If you’re looking for a 20-digit security code on a Xiaomi device, it’s likely to be unlocking a bootloader, restoring access to your Mi Account account, or resetting your graphical password, a unique code that’s generated by the system and required in critical situations like a forgotten password, buying a used phone with a tied account, or failing to update your firmware.
Unlike the standard ones. PIN-For codes or graphics keys, Xiaomi’s 20-digit security code doesn’t show up in the default settings; it either needs to be requested through official channels or extracted from system files — and both are nuanced. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of obtaining code, including hidden menus, developer tools and appeal in support of Xiaomi.
What is Xiaomi’s 20 digit security code and why you need it?
The 20-digit code is a unique identifier that is linked to the device’s IMEI and Mi Account, and it performs several key functions:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader to install custom firmware or restore the system after a failure.
- 🔄 Resetting your Mi Account when buying a used phone if the previous owner did not untie the device.
- 🛡️ Proof of ownership in Xiaomi Support in case of dispute (e.g. theft or loss).
- 🔧 Restoring access to the device after a failed update or reset settings.
It is important to understand that this code is not static — it can change after resetting, flashing or changing your account. Besides, it can not be picked up or generated manually, Xiaomi’s system uses a complex encryption algorithm tied to the hardware data of the device.
⚠️ Warning: Never share a 20-digit security code with third parties! scammers can use it to remotely reset your device or link to their Mi Account.
Where is the 20-digit code physically stored on a Xiaomi device?
The code doesn't show up in the standard MIUI interface, but it can be extracted from system files or retrieved through official channels.
| Source of code | How to get | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden menu ##4636## | Enter the combination in the dialer → go to “Phone Information” | Only some models up to MIUI 12 |
| File /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db | Root access is required or ADB-team | On all devices, but you need technical skills |
| Xiaomi official website (unlocking the bootloader) | Request via en.miui.com/unlock | Only to unlock the bootloader |
| Xiaomi support (via ticket) | Provide proof of purchase and IMEI | When you lose access to your account |
Since MIUI 13 and later, Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and most of the holes for extracting code without formal request have been closed. For example, previously the code could be found in system logs via ADB logcat, but now this data is encrypted.
How to find a 20-digit code through hidden menus (for older models)
If your device is released before 2021 and runs on MIUI 12 or older, there is a chance to extract the code through the engineering menu.
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636###.
- In the menu that appears, select “Phone Information” item.
- Scroll down to the "Wi-Fi information" or "Battery information" section.
- Press and hold any item in this section for 5-10 seconds.
- If the code is available, a pop-up window with a 20-digit combination will appear.
This method doesn’t work on all devices, for example, on Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco X3 Pro, the menu may be missing or incomplete. If the combination doesn’t work, try the alternative code: ##7378423## (for some Redmi models).
⚠️ Note: Do not enter random engineering codes on new devices (MIUI 14+) — This can lead to resetting or blocking. IMEI.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB customized|Download the platform ADB (Android SDK)|Connect the phone to the PC in the mode "Transfer of files"-->
Extracting code through ADB (for advanced users)
If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can try extracting code using ADB. This method requires minimal knowledge of working with the command line.
Instructions:
- Connect the device to your PC and open the terminal (or PowerShell on Windows).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Launch the ADB: Adb shell shell shell
- Run the command to search for code in system settings: sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db "SELECT * FROM secure WHERE name LIKE '%miui%'";
If the code is stored in a database, it will be displayed in the output of the command. Note the lines containing miui.security.code or lockscreen.password_salt. New devices (MIUI 14+) This method may not work due to data encryption.
What if ADB does not find the code?
Official code request via Xiaomi support
If the independent methods do not work, you need to contact Xiaomi support, which is suitable for:
- 📱 Restoring access to Mi Account when buying a used phone.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader if the official Mi Unlock tool gives an error.
- 🛠️ Reset the device after a failed update (for example, “brick” after firmware).
Algorithm of action:
- Go to the support site account.xiaomi.com and log in (or create a new account).
- Select the "Help" section" → "Lost access to the device".
- Fill out the form by specifying: IMEI device (you can find in Settings → About phone → All specs or on the box). Serial number (S/N). Check or proof of purchase (photo box, warranty card).
Confirm the request via email or SMS.
The request is processed between 24 hours and 7 days, and in some cases, support may request additional data, such as a photo of the device with the screen on (to confirm that the phone is not in the hands of fraudsters).
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie the device from their Mi Account.Otherwise, Xiaomi support will refuse to provide the code, citing security policies.
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Before contacting in support, take a picture of the IMEI and the serial number from the sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible) – this will speed up the processing of the request.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with a 20-digit security code, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The code is not suitable when unlocking | The device is linked to another Mi Account | Seek support for proof of purchase |
| ADB does not find the database | No root rights or MIUI blocked access | Use an official request or alternative methods |
| Support refuses to issue code | Device blacklisted (stolen/lost) | Provide check and data of the seller |
| The code is reset after the update | The system generates new code when changing firmware | Repeat the procedure for obtaining the code again |
Critical error: If you enter a 20-digit code more than 5 times in a row and receive the message "Device is locked", the device will be locked for 72 hours, in which case you only have to wait or contact the service center.
Alternative ways to unlock without a 20-digit code
If you can’t get the code, consider alternative unlock methods:
- 🔄 Fastboot reset: suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader. Command: fastboot erase userdata Attention: deletes all data!
- 📱 Use of the EDL-Mode: Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
- 🛠️ Contact the service center: official Xiaomi centers can unlock the device under warranty.
- 🔓 TestPoint bypass: the last resort for power users (the risk of bricking").
Most alternative methods require technical skills or specialized equipment, and if you are not confident in your abilities, you should consult a professional.
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The most reliable way to unlock is to request code through Xiaomi support, and alternative methods can cause data loss or device breakdown.