Forgot the password from Xiaomi: 7 proven ways to unlock your phone without losing data

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi's code or password and you can't unlock your phone now? The situation is familiar to many -- especially if the device has been idle for weeks or you've rarely used complex code. 2026 There are several ways to get back access to your smartphone without going to the service center, but the main thing is not to panic and not try to find a password at random (after the first time). 5-10 Failed attempts are activated by the protection MIUI, The phone can be locked forever).

In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (via Fastboot or ADB). Separately, we will focus on the nuances for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), where the manufacturer has tightened security measures. All instructions are tested on MIUI 14/15 firmware and are relevant for phones released after 2020.

Warning: some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., a tied Mi Account or USB debugging enabled). If you have never set these settings, go straight to the hard reset section, but be prepared to lose data. For the rest, we have file-saving solutions.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and safest way to use a linked Mi Account is to use a linked Mi Account.

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them through the email/SMS).
  • πŸ”„ The device previously activated the function Find Device).

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
  2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
  3. Confirm the entrance through SMS-account code.
  4. Follow the system prompts to create a new lock password.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi K50 and newer, after unlocking through Mi Account, additional verification may be required SMS If you don't confirm it within 24 hours, the phone will lock again.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12/13
POCO X3/X4/X5
Mi 11/12/13/14
Redmi K40/K50/K60
Other

Method 2: Delete password through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if the phone was previously enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging) and you can plug it into a computer. It's one of the few ways to save data on a device, but it requires minimal command line knowledge.

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • πŸ“¦ Utility. ADB (is part of Android SDK Platform-Tools).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd).
  2. Check the device connection command: Adb devices If the phone appears in the list – move on to the next step.
  3. Delete the password file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
  4. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reboot, the password will be reset, but fingerprints and facial data (if any) will have to be reset.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download Android SDK Platform-Tools|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (if you have access)|Prepare original USB-cable-->

Method 3: Reset password via Fastboot (without data loss on some models)

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled, but you have access to Fastboot mode, you can try bypassing the lock with special commands.This method works on most Xiaomi devices until 2022 (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10T). For new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), the chances are lower due to the enhanced bootloader protection.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
  2. Connect the device to the PC and check its availability with the command: fastboot devices
  3. Enter the command to unlock: fastboot oem unlock Attention! On some models, this will result in a reset of all data!
  4. If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative: fastboot erase frp (this will delete the Google account’s binding, but doesn’t always reset the password).

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, POCO F5) These commands may not work, and then you only have to reset hard (see next section).

What if fastboot doesn’t see the device?
If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your phone, check: 1. Are drivers installed (the phone should appear as Android Bootloader Interface in Device Manager). 2. Are you using the original cable (cheap cables often don’t support data transfer to Fastboot). 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. If the problem persists, try running fastboot on behalf of the administrator.

Method 4: Hard Reset – When nothing helps

If previous methods have failed or you have never set up Mi Account/USB debugging, you only have to reset your settings completely, and it will remove all data from your phone, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use this method as a last resort!

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power Button + Volume combination up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
  3. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) item.
  4. Confirm the reset by choosing Yes.
  5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After reset, you may need to enter data from the associated Mi Account. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will turn into a brick»!

Model phoneThe probability of a successful reset without a Mi AccountLoss of data
Redmi Note 8/9/1090%Yes.
Mi 10/1170%Yes.
POCO X3/X480%Yes.
Xiaomi 12/13/1430% (Mi Account required)Yes.

Method 5: Unlocking through the Mi Cloud (if the phone is online)

If your Xiaomi is connected to the Internet and you have access to the Mi Cloud, you can try resetting your password remotely, which works even if your phone is physically located elsewhere (for example, forgotten at home or stolen).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. In Find Device, select a locked phone.
  3. Click Delete Data (Erase Data).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the phone will be reset to factory settings and the password removed, and the downside is that all the data is lost and the device needs to be reconfigured.

πŸ’‘

If you often forget passwords, set up a backup in Mi Cloud. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup and enable automatic synchronization of contacts, photos and notes. This will help you quickly recover data after a reset.

Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you just need to contact the official service center.

  • πŸ”’ Phones with locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro).
  • πŸ“± Devices that cannot verify Mi Account (for example, if an old phone number is tied).
  • πŸ’Ύ Situations when you need to save critical data (photos, documents).

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Checks or phone box (to confirm possession).
  • πŸ†” Passport (for conclusion of a contract for the provision of services).
  • πŸ’³ Payment (the cost of unlocking - from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer "unblocking through" EDL» (emergency loading mode), but it is risky: this method often leads to loss of IMEI Xiaomi's official centers use legal ways without harming the phone.

Method 7: How to Avoid a Blockage in the Future

To avoid having to deal with a forgotten password, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
  • πŸ“ Write passwords to a trusted manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Access restoration functions are added.
  • πŸ“± Link Mi Account to your current email and phone number.

It’s also helpful to set up a Smart Lock on Android: this tool will automatically unlock your phone in safe places (like at home or work).

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Smart Lock.
  2. Enter the current password.
  3. Add Reliable Seats or Bluetooth Devices (such as smartwatches).

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to avoid blocking is a combination of biometrics (fingerprint). + person) + PIN-code + You can still access your account, even if you forget your password, through your account or fingerprint.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data if USB debugging has been disabled?
Unfortunately, no. Without USB debugging enabled or a tied Mi Account, the only way to unlock is a hard reset that will delete all data, except if you have previously backed up to Mi Cloud or on a PC via Xiaomi PC Suite.
What if the phone needs an old password after resetting?
This means that Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is activated on the device. To get around it, connect your phone to Wi-Fi. On the password screen, click Forgot your password? and log in through Mi Account. If your account is not tied, contact the service center.
Does EDL unlock work on new Xiaomi models?
On 2023-2026 devices (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13), unlocking via EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is officially blocked. Unofficial methods can lead to loss of IMEI or "bricking" of the phone.
How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restore your account through the recovery page. If the associated phone number or email is not available, contact Xiaomi with documents confirming ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).
Can I unlock a pattern lock on Xiaomi via a call?
No, this method worked on older versions of Android (up to 5.0), but it has long been closed in MIUI. Modern Xiaomi smartphones do not allow you to bypass the lock screen through an emergency call or SMS.