How to activate Xiaomi if you forget the password from your Mi Account: official and unofficial methods

Mi Account passwords are one of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners. After resetting or buying a used device, the system requires you to enter your account information, without which the phone becomes a “brick,” which the manufacturer has implemented to combat theft, but it often becomes a headache for legitimate users.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to bypass Mi Account locks, from official recovery methods to technical workarounds. It is important to understand that some solutions require proof of ownership (checks, box), others work only on older versions of MIUI, and still others can lead to loss of warranty or data, we will specify the risks and limitations for each option.

If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, try to contact him first. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by transferring the username / password or removing the device from the list of trusted in the Mi personal account.

1. Official Recovery of Mi Account Password

The safest and most legal way to re-access your account is through Xiaomi services, which works if:

• 📧 You have access to an email or phone linked to your account;
• 🔐 You remember the control question (if it was set);
• 📄 Preserved documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).

To recover, go to forgetPassword and select the confirmation method. If an email is attached, the system will send an email with a password reset link. Attention: the link is valid for 24 hours, and the new password must contain at least 8 characters with capital letters and numbers.

If email is not available, try the SMS option. The confirmation code will be sent to the linked number. Since 2023, Xiaomi has been blocking SMS recovery for accounts created more than 6 months ago, a measure against fraud, in which case only the appeal for support with evidence of ownership remains.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party services to hack into Mi accounts. Most of them are either fraudulent (stealing bank card details) or offer illegal methods that can lock the device permanently through Xiaomi servers.

2. Unlock through Xiaomi support (for confirmed owners)

If you are the legal owner of the device but cannot recover the password, contact Xiaomi's official support.

• 📄 Check or warranty card with serial number (IMEI);
• 📦 Phone box (it is indicated on it) S/N);
• 📱 Device itself (for inspection) IMEI through the engineering menu).

The procedure takes 3 to 14 days, and support can request photos of the check, box and phone with a visible IMEI (typed as *#06#). If the documents are in order, the account will be remotely untied from the device. This method is free and does not void the warranty.

To speed up the process, use:

1. Official chat in Mi Community (Support section)
2. Email support@xiaomi.com (subject: "Unlock Mi Account");
3. Hotline phone (for Russia: +7 495 644-28-20).

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If you don't have a check, but the phone is bought in an official store (Mi Store, M. Video, Svyaznoy), request a copy of the check through the store's support service. This increases the chances of unlocking.

3. Bypassing the lock via Fastboot mode (for advanced users)

If the official methods didn't work, you can try to delete your Mi Account through Fastboot mode, USB-cable and team knowledge ADB/Fastboot. Risks:

• 🔄 Complete data reset (userdata);
• 🚫 Possible Bootloader Lockdown (Bootloader);
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 (2020–2023):

1. Turn off your phone and press the power. + Vol− for the entrance to the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).
4. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator and follow the instructions (you will need authorization in your Mi Account on your PC).

On new devices (released after 2022), this method may not work due to hardware-level locking of the bootloader, in which case only contacting the service center with proof of purchase will help.

4.Use of EDL-mode (for devices on Qualcomm)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone to bypass locking. The method only works on devices with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 10T).

Procedure:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found on XDA Developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC by clamping Vol.+ + Vol−, Wait for the device to appear in Task Manager as QHSUSB_BULK.
4. Use the Mi Flash Tool to Firmware the file flash_all_except_storage.bat (This will save user data).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL It can be permanently blocked IMEI Or turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, see a specialist.

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices until 2019 (e.g., Redmi Note 5, Mi A2, Mi 8) sometimes workarounds through:

5.1 Recovery reset

Press Power + Vol+ to log in to Recovery, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. On some firmware, this resets the Mi Account. Works 30% of the time and only on MIUI version below 12.

5.2 Delete account files via TWRP

If custom recovery (TWRP) is installed on the phone, you can manually delete your account files:

1. Download to TWRP (Power + Vol+).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the folders: /data/system/mi_account/ /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/
4. Reset the device.

This method has stopped working on MIUI 13+ because of changes in the storage structure of the account, and is useless on new devices.

Download TWRP forecast|Unlock bootloader (unlocked)|Make a data backup|Install ADB driver-->

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are three options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase. The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).
2. Sell the phone as locked in the secondary market (e.g. Avito or Yula) and the price will be 30-50% below the market.
3. Use the device as a “media player” – some features (e.g., watching videos via OTG) can work without unlocking.

If the phone is purchased abroad (e.g. on AliExpress or on a trip), the chances of unlocking are minimal. Xiaomi does not provide support for devices imported from abroad without an official warranty in Russia.

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The only 100% working way to unlock is to officially confirm ownership through Xiaomi support, and all other methods are either temporary or selective.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Account