Forgot the password on the Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways to unlock (2026)

Introduction

Forgetting your smartphone password is more common than you think, and one in five Xiaomi users has experienced a device lock at least once due to a loss. PIN-This is especially true for owners of models with data encryption (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), where incorrect input attempts lead to a complete lock after 30-60 minutes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using Fastboot and ADB. Importantly, not all methods save data, so first we assess the risks and choose the best option for your model. If the phone is locked after firmware or reset, there is a solution.

Warning: if the device is enabled MIUI encryption (optional activated when you set the password), most methods will lead to a complete cleanup of internal memory, except for unlocking through the associated Mi Account, but only if the key conditions are met (more on this below).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method, if you remember the data from the Xiaomi account, works on all models, including the POCO F5, Redmi 10C and Mi 11 Ultra, but with reservations:

• 🔹 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔹 Mi Account must be linked to the device before blocking.
• 🔹 The device found should not be enabled on the phone (optional in Settings). → Mi Account → Security).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter email/phone + password.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work).

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Before buying a used Xiaomi phone, always check if the Mi Account is untied! Go to Settings → About Phone → Account Status – it should say “Device not tied”.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data from it, there is a hard reset via the recovery mode, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the phone, suitable for all Xiaomi models, except for devices with a blocked Bootloader (for example, some POCO for the European market).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14+ And when you turn on Find My Device, you may be asked to enter your Mi Account data after you reset, even if you haven't previously linked your account.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone is not unlocked through your Mi Account.
• 🔧 Recovery Mode requires password after reset.
• 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.

Unlocking will require:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power).
3. Enter the command to unlock the bootloader: fastboot oem unlock For new models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you may need to associate a developer account.
4. After unlocking, flash a custom Recovery (such as TWRP) and make a reset through it.

Install Platform Tools on PC|Download the firmware for your model|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Backup of important data (if possible)-->

⚠️ Important: Unlocking Bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and erases all data (POCO X5, Redmi K60) After this procedure, you may need to wait 72–168 hours before re-assigning your Mi Account.

4.Use of ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If you have activated before blocking USB-It's debugging in the developer's settings, the chance to unlock the phone without losing data. MIUI 12-14 and demands:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
• ⚡ Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
3. Reset the phone. Once turned on, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ With encryption, this method can result in data loss or a reboot cycle. Before using, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If independent attempts were unsuccessful, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides the unlock service according to the document confirming the purchase (check or warranty card).

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (to confirm possession).
• 🆔 Passport (for identification of the person).
• 📱 The device itself (discharged by at least 50%).

The unlock period is 1-3 business days, and the data is likely to be lost, but this is the only official way for phones with Bootloader locked and Find My Device enabled.

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Service center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account (for example, after buying from hand).

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

In the network you can find offers for unlocking through:

• 🔓 Online services (e.g. Mi Cloud Unlock) – risk of fraud or account locking.
• 🛠️ Software like Mi Flash Tool – requires deep knowledge and can turn a phone into a brick".
• 📱 Flip-through EDL-The mode works only on older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1).

⚠️ Warning: The use of informal methods may lead to:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty.
• 🔴 Phone failure (such as damage) EMMC-chip).
• 🕵️‍♂️ Blocking Mi Accounts for Suspicious Activity.

If you are going to experiment, you should:

1. Make a backup copy through TWRP (if installed).
2. Use only the verified firmware from the Xiaomi.eu forum.
3. Follow the instructions for a specific model – the firmware from Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for the POCO X4 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions