Forgot the password from the Xiaomi phone? 7 ways to unlock (2026)

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi smartphone is a bad situation, but it is not a hopeless one. PIN-code too many times and the phone is locked for 24 hours (or forever), there are official and informal methods of restoring access, the main thing is not to panic or try to "hack" the device in artisanal ways that can lead to loss of warranty or break the hardware.

In this article, we will look at all the ways Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO unlock for 2026, from the simplest (via the Mi Account tied) to the complex (EDL mode and Fastboot firmware). We will focus on the methods that allow you to save data on your phone (photos, contacts, messages) – this is not possible in all cases, but there are chances, you will also learn how to avoid locking in the future and what to do if the phone requires an old password after reset.

We warn you right away: some methods require technical skills (working with ADB, firmware via PC) or official documents (passport to confirm ownership of your Mi Account). If you are not sure about your abilities, you should contact the Xiaomi service center (the list of addresses is available on the mi.com website).

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the username and password, this is your chance to unlock your phone without losing data.The method works on most models, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO X5 and other devices with MIUI 12-14.

How does it work: After 5 false attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?" Click on it and follow the instructions:

• 🔗 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 📧 Postal or SMS The confirmation code will come.
• 🔓 Enter the code in the appropriate field - the phone is unlocked.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled Find Device in your security settings, this method may not work. Also note that once unlocked, your phone may require you to enter an old password for some applications (such as Mi Wallet or banking services).

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data from it, the next option is hard reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the phone (photos, videos, messages, apps), but returns access to the system, suitable for Xiaomi models based on MIUI and HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness 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 selecting Wipe All Data.
5. Once completed, select Reboot – the phone will reboot in factory condition.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After reset, you may need to enter the old Mi Account password (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember it, you’ll need to use the methods in Section 4 or 5.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can try unlocking it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge without data loss. MIUI 11-14, but requires pre-preparedness (e.g. if you have previously connected your phone to a PC).

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone with debugging enabled USB (Check in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter the commands in order:




Adb devices (you should display your device)




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key (or password.key for PIN)




4.Reboot phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), this method may not work due to enhanced protection, and after unlocking, some applications may experience errors (for example, Google Pay will stop working before resetting).

4. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)

If previous methods didn't work, you can try flashing your phone through Fastboot mode, which is a radical way to delete all data, but restores the device to work, and is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader.

What you need:

• 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 📦 Official firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read section 5).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Fastboot voids warranty if the bootloader was unblocked. Also on some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after firmware may require authorization Mi Account even after reset.

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Before you run your firmware, check the MIUI version on Xiaomi’s website. Installing an inappropriate firmware can lead to a “brick” (complete failure) of the phone.

5. EDL mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the “last frontier” for unlocking Xiaomi when other methods have failed. It allows you to flash the phone at a low level even if the bootloader is locked. However, it requires an authorized Xiaomi account (or help from a service center).

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC.
• 🔧 Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the phone).
• 🖥️ In the Device Manager should appear port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil with official firmware in.mbn format. This method is guaranteed to unlock the phone, but:

• ❌ Deletes all data.
• ❌ Requires disassembly of the device (risk of damage).
• ❌ Can block it. IMEI on some models.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL If you're not a seasoned user, you should contact a service center.

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EDL mode is the only way to unlock Xiaomi with the bootloader locked and the Mi Account disabled, but requires technical skills and official tools.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If self-unlocking attempts fail, the most reliable way is to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is especially true for new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Turbo 3), which have enhanced protection against unauthorized access.

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport (to confirm possession of the device).
• 📱 Checks or box from the phone (if preserved).
• 💳 Payment for the service (the cost of unlocking is from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

Advantages of using the service:

• ✅ Data retention guarantee (in some cases).
• ✅ Unlocking without risking damage to your phone.
• ✅ Recovery capability IMEI, if he was lost.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial service centers may offer cheaper unlocking, but the risk of getting scammed is high. Xiaomi’s official partners work under contract and provide a guarantee for the service.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

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

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to PIN-code.
• 📝 Write your password to a secure location (for example, Mi Password Manager or Google Passwords).
• 🔗 Link your phone to your Mi Account and enable Find Device.
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

We also recommend that you disable the option “Automatic lock after incorrect input” (you can find it in Settings → Lock screen → Additional), which will prevent the phone from completely locking in case of accidental errors.

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In the Mi Account settings, you can enable the option “Restore via SMS” – this will allow you to unlock your phone with a code from the message, even if you forgot your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi