Forgot the password from the Xiaomi phone? 7 proven ways to unlock

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi’s smartphone is a frustrating situation, but it’s fixable. Even if the screen is locked and access to data seems lost, there are official and alternative methods of restoring 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 completely erase all data.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current unlocking methods for Redmi, POCO, Mi and other Xiaomi phones, including the 2020-2026 models, from the simplest reset via Mi Account to advanced methods using Fastboot and ADB. You’ll also learn how to save photos, contacts and other files before resetting, and what to do if the phone requires the old password to be confirmed after recovery.

Important: Some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., linking a Mi Account or enabling debugging over USB) If you read this article in advance, bookmark it or print out the instructions, which will save time in a critical situation.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all modern devices (starting with MIUI 12) and does not require technical skills, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, first restore it to account.xiaomi.com, which will require the email or phone number you provided when you register.

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
• 📱 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account linked to the device.
• 🔓 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 📲 Set a new password or PIN-phone-code.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and it is also not available if you previously disabled sync with Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Synchronization).

2. Reset password via Find Device (remote unlock)

If the Mi Account is tied but the phone is not connected to the Internet, you can try remote unlocking via Find Device, which works even if the device is turned off, but requires:

• 📍 Active function Find the device in settings (Settings) → Google → Security → Find my device).
• 🌐 Internet connection at least at the time of sending the command.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 10% (otherwise the command may not be executed).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Press Find the device. → Block it.
4. Enter a new password and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After remote unlocking, all data on the phone can be erased if the function Erase data when remotely locked is enabled (configured in Settings). → Google → Check this setting in advance!

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If the phone is dead, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes before sending a command.Find Device may not work on a fully discharged device.

3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you'll be left with a hardware reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, but will return access to the device. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 others.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔊 For some older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Reboot

After the reboot, the phone will look like new. You will need to go through the initial setup, including the Mi Account binding (required!).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or you need to save data, you can use Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot’s wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick.If you’re not sure about your skills, skip this section and contact the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers for your model.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot mode).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the firmware for your model (download it in advance from the official website).
5. At the bottom, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock.
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

After flashing the phone, it will restart. If the bootloader has been locked, you may need to log in to Mi Account to activate it.

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Install Xiaomi drivers|Download the firmware for your model|Prepare original USB-cable|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

5. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone has previously enabled USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 times tap → Additional → For developers → USB debugging), you can reset your password through ADB without losing data. This method works on MIUI 12/13/14 and requires a computer.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (use the original cable).
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (your device should appear) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Once you reboot, the password will be reset, and if you have a su: not found error, you don't have root permissions on your phone, and the method won't work.

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ADB only works if USB debugging has been enabled before your phone locks, and if you’re reading this article in advance, activate it in the developer’s settings.

6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, you have to go to the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Passport or other document confirming possession of the phone.
• 📋 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🔋 Charger (in the service can check the performance).

The cost of unlocking in the official service ranges from 500 to 2000 rubles (depending on the model and region), the run time is from 1 to 3 days.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops promising to unlock "in 5 minutes:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty.
• 🔄 Installation of unofficial firmware with bugs.
• 📱 Damage to hardware (for example, soldering work).

7. How to save data before resetting

If your phone is locked but you need to save photos, contacts, or messages, try these methods:

• 🖥️ Connection to PC: If you previously allowed access to files USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB), Connect your phone to your computer. Open the Internal Storage folder in the conductor. → DCIM (Photos) or Download (downloads) and copy files.
• 🌐 Cloud backups: If synced with Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Dropbox is enabled, the data could automatically be saved to the cloud.
• 🔧 Specialized programs: Utilities like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey They promise to extract data from locked phones, but their effectiveness depends on the model and version. MIUI. The cost of the license is from 30 to 60 dollars.

⚠️ Note: Do not use brute-force software. Xiaomi uses a lock timer after 5 unsuccessful attempts, and after 20-30 attempts, the data can be erased automatically.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi