Forgot the password from Xiaomi and fear losing photos, chats or work documents? The situation is familiar to many: the phone locks after 5 failed attempts to enter, and the screen appears the message "Device locked. Try again in 30 minutes." In panic, users often choose to hard reset through Recovery Mode, losing all data. But there are ways to get around the lock without formatting memory - even if you do not have a backup.
In this article, we will discuss legitimate unlocking methods (including official Xiaomi tools), workarounds for old and new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), and hidden MIUI features that are not written about in the instructions. Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so read carefully - perhaps your case is not hopeless.
If you've tried to enter a password at random and you see a lock timer, don't give up. The first 24 hours after locking are critical, and the chances of unlocking without losing data are maximum, and then MIUI algorithms tighten the security, and more radical measures will be required.
1.Official method: Unblocking through Mi Account
The safest method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:
- 📱 The phone was tied to Xiaomi’s account before being blocked.
- 🔗 The device is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (for synchronization).
- 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore access).
After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the button "Forgot password?" will appear on the screen.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will be sent to the mail / phone).
- Create a new unlock password.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work — MIUI You can't check your account, so you can move on to the next method.
On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon chip (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60), unlocking through the Mi Account can take up to 72 hours – this involves additional security checks. On MediaTek (such as the Redmi 10C), the process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. Use a backup email or a linked phone number.
2. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been enabled to debug via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate developer mode), you can delete the password file via your computer. This method works on MIUI 12-14 and requires:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (lock-in!).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
- Enter the command to delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Once rebooted, the lock screen will disappear, but all data will remain in place.This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices, except for flagships with enhanced protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
Install ADB Tools (download from official website)|
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer (if the screen is active)|
Check for USB debugging in the developer settings|
Download drivers for your Xiaomi model (for example, via Mi). PC Suite)-->
3. Bypassing the lock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If USB debugging is disabled but you have access to Fastboot mode, you can try removing the password through a modified bootloader, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, if you have previously installed custom firmware).
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Fastboot installed and drivers.
- 🔧 File. unlock_tool.zip For your model (see the forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
- ⚡ Battery charge of at least 50%.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
- Unpack. unlock_tool.zip and run the file remove_password.bat.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm the action of the Y keys).
⚠️ Attention: Fastboot missteps can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure, call a specialist.
What to do if the phone becomes a brick?
4 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If the self-propelled attempts failed, contact the official Xiaomi service center. they have special tools to unlock without losing data, but there are nuances:
- 📄 You will need a document confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card).
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ Data security guarantee (if the phone was not encrypted).
- ✅ Official work guarantee (1-3 months).
- ✅ Ability to check the device for other malfunctions.
Where to find a service center:
- In partner stores (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video - they often have their own service points).
⚠️ Warning: Do not contact "services" without official status - there is a risk of losing data or getting a phone with malfunctions.
5. Alternative methods (with the risk of data loss)
If all of these things don't work, there are radical measures that are guaranteed to unlock the phone, but with a high risk of data loss:
| Method | Are the data stored? | Difficulty | Suitable for models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard reset via Recovery | ❌ No. | ⭐ | All models. |
| Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool | ❌ Not (unless there was a backup) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Redmi, POCO, Mi (except Black Shark) |
| Remove userdata via Fastboot | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Devices with unlocked bootloader |
| Use of Test Point (soldling works) | ✅ Yes (unless formatted) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Redmi Note 8/9, POCO X3, and others. |
The easiest way is to reset hard:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- After resetting, the phone will restart in factory condition.
Test Point is an extreme method that requires disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board, and is only used when other methods are not possible (for example, if the phone is stolen and re-flashed), and we recommend not trying it yourself, because there is a high risk of damage to the fee.
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If the phone has enabled the "Find the device" function (in Mi Account), after a hard reset, you will need to enter the data of the associated account. Without them, the phone will not activate (FRP protection).
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid such situations, set up Xiaomi in advance:
- 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock (configured in Settings) → Lockdown and protection).
- 📱 Link Mi Account and enable data synchronization (photos, contacts, notes will be available even after resetting).
- 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System and device → Backup.
- 🖥️ Put the debugging on. USB (in case of future problems).
Also useful:
- Write it down. PIN-code or password to a secure location (e.g., Google Keep or an encrypted notebook).
- Set up Smart Lock – Automatic unlocking in trusted places (home, work).
- Install a remote device management app (e.g., Google’s Find My Device).
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14, the “Emergency Access” function appeared – you can add a trusted phone number that can unlock the device via SMS (configured in Settings → Password and Security → Emergency Access).