The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that thousands of users face every day. One wrong click, and the device locks for 30 seconds, a minute, and then requires you to enter it. PIN-But what if you don't remember the password from the screen or the account information? How to unlock it depends on the phone model, the version of the phone. MIUI And even if the phone is connected to the Internet.
In this article, we'll take a look at all the working methods, from official (via Find Device) to technical (unlocking via Fastboot). Importantly, some methods lead to data loss, so first check if the phone is connected to Mi Cloud and if there are backups. If you've never set up sync, the chances of saving photos and contacts are minimal.
⚠️ Warning: Methods using Fastboot or EDL-The modes can lead to bootloader lock if the phone is tied to Mi Account after reset, in which case you will need official unlock through Xiaomi, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days).
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled on your phone and remember your account login/password, this method is the fastest and most secure, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.
Instructions:
- 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to the locked device.
- 📍 In the Find Device section, select your phone.
- 🔓 Press Unlock Device and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the Internet (for example, via Wi-Fi or mobile network), this method will not work. SMS or email – make sure you have access to the linked number.
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone isn't connected to the network, you'll have a hard reset through the Recovery mode, which will delete all the data, including photos, apps and settings, but unlock the device.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the reset.
Once the phone is rebooted, it will look like new, but if the device has been enabled with the Mi Account Lock, you will need to enter the username and password from the account after the reset, otherwise the phone will not activate.
Turn off the phone from charging
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged
Prepare data from Mi Account (if linked)
Download firmware for manual installation (in case of errors)-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if Recovery Mode is locked with a password or the phone does not respond to the sensor. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: erase userdata and erase frp commands will delete all data and reset FRP-However, if the phone has been enabled Mi Account Lock, after the reboot, you will need to enter account data, otherwise the device will turn into a brick".
What is Mi Account Lock?
4.Use of Mi Unlock Tool (unlock bootloader)
If the phone requires data from Mi Account after resetting, but you don’t remember it, the only official way is to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool utility.This process takes between 72 and 720 hours (up to 30 days) and requires:
- 📄 Confirmed Mi Account (with a linked phone number).
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (Mac is not supported).
- 🔌 The original cable. USB Type-C.
- 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 60%.
How to unlock:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it.
- Sign in to the program under the same account as on the phone.
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot Mode (see Section 3).
- Connect the device to the PC and follow the instructions in the utility.
Once you unlock the bootloader, you can flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a complete data reset, but this method does not guarantee bypassing the Mi Account Lock - if the account was tied, you will need to enter data even after you have firmware.
💡
If you bought the phone with your hands and the seller didn't untie your Mi Account, try contacting it.In some cases, Xiaomi can help with unlocking when providing a check or a sales contract.
5. Bypassing the lock through EDL-Regime (for technical specialists)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.
- 🔧 Special cable. EDL (or circuitry).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- 📂 Official firmware for your model.
- 🛠️ Skills soldering (if you use the "testpoint method").
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL This method is recommended only for power users or service centers.For Xiaomi models after 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi). 11T) Authorized account required EDL, which is issued only to official partners.
If you do, follow the instructions for your model on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums. For example, for Redmi 9, the process might look like this:
- Download the fastboot firmware for your model.
- Connect the phone to EDL via testpoint or a special cable.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and flash the device.
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If the standard methods didn’t work, try these options:
| Method | Suitable for | Risks. | Chances of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via ADB (if debugging is enabled) | Phones with enabled debugging via USB | Low (pre-setting is required) | 70% |
| Feedback in Xiaomi | Phones with a check or guarantee | Long wait (up to 30 days) | 50% |
| Service centre | All models. | Paid service (from 1000 to 5000) ₽) | 90% |
| Firmware through OrangeFox Recovery | Phones with unlocked loader | Possible brick. | 60% |
🔹 Dumping through ADB: If the phone was on debugging USB, Connect it to the PC and execute the command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericThis will open a password change menu where you can set a new PIN or pattern lock.
🔹 Support for Xiaomi: Write to official support describing the problem. attach a check or a photo of the box - this will increase the chances of unlocking.
💡
If the phone is bought with your hands and the previous owner hasn't untied the Mi Account, the only legal way is to contact them for account details. Xiaomi won't unlock the devices without proof of ownership.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid having a locked phone problem, follow these tips:
- 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the password.
- 📱 Set up Smart Lock in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Smart Lock (unlock by location or Bluetooth device).
- ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud and backup regularly.
- 📝 Write down your Mi Account password in a secure location (for example, in Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
- 🔄 Periodically check if the phone is tied to other people's accounts (relevant when buying used ones).
If you often forget passwords, install an application to manage them, such as Google Password Manager or 1Password. You can also use the Forgot Password function in locking settings - some Xiaomi models allow you to reset the pattern lock via email.