[Resolved] MI Unlock Tool cannot detect phone - Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Questions & Answers

ISSUE RESOLVED. See post #17 for solution.
Hi, I have a Redmi Note 4 Qualcomm variant with MIUI Global 8.5 | Stable 8.5.4.0 (NCFMIED) ROM. I want to unlock the bootloader but MI Unlock Tool (v2.3.803.10) cannot recognize the phone in fastboot mode. I've gotten the permission to unlock.
I've tried v2.2 of the tool and encountered same problem. Tried multiple drivers, plugging phone in/out. Running "fastboot devices" command shows the device is connected. Tried installing Mi Driver that came with the tool but its setup says it's installed while the unlock tool says it isn't.
Suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Note: I'm running Win 10 x64 Creator's Update (15063).

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Hexerus said:
Hi guys, I have Redmi Note 4 Qualcomm Global variant with MIUI Global 8.5 | Stable 8.5.4.0 (NCFMIED). I want to unlock the bootloader but MI Unlock Tool (v2.3.803.10) cannot recognize the phone (connected in fastboot mode). I have gotten the permission to unlock. I'm running Win 10 x64 Creator's Update build 15063.
I've tried v2.2 of the tool and encountered same problem. Tried multiple drivers, plugging phone in/out. Running "fastboot devices" command shows the device is connected. Tried installing Mi Driver that come with the tool, its setup says it's installed but the unlock tool says it isn't. Really confused right now.
Any suggestion appreciated.
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Did you enable usb debugging in developer options?
No you didn't

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Stevica Smederevac said:
Did you enable usb debugging in developer options?
No you didn't
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Click to collapse
Yes I did Enabled both OEM unlocking and USB debugging. For a person to unlock phone / flash ROM, expect him to at least know this.

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Hexerus said:
Yes I did Enabled both OEM unlocking and USB debugging. For a person to unlock phone / flash ROM, expect him to at least know this.
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I don't expect anything, sometimes you have to start from the beginning. . With that attitude,i have nothing more to say.

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Stevica Smederevac said:
I don't expect anything, sometimes you have to start from the beginning. . With that attitude,i have nothing more to say.
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I'm really sorry if it offended you. Didn't mean to be rude. It's late night and I'm really tired trying again and again with different changes. Googling didn't end up with satisfactory solutions so posted in a few forums. Apparently everyone is past this stage and into 50% and account binding errors. I don't know why I'm stuck here. Even MiFlash detects the phone but not Mi Unlock.
Again I'm sorry for that comment. I should have written it in OP.

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Disable driver enforcement in windows 10 and then try again from start.

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Hexerus said:
I'm really sorry if it offended you. Didn't mean to be rude. It's late night and I'm really tired trying again and again with different changes. Googling didn't end up with satisfactory solutions so posted in a few forums. Apparently everyone is past this stage and into 50% and account binding errors. I don't know why I'm stuck here. Even MiFlash detects the phone but not Mi Unlock.
Again I'm sorry for that comment. I should have written it in OP.
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So many things are now installed that it would be a good idea to uninstall as much as possible including drivers.
After that install one version of unlock tool and try again.
Pretty confusing that only unlock tool can't recognize the device.
I think you already tried but I'll suggest anyway, try with different USB ports. Maybe you are plugged in usb hub or 3.0 and for some reason unlock tool is not working.

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Reboot into bootloader and then type "fastboot devices" in the adb cmd. If it doesn't recognize any fastboot devices then you need fastboot driver. Use universal adb driver for that. Hope it helps.
EDIT: Sorry didn't notice that OP already tried this. I think maybe at this point you should try using a different computer, or log in from a different account on your pc.

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small2cats482 said:
Reboot into bootloader and then type "fastboot devices" in the adb cmd. If it doesn't recognize any fastboot devices then you need fastboot driver. Use universal adb driver for that. Hope it helps.
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But he said it does in fastboot but only not in unlock tool.

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Try installing Mi pc suite..! If you have already. Then try reinstalling it.. Then check if your phone gets detected there.

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himesh_d said:
Disable driver enforcement in windows 10 and then try again from start.
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Did that. No luck. Although, I'm wondering why I didn't get this red "Can't verify the publisher" message:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
.
It's assumed to be the reason for disabling driver signature enforcement according to many tutorials around the web. It is supposed to come when MiFlash is being installed but I didn't get it while installing MiFlashSetup_eng.msi (latest MiFlash tool).

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Stevica Smederevac said:
So many things are now installed that it would be a good idea to uninstall as much as possible including drivers.
After that install one version of unlock tool and try again.
Pretty confusing that only unlock tool can't recognize the device.
I think you already tried but I'll suggest anyway, try with different USB ports. Maybe you are plugged in usb hub or 3.0 and for some reason unlock tool is not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exactly. I first installed Universal ADB drivers that gets installed in Program Files/Clockwork something folder. Then I downloaded ADB driver installer from here: http://adbdriver.com/. They have a GUI tool that apparently show whether drivers are correctly installed or not when you plug in your phone, and prompts to install if not. It showed a green dot, so I didn't install it. Then, since it wasn't working (the tool), I tried ADB 1.4.3 from here (XDA). Same result. I also tried Xiaomi's own driver that come with Unlock tool with its own setup. That is also not working, unfortunately. Every time, adb.exe and fastboot.exe recognizes phone in their respective modes, but not the tool.
I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling drivers through Device Manager, as there seems to be no folder in C: and no entry in Programs and Features for any driver. I think I have to try another PC. Not sure if a virtual machine would do (I can setup a Win7 VM just for the sake). Finding another PC would require waiting
And yes, tried different ports.

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zerohunk said:
Try installing Mi pc suite..! If you have already. Then try reinstalling it.. Then check if your phone gets detected there.
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Click to collapse
Regarding MI PC suite, I installed it a few weeks ago and it wasn't detecting the phone, even with the ADB drivers installed and USB debugging and everything turned on. I googled it and found out that Xiaomi hasn't updated it to support devices running Marshmallow or later. It only works with Lollipop and prior devices. So yeah I will try but I think the result will be same i.e. phone won't get detected.

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Hexerus said:
Yes, exactly. I first installed Universal ADB drivers that gets installed in Program Files/Clockwork something folder. Then I downloaded ADB driver installer from here: http://adbdriver.com/. They have a GUI tool that apparently show whether drivers are correctly installed or not when you plug in your phone, and prompts to install if not. It showed a green dot, so I didn't install it. Then, since it wasn't working (the tool), I tried ADB 1.4.3 from here (XDA). Same result. I also tried Xiaomi's own driver that come with Unlock tool with its own setup. That is also not working, unfortunately. Every time, adb.exe and fastboot.exe recognizes phone in their respective modes, but not the tool.
I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling drivers through Device Manager, as there seems to be no folder in C: and no entry in Programs and Features for any driver. I think I have to try another PC. Not sure if a virtual machine would do (I can setup a Win7 VM just for the sake). Finding another PC would require waiting
And yes, tried different ports.
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Click to collapse
I also ha windows 10 and minimal adb and fastboot tool. I didn't require any other drivers. My phone is recognized in every situation

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Hexerus said:
Regarding MI PC suite, I installed it a few weeks ago and it wasn't detecting the phone, even with the ADB drivers installed and USB debugging and everything turned on. I googled it and found out that Xiaomi hasn't updated it to support devices running Marshmallow or later. It only works with Lollipop and prior devices. So yeah I will try but I think the result will be same i.e. phone won't get detected.
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Click to collapse
My Rn4 was on android nougat stable ROM when i installed mi pc suite and it did get detected.. I do remember while installing it asked me if i wanted to install drivers.. Click on yes! I think that will do it for you!

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zerohunk said:
My Rn4 was on android nougat stable ROM when i installed mi pc suite and it did get detected.. I do remember while installing it asked me if i wanted to install drivers.. Click on yes! I think that will do it for you!
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Mine says "Connect your device via USB" as soon as a plug phone. I too have nougat stable version. Which PC suite version do you have? I have 3.2.1.3111. It didn't prompt for any driver installation. Do you enable USB debugging while connecting to PC suite? Tried MTP and PTP modes, still the same.
Edit 1: Sometimes getting the "You need to update your device to use Mi PC suite..." a few moments after the previous error.

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I finally went past this step. Here's my short guide to resolve the issue:
Note: I'm using Mi Unlock tool version 2.3.803.10 on Windows 10 x64 build 15063. This is the tool's latest version as of 28 August, 2017.
1. Extract the zipped archive of MI Unlock tool to a new folder in the root of your system drive, like C:\any_folder. I extracted it to C:\unlock, making the path of the tool's executable: "C:\unlock\miflash_unlock.exe".
2. Run MiUsbDriver.exe from the folder as administrator and, even if it already says "Driver installed", click "Install" to make sure. Click "Retesting" to see if it says the same. Close the program.
3. Put your device into fastboot mode (make sure to turn on USB debugging and OEM unlocking in the developer options), and connect it through USB 2.0 port. (I don't know if 2.0/3.0 makes a difference but if you have 2.0 available, use it).
4. Go to device manager. Expand "Android Phone", right click "Android Bootloader Interface" and click properties. Click on "Driver" tab. See if the driver provider is "Xiaomi Technology, Inc.", driver date is "11/3/2016", and driver version is "16.0.0.0".
If it's not then:
(a) Close the properties window.
(b) Right click android bootloader interface and click "Update driver".
(c) Click "Browse my computer for driver..." -> "Let me pick from a list ...".
(d) Uncheck "Show compatible hardware".
(e) Select "Xiaomi Technology, Inc." from the left side and "Android Bootloader Interface" from the right and click next.
After it's installed, check the properties -> driver tab of "Android Bootloader Interface" to make sure driver provider, date and version is what I mentioned above.
5. Go to unlock tool folder. Go to driver\win10 folder, right click android_winusb.inf and click install. You'll get operation completed successfully message.
6. Go back to unlock folder and run the tool as administrator. Now before clicking agree, click on the settings gear on the top right corner. Here, MI Usb Driver should say "Already installed". If it doesn't, it won't work. In that case, you can check/re-do steps 1-5 to see if it helps. No idea beyond that.
7. Now you're good to go. Click agree, sign in and voila, your phone shall be connected, ready to unlock.
Thanks.

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Hexerus said:
Oh THANK GOD, I finally went past this step. Thank heavens jeez. So here's my short guide that tells what I did to resolve this problem.
Note: I have Mi Unlock tool version 2.3.803.10 (latest as of now). I'm on Windows 10 x64 build 15063.
1. Extract the zipped archive of MI Unlock tool to the root of your system drive, like C:\any_folder. I extracted it to C:\unlock, so the path of the tool's executable became "C:\unlock\miflash_unlock.exe"
2. Run MiUsbDriver.exe from the folder with as administrator and click "Install". Make sure it says "Driver installed" after that. If it already says that, hit install again just to make sure. Click "Retesting" to see if it remains the same. Close the program after.
3. Put your device into fastboot mode (make sure to turn on USB debugging and OEM unlocking in the developer options), and connect it through USB 2.0 port. (I don't know if 2.0/3.0 makes a difference but if you have 2.0 available, use it).
4. Go to device manager. Expand "Android Phone", right click "Android Bootloader Interface" and click properties. Click on "Driver" tab. See if the driver provider is "Xiaomi Technology, Inc.", driver date is "11/3/2016", and driver version is "16.0.0.0".
IF it's not, then close the properties window, right click android bootloader interface and click "Update driver". Click "Browse my computer for driver..." then "Let me pick from a list ...". Uncheck "Show compatible hardware", click "Xiaomi Technology, Inc." from the left side, then "Android Bootloader Interface" from the right and click next. After it's installed, check the properties to make sure it says what I mentioned above.
5. Go to unlock tool folder. Go to driver\win10 folder, right click android_winusb.inf and click install. You'll get operation completed successfully message.
6. Go back to unlock folder and run the tool as administrator. Now before clicking agree, click on the settings gear on the top right corner. Make sure MI Usb Driver says "Already installed". This is really important. Otherwise IT WON'T WORK. If it doesn't say that check previous steps and make sure your didn't miss any. Beyond that I have no idea.
7. Now you're good to go. Click agree, sign in and voila, your phone shall be connected, ready to unlock.
Thanks.
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You are a LIFESAVER... Having spent more than 12 hours searching the internet..... Thanks again.

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Hexerus said:
Oh THANK GOD, I finally went past this step. Thank heavens jeez. So here's my short guide that tells what I did to resolve this problem.
Note: I have Mi Unlock tool version 2.3.803.10 (latest as of now). I'm on Windows 10 x64 build 15063.
1. Extract the zipped archive of MI Unlock tool to the root of your system drive, like C:\any_folder. I extracted it to
7. Now you're good to go. Click agree, sign in and voila, your phone shall be connected, ready to unlock.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Bro!!!!! I had made an account on XDA just & just to write this THANKFUL comment. Hell Lot of THANKS Buddy!!

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Hexerus said:
Oh THANK GOD, I finally went past this step. Thank heavens jeez. So here's my short guide that tells what I did to resolve this problem.
Note: I have Mi Unlock tool version 2.3.803.10 (latest as of now). I'm on Windows 10 x64 build 15063.
1. Extract the zipped archive of MI Unlock tool to the root of your system drive, like C:\any_folder. I extracted it to C:\unlock, so the path of the tool's executable became "C:\unlock\miflash_unlock.exe"
2. Run MiUsbDriver.exe from the folder with as administrator and click "Install". Make sure it says "Driver installed" after that. If it already says that, hit install again just to make sure. Click "Retesting" to see if it remains the same. Close the program after.
3. Put your device into fastboot mode (make sure to turn on USB debugging and OEM unlocking in the developer options), and connect it through USB 2.0 port. (I don't know if 2.0/3.0 makes a difference but if you have 2.0 available, use it).
4. Go to device manager. Expand "Android Phone", right click "Android Bootloader Interface" and click properties. Click on "Driver" tab. See if the driver provider is "Xiaomi Technology, Inc.", driver date is "11/3/2016", and driver version is "16.0.0.0".
IF it's not, then close the properties window, right click android bootloader interface and click "Update driver". Click "Browse my computer for driver..." then "Let me pick from a list ...". Uncheck "Show compatible hardware", click "Xiaomi Technology, Inc." from the left side, then "Android Bootloader Interface" from the right and click next. After it's installed, check the properties to make sure it says what I mentioned above.
5. Go to unlock tool folder. Go to driver\win10 folder, right click android_winusb.inf and click install. You'll get operation completed successfully message.
6. Go back to unlock folder and run the tool as administrator. Now before clicking agree, click on the settings gear on the top right corner. Make sure MI Usb Driver says "Already installed". This is really important. Otherwise IT WON'T WORK. If it doesn't say that check previous steps and make sure your didn't miss any. Beyond that I have no idea.
7. Now you're good to go. Click agree, sign in and voila, your phone shall be connected, ready to unlock.
Thanks.
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Thank you, you solve my problem I try almost everything and the problem continues, your guide solve my issue with the USB drivers, good work