The situation when access to the device is limited due to forgotten credentials is one of the most stressful for the owner of an Android gadget. Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a powerful Mi Cloud protection system that locks the device when you try to log in without authorization. This is an effective mechanism (anti-theft), but it becomes a problem if you do not remember your login details.
Restoring access is possible in a number of ways, depending on whether your phone number or email is linked to your profile, and it is important to understand that the process requires care, as improper actions can lead to a complete lockdown of the gadget. Below we will discuss in detail all legal methods for solving this problem.
Before you start taking action, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet. Without a connection to Xiaomi servers, identity verification is impossible. Also, be prepared to recall the approximate date of registration of the account, as this information may be necessary to communicate with customer support.
Recovery methods through the official website i.mi.com
The easiest and fastest method is to use the web interface of the cloud service. You will need a computer or other smartphone with Internet access. Go to the official portal id.mi.com or i.mi.com. In the upper right corner of the screen, find the login button and click on the Forgot password link.
The system will ask you to enter an identifier, which can be a phone number, email address or account ID. Once you enter the data, the confirmation code will come to the associated contact. Enter it in the appropriate field on the site. If the code does not come, check the Spam folder or make sure that the SIM card is active.
Once verified successfully, you will be asked to come up with a new combination of characters, and it is recommended to use complex passwords containing letters from different registers and numbers to ensure the maximum security of your data in the future.
⚠️ Note: If you have changed your phone number and do not have access to your old SIM card, this method may not work without additional steps to change the number in the security settings.
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Use a password manager or write new data to a secure location immediately after a shift to avoid a repeat of the situation.
It is important to note that after changing the data on the site, your smartphone may need to re-enter. MIUI system is not synchronized instantly, so sometimes you need to update the status in the settings menu.
Reset via the smartphone settings menu
If you have access to your phone’s desktop but need to change your password to sync or log in to Mi Cloud, you can do this directly through the MIUI interface. Open the Settings menu and select the Mi Account section, which is usually at the top of the list.
Click on the gear icon or "Account Details" on the menu that opens, find the Security or Password section, and the system will ask for a current ID ID code, and if you remember that, but want to change it, just enter new data.
In the event that the current password is forgotten, but the phone is unlocked (for example, with a pattern lock or a fingerprint), the system may offer alternative methods of confirmation. SMS-code or email. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the procedure.
☑️ Pre-reset check
After the successful change of data in the menu, all Xiaomi services will start using new information, this will affect cloud storage, device search and contact synchronization.
Using the Mi Credit application for recovery
A little-known but effective way is to use the built-in Mi Credit app (or Mi Pay in some regions), which works if the app has been installed and authorized before. Open the app and go to the user profile.
The profile settings often provide an account management option, and if the system allows you to log into the profile through the biometrics or pin code of the application itself, you can initiate the procedure to restore access to the main Mi ID.
This option is particularly useful when standard methods through the browser cause errors or captcha that are difficult to pass from a mobile device.The application uses internal authorization tokens, which simplifies the process.
| Method | Conditions required | Difficulty | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| I.mi.com | Access to Email or SMS | Low. | 95% |
| Phone settings | Access to the desktop | Low. | 90% |
| Mi Credit appendix | Installed annex | Medium | 60% |
| Xiaomi support | Checks, box, ID. | Tall. | 85% |
It is worth considering that the functionality of applications may differ depending on the version of MIUI and the region in which the device is released (Global, China, Russia).
What to do if your phone number is lost or unavailable
The most difficult situation is when the SIM card associated with the account is lost, and the number has already been reissued by the operator or simply is not used, in which case a standard SMS reset is impossible.
If email is also not available, the only legal way to do this is to contact Xiaomi Support, which requires you to prove that you own the device and account, and to do this, you need to collect as much information as possible.
Prepare the following data before contacting:
- 📄 Check on the purchase of the device or warranty card with a serial number (IMEI).
- 📱 Precisely. IMEI Locked smartphone (can be found on the box or under the battery).
- 📧 Old email address, even if you don’t have access to it (as ancillary information).
- 📅 Approximate account creation date and device model.
⚠️ Warning: Without a check or documents to prove the purchase, customer support may refuse to unlock for security reasons, as the device may be stolen.
The application process can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, and employees of the company carefully check the data provided, comparing it with the activation database.
How to find an IMEI without a phone?
Unlocking through resetting (Hard Reset)
If you can't restore your account and you need to use your phone urgently, the radical method is to completely reset your data, but on current versions of MIUI, it will activate the Activation Lock, and the phone will require you to enter the Mi Account password after you reboot.
This method only makes sense in two cases: you plan to contact support with a check after a reset, or you are sure that the account on the device was untied in advance (which is rare with a forgotten password).
Press both Volume+ and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. Select English/Chinese and click Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data.
Once the process is complete, the device will restart. If the Find Device protection has been active, you'll see the lock screen. It's officially impossible to get around without a password.
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Hard Reset does not remove the Mi Account lock if the Find Device feature was enabled before reset.
Using third-party programs to bypass this lock is often illegal and can result in the phone’s software finally breaking down.
Preventing Access Problems in the Future
To avoid such situations, it is important to set up your account correctly immediately after purchase, go to the security settings and add a backup email address, which will allow you to restore access even if you lose your SIM card.
It is also recommended to update your contact details regularly. If you change your phone number, be sure to untie the old one and link the new one to your Mi Account profile.
Keep a record of your accounts, write down your login and password in a paper notebook, or use a secure digital password store. A forgotten password is a common problem that is easier to prevent than to solve.
- 🔒 Enable two-factor authentication for additional protection.
- 📝 Keep electronic checks at least for a warranty period (preferably digital forever).
- 🔄 Periodically check the relevance of the phone number in the profile.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy used Xiaomi phones without making sure the seller is out of their Mi Account, otherwise you will get a lock-in brick.
Compliance with these simple rules will help you keep access to your data and smartphone functionality in any situation.