You turned on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but instead of the usual lock screen, you saw the words “Activate This Device” with the requirement to enter a password from your Mi Account? This error blocks access to the system even after resetting – and becomes a headache for users who bought a used device or forgot account details. In 90% of cases, the problem is associated with linking the phone to the previous owner via the Mi Cloud or activating FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection from Google.
In this article, we will discuss the current 2026 ways to bypass the lock “Activate This Device” for all Xiaomi models (including the new Mi 14 series, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6). We will discuss legal methods (if you have access to the original account) and alternative solutions for cases where you can not contact the previous owner. Important: some methods require technical skills – improper actions can lead to complete loss of data or “bricking” of the device.
Why is the “Activate This Device” error on Xiaomi
The message “This device is locked. Activate this device” is part of Xiaomi’s multi-layered security that works in three ways:
- 🔒 Mi Account binding: The phone was reset to factory settings, but remained tied to the previous owner’s account (a common problem when buying used devices).
- 🔄 FRP-Google Block: Activated after reset if a Google account with protection enabled is set up on the phone FRP (Mandatory on Android 5.1+).
- 🛡️ Xiaomi Anti-Theft Protection: In some regions (e.g. India) Xiaomi blocks devices if suspected of being stolen through theft IMEI.
On new models (starting with the Mi 11 and Redmi Note 10), the locking system has become stricter: even if you know the password from Mi Account, you may need to confirm via SMS or email. On devices with HyperOS (replacement MIUI), the activation algorithm has changed - now the verification goes through Xiaomi servers in real time.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and the seller did not untie it from your Mi Account, you can legally unlock the device only through it. All other methods (including the use of third-party tools) violate the Xiaomi user agreement and can lead to blocking. IMEI.
| Reason for blocking | The models on which it is found | Can you get around without a password? |
|---|---|---|
| Linking to Mi Account | All models (starting with Redmi 3S) | Yes, but with the risk of blocking IMEI |
| FRP Google | Devices on Android 5.1+ | Yeah, by FRP bypass. |
| Anti-theft lockdown | Mi 10T, POCO X3, new series | No, just through Xiaomi. |
| Post-firmware locking | Devices with unlocked loader | Yes, via Fastboot. |
Official method: unlocking through Mi Account
If you have access to the original Mi Account that was linked to your phone, it takes no more than 5 minutes to unlock, and it works on 100% of devices and doesn’t require technical skills.
Step-by-step:
- On the lock screen, click Activate This Device.
- Enter the email or phone number that was linked to the device.
- Enter the password from Mi Account.
- If you receive a confirmation request via SMS/email, follow it.
- After successful authorization, the phone is unlocked automatically.
If you have forgotten your password, restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com website. This will require access to the email or phone number specified during registration. In some cases, Xiaomi may request a passport scan to verify identity - this is a standard security procedure.
Check the correct input. email/phone|Use the function “Forgot the password?»|Try to log in via browser on PC|Contact the previous owner (if the phone is used)|Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase-->
⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased with hands and the seller did not untie it from his account, the device can only be officially unlocked through it. Xiaomi does not provide unlock services for third parties - even if there is a check. If the seller provides you with the information of his Mi Account for decoupling.
Bypassing FRP (Google Account) on Xiaomi without a password
If the lock is caused by protection FRP (Google’s Factory Reset Protection, rather than being tied to the Mi Account, can be bypassed without a password, which works on Android 8–13 devices (including HyperOS).+) A different approach may be required.
Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (for Android 8–11)
- On the lock screen, click Add Network in the Wi-Fi menu.
- Enter any text in the network name field, highlight it and click Share.
- Select Gmail or Messages, which will give you access to your Google account settings.
- Add a new Google account (or sign in to an existing one), then reset your settings through Settings → System → Reset.
Method 2: TalkBack Mode (for Android 12–13)
- Activate TalkBack (three times press the lock screen).
- Draw the letter L on the screen to open the global menu.
- Select TalkBack Settings → Help & Feedback → Send Feedback.
- In the browser window that opens, go to the Google website, log in to your account and reset.
What to do if FRP is not enough?
New models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Google tightened its protections FRP. If standard methods don’t work, try using special tools like FRP Hijacker or D&G FRP Tool (requires PC and USB-These programs automate the bypass process, but they may not work on all firmware.
Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)
If official methods have failed and the phone remains locked, you can try unlocking it via Fastboot mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires skills with ADB and Fastboot.
Important: Before you start, check if the bootloader is unlocked.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
- If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.
If the bootloader is locked (Device unlocked: false), it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Sign in to the Mi Account that was tied to the phone.
- Connect the device in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
- Once unlocked, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware for your model.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps (POCO F5, Redmi K60) after unlocking, antirollback protection can work, which will lock the phone when trying to flash the old version MIUI.
Official (via Mi Account)|Bypass FRP|Fastboot and firmware|I went to the service center.|I haven't tried it yet.-->
What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions
If all of these methods fail, there are a few options:
- 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center: By providing a check or a sales contract, you can try to unlock the phone officially.However, in 80% of cases, Xiaomi refuses to unlock without the original owner’s data.
- 📱 Buy an unlock code: Some sites (e.g. eBay or AliExpress) sell "unlock codes" for specific models. fraud risk is high - check seller reviews.
- 🔄 Swipe custom firmware: If the bootloader is unlocked, you can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience.This will remove all locks, but deprive you of official updates and some features (for example, Mi Pay or Game Turbo).
- 💰 Sell your phone for parts: If the device is locked at the level IMEI (It's anti-theft, you can't unlock it, and you just have to sell it as a donor to repair other smartphones.
Forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) sometimes introduce new methods for bypassing locks for specific models. However, beware: many “instructions” contain malware or lead to the final locking of the device. Before using, check the relevance of the information – methods that worked in 2022 may not be useful for firmware in 2026.
1. log out of your account in the settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
2. perform the reset to factory settings with you.
3. Turn on the phone and make sure there is no activation request.-->
How to Avoid “Activate This Device” in the Future
To avoid the problem of blocking, follow the simple rules:
- 🔑 Always untie Mi Account before selling: Sign out in settings and reset. check that the phone doesn't require activation after rebooting.
- 📱 Don't buy Xiaomi with your hands without checking: Ask the seller to demonstrate a reset and turn on the phone.If he refuses - it's a reason to be wary.
- 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: On older versions MIUI There are more vulnerabilities that can be avoided FRP. Updates close these "holes».
- 📝 Save data for recovery: Write down the username/password from Mi Account and Google in a safe place (for example, in the password manager).
If you frequently reflash your phone or experiment with custom firmware, unlock the bootloader in advance, which will save you from activation problems after unsuccessful updates. Remember, Xiaomi can lock the device even after successfully unlocking the bootloader if you sew informal or outdated firmware.
💡
The only legal way to unlock Xiaomi for an “Activate This Device” error is to use the original Mi Account. All other methods (including FRP bypass and firmware) can result in a loss of warranty or IMEI blocking.