Unlocking the bootloader is a necessary step if you want to root your Redmi Note 12R. 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 Redmi Note 12R 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 Redmi Note 12R phone. Make sure to back up complete Android data to avoid losing it.
Steps to Unlock Bootloader on Redmi Note 12R?
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.
- Redmi Note 12R 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 Redmi Note 12R. 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 Redmi Note 12R
Once you’ve done all the previous steps, check if the bootloader on your Redmi Note 12R 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 Redmi Note 12R 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 Redmi Note 12R:
The Redmi Note 12R, unveiled on June 28, 2023, is a versatile smartphone designed to deliver seamless connectivity and impressive performance. With support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G technologies, this device ensures a wide range of network compatibility. The phone’s sleek design features dimensions of 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 199 g, boasting a glass front and back with a plastic frame. It is also IP53 certified, providing dust and splash resistance for added durability.
Equipped with a 6.79-inch IPS LCD display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and 550 nits brightness, the Redmi Note 12R offers an immersive visual experience with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels. Running on Android 13 with MIUI 14, the smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x Cortex-A55), along with an Adreno 613 GPU.
The device provides ample storage options with a microSDXC card slot and internal configurations of 128GB storage with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM options, as well as a 256GB variant with 8GB RAM. The Redmi Note 12R features a dual-camera setup on the back, including a 50 MP wide lens and a 2 MP macro lens, delivering detailed and vibrant photography. The front-facing 5 MP selfie camera ensures quality self-portraits. Additional features include 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC (market/region dependent), and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The device is powered by a non-removable 5000 mAh Li-Po battery with 18W wired charging and PD support. Available in Black, Blue, and Silver colors.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you unlock the bootloader on your Redmi Note 12R device, you can do many different things to make it better. But remember, proceed with caution and at your own risk.