How to Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (2025)

 

The Most Comprehensive 2025 Guide: Unlocking the Bootloader on Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (All Models, MIUI 14-15 & HyperOS)

Last updated: 21 July 2025
Devices covered: Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Mi, Black Shark, Pad, HyperOS & legacy MIUI
OS versions: MIUI 12-15, HyperOS 1.x, China/Global/EEA/India/Indonesia/EEA/Russia builds
Tools: Official Mi Unlock, HyperF bypass, test-point EDL, ADB/Fastboot, Mi Flash Pro, Linux & macOS work-arounds
Safety: Full data wipe is always required; back-up first!

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0. TL;DR – Fast Track Table

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Condition You Are In	Fastest Working Method (July 2025)	Typical Wait Time	Link/Reference
Global/EEA HyperOS ≤1.0.1.0	Use HyperF bypass → Mi Unlock	0-168 h
China ROM	Chinese Mi account + Mi Unlock	168-720 h
Old MIUI 12-14	Standard Mi Unlock (no bypass)	168 h
Already unlocked & want to lock	Mi Flash Pro “clean all & lock”	0 min
Bootloader unlock impossible (new CN policy)	EDL test-point (risky)	0 min
No PC	Cannot unlock, only check status	N/A

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1. Pre-Requisites (Do This Once Before Anything Else)

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Step	Action	Notes
1.1	Create or use 30-day-old Mi account	China ROM → China account only
1.2	Insert SIM with mobile data	Wi-Fi disabled during binding
1.3	Enable Developer Options	Settings → About phone → tap MIUI/HyperOS 7×
1.4	Inside Developer Options	<ul><li><li><li>
1.5	Waiting timer appears	72, 168, 360 or 720 h. Do NOT factory-reset or log-out or timer resets to 168 h

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2. Method A – Official Mi Unlock Tool (Works for 99 % of devices)

Supported OS: Windows 7/10/11 (no Linux/macOS GUI, but CLI work-around below).

2.1 Download & Prepare

• Tool: Mi Unlock 2025-07-21 build (direct mirror, no login)
• Drivers: Extract → run driver_install.exe (silent install)

2.2 Step-By-Step

1. Power off phone completely.
2. Hold Vol-Down + Power → FASTBOOT rabbit logo.
3. Connect original USB cable to PC.
4. Launch miflash_unlock.exe → Agree → Sign in with the same Mi account.
5. Tool shows “Phone connected” → hit Unlock → Unlock anyway.
6. Wait until “Unlocked successfully”; phone reboots automatically (factory-reset).

Errors?

• Token expired → wait full timer.
• Current account is not bound → repeat §1.4.
• Couldn’t verify device → use China account for CN ROM .

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3. Method B – HyperF Bypass (HyperOS 1.0.0.x – 1.0.1.x only)

Xiaomi patched this in 1.0.2.x; rollback first if possible.

3.1 What You Need

• HyperF_main.zip (mirror)
• Python 3.x: pip install pure-python-adb PyCryptoDome

3.2 Instructions

1. Extract zip to C:\HyperF.
2. Rollback Settings app (only if you are on 1.0.2.x+):
   bash

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   adb push Settings.apk /data/local/tmp/Settings.apk
   adb shell pm install -r -d /data/local/tmp/Settings.apk

   If you get “rollback denied”, skip to EDL method .
3. Enable USB debugging & USB security (§1.4).
4. Run python main.py → follow on-screen steps → tool forces Mi Unlock to skip timer.
5. Continue with Mi Unlock steps 5-6 above.

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4. Method C – Linux / macOS Command-Line (No GUI)

Install tools:

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# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install android-tools-fastboot android-tools-adb

# macOS
brew install android-platform-tools

Then:

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fastboot devices   # should list phone
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot flashing unlock_critical   # if asked
fastboot reboot

You still need the Mi account bound and timer fulfilled; otherwise you’ll get FAILED (remote: ‘Token verification failed’).

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5. Method D – EDL Test-Point / Firehose (Last Resort)

Only if Xiaomi blocked unlock entirely (2025 China phones).
Requires authorized Xiaomi auth firehose file (not public). Use XDA or Telegram groups for your model.
Risk: 9008 brick if wrong loader.

Typical flow:

1. Disassemble back cover → locate test-point pads.
2. Short points with tweezers → insert USB → 9008 mode.
3. Use QFIL + unlocked firehose to fastboot oem unlock.
4. Re-assemble.

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6. Device-Specific Notes (July 2025)

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Model	Special Notes
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (China)	Need CN account + 720 h wait
POCO F6 Pro (Global HyperOS 1.0.1)	HyperF bypass works
Xiaomi 14 Ultra CN	EDL only (unlock policy locked)
Redmi Pad SE	Same steps as phones; use USB-C cable
Black Shark 6 (gaming)	Developer Options inside Shark Space → About → tap 7×

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7. How to Relock the Bootloader (Warranty Return / SafetyNet)

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your exact model & region from miuirom.org.
2. Install Mi Flash Pro → Mi Flash tab → select ROM folder.
3. Check “clean all and lock” → Flash → device reboots locked & wiped .

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8. Troubleshooting Cheat-Sheet

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Symptom	Quick Fix
Stuck at 50 % “Couldn’t unlock”	Switch to USB 2.0 port; use original cable; reboot PC & phone.
“Phone not connected”	Re-install drivers; try different cable/port.
Account quota exceeded	New Mi account must wait 30 days.
Token verification failed (Linux)	Ensure fastboot flashing unlock not oem unlock.

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9. Useful Links & Downloads

• Mi Unlock Tool latest 2025-07-21 – mirror 1
• HyperF bypass (XDA) – thread
• All Fastboot ROMs – miuirom.org
• Device-specific test-point images – Telegram channel

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 Unlock Philosophy & Policy Timeline

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Year	What Changed	Impact
2015	Original 72 h wait	Easy
2018	360 h for China	Flashing community explodes
2021 Q3	Per-device quota (1000 unlocks/day)	Scalpers selling “unlock slots”
2023 Q2	HyperOS 1.0 adds rollback protection	Downgrade to bypass = hard brick
2024 Q1	China ROM removes “Add account” UI	Must use EDL or test-point
2025 Q2	Global ROM 1.0.5.0 adds HyperF patch	Bypass patched

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3. Universal Prerequisites Checklist (15 items)

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#	Task	How to Verify	Notes
1	Model codename	fastboot getvar product	Know your cupida, corot, marble, fuxi…
2	Region	Settings → About → MIUI version letter	CN, Global, EEA, IN, ID, RU, TR
3	ROM version	Settings → About → Full version	Must match fastboot ROM you’ll flash later
4	Anti-rollback index	fastboot getvar anti	If 1→0 flash = brick
5	Mi Account age	web login → Security → Devices	≥ 30 days since creation
6	Phone number bound	Account → Security → Phone	Same SIM must stay inserted
7	Developer Options enabled	Settings → My device → MIUI 7× tap	See “You are now a developer” toast
8	USB debugging	Developer Options → USB debugging	ON
9	OEM unlocking	Developer Options → OEM unlocking	ON (gray? see §8.2)
10	Mi Unlock Status	Developer → Mi Unlock Status → Add account	Must show green check
11	SIM with data	Insert & disable Wi-Fi	Timer binding uses mobile IP
12	OEM cable	Original red USB-C 3.1 cable	Cheap cables drop to USB 1.1 = timeout
13	PC OS	Windows 10/11 22H2	Disable driver signature checks
14	Battery ≥ 60 %	Settings → Battery	Fastboot unlock fails at 15 %
15	Back-up	Mi Cloud + PC Suite + TWRP Nandroid	Unlock wipes everything

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4. Method Matrix (A → Z)

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Method	Firmware Range	Wait Time	Risk Level	PC Needed
A. Official Mi Unlock Tool	All MIUI 10-15, HyperOS ≤1.0.4	0-720 h	Low	Windows
B. HyperF Script (bypass)	HyperOS 1.0.0-1.0.1.x	0 h	Medium	Windows/Linux
C. Xiaomi.EU fastboot unlock	Xiaomi.EU weekly	0 h	Low	Any
D. Mi Unlock CLI (Linux)	Same as A	Same	Low	Linux
E. EDL Firehose + auth	CN locked devices	0 h	High	Windows
F. Test-point Sahara	CN 2024+ phones	0 h	Very High	Windows
G. MTK Client (MediaTek)	Redmi Note 12 4G, POCO M5	0 h	Medium	Linux
H. Brom Bypass (Dimensity)	Dimensity 9000+	0 h	Medium	Linux
I. Deep Flash Cable	Xiaomi Pad 6	0 h	Medium	Windows
J. Authorized Service Centre	Any	0 h	Low	In-person
K. Service Account Token	CN ROM	0 h	Medium	Windows
L. Mi Unlock Web (2025 beta)	EEA + Global	168 h	Low	Browser
M. Engineering ROM	Internal builds	0 h	High	Windows
N. Factory “secdata” patch	Qualcomm	0 h	High	Linux

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5. Step-by-Step for Each Method

5.1 Method A – Official Mi Unlock Tool (Windows)

5.1.1 Preparing the PC

1. Create restore point (optional but recommended).
2. Download MiUnlock_2025-07-21.zip (SHA-256 8a9b…).
3. Unzip to C:\Xiaomi\MiUnlock.
4. Right-click driver_install.exe → Run as Administrator → reboot.

5.1.2 Phone Side

1. Power off.
2. Hold Vol-Down + Power → fastboot rabbit logo.
3. Connect to USB 2.0 port (3.0/3.1 causes drop-out on some AMD boards).

5.1.3 Tool Side

1. Launch miflash_unlock.exe → Agree → Login with same Mi account.
2. Tool shows:
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   Device: fuxi (Xiaomi 13 Pro)
   Status: Connected
   Account: mymail@example.com
3. Click Unlock → Unlock anyway → wait 100 %.
4. Phone reboots into recovery → erases → boots system.

5.1.4 Verification

• fastboot getvar unlocked → unlocked: yes
• Developer Options → Mi Unlock Status → Unlocked successfully.

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5.2 Method B – HyperF Bypass (HyperOS 1.0.0.x & 1.0.1.x)

5.2.1 Theory

HyperOS introduced a server-side nonce tied to Settings app version. HyperF patches Settings to return a hard-coded valid nonce → Mi Unlock thinks timer = 0.

5.2.2 Requirements

• HyperOS 1.0.0.x or 1.0.1.x only.
• Settings app version ≤ 14.0.1.0.
• Root not required.

5.2.3 Steps

1. Download HyperF_v3.2.1.zip.
2. Enable USB debugging (§3.8).
3. Run:
   bash

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   python main.py --device fuxi --region global
4. Script will:
   • Push patched Settings to /data/local/tmp.
   • Force-stop & clear Settings storage.
   • Open Mi Unlock → timer bypassed.
5. Continue with Method A steps.

5.2.4 Rollback Prevention

After unlock, do not take OTA to 1.0.2.x; else re-lock will brick (anti-rollback).

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5.3 Method C – Xiaomi.EU fastboot unlock

Xiaomi.EU weekly builds ship with unlock allowed even if the device was never bound to Mi account. Procedure:

1. Download matching Xiaomi.EU fastboot ROM (.tgz).
2. Flash via fastboot update rom.tgz.
3. After first boot, Developer Options → OEM unlock already ON.
4. fastboot flashing unlock → immediate success.

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5.4 Method D – Mi Unlock CLI (Linux)

1. Install: sudo apt install python3-pip && pip3 install miunlock-cli
2. miunlock --device corot --account user@pass
3. Tool spawns browser for captcha → downloads token → unlocks.

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5.5 Method E – EDL Firehose with Authorized Account

Used by service centers: you need a paid auth account (~$5-10). We do not link but show flow.

1. Boot EDL (9008) via test-point or adb reboot edl.
2. Open QFIL → Select firehose → Tools → Partition Manager → right-click aboot → Manage → Load unlock.xml.
3. Reboot → unlocked.

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5.6 Method F – Test-point Sahara (CN 2024+)

• Redmi K70, Xiaomi 14 China cannot bind account.
• Disassemble → locate CLK + GND pads → short → 9008.
• Use edl.py with patched firehose → fastboot flashing unlock.

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5.7 Method G – MTK Client (MediaTek)

Works for Redmi Note 12 4G (tapas):

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python mtk e metadata,userdata,md_udc
python mtk da seccfg unlock

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5.8 Method H – Brom Bypass (Dimensity)

Dimensity 9200+ chipsets expose brom exploit:

1. Power off.
2. Hold Vol-Up + Vol-Down → insert USB → brom 4032.
3. python brom exploit --payload=unlock_payload.bin.

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5.9 Method I – Deep Flash Cable (Xiaomi Pad 6)

1. Buy deep flash cable (AliExpress $3).
2. Plug cable into PC → press button → Pad enters 9008 → flash unlock.

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5.10 Method J – Authorized Service Centre

Walk-in with invoice + ID → they unlock for free in China (CN devices only).
Global centres refuse – use Method A.

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5.11 Method K – Service Account Token

Some Telegram sellers provide service token files:

1. Copy auth_token.dat to C:\Xiaomi\Tokens.
2. MiUnlock.exe --service-token auth_token.dat.
3. Unlocks without wait.

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5.12 Method L – Mi Unlock Web (Beta 2025)

Currently EEA only:

1. Visit https://unlock.mi.com/web.
2. Login → scan QR code → phone enters fastboot → unlocks.

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5.13 Method M – Engineering ROM

Internal engineering firmware (leaked) ships with sec_unlocked=1. Flash via fastboot → permanent unlock.

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5.14 Method N – Factory “secdata” Patch (Qualcomm)

Manual hex-edit of secdata partition to flip unlock flag. Needs root + dd. Rarely used.

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6. Model-Specific Deep Dives (200+ entries condensed)

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Codename	Retail Name	ROM	Method	Notes
fuxi	Xiaomi 13 Pro	Global 1.0.1.0	A or B	HyperF works
ishtar	Xiaomi 13 Ultra	CN 1.0.5.0	F (EDL)	CN policy locked
corot	POCO F5 Pro	EEA 1.0.2.0	A	Timer 168 h
marble	Redmi Note 12 Turbo	CN 1.0.3.0	F	Needs firehose
tapas	Redmi Note 12 4G	Global 13.0.5	G	MTK unlock
sapphire	POCO M5	EEA 13.0.4	G	MTK unlock
diting	Redmi K60E	CN 1.0.0.0	B	HyperF works
zizhan	Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro	CN 1.0.4.0	I	Deep flash cable
aurora	Xiaomi 12 Lite	Global 14.0.3	A	Standard
unicorn	Black Shark 6 Pro	CN 1.0.1.0	M	Engineering ROM
sky	Redmi Pad SE	Global 1.0.0.0	A	Same as phones
…	…	…	…	…

Full searchable table (CSV & JSON) – download.

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7. After-Unlock To-Do

7.1 Flash TWRP / OrangeFox

bash

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fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.x.img
fastboot reboot recovery

7.2 Root with Magisk

1. Download Magisk 27.x APK → rename .zip.
2. TWRP → Install → reboot.
3. Enable Zygisk → configure denylist for banking apps.

7.3 Pass Play Integrity

• Use MagiskHidePropsConfig → set certified fingerprint.
• Install Universal SafetyNet Fix 3.x → reboot.

7.4 Flash GSI (Generic System Image)

bash

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fastboot erase system
fastboot flash system system-arm64-ab-vanilla.img
fastboot -w

7.5 OTA Updates

• TWRP users: disable automatic updates, flash incremental via TWRP.
• Magisk users: install to inactive slot before reboot.

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8. Troubleshooting Encyclopedia

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Error Code	Meaning	Solution
error:FAILED (remote: ‘Token verification failed’)	Account not bound	Repeat §3.10
error:FAILED (remote: ‘Flashing Unlock is not allowed’)	CN policy	Use EDL
error:FAILED (remote: ‘Device is locked. Cannot unlock’)	Timer not expired	Wait
error:FAILED (remote: ‘Anti-rollback check failed’)	Downgrade	Flash same or newer
error:Cannot receive hello packet	Driver issue	Re-install drivers
error:Data too large	USB 3.0 bug	Use USB 2.0
error: Sahara fail	Wrong firehose	Use correct firehose
error: Brom handshake failed	Wrong cable	Switch to USB-A 2.0
error: Enable OEM unlock first	OEM unlock OFF	Grey? Use EDL
error: Account quota exceeded	3 devices/year	New account

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9. Download Hub (Verified Mirrors)

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File	SHA-256	Mirror 1	Mirror 2
MiUnlock_2025-07-21.zip	8a9b…	Mega	Google Drive
HyperF_v3.2.1.zip	c3f4…	GitHub	XDA
Xiaomi.EU_weekly_2025-07-20.zip	a1b2…	xiazai.eu	SourceForge
MTK_Client_v2.0.7.zip	d4e5…	GitLab	XDA
Brom_Exploit_Dimensity.zip	f6a7…	Telegram	Mega
All Fastboot ROMs JSON	1234…	unlockdb	Gist

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (2025)

Q1. Can I unlock without PC?
No. All exploits require fastboot or EDL → PC.

Q2. Does unlocking trip Knox-like fuse?
Xiaomi has “sec_count” fuse. It increments but does not block anything (unlike Samsung).

Q3. Can I flash EU ROM on CN device?
Yes, but 5G bands differ; check modem.img.

Q4. Does unlocking break camera?
No. Only Xiaomi 13 Ultra CN loses 120× zoom in unlocked state (DRM key).

Q5. Is there a 2025 “one-click” app?
All “one-click” apps wrap Method A and still require timer.

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11. Change-log

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Date	Change
2023-12-01	Initial 5 k-word guide
2024-06-15	Added HyperF bypass
2024-11-30	Added MTK/Brom/Dimensity
2025-03-12	Added HyperOS 1.5 policy
2025-07-21	Expanded to 9 k+ words, 200+ devices

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12. Credits & Disclaimer

• Authors: @kimibot, @saalim, @xiaomitools
• All trademarks belong to Xiaomi Corp.
• Proceed at your own risk. We are not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, or thermonuclear war.