Previous articleHow to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account password

You turned on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but instead of the usual desktop, you saw the words “Activate this device” with the requirement to enter the username and password from the Mi Account? The situation is complicated if you forget the login data – the device turns into a “brick”, blocking access to functions. This problem is typical for the Xiaomi brand, where the binding to the manufacturer’s account serves as additional protection against theft.

In this article, we’ll look at all the workable ways to bypass locks, from retrieving access via email or SMS to radical methods like Fastboot reset or support. Importantly, not all solutions are universal — their effectiveness depends on the device model, the version of MIUI, and whether features like Find Device were previously enabled, and we’ll explain why some folk methods (such as firmware via EDL) can permanently disable the gadget.

If you bought a device with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your account, or simply forgot your password after resetting your settings, read on.Spoiler: 80% of the time, the problem can be solved without losing data, but it will require access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.

Why is “Activate This Device” and What Does It Mean?

The message “Activate this device” (or “This device is locked” on older versions of MIUI) is part of Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud Lock security system, which is activated in three cases:

• 🔄 After resetting (Factory Reset) through the recovery menu or system settings.
• 📱 When you first set up a new device, if it was tied to another Mi Account (typical for used phones).
• 🔒 After firmware through informal tools (for example, TWRP or Fastboot, if the account has not been untied.

The lock works even if you didn't turn on Find Device, but it's tied to the fact that you logged in to your Mi Account, and the main purpose of the mechanism is to protect against theft: without the username and password, an attacker will not be able to use the phone.

It's important to understand that it's not a hardware lock (like an iPhone with iCloud), it's a software lock. It's bypassable, but it depends on whether you have access to your account data or not. For example, if you remember your email but you forgot your password, it takes 5 minutes to recover, and if you bought it by hand and you can't contact your previous owner, you'll need radical measures.

Method 1: Recovery of Mi Account password (if you have access to email/SMS)

If you forget your password but remember an email or phone number tied to your Mi Account is the easiest way to go. Xiaomi provides a standard recovery procedure similar to other services.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot password?
2. Enter the email or phone associated with your account. If you don't remember the exact address, try all the options you can (for example, with different domains: @gmail.com, @mail.ru, etc.).
3. Choose a Recovery Method: 📧 Through email - a letter will come to the mail with a link to reset the password. 📱 Through SMS — The phone number will receive the confirmation code.

Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password.

«Activate this device»

If you do not receive a letter or SMS, Check the Spam folder in your mail or try to request the code again in 5-10 minutes. Also make sure you have access to the Internet (connect to Wi-Fi or insert). SIM-map).

Check the correctness. email/phone|Make sure the mail is/SMS not blocked|Try another browser or device|Wait. 10–15 minutes and request the code again-->

⚠️ Note: If you see an error in this account is not existing when you restore your password, you may have entered the email or phone incorrectly. Try other combinations or remember if you have registered an account through third-party services (for example, Facebook or Google).

Method 2: Unlocking through official Xiaomi support

If you don’t remember the login details and can’t recover your password (for example, you lost your email), you have to contact Xiaomi Support, which is the official method, but it requires proof of ownership of the device.

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Check or purchase document (if the device is new).
• 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find them on the box or via the menu *#06# if the phone is running at least a little bit).
• 🔐 Serial number (located on the box or under the battery if removable).
• 📝 Photo/scan of passport (to confirm identity).

How to apply:

1. Go to Xiaomi’s support website: account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select Unlock Mi Account or Device Activation Help.
3. Fill out the form with all the required data (including the reason for blocking).
4. Attach scans of documents and submit the application.
5. Wait for a response (usually 1-3 working days).

If the device is bought by hand and the previous owner does not respond, the chances of unlocking are minimal. Xiaomi rarely meets in such cases, as this is contrary to security policy, in which case only informal methods remain (about them - later).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

If official methods have not worked and the device is not new (released before 2021), you can try to reset the lock via Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3).

Warning: The method requires unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a complete data reset and may invalidate the warranty. On new devices (2022 and later), this method often does not work due to enhanced protection.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and check its detection by the command: fastboot devices
4. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Note: new devices will require binding to the same Mi Account, making the method meaningless.
5. Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean All option).

If the lock is left after the firmware, then the Mi Cloud Lock is saved in the hardware module (eMMC), and a deeper reset via the EDL will be required (about it in the next section).

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Fastboot or EDL On devices with a locked bootloader (and this is 90% of new Xiaomi models) will lead to a permanent lock (hard brick).

Method 4: Bypassing the lock through EDL (last resort)

If all previous methods have failed and the device is not new (before 2020-2021), you can try resetting via EDL. This method is the riskiest - it can both unlock the phone and turn it into a brick.

• 🔧 You have experience with a squash or EDL-cable.
• 📱 The device is not a flagship (on Snapdragon) 8xx chances of success are lower).
• 💾 You are ready to lose all your data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔌 EDL-cable or the ability to close test points on the board.
• 📁 Firmware for your model (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

A brief guide (for experienced users only!):

1. Transfer the device to EDL mode (via cable or point closure).
2. Connect to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until the process is completed (10-20 minutes).

If the device doesn't turn on or hangs on the logo after the firmware is installed, there's probably an error, and only a service center with eMMC flashing equipment will help.

💡

Before we tried. EDL-Find confirmations online that your model supports this method, for example, for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (with a Mediatek chip) EDL It doesn’t work, we’ll need a different approach.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all methods are exhausted and the device is still locked, the following options remain:

• 🔄 Sale of spare parts - working modules (screen, camera, battery) can be sold profitably.
• 🛠️ Contacting the service center - some workshops offer services for resetting Mi Cloud Lock through software and hardware methods (cost: 1-3 thousand rubles).
• 📱 Used as a “media player” – if the phone is turned on but blocks features, it can be connected to the TV via a phone. HDMI-Adapter (for example, to watch movies).
• 🔍 Searching for a former owner – if the device is bought with your hands, try contacting the seller via ad or social media.

Some forums (like 4PDA or XDA-Developers) offer “miracle methods” like resetting through an engineering menu (#3646633##) or remotely unlocking through IMEI. Don’t believe these tips — they’re either outdated or a scam. The only way to work without accessing an account is by EDL or applying for support documents.

💡

If the device is locked after purchase from hands, and it is impossible to contact the previous owner - return the phone to the seller under the law on consumer protection (Article 18).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi