Forgot your password from Xiaomi Cloud? 6 proven ways to return access

Forgetting your password from Xiaomi Cloud is a frustrating situation, but it’s not a dead end. This account not only stores your backups and photos, but also manages the operation of all Xiaomi devices in the ecosystem, from Redmi smartphones to Yeelight smart bulbs. Without access to Mi Account, you risk losing data, losing the ability to update your firmware or even unlock your phone after a reset. Fortunately, the company has provided several official ways to restore — from the standard procedure through email to little-known life hacks with backup codes.

In this article, we will discuss all current password recovery methods (including those that work even without a linked phone number), explain why some methods may not work, and give a checklist of actions to avoid blocking an account in the future.

1. Standard recovery via email or SMS

The most obvious and quick way is to use the official recovery form on Xiaomi’s website, which is suitable if you have a valid email or phone number attached to your account.

Algorithm of action:

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Account login page and click Forgot Password?.
• 📧 Choose the method of recovery: by email or by SMS. If you have both options, the system will offer you to choose.
• 🔑 Enter the verification code sent to your email or phone. The code is valid for 5 minutes - do not delay the input.
• 🔒 Create a new password (requirements: minimum 8 characters, be sure to have letters and numbers).

⚠️ Attention: If you do not receive SMS, check:

• 📵 Does your carrier block messages from short numbers (Xiaomi has them coming from numbers like this) +8610...).
• 🌍 Is roaming connected if you're abroad, and some operators (like Tele2) block international networks? SMS default.
• 🕒 Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the code comes with a delay due to server overload.

If the email or number associated with the account no longer works, move to the next section, and the standard method will not work if:

• 🚫 The account was created via Facebook or Google, and authorization via social networks is disabled.
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication is enabled on the account (2FA), but lost access to the authenticator application.
• 🇷🇺 You are in Russia and Xiaomi has temporarily suspended the shipment. SMS local numbers (current from 2022).

2. Recovery through backup code (Backup Code)

Few people know, but when you set up two-factor authentication (2FA) in Mi Account, the system generates backup codes, one-time combinations to restore access, and if you saved them, this is your chance to bypass the lock.

Where to look for backup codes:

• 📄 In the file MiAccount_BackupCodes.txt, plug-in 2FA.
• 📧 In a letter from Xiaomi with the subject: "Your backup codes for Mi Account».
• 📱 Notes or screenshots on the phone (if saved manually).

How to use:

1. On the Mi Account login page, select Other Login Methods → Reserve Code.
2. Enter one of the 10 available codes (each can only be used once).
3. Create a new password.

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Backup codes are valid even if you have changed your phone number or email associated with your account, and keep them in a safe place (for example, in the password manager Bitwarden or 1Password).

⚠️ Note: If you have already used all 10 codes, the system will offer to restore access through support, in which case you will have to confirm the identity documented - without a passport or a check for the purchase of a Xiaomi device, the chances of success are minimal.

3.Recovery through a Xiaomi tethered device

If you have a smartphone, tablet, or even a Xiaomi smartwatch that is currently logged in to a forgotten account, you can reset your password directly from your device, which works even without access to email or SMS.

Instructions for smartphones Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi:

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Slip on the account avatar → Account management → Security.
3. Select Change Password and Confirm Action via Fingerprint, PIN-lock-screen code or pattern lock.
4. Come up with a new password.

For smart watches Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch:

• 📱 Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for new models).
• 🔄 Go to profile. → Account settings → Change the password.
• 🔐 Confirm the action by unlocking your phone (if the watch is tied to your smartphone).

⚠️ Note: If the device was reset to factory settings after losing the password, this method will not work – you will need to enter account data for activation (Mi Account Lock).

Make sure the device is authorized in the right account|Check that the lock screen is configured (PIN/print)|Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet|Charge the device to a minimum 20%-->

4.Speaking to Xiaomi: When Nothing Helps

If standard methods don't work, you have to contact support, which is the longest way (the answer can come in 3-7 days), but sometimes the only way.

How to make a request correctly:

1. Go to the support page: forgetPassword → Need help?
2. Fill out the form by specifying: 🆔 ID account (if you remember) or associated email/phone. 📱 IMEI Devices associated with the account (can be found on the box or through the *#06#). 📅 Date of account creation (at least approximate).

• 🛂 Passport (page with photo and residence permit).
• 🏷️ Check or warranty card on the Xiaomi device (if any).
• 📸 Photo box with IMEI (must be consistent with the request).

Table: Timeline and chances of success when applying for support

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support can request video with the device where you can see:

• 🎥 IMEI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information).
• 🔄 Attempting to log in to your account (with an error).
• 🆔 Serial number (on the box or under the battery).

5. Alternative methods: risks and limitations

On the Internet, you can find ways to bypass Mi Account locks through firmware, engineering menus, or special programs, 99% of which are fraud or malware.

What doesn’t work (and can hurt):

• 🚫 Utilities like the Mi Account Unlock Tool – often contain viruses or Trojans.
• 🚫 Fastboot firmware – will not reset the binding to the account on new devices (starting with the MIUI 12).
• 🚫 Buying “unblocked” accounts – scammers sell other people’s data, which will be blocked in a day.
• 🚫 Recovery Reset – will result in Mi Account Lock (requires password entry after reset).

The only legal “circumvent” way is to reflash the device on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), but:

• ⚠️ You will need to unlock the bootloader (on new devices, it takes up to 30 days for approval from Xiaomi).
• ⚠️ All data on the phone will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
• ⚠️ Features like Mi Cloud, Mi Pay and sync with smart devices will stop working.

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The only safe way to reclaim Mi Account is through official recovery methods, and alternative solutions either fail or violate Xiaomi’s terms of service.

6. How to avoid loss of access in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these rules:

🔐 Account security settings:

• 📌 Link two emails (main and backup).
• 📱 Add your phone number (even if you don’t plan to use it) SMS-recovery).
• 🔑 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and keep backup codes.
• 📝 Get a password manager (like KeePass or Bitwarden) to store your data.

📱 Device settings:

• 🔄 Regularly create local backups (in Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).
• 📁 Save important files (photos, contacts) to Google Drive or Yandex.Disk in parallel with Mi Cloud.
• 🔧 Check what's in the Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization included all necessary options.

📄 Documents and evidence:

• 📦 Save it. IMEI and serial number of the device (take a picture of the box and sticker under the battery).
• 🛒 Keep a check or a warranty card (in handy for proof of possession).
• 📅 Write down the date of purchase of the device (you can specify in the personal account of the store where you bought it).

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If you are selling or transferring a Xiaomi device to another person, be sure to log out of Mi Account and reset via Settings → Additional → Reset. Otherwise, the new owner may block your account!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Account recovery