Why Change Your Password to Xiaomi and When You Need to
Changing your password on Xiaomi devices is not just a recommendation, it's a necessary security measure. Even if you're sure your current password is secure, there are times when it becomes critical to update it, such as after buying a used phone, suspecting an account was hacked or losing a device. Statistics show that more than 30 percent of data breaches are due to passwords that users have not changed for years.
Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or the new HyperOS offer several ways to change your password, from a standard change through settings to restore through Mi Account. It is important to understand that this is not only about unlocking the screen, but also about the password from the Xiaomi account, which is tied to all the services of the ecosystem. If you use one password for multiple devices (smartphone, smartwatch, router), its compromise can lead to a total hack of your digital life.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of changing the password, including the nuances for different versions of firmware and models - from Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Particular attention will be paid to bypassing the lock through Mi Account when access is lost, as this is one of the most common problems of users.
Method 1: Change the screen unlock password through settings
The easiest and most obvious method is to change the password directly in the phone's settings menu, which is suitable if you remember the current password and have access to the device, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS (starting with version 1.0).
Open the Settings app (cog icon) and go to the section: Passwords and security β Lock the screen. The system will request the current password, PIN-- code or pattern lock. After confirmation, select the type of new password:
- π’ PIN-code (4-16 digits) β a faster, but less secure option;
- π Password (minimum 4 characters, 8 recommended)+) β Best choice for protection;
- π¨ pattern lock β convenient, but easy to peek on the tracks on the screen.
If you choose a password, the system will require you to enter it twice to confirm. Note: Xiaomi blocks simple combinations like this "123456" Or "qwerty." Create a unique password by combining letters (in different registers), numbers and characters!a0m1_2026.
Check your Internet connection (to sync with Mi Account)
Remember or write a new password in a safe place
Make sure the battery is at least 20% charged
Disable VPN (may interfere with synchronization)
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After a successful password change, the system will suggest linking it to your Mi Account for recovery, and don't miss this step, which will allow you to unlock your phone even after you reset your settings.
Method 2: Change your Mi Account password through the official website
The Xiaomi account password (Mi Account) is a separate entity, independent of the screen unlock password, which is required if you suspect a data breach or want to update your credentials. The procedure is performed through the Xiaomi website and takes no more than 5 minutes.
Go to account.xiaomi.com. Sign in to your login (this can be email, phone number or Mi ID). In your personal account, select Security β Password. The system will send the confirmation code to the attached email or phone, enter it in the appropriate field and specify a new password.
| Mi Account Password Requirements | Minimum. | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 8 characters | 12+ characters |
| Register of letters | Anybody. | Mixed (Aa) |
| Figures | At least 1. | 2-3 digits |
| Special symbols | Not necessarily. | 1β2 characters (!@#$%) |
If you forgot the password from Mi Account, click on the login page Forgot the password?. The system will offer to restore access via email or SMS. In rare cases, confirmation may be required via backup email or a tied device. email/It is almost impossible to restore your account on your phone β this is one of Xiaomiβs security measures.
Once a month
Six months
Only if I forgot.
Never changed.
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Method 3: Reset password via Recovery Mode (without data loss)
If you forget the screen unlock password, but remember the Mi Account data, you can reset your password through Recovery Mode without completely resetting your settings. This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 11 and later.
Turn off your phone. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe Lock Settings (some firmware may call it Erase Lock Password). Confirm the action. After the restart, the phone will request data input from Mi Account to unlock.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
Important: This method does not delete user data (photos, messages, apps), but resets all security settings, including fingerprints and facial recognition. If you do not remember data from Mi Account, the phone will remain locked!
β οΈ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Wipe Lock Settings may not be available, and then you have to use Method 4.
Method 4: Completely reset your password when you lose your password
The last measure is to completely reset your phone to factory settings, which removes all data from your device, including photos, contacts, and installed apps.
- π You do not remember the unlock password and the data from the Mi Account;
- π± The phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account;
- π§ Other ways of unlocking did not work.
To perform the discharge:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some models β Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
Once reset, the phone will be clean, as after purchase, you will need to reconfigure it, including the Mi Account link. If the device was linked to the previous ownerβs account, after the reset, it may require the user to enter its data (Mi Cloud Lock), in which case contact the seller or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
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Remove before resetting SIM-This will save them from random formatting on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Method 5: Unlocking through Find Device (for lost phones)
If you lost your phone or it was stolen but you have access to another device, you can remotely lock or reset your password via Xiaomi's Find Device service.This method requires that the lost phone be enabled:
- πΆ Internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi);
- π Find Device in Security Settings;
- π Synchronization with Mi Account.
Go to i.mi.com. Sign in to your account and select the lost device in the list.
- π Blocking β set a new password on the screen;
- π Location β will show the current coordinates;
- ποΈ Deletion of data β complete reset (irreversible!).
If the phone is turned off, commands will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet. Note that an attacker can turn off Find Device through settings, so act quickly. To increase the chances of returning the phone, turn on the option to Send the last location before turning off in the Find Device settings.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you change your password to Xiaomi, users often face typical preventable problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Incorrect current password" | Misprint or forgotten password | Use Recovery with Mi Account or Recovery Mode |
| "Too simple password" | Not up to the requirements of Xiaomi | Add symbols in different registers and numbers |
| "I couldn't connect to the server." | Problems with the Internet or VPN | Disable VPN, check the connection |
| "Device locked after reset" | I still have a link to my old Mi Account. | Contact Xiaomi with a purchase check |
Another common problem is locking after repeatedly entering the wrong password, starting with MIUI 12, after 5 failed attempts, the phone is locked for 30 seconds, and after 10, it may require input from Mi Account, if you find yourself in this situation:
- Wait 30 minutes and try again (sometimes it helps).
- Use Find Device to remotely unlock.
- Recovery Mode (Data Loss!)
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Always link your phone to your Mi Account and turn on Find Device. This is the only way to remotely unlock or locate the device in case of loss.
If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check if the previous Mi Account is untied. Go to Settings β Xiaomi Account. If someone elseβs email is displayed there, ask the seller to log out and reset the phone in front of you.