Xiaomi phone after reset requires password: 6 working ways to unlock

You reset your Xiaomi smartphone, but instead of a clean system, the phone requires you to enter a password from your previous account? This is a situation that many brand users are familiar with — especially after buying a used device or trying to repair yourself. The reason is because of the Mi Account protection, which binds the device to your account even after a hard reset.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to bypass locks, from official (through account recovery) to technical (Fastboot and EDL mode). Importantly, the methods vary in complexity and risk - some can lead to complete data loss or "brick" of the device if done incorrectly. We will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the best option for your model Redmi, POCO or Mi.

Why Xiaomi asks for a password after resetting settings

Xiaomi has implemented a system of linking devices to the Mi Account as a measure against theft. After resetting via Recovery or Settings → Resetting the phone checks:

• 🔒 Was the "Find Device" function previously activated (enables locking when resetting).
• 📱 Is the device linked to your Mi Account (even if you didn’t create it, the previous owner could have done so).
• 🔄 Was the reset made through an authorized service center (in which case the lock is automatically removed).

If at least one of the conditions is met, the system requests a password from Mi Account or the user. PIN-The code/pattern lock that was installed before the reset, and on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the lock can be combined with Google protection. FRP — Double locking that makes it difficult to unlock.

It is worth noting that on Qualcomm processor devices (most Redmi and POCO), blocking is technically easier than on MediaTek chip models (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO C50), which often require EDL mode and authorized tools.

Method 1: Restore access to Mi Account (official method)

If you own the phone but you have forgotten your Mi Account password, the first thing you should do is try to restore access. This is the safest way to do it, which requires no technical skills and retains a warranty.

Instructions:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/retrievePassword.
2. Enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Select the confirmation method: 📧 Code on email (if mail is available). 📱 SMS number-bound. 🔐 Backup code (if retained).

Create a new password and log in to your phone.

⚠️ Note: If the account was created by the previous owner, you will not be able to restore access - you will need his participation (for example, send you a confirmation code.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K50) after the account is restored, you may need to additionally link the device via Settings → Mi Account → Find the device. If this step is missed, the lock will return after the next reset.

Method 2: Bypassing Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode allows you to flash the device around locking, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, this method will not work - you will need to first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (which is impossible without authorization in the Mi Account).

🔧 Essential tools:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with official firmware for your model.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check Detection in the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and press Refresh.
4. At the bottom, select the Clean All option and click Flash.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware erases all data, including photos and apps. on MediaTek models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This method may not work – you will need a regime EDL.

Method 3: Unlock via EDL (for MediaTek and complex cases)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that bypasses all locks, including Mi Account. It works even on locked downloaders, but requires:

• 🔧 Authorized firmware account (e.g., through Xiaomi Authorized Service Tool).
• 💻 Special software: Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm).
• 🔌 TestPoint (closing contacts on the board) for forced entry into the EDL on some models.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL without official access (for example, through "gray" firmware) can lead to:

• 🚫 Block IMEI (phone will lose contact).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 🛡️ Xiaomi account block (if unofficial tools are used).

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of unlocking through EDL in Russia and the CIS is 1000-3,000 rubles depending on the model.

💡

Before you run through EDL, be sure to check the Hardware ID version of your device. A mismatch between firmware and hardware will result in a blink. You can find the ID through the fastboot getvar all command (look for the hwid string).

Method 4: Bypassing the Xiaomi Service Center (Warranty Method)

If your device is warranty or you are willing to pay for an official unlock, contact the Xiaomi service center.

• 🔓 Guaranteed removal of lock without risk of blink.
• 📄 Preserving the warranty (if the device is not unlocked earlier).
• 🔧 Recovery capability IMEI and serial number.

📋 Documents for service:

• 📄 Passport of the owner (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if available).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a box).

The cost of the service varies:

• 🆓 Free – if the lock is service (for example, after updating the software).
• 💰 500-1500 rubles – unlocking Mi Account without warranty.
• 💰 2000–5000 rubles – complex firmware with restoration IMEI.

💡

The official service is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account, and this can lead to a permanent locking of the device in the Xiaomi database.

Method 5: Alternative methods (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), security holes sometimes go off to get around the lock without firmware.

🔹 Method 1: Bypassing an emergency call

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter #4636## (test menu opens).
3. Return to the home screen via the Back button – sometimes this will unlock access to settings.

🔹 Method 2: Discharge through ADB (requires on-set debugging USB)

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1

This command simulates the completion of the initial setup, but only works if the ADB was activated before locking.

⚠️ Note: These methods have stopped working on most modern devices (starting with the use of the MIUI Their use may result in increased blocking or in the activation of Google's security. FRP.

Method 6: Buying an unlock code (risky option)

There are services on the Internet that sell Mi Account unlock codes (for example, through sites like UnlockJunky or DoctorSIM), the code costs from 5 to 30 dollars depending on the model.

🔍 How it works:

• You specify the IMEI of the phone and the model.
• The service generates an unlock code (sometimes you need to wait up to 24 hours).
• The code is entered on the lock screen or via Fastboot.

⚠️ Risks of this method:

• 💳 Fraud – Many websites take prepayments and disappear.
• 🔒 The code may not work (especially on newer models). MIUI 14).
• 🛡️ Xiaomi account may be blocked for using “gray” methods.

💡 Tip: Before buying the code, check the reviews on the service on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA). Never pay in advance – use guaranteed transactions (e.g. via PayPal with buyer protection).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

🔧 Useful Lifehack: If the phone asks for a password from Google after unlocking (FRP), Try entering the account that was last linked, and if you don't remember, use Google's access restoration.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions