How to Unlock the Bootloader on any Xiaomi Device

In this tutorial, we will show you how to unlock the bootloader on any Xiaomi device using the Mi Unlock Tool.

Advantages and Risks of an Unlocked Bootloader

There are quite a few perks associated with an unlocked bootloader. To begin with, you will be able to replace the device’s stock recovery with a custom one like TWRP. This in itself comes with many benefits like flashing ZIP, and IMG files among others. Apart from that, an unlocked device also allows for the flashing of a custom ROM. Similarly, you could also gain access to the system partition by rooting your device via Magisk. Likewise, you could also flash a custom kernel and overclock your device.

However, this doesn’t paint the complete picture. An unlocked device also comes with quite a few risks as well. For example, your device warranty might become null and void. Furthermore, you will also lose all the data. Some apps like Netlfix might work with restricted capabilities. Since the device’s Widevine L1 certification will be degraded to L3, you won’t be able to stream contents in HD. Apart from that, the entire process might prove to be risky if not done correctly and might result in a bootloop or bricked device in some rare cases.

So with this, we have mentioned all the perks and risks that an unlocked bootloader brings in with itself. If you are ready to proceed ahead, then here are the required instructions to unlock the bootloader on any Xiaomi device.

Before you get on with the steps, there are a few requirements that your device needs to satisfy. Please go through them once.

Pre-requisites

• Download Mi Flash Unlock Tool from the link given above.
• Enable USB Debugging. You can do so by following; Go to Settings. Then go to About Phone and tap on MIUI Version for 7 times. Then again head to Settings>> More>> Developer Options>> Enable USB Debugging.
• Install good, reliable, and Working USB Drivers.
• Request Xiaomi for Unlock Permissions.

Send Unlock Request to Xiaomi

• Go to the Unlock Request page by clicking here.
• Click on the Unlock Now button.
• On the next page, log in to your MI Account. In case you don’t have an account, create one.
• Make sure that you are using the same account on your Xiaomi Device as well.
• Once you have signed in, fill in the form by entering your Name, Country name, Mobile phone number, and fill the captcha.
• Accept the disclaimer and then choose an appropriate reason for unlocking your device.
• Finally, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
• Your number will be verified through an OTP.
• You will be shown the risks involved with unlocking too.
• Moreover, in a few days, you will receive an approval notification via SMS.
• Note that this approval may take even more than 10 days. Just be patient.

Unlock Your Device’s Bootloader

Once you are done with all the procedures mentioned above, now you can safely do the unlocking of the bootloader in your device.

Follow the below steps and make sure you do not skip any step as it may result in bricking or any permanent damage to your phone.

Note: There are risks involved in unlocking the bootloader of your device. So make sure that you make a backup of all the data and files on your device and save it before proceeding with the next steps. And also, GetDroidTips or the author is not responsible for any damage caused to your device during this process. You can proceed with the steps at your own risk.

• To start off the procedure with, download and extract Mi Flash Unlock tool on your PC.
• Once extracted, open the program.
• You will be asked whether you agree with the conditions or not for using this tool. Just click “Agree” on the disclaimer.
• Now, sign in into your Mi Account that you have on the device you are using i.e. the one you mentioned to request for permissions to Unlock Bootloader.
• Once you have successfully logged in, you will be prompted that your device is not connected.

• You need to connect your device to your PC/Laptop with the help of USB Cable.
• Moreover, you also need to install the USB Drivers from the links mentioned above that is meant for your device.
• Connect your Xiaomi Device to the PC via good and reliable USB Cable.

• Now in the Fastboot mode, connect your device.
• You can enter into the Fastboot mode by switching off the device and then clicking the Power button and Volume Down button together.
• The unlock bootloader process will begin shortly. Just be patient till then.
• After the successful unlocking of the bootloader of your Xiaomi device, click on Reboot.
• Now that your bootloader is unlocked, you can proceed with rooting your device or unrooting it.
• Moreover, you can also flash Custom ROMs, Fastboot ROMS, install a custom recovery, etc.