How to activate Xiaomi without a password: from Mi Account to the engineering menu

A forgotten password on Xiaomi can become a serious problem, especially if the device stores important data. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Xiaomi smartphones offer several alternative ways to activate without entering a password. However, not all methods are equally safe: some lead to a complete reset, others save data, but require technical skills.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Xiaomi’s working ways to unlock (including Redmi models, POCO and Black Shark, from official solutions via Mi Account to little-known workarounds via Fastboot and EDL-We'll focus on the nuances of what methods work on new firmware. MIUI 14/15, How to get around Factory Reset Protection (FRP), What to do if your smartphone requires confirmation through your old phone number.

We warn you right away: on devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chip (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 series), some methods may not work due to Qualcomm’s hardware protection.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most legal and secure way is to use a linked Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your personal account. PIN-code, but remember the username / password from the account. POCO any version MIUI.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Enter the wrong password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password?” or “Unlock through Mi Account” appears".
• 🔹 Click on the link and enter data from the linked Mi Account (email or phone number) + password).
• 🔹 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔹 Set a new password or pattern lock.

If the screen does not have an unlock button via Mi Account, it means:

• 📵 Device not connected to the Internet (you need to activate mobile data or Wi-Fi through the notification panel if it is available).
• 🔄 Mi Account was not linked to your phone (check on another device via account.xiaomi.com).
• 🛡️ Find Device feature is enabled on the smartphone (requires additional confirmation).

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, unlocking through this method may require proof of purchase (check, contract.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost and other methods are not available, a hard reset through Recovery mode remains, which deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. FRP-Protection (requires data from the previous account after resetting).

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination Volume up + Power (for some POCO models – Volume down + Power).
3. After the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select "Wipe Data" (or "Factory Reset").
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot to restart.

On new devices (Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 12) after the reset, a request for data entry from the previous Mi Account (FRP) may appear. It is impossible to bypass it without original data - you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Disable Google Account (if you have access)

Download Xiaomi drivers for PC (in case you use Fastboot)

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, there may be a "This device is locked" error, which means that the bootloader is locked and you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool for further action.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if you have access to a computer and are ready to work with the command line. It allows you to reset the password without losing data on some models (but does not guarantee 100% results). Important: the bootloader must be unlocked (if not, you will need official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of latency).

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB & Fastboot Tools (download from Android site).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (can be downloaded from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode:


- Turn off the device.




- Press Volume down + Nutrition until the hare appears in the hat-eared (logo Fastboot).





2. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.





3. Check the connection by the command:


   fastboot devices


(Serial number of the device must be displayed).





4.To reset your password without losing data (not working on all models):


   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot erase locksettings
   fastboot reboot



5. If a complete flashing is required:


   fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

On devices with a locked bootloader, you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool before doing this.

• Linking the Mi Account to the device (in the developer settings).
• The wait is 168-720 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
• Confirmation of unlocking via SMS.

Password bypass through ADB (without loss of data)

If you have USB debugging enabled on your smartphone (in the developer settings), you can try resetting your password through ADB without completely resetting.The method works on MIUI 12-14, but may not work on the latest updates due to tighter security.

Conditions for this method:

• ✅ Debugging by USB was activated prior to blocking.
• ✅ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB.
• ✅ The device is connected to the computer and recognized.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.


2. Check the connection:


   adb devices


(The device must be displayed with the status of "device").




3. Delete the password files:


   adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
   adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
   adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db


4. Reset the device:


   adb reboot

After rebooting, the password should be reset, but errors may occur:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and newer Xiaomi blocks access to locksettings.db ADB Even with root rights, and in this case, only a complete reset or a call to the service will help.

5.Use of the engineering menu (EDL-regime)

The most radical method is EDL-based firmware, which allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader, but requires special equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and firmware knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ PC with installed QDLoader drivers.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
• 🔌 Cable USB Data transmission support (not all cables are suitable!).

How to transfer the device to EDL:

• 🔄 Method 1: Close the test points on the board (requires disassembly of the device).
• 🔄 Method 2: Use the command adb reboot edl (if you have access to the command) ADB).
• 🔄 Method 3: For some models, clamping the Volume up + Loudness down + Power on the device switched off.

The firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Connect your phone in EDL mode (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) should appear in Device Manager.
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh.
3. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + bootloader lock).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool issues an error "SLA Auth Error", then your account does not have the right to the firmware of this model, solution: use an authorized Xiaomi developer account or contact the service center.

6. Alternative methods and service centers

If none of the above methods worked, the following options remain:

1. Official Xiaomi Service Center.

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, contract, warranty card).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with the original box).
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

2. Unofficial services. Many workshops offer unlocking through:

• 🔧 DC-Phoenix (for devices on MediaTek).
• 🔧 UFi Box or Octoplus (for Qualcomm).

The cost of such services is from 2 000 to 10 000 rubles. Risks: loss of warranty, possible problems with IMEI or network modules.

3. As is, you can find buyers on sites like Avito or Yula who are willing to buy a locked Xiaomi for parts or self-unlock, usually 30-50% below the market price.

💡

If the Find Device function is enabled on the smartphone, then after resetting through any method (except the official service), it can remain blocked at the Mi Cloud level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi