Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do
Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, especially after a long break in use, a change in the userβs computer. PIN-It's a code or random click on "Forgot your password?" in the lock menu, unlike the iPhone, where unlocking requires you to access Apple. ID, Xiaomi devices offer several alternative ways β from recovery via Mi Account to full reset via Fastboot.
The main problem is that most methods require prior preparation, for example, if you did not link the device to a Mi Account or did not include debugging over USB, the choice of methods is sharply narrowed. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking in 2026, from the simplest to the most radical, with an indication of the risks and nuances for each model (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
We warn you right away: on devices with MIUI 14 and later, some methods (e.g., reset via Recovery) may not work due to enhanced protection against unauthorized access. If your phone is released after 2022, look for the Mi Account and Mi Account sections. EDL-regime.
Method 1: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)
The most secure and official method is to use a Mi Account. It works if:
- π± The phone was tied to the account before being blocked.
- π Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them).
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap βForgot password?β (or βForgot password?β on English firmware).
- Select βUnblock via Mi Accountβ and enter the login details.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new password or PIN-code.
β οΈ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, POCO F5) After 5 failed attempts to log in to Mi Account, the device will be locked for 24 hours.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (without data loss β only for old MIUIs)
The method is suitable for devices on MIUI 12 and older (until 2021 release); on new firmware, a reset via Recovery results in a complete data cleanup. Check the MIUI version in the settings (if the phone is unlocked) or on the model on the Xiaomi website.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu).
- Select the language (usually English by default).
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some models, the path may be different: Advanced β Wipe Dalvik Cache).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
β οΈ Note: On devices with encrypted storage (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method will result in the loss of all data, including photos and messages. Before reset, make sure you have a backup in the Mi Cloud.
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed and the phone supports Fastboot, you can try resetting your password through your computer.
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
- π Original. USB-cables (not all cables support data transmission).
- π Unlocked bootloader (on new Xiaomi models it is blocked by default).
Instructions:
- Install Platform Tools from Google.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off).
- Open the command line in the adb folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
β οΈ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After this procedure, you may need to re-flash through EDL. This method also doesnβt work if Find My Device is enabled in your Mi Account.
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
Method 4: EDL-mode (extreme case for blocked phones)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.It works on most Xiaomi devices on Qualcomm chips, but requires:
- π§ Special cable. EDL (or ability to close contacts on the board).
- πΎ Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Step-by-step (simplified version):
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Put your phone in EDL mode: For Redmi/POCO: press Power + Volume up + Volume down at the same time. For flagships (Xiaomi 13/14): you will need to disassemble the phone and close contacts on the board (see instructions for a specific model).
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
β οΈ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center, and after you've done the firmware, you might need to re-attach to your Mi Account.
π‘
Before you run your firmware through EDL, check the version of your phone's chipset in GSMArena's specs. Snapdragon and Mediatek firmware are incompatible!
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If all the previous methods didn't work, the official way is to go to the service center.
- π Phones with Mi Account tied but no access to mail/SMS.
- π Devices with Find My Device enabled.
- π± Models after 2022 (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12, where self-unlocking is difficult.
What will be required:
- π Check or box from the phone (to confirm possession).
- π Passport (some centers require a passport).
- π° Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).
β οΈ Note: Unofficial services may offer a βMi Account bypassβ for less money, but this violates Xiaomiβs terms of use and may result in a device locking at the level of the device. IMEI.
Unlocking Methods Comparison: What to Choose
| Method | Difficulty | Loss of data | It works on new models. | PC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | β | β No. | β Yes. | β No. |
| Recovery Mode | ββ | β Yes. MIUI 13+) | β No, only old models) | β No. |
| Fastboot | βββ | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially. | β Yes. |
| EDL | ββββ | β Yes. | β Yes, for Qualcomm) | β Yes. |
| Service centre | β | β Not (if you make a backup copy) | β Yes. | β No. |
π‘
If the phone is released after 2022, start with the Mi Account method or immediately contact the service. Self-driving methods (Fastboot/EDL) on new models often lead to complete data loss.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:
- Phone is not included in Recovery/Fastboot: Check the button combination for your model. For example, on POCO X5 to log into Fastboot you need to pin Power + Volume down for 15 seconds.
- ADB does not see the device: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select βUpdate driverβ β βSearch on this computerβ β specify the folder with the platform-tools).
- After resetting, the phone requires an old password: This means the data has not been completely erased. Repeat the reset via Fastboot with the fastboot erase frp command.
- Mi Account does not accept password: Try to restore access through the official website. If you have a mail/phone attached, check the Spam folder.
β οΈ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and HyperOS after reset via Fastboot, the error "This device is locked" may appear. EDL service-seeking.