Forgot the password from the Mi Account on the Xiaomi phone – all ways to restore access

Why Xiaomi Phones Are Unusual Without Access to Mi Accounts

The forgotten password from the Mi Account is one of the most common problems among owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones. The fact is that the manufacturer has rigidly tied the functionality of the device to the account: without authorization, it is impossible not only to use cloud services, but also to install applications, update firmware, and in some cases even unlock the screen after resetting the settings.

Making matters worse, Xiaomi has tightened security since 2021, making it mandatory for all MIUI 12 and newer models to link to an account, meaning that even if you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie it from your profile, you won’t be able to use it fully. In this article, we’ll look at all the legal and technical ways to restore access, from standard methods via email to bypassing locks using an engineering menu.

Method 1: Recovering passwords via email or phone

The easiest and most official method is to use the restore feature on Xiaomi’s website, which is suitable if you have access to the mail or phone number associated with your account.

Algorithm of action:

🌐 Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
🔢 Select the confirmation method: code to the mail or SMS.
🔑 Create a new password (minimum 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers).

If you don’t remember the attached email, try to remember the backup email or check the Spam folder – sometimes emails from Xiaomi get there. SMS It can come with a delay of up to 5 minutes.

📊 How often do you forget your account passwords?

I often use a password manager.

Sometimes I reset it through email.

Nearby, but I remember.

Never forget.

⚠️ Note: If you want to use the old password when you restore it, but you don't remember it, this method won't work.

Method 2: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool (for advanced users)

If standard recovery didn’t work, you can try the official Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable for unlocking the bootloader and resetting the account, but requires a computer and some technical skills.

Instructions:

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
Install ADB and Fastboot drivers for your Xiaomi model.
Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press the Power button + Volume down.
Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
Log in to your Xiaomi account (if you remember the data) or follow the program’s instructions to unlock.

Note that this method does not work on all models. For example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 may require waiting 7-15 days after linking the account to the device, and Mi Unlock Tool will not help if the phone is locked after resetting (FRP-lock).

Download the official utility from the Xiaomi |Install ADB and Fastboot | Drivers Transfer the phone to Fastboot | Connect the phone to the PC with the original cable |Authorize in the Mi Account (if the data is saved)

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On some Xiaomi devices before 2019 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), you can bypass the lock via an engineering menu.This method does not require a computer, but does not work on all firmware.

Procedure:

Enter the dialer code: ##3646633##.
Go to the Connectivity section → Wi-Fi.
Find Mi Account Erase and activate it.
Reboot the phone.

If the lock persists after the reboot, try repeating the procedure or using another method. On newer models (MIUI 12+), this method usually does not work due to the increased protection.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?

On some firmware, the code ##3646633## may not work, in which case, try the alternative code: ##4636##. If that didn't work, then your model doesn't support this unlock method.

Method 4: Reset your phone to factory settings (extreme case)

If no methods have worked, hard reset remains, which will remove all data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but will bypass the lock Mi Account – provided that the device is not tied to the account through FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

How to reset:

🔄 Turn off the phone.
🔘 Press the combination of the power button + Loudness up before the appearance of the Mi logo.
📱 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
✅ Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Once reset, the phone will reboot to a “out of the box” state, but if the device was tied to the Mi Account via FRP, the system will again require you to enter your account information after switching on, in which case only an official appeal in support of Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check or box).

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Hard reset removes all data from the phone, but does not guarantee unlocking of the Mi Account if FRP protection is enabled.

Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Method)

If all self-unlocking attempts fail, it remains to contact official support Xiaomi.This method is the longest (from 3 days to 2 weeks), but legal and works even for devices with FRP-lock.

What will be required:

📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
📦 Phone box (it is indicated on it) IMEI and serial number).
📎 Passport photo (to confirm identity).
📧 Email linked to the device (if you remember).

How to apply:

Go to the support page: mi.com/global/support.
Select the Unlock Mi Account section.
Fill out the form, attach scans of documents and submit the application.
Wait for a response from the support team (usually arrives by email within 3-5 days).

If you bought your phone with your hands, ask the previous owner for checks or help unlocking it.Without proof of purchase, Xiaomi will refuse to remove the lock.

⚠️ Warning: Some “service centers” offer to unlock Mi accounts for money using informal methods. IMEI Official support is the only safe way to get out.

Comparison of methods of restoring access to Mi Account

Method	Difficulty	Time.	It works on new models.	PC required	Loss of data
Recovery via email/SMS	⭐	5-10 minutes	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	❌ No.
Mi Unlock Tool	⭐⭐⭐	30-60 minutes	⚠️ Partially.	✅ Yes.	❌ No.
Engineering menu	⭐⭐	10 minutes.	❌ No, only old models)	❌ No.	❌ No.
Reset to factory settings	⭐⭐	15 minutes.	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	✅ Yes.
Appeal of support	⭐	3-4 days	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	❌ No.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain, and should only be considered if the phone does not contain important data or you are prepared to risk losing your warranty.

Possible options:

🔧 Fastboot Firmware Reflash: Requires an unlocked bootloader and command knowledge ADB. Suitable for experienced users.
🛠️ Replacement of the motherboard: the extreme case if the device is locked at the level IMEI. Expensive and not always effective.
📱 Using a phone without a Mi Account: on some firmware (for example, LineageOS) you can bypass the lock, but you will lose access to Xiaomi branded services.

Before you use these methods, consider the risks, for example, if you do not flash the phone correctly, it can turn the phone into a brick, and if you change the board, it will cost 30-50% of the cost of a new device.

💡

If you plan to reflash your phone, first check the firmware compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum. Wrong firmware can bring the device down.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Account

Can I unlock my Mi Account without losing data?

Yes, if you remember the email or phone number associated with your account, restore via Xiaomi's official website does not affect the data on your phone, and if you resort to resetting or flashing, all files will be deleted.

What if the phone is bought from hands and tied to someone else’s Mi Account?

The only legal way is to contact the previous owner and ask them to untie the device through their personal account. If this is not possible, contact Xiaomi with a check or a purchase agreement.

Why does the phone need to enter the password from the Mi Account again?

This is activated by Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection, which is activated if the phone has enabled Mi Account and Settings → Google → Backup, which can only be circumvented through official support or informal methods (risky).

Can I use a Xiaomi phone without a Mi Account?

Technically, yes, but with serious limitations: Mi Cloud, Theme Store, some system applications will not work, and there may be problems with updates, custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) will be blocked, but you lose access to Xiaomi’s proprietary features.

How much does it cost to unlock a Mi Account in the service center?

The cost varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and method, but official service centers Xiaomi do not provide such a service, only informal workshops, risks: loss of warranty, blocking IMEI, fraud.