Forgot the password on Xiaomi: 7 proven ways to unlock your phone

Forgetting your smartphone password is a difficult situation, but it can be remedied, especially if we are talking about Xiaomi devices, where the manufacturer has provided several official ways to restore access, the main thing is not to panic or try to find a combination at random: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or even require a reset to factory settings.

In this article, we will look at all the current unlocking methods for modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including devices on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), from the simplest solutions using a Mi Account to radical measures like flashing through Fastboot. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the firmware version, the phone model and whether the synchronization functions were previously enabled.

We warn you right away: if the phone activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection), after resetting via Recovery, you will need to enter a login and password from the associated Mi Account. Without this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - up to contacting the service center.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • πŸ”„ Find Device has been activated in the settings
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the login (email/phone number) and password from Mi Account

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot password?" (or "Forgot password?" on English firmware).
  2. Select the option "Unblock through Mi Account".
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
  4. Confirm the unlock through SMS-code (will come to the tied number).

If you don't have a "Forgot Password?" button, try entering any password 5 times in a row, and then the system will suggest alternative ways to log in.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but haven’t updated it on your phone, unlocking may not work).

πŸ’‘

If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Mi Account, prepare backup codes or access to an authenticator application (e.g. Google Authenticator) in advance.

2.Use of the "Find Device" function

If the phone is connected to the Internet but the Mi Account unlock button is not on the screen, you can use the web version of Find Device, which works even if the phone is turned off (assuming it has been online in the past 24 hours).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as on the locked device.
  3. Select a locked phone from the menu (if multiple devices are tied).
  4. Click on "Unlock Device" (Unlock Device).
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the password on the phone will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place. Importantly, the feature only works if the phone has the option "Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device" enabled.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?
If the device does not appear on the list on i.mi.com, check (Wi-Fi/Mobile networking? - Is Find Device enabled in settings (if not, this method will not work) - Has the Mi Account password changed after the last phone sync. - Has the phone settings been reset to factory settings (in this case, the account binding is removed).

3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If previous methods have failed, you will have to resort to a hard reset via the Recovery menu, which removes all data from the phone, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

How to log in to Recovery and make a reset:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Hold the keyboard: πŸ”˜ For most models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Loudness up + Nutrition πŸ”˜ For older models (up to) 2019 Volume upwards + Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

"Wipe Data"

"Wipe All Data"

"Reboot"

After the reboot, the phone will require you to enter data from Mi Account if it was previously activated. FRP-Without this data, it will be impossible to use the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) After resetting through Recovery, entry may be required PIN-code SIM-- cards, even if the phone is unlocked. PUK-code from the operator, if you do not remember PIN.

πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried?
Mi Account
Find Device
Recovery Mode
Fastboot
Turned to the service.
I haven't tried it yet.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You have access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
  • πŸ“₯ You can download the official firmware for your model
  • πŸ”“ Bootloader is unlocked on the phone (if not, the method will not work)

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer.
  2. Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Downloads website (choose the Fastboot version).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
  4. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
  5. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and execute commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone) fastboot flash all name file firmware.tgz
  6. Wait for the process to be completed (10-15 minutes) and restart your phone: fastboot reboot

This method completely reinstalls the firmware, deleting all data. If the Bootloader is locked, it is impossible to unlock it without losing data - official permission from Xiaomi will be required (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

Download ADB/Fastboot tools|Install drivers for your model|Download the official firmware (Fastboot)|Prepare. USB-cable (original)|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Check if Bootloader is unlocked (if not, the method will not work)-->

5. Bypass locking through Safe Mode (if a third-party launcher is installed)

A little-known method that works if a third-party launcher is installed on the phone (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher), in which case you can temporarily disable the standard MIUI blocker.

Instructions:

  1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
  2. Tap and hold the β€œPower off” button until a Safe Mode login request appears.
  3. Confirm the transition to safe mode.
  4. After downloading, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  5. Find the Screen Lock app and clear its data ("Clear Data").
  6. Reboot the phone.

After that, the password will be reset, but all the data will remain in place.The method does not work on all models and requires that the phone be unlocked at least once after the last restart.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, you can contact the official service center.

  • πŸ”’ Phone locked after failed password attempts (message "Device locked. try later").
  • πŸ“± The screen requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them.
  • πŸ”§ Phone not turned on after failed reset via Recovery.

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
  • πŸ†” Passport or other document confirming possession.
  • πŸ“§ Access to the email linked to Mi Account (if confirmation is required).

The cost of unlocking in informal services can reach 3-5 thousand rubles, while in official centers Xiaomi procedure is often free (if there is a guarantee). EDL β€” This can cause a memory module to break (especially on models with a UFS 3.1).

πŸ’‘

Official service is the only legal way to unlock a phone with activated FRP-protection if you do not remember the information from the Mi Account.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlocking method.
  • πŸ“ Write your password in a secure location (such as Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly sync data with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, messages).
  • πŸ”‘ Activate the β€œFind Device” function in the Mi Account settings.
  • πŸ“± Set up a Smart Lock to automatically unlock in secure locations (home, work).

We also recommend you to enable the option β€œPassword Backup” in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Manage Google Account β†’ Security. This will allow you to recover passwords from applications even after resetting your phone.

Unlocking methodIs the Internet required?Whether data are retainedDifficultyIt works on FRP.
Mi Account (on screen)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐❌ No.
Find Device (i.mi.com)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐❌ No.
Recovery Mode❌ No.❌ No. (remove everything)⭐⭐⚠️ Requires a Mi Account
Fastboot❌ No.❌ No. (remove everything)⭐⭐⭐⚠️ Requires an unlocked Bootloader
Safe Mode❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐❌ No.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data if I forget my password and Mi Account?
Not unless you have Mi Cloud sync or Find Device on your phone, the only way to avoid losing data is to remember your password or contact the service center with proof of ownership (checks, boxes), and 90% of the time, if you have forgotten your password and a non-linked account, your data will be lost.
What if after resetting via Recovery, the phone asks for an old password?
This means that the phone is activated. FRP-You will need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device before the reset. If you do not remember them, contact Mi Account support to restore access.
How to unlock Xiaomi if the screen sensor is not working?
If the sensor is not responding, but the screen is turning on, try connecting it. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter: You can select the right items from the Recovery menu or the mouse cursor lock screen. If the sensor is completely out of order, you will need to repair or unlock through the Fastboot (with the Bootloader unlocked).
Can I unlock Xiaomi through a computer without Fastboot?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging USB (USB Debugging) and it was previously connected to this computer with the confirmation of a trusted device, in which case you can use the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key After rebooting, the password will reset, but the method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to the 12th inclusive).
How much does it cost to unlock Xiaomi in the service center?
The cost depends on the model and the reason for the lock: πŸ”“ Password reset without password FRP: 500–1500 β‚½ (If the phone is guaranteed, free of charge). πŸ”’ Unlocking FRP (check-free: 2000-5,000 β‚½. πŸ› οΈ Repairs after a failed reset: from 3000 β‚½ (You may need to re-flash through EDL). Xiaomi’s official services charge a flat fee, while unofficial workshops can inflate prices.