Where to look for passwords on Xiaomi phones: from Mi-account to pattern lock

Losing access to Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most unpleasant situations for the owner. PIN-A code or a Mi Account with an unknown password is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones have additional layers of protection, making it harder to unlock. For example, even after a reset via Recovery, the system may request data from Mi Account if the Find Device feature has been activated.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to recover passwords on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from official methods (via email, SMS or backup codes) to technical solutions (unlocking via Fastboot or EDL mode).

1. Recovery of password from Mi-account (official methods)

If you forget your Mi Account password but remember your email or phone number, use the standard recovery procedure.This is the safest way to do so, without resetting your phone and retaining all your data.

Go to account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword, and the system will offer two options:

• 📧 Recovery via email – a letter will be sent to the mail with a link to change the password (valid 24 hours).
• 📱 Recovery through SMS — Confirmation code is sent to the linked phone number.
• 🔑 Backup codes – if you have previously saved one-time access codes (you can find them in your account settings).

If none of the methods work (e.g., no email or number access), try contacting Xiaomi support via the feedback form.

• 📄 Screenshot or photo of the box with IMEI device.
• 📅 Purchase date and check (if retained).
• 🆔 Passport data (to confirm possession).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may refuse to restore access if the device was purchased from hand or the data does not match the information in the system).

2. resetting the pattern lock or PIN-code without loss of data

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the Mi Account, you can try unlocking your phone without completely resetting it:

1. Enter the wrong key or PIN 5 times in a row and the message “Forgot the password?” will appear.
2. Click on this inscription and enter the data from Mi Account (email and password).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new key.

If this method does not work (for example, there is no Internet connection or account is not tied), then only a hard reset via Recovery Mode remains.

• 📱 All data on the phone will be deleted (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔒 If Find Device was enabled, you will need to enter Mi Account data after the reset.
• 🔄 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Redmi Note 11 reset via Recovery may not work due to lock FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Turn off your phone (press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds)

Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery

Select your language (volume and power buttons)

Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset (the device will reboot)-->

3. Unlock through Fastboot: When resetting doesn't help

If the phone still requires Mi Account data after resetting via Recovery, you will need to use Fastboot mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you will first need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool (this will take up to 720 hours of waiting on new models).

Instructions for unlocking via Fastboot:

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account).
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions.
4. After unlocking the bootloader, swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option option option (this will delete all data and reset the Mi Account).

Important: on newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60 and later), unlocking the bootloader can lead to IMEI blocking or denial of warranty service.

• 📱 The phone will return to factory settings.
• 🔓 The Mi Account lock will be removed.
• ⚠️ Possible problems with the module NFC or cameras (solved by flashing to a stable version) MIUI).

EDL mode: the last resort for locked phones

If none of the previous methods worked, then there is EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which allows you to flash the phone at a low level, bypassing all locks, but requires special equipment (EDL cable or test point) and knowledge, and the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick” (completely inoperable).

To unlock through EDL you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔌 EDL cable or access to test point (contacts on the board).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for firmware through the EDL).

Step-by-step:

1. Put your phone in EDL mode: With EDL cable (close GND and EDL contacts on a USB connector).

Device Manager

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Cancellation of the warranty and may result in loss IMEI or modules that are not functional (e.g. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) are recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

5.Official service centers: when nothing helps

If you don't succeed in your own attempts to unlock, contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way. The cost of unlocking depends on the model and the reason for blocking:

• 🔓 Resetting the pattern lock/PIN — from 500 before 1500 ruble.
• 📱 Unlocking Mi Account (if you have a check) – from 1000 to 3000 rubles.

What you will need to contact the service:

• 📄 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
• 📋 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with the original box).

Advantages of the service center:

• ✅ Guarantee for work performed.
• ✅ Preservation of official firmware and IMEI.
• ✅ Data recovery (in some cases).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer unlocking at a lower price, but the risks are high, from installing pirated software to breaking the device. Xiaomi official centers work only with original firmware and provide a guarantee.

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via Mi Cloud (if the phone is still turned on). To do this, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization and turn on reservations for contacts, photos and notes.

6. Alternative methods: risks and limitations

There are many magical ways to unlock Xiaomi online, from using bypass scripts to buying accounts with unlock rights, but most of them either don’t work or carry serious risks:

• 🕵️ Buying “unblocked” accounts – scammers sell access to someone else’s Mi Account, which can be blocked at any time.
• 💻 Use of third-party software (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool) – most of them contain viruses or do not work on newer versions MIUI.
• 🔧 Homemade firmware (for example, Custom) ROM) — This can cause loss of functionality (not working). NFC, camera, mobile network).

The only more or less working alternative method is unlocking through Deep Flash Cable (a special cable for firmware in EDL mode without disassembling the phone).

• 💰 The cost of such a cable - from 2000 rubles.
• 🛠️ You need to use the Mi Flash Tool.
• ⚠️ The risk of damaging your phone if you connect incorrectly.

💡

The only legal and secure way to unlock is through official methods (via email, service center, or bootloader unlocking), all other options either fail or violate Xiaomi’s terms of use.

7. How to avoid loss of access in the future

To avoid the problem of a locked phone, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use strong passwords for Mi Account and save them in the password manager (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass).
• 📧 Link backup email and phone number to your Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Create backup access codes in your account settings (Settings) → Xiaomi Account → Security → Standby codes).
• 🔄 Regularly sync data with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes).
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-code and pattern lock in a safe place (not on the phone itself!).

It is also recommended to disable the Find Device function if you are not using it.

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Find Device

And turn off the option. This will make it easier to unlock the phone in case you lose your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi