Are you looking to unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Unlocking the bootloader can give you more control over your device, allowing you to install custom ROMs, root your phone, and tweak system settings. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Whether you have the Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, or the Note 12 Discovery Edition, this guide is applicable to all devices in the series.
Why Unlock the Bootloader?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why unlocking the bootloader is beneficial. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to manually flash firmware from your computer. This can be extremely useful if your phone ends up in a boot loop or if you install something that isn’t compatible with your device. It also provides an opportunity to revert your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 back to its original MIUI firmware.
Prerequisites
To complete the tutorial, there are a few prerequisites you need to fulfill. Here’s a list of things you’ll need:
- A Xiaomi Mi account: Make sure you have a Xiaomi Mi account and sign in to it on your phone.
- Developer options: Enable developer options on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 by going to the “About phone” page in the settings application and tapping on the MIUI version 7 to 10 times. Then, navigate to additional settings and find the developer options menu.
- OEM unlocking: In the developer options menu, look for “OEM unlocking” and turn on the toggle next to it.
- Mi Unlock Tool: Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer.
- USB cable: Connect your smartphone to your PC or laptop using a USB cable.
- Data connection: Ensure you have a SIM card installed with a data connection, as you’ll need to disable Wi-Fi during the process.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step tutorial to unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
Step 1: Enabling Developer Options and OEM Unlocking
The first step is to enable developer options on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and turn on OEM unlocking. Here’s how:
- Go to the main settings page on your phone.
- Navigate to “Additional settings” and scroll down to find the “Developer options” menu.
- In the developer options, look for “OEM unlocking” and turn on the toggle next to it.
Step 2: Sign in to your Xiaomi Mi Account
Next, you’ll need to sign in to your Xiaomi Mi account on your phone. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go back to the main settings page and look for the “Mi account” option.
- Sign in to your Xiaomi Mi account using your credentials.
Step 3: Disable Wi-Fi and Open Mi Unlock Status
To continue with the bootloader unlock process, you need to disable Wi-Fi and open the Mi Unlock Status. Follow these steps:
- Make sure you have a SIM card installed with a data connection, as Wi-Fi needs to be disabled.
- Go back to the developer options menu and look for the “Mi Unlock Status” option.
- Tap on “Mi Unlock Status” and agree to the permission required pop-up.
Step 4: Adding your Xiaomi Mi Account and Device
In this step, you will need to add your Xiaomi Mi account and device. Here’s how:
- Tap on the “Add Account and device” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Wait for the device to prepare, and if everything goes smoothly, you should get a message saying that it has been added.
- Make sure both sync options are enabled and the device is enabled. Xiaomi needs these to verify that everything is set.
If you encounter an error message when adding your account and device, remove the Mi account you added in the previous step and add it again to continue the process.
Step 5: Booting into Fastboot Mode
Now that you have completed the initial setup, it’s time to boot your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 into Fastboot mode. Follow these steps:
- Power off your phone completely.
- Press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously until the phone boots into Fastboot mode.
Step 6: Connecting your Phone to the PC
With your device in Fastboot mode, it’s time to connect your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 to your PC or laptop using a USB cable.
Step 7: Download and Install the Mi Unlock Tool
On your computer, download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool after installation.
- Read and agree to the disclaimer by clicking on the “Agree” button at the bottom.
Step 8: Log into your Xiaomi Mi Account
To proceed with the bootloader unlock process, you need to log into your Xiaomi Mi account on the Mi Unlock Tool. Here’s how:
- Log into your Xiaomi Mi account using the same credentials you used to sign in on your phone.
- Wait for the Mi Unlock Tool to recognize your device.
Step 9: Unlocking the Bootloader
Now that you’re logged into your Xiaomi Mi account, it’s time to unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Here’s what you need to do:
- Click on the “Unlock” button at the bottom of the Mi Unlock Tool.
- You will receive a warning message informing you that unlocking the bootloader will erase user data. Make sure to back up all your important data before proceeding.
- Confirm your decision by clicking the “Unlock anyway” button.
- Wait for the bootloader unlock process to complete. The duration may vary depending on your Xiaomi account and the number of smartphones you have unlocked in the past.
During this period, you may need to wait for three to seven days before you can unlock the bootloader. Make sure not to add your Xiaomi Mi account to MIUI again during this time, as it will reset the timer.
Step 10: Completing the Unlock Process
Once the bootloader unlock process is complete, you will receive a message indicating that your device’s bootloader has been unlocked. The message will also mention the number of hours until the phone can be unlocked. In our case, it is 121 hours.
At this point, you can safely unplug the cable if you need to wait for the specified amount of time. If you unlocked the bootloader successfully, your phone would have rebooted on its own. You can force a reboot by pressing and holding the power button.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Now you have the freedom to explore custom ROMs, root your phone, and make advanced system modifications. Remember to exercise caution while making changes to your device, as unlocking the bootloader can void your warranty and may have certain risks associated with it. Enjoy the newfound freedom and customization options with your unlocked Xiaomi Redmi Note 12!
FAQ
Can I unlock the bootloader of other Xiaomi devices using the same method?
The method described in this guide is specifically for unlocking the bootloader of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 series. While some steps may be similar for other Xiaomi devices, it’s always recommended to refer to device-specific guides for the best results.
Does unlocking the bootloader void the warranty of my Xiaomi Redmi Note 12?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader usually voids the warranty of your device. Make sure to understand the consequences before proceeding with the bootloader unlock process.
Can I relock the bootloader of my Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 after unlocking it?
Yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. However, the process may vary depending on your device and the ROM you have installed. We recommend referring to device-specific guides for relocking the bootloader.
Is it necessary to unlock the bootloader to install custom ROMs?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader is usually a prerequisite for installing custom ROMs on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It allows you to bypass the device’s built-in security measures and install third-party firmware.
Can I revert the changes and return to the original MIUI firmware after unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader does not prevent you from returning to the original MIUI firmware. You can flash the stock ROM using the same Mi Unlock Tool or other tools like Mi Flash.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
