Fastboot mode is where the phone and PC begin the bootloader-unlock process. Mi Unlock is Xiaomi’s Windows tool for verifying the Mi Account and connected device, then sending the unlock command.
Preparing the phone and account
Before connecting the phone, sign in to the Mi Account associated with that device. On the phone, pair the account through Developer Options > Device Unlock Status. The account in Mi Unlock must match the one on the phone.
Shut down the phone, then hold Volume Down and Power to start Fastboot mode. Connect it to the PC with a USB cable. In Mi Unlock, sign in and click Unlock to begin verification and send the request.
What happens during unlocking?
Mi Unlock checks the account and device before proceeding. Xiaomi may require a wait after account-device pairing, and the tool can report when the binding time is not sufficient. An account mismatch or a failure to read phone information can also stop the process; Xiaomi identifies a PC driver problem as one possible cause of phone-information errors. The tool includes a driver installation module.
Unlocking changes the phone’s security state. Xiaomi warns that an unlocked device is more exposed to malware and that some high-security services, including Find device, may no longer work. The unlock process can erase user data, so back up anything important before starting.
Troubleshooting account and connection checks
- For an account mismatch, confirm that the same Mi Account is signed in on the phone and in Mi Unlock, and that the account is paired with the device.
- If Mi Unlock cannot read phone information, check the USB connection and the device driver; the tool provides a driver installation module.
- If the tool reports a binding-time restriction, the account-device pairing has not yet met Xiaomi’s waiting requirement.
Pros
- Unlocks Xiaomi bootloaders through Xiaomi’s PC tool
- Uses Mi Account and device verification
- Includes a driver installation module
Cons
- Xiaomi account-device pairing can require a waiting period
What does Mi Unlock do?
It verifies a Xiaomi phone and its Mi Account, then sends the command to unlock the phone’s bootloader.
How do I connect a phone to Mi Unlock?
Pair the Mi Account with the phone in Developer Options > Device Unlock Status, boot the phone into Fastboot mode, connect it by USB, and sign in to that account in Mi Unlock.
Will unlocking erase the phone’s data?
It can. Xiaomi warns that unlocking may erase user data, so back up important files first.