Xiaomi bootloader unlocking

This guide requires Microsoft Windows to follow

This guide requires the internet to followIt can stop working at any moment

This procedure will wipe all data on the device

Yes, I know this process is horrible, but there is currently no way around it

Important Notice

This process is cloud based, which means that Xiaomi can change the rules for old devices retroactively It also means that you need a Xiaomi account

Instructions

Download the Mi Unlock tool. Older versions will almost certainly not work with Xiaomi's cloud infrastructure, so download the lastest one from Xiaomi's website
Sign into your Xiaomi account on the phone
Enable developer settings (by pressing "Settings" > "About device" > "OS version" 7 times)
Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Developer settings" > "OEM Unlocking" > "Link account"

This will require you to install a SIM card and disable WiFi

Put the phone into fastboot mode by holding "volume -" while it's booting

It's important to press "volume -" before you press the power button. Otherwise you might boot into "fastbootd", which is a different thing

Sign into your Xiaomi account in the app
Press "Unlock"

The app may require you to wait up to a week before unlocking. This is required and cannot be changed
The phone has to be mostly online in that time and always have the SIM card installed

TheMasterArchiver

Xiaomi bootloader unlocking

Important Notice

Instructions