failure via fastboot.
Important steps after unlocking:
- Install. TWRP. This custom recovery will allow you to create backups and flash ZIP-Instructions are searched from the model on twrp.me.
- Check the network. Once unlocked, it may disappear. IMEI. It can be restored through SN Write Tool (requires an authorized account).
What NOT to do after unlocking:
- ❌ Install firmware from other models (even if the processor is the same).
- ❌ Trying to roll back on the old version MIUI (It's going to be anti-Rollback).
- ❌ Remove system partitions (vendor, system) without backup.
How to return the boot loader lock (if necessary)
If you want to return the warranty or sell the device, you can lock the bootloader back.
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
- Unpack it and find the file. flash_all_lock.bat (for Windows or flash_all_lock.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Transfer the phone to fastboot and connect to the PC.
- Run the script - it will sew the stock firmware and block the bootloader.
After the procedure:
- 📱 The device will return to factory settings.
- 🔒 Orange State warning will disappear.
- 🔄 Xiaomi warranty will be restored (unless there was physical damage).
⚠️ Attention: If the phone doesn't turn on after locking, the Anti-Rollback probably worked, and only the firmware through the phone will help. EDL logged-in.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
1 Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device
- 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Use the original cable and port USB 2.0).
- 🖥️ Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
- 🔄 Try another PC (sometimes antiviruses block the Mi Unlock Tool).
2 Current account error is not bound to this device
- 🔗 Make sure your account is linked to your device (green status should be on the security settings).
- ⏳ Wait 72 hours from the moment of binding (timer resets when resetting settings!).
- 📱 Check that the phone is synced with Mi Cloud.
3. Missing after unlocking IMEI
- 📡 Restore the backup persist and nvram (if you did it before unlocking).
- 🛠️ Use it. SN Write Tool (requires an authorized account).
- 📞 Contact the service center (if you are not sure of your actions).
4.The phone is stuck on the logo after firmware
- 🔄 Wait. 10-15 Minutes – the first switch can be long.
- 📱 Flash the device through fastboot using the official firmware.
- 🔧 Install. TWRP Make a data wipe (Format Data).
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If Mi Unlock Tool writes “This device is locked” on the Chinese version of the smartphone, unlocking is possible only through an authorized developer account or a computer. EDL-regime.