How to unlock a Xiaomi phone if it’s locked: the full guide 2026

A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users of the brand face, and the reasons range from a banal forgotten pattern lock to activating Mi Account protection after resetting. Unlike other devices, Redmi, Poco or Mi phones have a unique lock system associated with a Xiaomi account and Find Device function, which complicates the unlock process, but makes it possible even without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to activate a locked phone, from official methods with confirmation through Mi Account to alternative solutions for devices without a tied account. Particular attention is paid to the models of 2023-2026 (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Poco F6), where the manufacturer has tightened security requirements. Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, an OTG enabled or an unlocked Bootloader), so read carefully.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 🔹 The phone was synced to Xiaomi’s account (even if you don’t remember it).
• 🔹 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔹 The device is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (for data verification).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Choose the recovery method: Email or Phone.
3. Enter the email address or number, then confirm the code from the letter/SMS.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the login details, you can try resetting via Recovery Mode. This method is suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14 and does not require a connection to a PC. However, there is a caveat: on new models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro) after reset, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection can be activated, which will require you to enter data from your previous account.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English) and then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action, wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. Reboot your device with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI Global may need an internet connection to verify Mi Account after reset. If the device was stolen, this method won't help - Find Device lock will work.

Turn off the phone (charge ≥ 30%)

Connect the charger (to avoid discharge)

Check the button combination for your model

Do not interrupt the resetting process

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3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone previously had Developer Mode and USB Debugging enabled. This is rare, but if you set up the device yourself, chances are there, and it allows you to bypass the lock without resetting the data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚡ Charging the phone at least 50%.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




3. Enter the commands in order:




adb devices




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key (for pattern lock)




or




rm /data/system/password.key (for PIN-code)




4.Reboot phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work due to enhanced kernel protection. Also requires root rights, which are disabled on most Xiaomi devices by default.

4. Unlock Bootloader and firmware (Mi Unlock Tool)

If the phone is locked because of the previous owner’s Mi Account, the only official way is to unlock the Bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool utility.This method requires a wait time (3 to 30 days) and is only suitable for devices that have not been stolen (otherwise Xiaomi will block the IMEI).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be tied to your phone!).
3. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect the device to the PC and press Unlock in the program.
5. Wait for confirmation (up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts may be required).

Once you unlock the Bootloader, you can flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with clean firmware. Please note: this will delete all data, including photos and apps.

⚠️ Note: Since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking: accounts under 30 days require confirmation through the Internet. SMS You can't unlock the number that's tied to the Mi Account without it.

5.Use of OTG-cable and mouse (bypassing the pattern lock)

A little-known but working way for devices on MIUI 10–13 connection USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter: This method bypasses the pattern lock if the phone is not installed. PIN It's a password for Redmi models. 9A, Poco X3, Mi 10T and others with support OTG.

How it works:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone and to it — USB-mouse.
2. On the lock screen, click the mouse on the pattern lock input field.
3. In the upper left corner will appear the button Emergency call – press it.
4. In the emergency call menu, type ##4636## (test menu).
5. Return to the main screen via the Home button – the lock will be removed.

💡 Useful tip: If the mouse is not identified, try another one OTG-Adapter or check if the function is enabled OTG in settings (Settings) → Connection and sharing → OTG). Some firmware requires manual activation.

6. Alternative methods: service centers and paid services

If none of the above methods worked, there are two options:

• 🔧 Official Xiaomi Service Center (check or purchase confirmation required).
• 💰 Paid online services (e.g. DC-Unlocker or Octoplus).

The service center is the safest, but also the longest way. On average, it takes 5-10 working days to unlock, and the cost varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model. Paid online services promise to unlock in 1-3 days, but the risk of fraud is high. Before paying, check reviews on independent sites (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid services that offer unlocking through IMEI Xiaomi has been blocking such attempts since 2023, and the device could turn into a brick (completely inoperable).

💡

An official service center is the only legal way to unlock phones with a previous owner's Mi Account tied. Alternative methods can violate the warranty or damage the device.

7.Prevention: How to avoid blocking in the future

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

• 🔐 Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock (it is more difficult to bypass by attackers).
• 📧 Link Mi Account to your current email and phone number.
• 🔄 Make backups regularly through Settings → System and device → Backup.
• 🚫 Don’t buy Xiaomi phones with your hands without checking your Mi Account status (use account.xiaomi.com).

💡 Useful tip: In Mi Account settings, enable Trusted Device option (Account settings) → Security → Trusted devices: This will allow you to unlock your phone through another gadget (e.g., a tablet) without entering a password.

If you often forget passwords, install the Xiaomi Cloud app and set up automatic data sync. If blocked, you can restore access through the i.mi.com web version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi