Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi or want to update it for security? Changing the password on smartphones of this brand has nuances due to the proprietary shell of MIUI and binding to the Mi Account. Unlike “pure” Android, there are additional ways of protection – and traps that even experienced users fall into.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from changing the screen unlock password to restoring access through Find Device if you forget the combination. We’ll focus on the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and the flagships of the K series, where the algorithms may differ. And we’ll also explain why resetting via Fastboot on the new Redmi with MIUI 14+ can lock the phone forever – and how to avoid it.
According to Xiaomi’s 2023 statistics, 38 percent of customer service calls are due to authorization issues — and half of the time, users have tried to change their password in the wrong way.
1. Standard change of screen unlock password
If you remember your current password and just want to update it, use the built-in MIUI settings.This method works on all Redmi models from the Note 5 to Note 13 Pro+, but requires knowledge of the old combination.
Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Lock the screen. The system will request the current password, PIN-code or pattern lock. After confirmation, select a new type of lock:
- 🔢 PIN-4 to 16 digits (recommended for security and convenience)
- 🔑 Password – at least 4 characters, with support for letters, numbers and special characters
- 🎨 pattern lock - connection 4+ The location (less safe but convenient)
On models with MIUI 14 and later, when you change your password, the system will automatically prompt you to link Mi Account to restore access. Don't miss this step - without binding, resetting your password will require a complete flashing.
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If you use a pattern lock, avoid simple patterns like the letter "L" or the square, and the burglars check them first.
2. change the password through Mi Account (if you forgot the current one)
Forgot the unlock password, but the phone is tied to the Mi Account? Restoration access can be through the Xiaomi website – but only if previously enabled the function Find Device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
Step instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com from a PC or other phone.
- Sign in with the same account as the blocked Redmi.
- Select the Find Device tab → find your smartphone in the list.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action via SMS or email.
⚠️ Note: This method only works when the Internet is active on a locked phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network). If the smartphone is turned off or in airplane mode, unlocking through Mi Account is not possible.
Remember email/phone from Mi Account|
Check your phone's internet connection |
Make sure that Find Device has been activated before |
Have access to mail/SMS to confirm
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3. Reset password via Recovery Mode (for advanced)
If standard methods don’t work, you can try resetting your password through Restore mode, which is a good way to use Redmi models on MIUI 12-14, but you need to be careful: wrong actions will lead to data loss.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
- After resetting, the phone will restart in factory condition.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14+ And the activated Mi Cloud function, after resetting via Recovery, you need to enter the data of the associated Mi Account. Without it, the phone will turn into a "brick" - this is a measure against theft. If you do not remember the account data, use the official Xiaomi unlock service (paid, ~$20-50).
What to do if you need a Mi Account after a reset?
4. Change of password SIM-map (PIN/PUK)
If the problem is not in the lock screen, but in the request PIN-code SIM-maps, different algorithm. PIN requested each time you turn on your phone if the function is activated in the settings SIM.
To change PIN SIM-map:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Change. PIN.
- Enter the current PIN (usually 0000 or 1234 if not changed).
- Specify a new 4-digit code.
If you injected an infidel PIN 3 times, SIM It will be blocked and will require PUK-code (indicated on the plastic holder) SIM Or in a contract with an operator. Attention: 10 failed input attempts PUK This will result in a complete lockdown. SIM-cards – it will have to be changed in the operator’s cabin.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 3 PIN misenterings | SIM is blocked, requires a PUK | Enter PUK (there is on the SIM package) |
| 10 wrong inputs PUK | SIM permanently blocked | Contact the operator for a new SIM |
| Forgotten PIN, but PUK is known | You can reset the PIN through the PUK. | Enter. PUK → re-introduce PIN |
5. Features for new models (Redmi) 12/13, MIUI 14+)
On Redmi 12, Redmi 13 and K60 flagships with MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and now, when you reset your password via Recovery or Fastboot, the system requires Mi Account data even if you haven’t previously been linked to your account, which is due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
What's changed:
- 🔒 Without Mi Account, password reset is impossible – the phone is locked.
- 📱 Two-factor authentication is now mandatory for all account activities.
- ⏳ Delayed unlocking: after 5 wrong attempts to enter the password, the timeout increases to 30 minutes.
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On Redmi with MIUI 14+, the only safe way to change your password is through your phone settings (if you remember the current one) or through Mi Account (if you forgot). Any manipulation of Recovery/Fastboot without an associated account will result in a lock.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Xiaomi Redmi users often face the same problems when changing their password.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
Error 1: "After resetting via Recovery, the phone asks for an old Mi Account that isn't there"
- Reason: The previous owner did not untie the account.
- Solution: Contact the seller or contact Xiaomi’s unlock service (proof of purchase will be required).
Error 2: “No SMS is coming to confirm the change of the Mi Account password”
- Reason: The phone number is changed or the operator is blocking messages.
- Solution: Use a backup email or contact Xiaomi with a passport.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy Xiaomi Redmi from hand without first resetting to factory settings in your presence. Even if the seller shows a working phone, after the reboot, you can pop up binding to someone else's Mi Account, and unlocking it will cost you in the future. $50+.