How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone without a password: the full guide 2026

Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do

Xiaomi’s forgotten password is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking without an Apple ID is virtually impossible, Xiaomi devices offer several alternative ways to restore access. However, not all of them are safe: some methods can lead to data loss, others to lock Mi Account if you do not act correctly.

Main reasons for blocking: multiple incorrect password entry, failure after updating MIUI, or activate protection through settings → Lockdown and protection → It is important to understand that Xiaomi uses a two-tiered security system: lock screen (PIN/The chances of unlocking without loss of data are zero without a tied account.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock Xiaomi without a password, including official and technical methods, taking into account the models of 2020-2026 (from Redmi Note 9 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and legal way is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi devices if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You have access to email/phone-linked.
• 🔄 Find the device activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Select Log in via Mi Account and enter the login/password.
3. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email (the code is valid for 5 minutes).
4. Create a new password for the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled Find the device in Settings → Mi Account → Find the device, this method won’t work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation via two-factor authentication (if it was enabled).

What to do if your Mi Account is not tied?

If you have not created an account or do not remember the data, try:

• 🔍 Restore access through the official Mi Account website (Forgot password section?).
• 📧 Check the mailbox for letters from the service@xiaomi.com Theme: "Mi Account Registration".
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (checks, box, IMEI).

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you have previously activated OEM Unlock in the developer settings, the chances of success are high, otherwise you will need official permission from Xiaomi (the process takes up to 7 days).

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check for detection by command: fastboot devices If the device is not detected, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: This method removes all data from internal memory, including photos, messages and apps (MIUI 12+), after reset, you will need to enter the old password for decryption - otherwise the device will become a "brick".

Make sure the loader is unlocked|Download the latest Mi Flash Tool version|Check integrity USB-cable|Backup important data (if available)|Disable antivirus on PC-->

Method 3: Use ADB (without data loss)

The method works if the phone is debugging over USB and has access to ADB permissions. This is rare, but if you previously connected the device to a PC for debugging, there is a chance to unlock the phone without resetting.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the adb.exe folder.
2. Check Connection: Adb devices If the device is displayed as unauthorized, confirm access on the phone screen (if possible).
3. Delete password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb reboot

Once the phone is restarted, it should start without asking for a password. Importantly, this method only works on MIUI 10-12. On newer versions (MIUI 13+), files are stored in encrypted form, and deleting them will not help.

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If ADB can’t see the device, try reinstalling drivers via Google USB Driver or using the Mi PC Suite program.

Limitations of the ADB Method

The method will not work if:

• 🔒 Debugging by USB was offline.
• 🔐 Phone encrypted (starting with Android 10).
• 🛡️ Mi Cloud protection is enabled (you need to enter a password from your account).

Method 4: Emergency Recovery (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is an extreme measure that erases all data but is guaranteed to unlock the phone. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
2. From the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the reset (usually with a power button).
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account if you have activated the function Protect the device. This is a measure against theft, so if you bought the phone from hand, it will be impossible to unlock it without the help of the previous owner.

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Hard Reset deletes all data, including photos in the DCIM folder and messages. If backups to Mi Cloud were enabled on the phone, some of the data can be restored after unlocking.

What to do if Recovery is blocked?

On some models (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), the Recovery menu can be blocked with a password.

• 🔧 Use Fastboot (Type 2).
• 🔨 Contact the service center to unlock through EDL (emergency).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If the independent methods did not help, the official service is the last chance. Xiaomi provides the unlock service if you have:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 📦 Original packaging with IMEI.
• 🆔 Passport holder.

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region, on average, the process takes 1-3 days.

🔹 How to find an official service?

1. Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
2. Enter the phone model and city in the search box.
3. Select a center marked Authorized.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid "grey" workshops that offer 5 minutes of unlocking, often involving the use of illegal firmware, leading to the use of unblocked software:

• 🚫 Blocking IMEI (The phone will be a brick").
• 🔄 Loss of warranty.
• 📵 Problems with the mobile network.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often make critical mistakes that make things worse.

1. Ignoring backup. Before any system manipulation, make sure to check whether backup is enabled in Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup). Even if the phone is locked, data can be restored to the new device.
2. Using dubious firmware: Downloading custom firmware from unofficial sources (e.g., 4PDA) can lead to spyware installation or damage to the bootloader.
3. Interrupting the reset process: If you turn off the cable during Hard Reset or Fastboot, the phone may stop turning on (brick). JTAG-repairer.

🔹 How to check if the loader is blocked?

Enter your phone in Fastboot and execute the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need official permission from Xiaomi.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the status of Mi Account through the Xiaomi Verify website. Enter the IMEI of the device - the system will show whether the phone is tied to the account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions