How to Open a Locked Xiaomi Phone: Step-by-step instructions for all models

Forgot the pattern lock on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Or bought a used Mi 11 with someone else's Mi Account that doesn't get deleted? Situations when you urgently need to open your phone happen often — and this is not always due to forgetfulness. Sometimes a smartphone locks up after a failed update, reset or even a failure in the fingerprint sensor. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways of unlocking for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from official methods to technical workarounds.

It's important to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, on new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices (as in Xiaomi 13 Ultra), a Fastboot reset might require authorization through Mi Account, whereas on older Redmi 4X, a standard Hard Reset is enough. We structured instructions into difficulty levels, from simple to advanced, so you could choose the best option without the risk of bricking the device.

We warn you beforehand: some methods (such as firmware via EDL) can cancel the warranty or cause data loss. If your phone holds critical files, first try to contact Xiaomi for support - in 30% of cases, they help unlock the device from purchase documents.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if you have a Mi Account attached and confirmed, and is suitable for most models released after 2018 (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9T, POCO X3 and later), the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Algorithm of action:

• 🔑 On the lock screen, enter the wrong password / key 5 times in a row. the message will appear: Forgot the password?".
• 📧 Click on this caption and select Restore via Mi Account".
• 🔗 Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If your phone is not connected to the network, connect it to charge and wait for the Wi-Fi icon to appear in the upper right corner of the lock screen. Some models (such as Redmi 10) may require CAPTCHA input to confirm that you are not a robot.

⚠️ Warning: If the device was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, this method will not work. In this case, try contacting the previous owner to unbundle or move to the method №3 (Hard Reset).

2. Use of the "Find Device" function (remote unlock)

Few people know, but Xiaomi offers a remote device management service called Find Device, which if you activated it before locking it, you can unlock it through your web browser, and it works even if you're not using it. SIM-Deleted card but requires Wi-Fi connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the menu on the left, select “Find Device” → find a locked phone in the list.
3. Click Unlock and confirm the action via SMS or email.
4. Wait for sync (can take up to 5 minutes) and the phone unlocks automatically.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work if the phone is disabled Find Device in the settings.
• 🚫 Requires an active Internet connection on a smartphone.
• 🚫 On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for the EU region) the function can be disabled by default.

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If the phone is dead but you know the Find Device has been turned on, plug it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes, and the service can work even at 1-2% charge if the device is connected to Wi-Fi.

3. Hard Reset (reset to factory settings)

If previous methods failed, you’ll have to resort to a hard reset, which will remove all data from your phone, including photos, messages and installed apps, but will return access to the system, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models except those blocked through Mi Account with a reference to another user.

Instructions for phones with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot.

For phones without physical buttons (e.g. Xiaomi 12T):

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
• 🖱️ On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
• 📋 Enter the command: adb reboot recovery (if adb is not installed, download Google’s Platform Tools).
• 🔄 Follow steps 3-5 from the instructions above.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13/14 and MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note) 11) After Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account. If you are not the original owner, this method will not work - go to the method. №4.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if Hard Reset did not work due to binding to Mi Account, but you have access to Fastboot mode. You will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility. The method works on 80% of models, but can block the bootloader on new devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool (download here).
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean All and press Flash.

Important nuances:

• ⚡ On phones with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi) 11/12/13 Before the firmware you need to unlock the bootloader through the official website (may take up to a few minutes). 720 waiting-hours!).
• 🔧 If the Mi Flash Tool is an error, try using the alternative XiaoMiTool. V2.
• 📱 After firmware, the phone will be like new – you will need to re-set and link Mi Account.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download Fastboot firmware for your model|Unlock bootloader (if required)| Charge your phone at least 50% | Disable antivirus (can block Mi Flash Tool)

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5. Bypass of locking through EDL (Emergency mode) mode

This method is the last chance to unlock Xiaomi if all other methods did not work, but it requires soldering skills or contacting a service center. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode allows you to flash your phone even with damaged firmware, but is activated through the closure of contacts on the board or using a special cable.

How it works:

• 🔧 On the motherboard of the phone you need to close contacts EDL (These are usually dots marked TEST POINT near-processor).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to a PC – the system will identify it as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📄 Using the Mi Flash Tool or QFil, flash a special firmware for recovery.

Risks of the method:

• 💥 Incorrect closure of contacts can cause the phone to fail.
• 🔒 New models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) An authorized account is required for the firmware in EDL.
• 💰 In service centers for such a service charge from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles (depending on the model).

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EDL is the only way to bring back the brick (a phone that is not turned on or determined by a PC), but without experience in soldering, it is best to turn to professionals so that the fee is not permanently damaged.

6. Alternative methods and life hacks

If standard methods don’t help, try these non-obvious solutions:

Method 1: Bypassing a call (for older versions of MIUI)

• 📞 From another phone, call the blocked Xiaomi.
• 📞 Take the call, then quickly click "Add a new call" → "Contacts".
• 🔓 In some versions MIUI (up to the 10th inclusive), this allowed you to get into the settings and disable the lock.

Method 2: Use of the OTG-cable

• 🖱️ Connect to the phone through OTG-adapter USB-mouse.
• 🔍 With the cursor, try to “drag” the lock screen down (sometimes it works on the screen). MIUI 9–11).
• 🔧 If you can open the notification panel, find the "Settings" and disable the lock.

Method 3: Mi Account bypass exploit (for tech savvy people only)

Some models (e.g. Redmi 5/6/Note 5) can use a vulnerability in MIUI to bypass account binding.

1. Download the archive with the Mi Account Bypass Tool (available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
2. Unpack it on PC and launch bypass.bat.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (access to Fastboot or Recovery is required).

⚠️ Note: Using exploits may violate Xiaomi’s security policy and result in a device lock.We do not recommend this method for major phones – only as a last resort.

7.Speaking to Xiaomi: When Nothing Helps

If all of these things don't work, the official way is to call support, and Xiaomi can unlock the phone when it provides proof of purchase.

How to send a request:

1. Write a letter to support@xiaomi.com or via the feedback form on the official website.
2. Please note: Unlock Mi Account for IMEI [yours IMEI]".
3. Attach scans of documents and a photo of the locked phone.
4. Expect a response up to 7 working days.

If the phone is purchased abroad (e.g. on AliExpress), the chances of unlocking are minimal – Xiaomi requires documents from official distributors in your area.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi