Unlocking the bootloader is a necessary step if you want to root your Mix Fold 3. By default, device manufacturers keep the bootloader locked as a security measure.
This ensures stable performance and prevents unauthorized access to the system. However, it also restricts users from making changes to the device’s software. By unlocking the bootloader, users can gain root access and perform advanced customizations.
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Benefits of Unlocking the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader on your Mix Fold 3 gives you the freedom to customize and optimize your device to your liking. Here are some potential benefits of unlocking the bootloader:
- Root access: With root access, you can install custom ROMs, remove bloatware, and tweak system settings for better performance.
- Customization: Unlocking your bootloader allows you to install custom themes, icons, fonts, and other visual elements to personalize your device.
- Tweaking hardware: You can also use root access to overclock or underclock your device’s processor for faster performance or better battery life.
- Backup and restore: Some third-party apps require root access to perform a full backup of your device, giving you peace of mind in case of a factory reset.
Prerequisites
Before attempting to unlock the bootloader, make sure you have completed these prerequisite steps:
- Download and Install ADB and Fastboot Tools: These tools are essential for unlocking. You can download them for Windows or Mac from here.
- Install the Latest Xiaomi USB Drivers: These drivers will ensure your device can communicate effectively with your PC. Download them from here.
- Download the latest Xiaomi Mi Unlock Tool: This is the tool you’ll use to unlock your bootloader. Download it from here.
- Obtain Mi Account Authorization: A Mi Account must receive authorization for bootloader unlocking. If you don’t have one, sign up and request authorization here.
- Ensure Your Device Is Adequately Charged: Your device should be at least 60% charged before you commence the unlocking process, to prevent any interruptions.
- Backup Important Data: The process will fully reset your Mix Fold 3 phone. Make sure to back up complete Android data to avoid losing it.
Steps to Unlock Bootloader on Mix Fold 3?
It’s important to remember that this process may void your warranty and you should only proceed if you’re comfortable with that risk.
- Enable Developer Mode:
- Navigating to Settings > About phone.
- Then tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Enable OEM Unlocking:
- Now again go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Option.
- Go to the OEM Unlocking option and enable it.
- You will receive a warning prompt instructing you to enable “Allow OEM unlocking”. Press the enable option to proceed.
- Add Mi Account:
- Go to Settings > Mi Account.
- Create a new account or sign in with your existing account.
- Again go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Option > Mi Unlock Status.
- Then click on the Add Account & Device option. It will show a successful message i.e. “Added Successfully. Mi Account is associated with this device now”.
- Download Mi Unlocker and sign in:
- Download and extract the Mi Unlock Tool to a folder on your PC.
- Open the MiFlashUnlock tool from the extracted folder. Log in with the same Mi Account used on the device.
- Connect To the PC and Unlock the Bootloader:
- Turn off the phone and then press and hold the Volume Down + Power button until your device boots into “fastboot mode”.
- Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable.
- Mix Fold 3 will now be detected by the MiFlashUnlock tool.
- Then click on the “Unlock” button.
- After waiting a few seconds again click on “Unlock anyway”.
- Once completed, you can reboot your device.
That’s it! You’ve successfully unlocked the bootloader on your Mix Fold 3. However, sometimes, you may encounter messages such as,
Couldn’t unlock Please unlock 168 hours later. And do not add your account in MIUI again, otherwise you will wait from scratch.
During that period, generate an additional MI account using a different Xiaomi device. Subsequently, utilize this newly created account with your device. Alternatively, you may need to wait for 7 days.
Verify Whether your Bootloader is successfully Unlocked on your Mix Fold 3
Once you’ve done all the previous steps, check if the bootloader on your Mix Fold 3 is unlocked. Here’s how:
- Activate the developer option again.
- Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Option.
- You’ll notice that OEM Unlocking is greyed out and it says “bootloader is already unlocked”.
- Mi Unlock Status is now unlocked.
Note: This is a universal guide for Mix Fold 3 and all other Xiaomi phones. We are not responsible if your device gets bricked.
As a precaution, make sure to follow the steps carefully and only proceed if you fully understand the risks involved in unlocking the phone’s bootloader.
In addition, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader may also void your warranty.
About Mix Fold 3:
The Mix Fold 3, launched in August 2023, is a premium foldable smartphone with an extensive network range, including 5G. Unfolded, it features an 8.03-inch LTPO OLED+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
Powered by Android 13 and MIUI Fold 14, it runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and offers up to 1TB storage with 16GB RAM. The camera setup includes a versatile triple main camera (50 MP wide, 10 MP telephoto with 3.2x and 5x optical zoom, and 12 MP ultrawide) and a 20 MP front camera. The Mix Fold 3 excels in audio with stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, and it boasts 67W wired and 50W wireless charging for its 4800 mAh battery.
It combines sleek design with top-tier performance, as evidenced by impressive benchmark scores and excellent camera and battery performance. Available in Black and Gold, the Mix Fold 3 stands out as a feature-packed, high-end smartphone.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you unlock the bootloader on your Mix Fold 3 device, you can do many different things to make it better. But remember, proceed with caution and at your own risk.