Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can't unlock your phone? many users mistakenly search for a solution through BIOS — This is a classic method for computers that doesn't apply to smartphones, but it's actually Fastboot or Recovery Mode, which perform similar functions of access recovery, POCO and Mi, including bypassing the lock via the service menu, ADB-Xiaomi teams and official tools.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi smartphones don’t have a BIOS in the usual sense – instead, they use a Fastboot bootloader and custom Recovery. Trying to log into the BIOS on the phone will lead you to either Fastboot Mode (black screen with a rabbit) or Mi Recovery (menu with an android robot), these modes allow you to reset your password, but with nuances: on new models (after 2021) you need to confirm your Mi Account, and on old ones – quite hard reset.
We analyzed methods for MIUI 12/13/14-based devices and identified 4 working methods: 1) Fastboot Reset (without data loss on some models), 2) Using the Mi Flash Tool for full flashing, 3) Bypassing ADB (if debugging is enabled), 4) Xiaomi's Official unlocker for tied accounts.
Each method is detailed taking into account risks and limitations.
Why can’t you reset your password through the BIOS on Xiaomi?
The term BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) refers exclusively to personal computers and laptops. Xiaomi smartphones (as with all Android devices) use a different boot architecture:
- 🔹 Fastboot Mode - analogue BIOS for firmware and recovery (called by power buttons) + Loudness down).
- 🔹 Recovery Mode – Recovery menu (activated by Power buttons) + Loudness up).
- 🔹 EDL Mode – Emergency mode for firmware via Qualcomm (requires authorized cable).
The main difference: BIOS on PC stores hardware settings, and Fastboot/Recovery on Xiaomi is designed for:
| Regime. | Functions | Is an OEM unlock required? |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot | Firmware, unlock the loader, reset to factory settings | Yes (on new models) |
| Recovery | Deletion of data, software update, password reset | No (but you may require a Mi Account) |
| EDL | Restoration of "bricks", firmware without unlocking | Yes (requires authorized cable) |
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Resetting your password via Fastboot may result in your Mi Account being blocked. Check the processor model in the settings before taking action (Settings) → The phone. → The kernel version).
Method 1: Reset password via Fastboot (without data loss on some models)
This method works on devices with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked). If you previously activated OEM Unlock in the developer settings, the chances of success are high.
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Download Google’s Platform Tools. Unpack the archive and launch the SDK Manager. In Windows Device Manager, update the driver for the device with the exclamation mark by specifying the folder with the unpacked files.
- Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed (a serial number appears), do:
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot oem clean_allResult: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3), this method only resets the password, saving data. On new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60) there will be a complete reset.
Make sure the loader is unlocked|Download Platform Tools from the official website|Use it. USB 2.0 port (not 3.0)|Disable the antivirus during the procedure-->
⚠️ Attention: After the fastboot oem command clean_all You may see a request for reset confirmation on your phone screen. If the phone doesn't respond to touch, plug the mouse in through the phone. OTG-adapter.
Method 2: Complete reset via Mi Recovery (with data loss)
If Fastboot didn’t help or the bootloader is locked, try resetting through stock Recovery.This method works on all Xiaomi devices, but deletes all data, including photos and apps.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Mi Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action with the power button.
- After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
On the new models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11) after reset, you will need to enter data from the Mi Account that was associated with the device.
Fastboot|Recovery Mode|Mi Flash Tool|ADB|None of the above.-->
| Xiaomi model | Does he need a Mi Account after a reset? | Does the Fastboot Method Work? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Yes. | Partially (data reset) |
| POCO X3/X3 Pro | No (if Find Device is disabled) | Yes (saves data) |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 | Yes. | Only with the unlocked loader |
Method 3: Delete password through ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been activated debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – 7 times press to unlock the developer menu), you can delete the file with the password through ADB.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.
- Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootNote: On MIUI 14, the path to the password files may be different. If the commands fail, try:
rm /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db⚠️ Note: This method only works on unencrypted devices. If encryption is enabled in the settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption), ADB You will not be able to access your password files.
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If your phone is not identified in ADB, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. Select "Update Driver" → "Follow Search on this computer" → specify the folder with the platform-tools.
Method 4: Official Xiaomi Unblocker (for linked accounts)
If your phone is tied to a Mi Account, the most reliable way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s official unlock tool, which works even on locked devices with Find Device enabled.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account you have linked to your phone.
- Select the Find Device tab and find your smartphone in the list.
- Click Unlock Device and confirm the action via SMS or email.
- Wait 5-10 minutes – the phone unlocks automatically (requires an Internet connection).
If the device does not appear in Find Device, check:
- 🔹 Internet connection (the phone must be online).
- 🔹 Account status (whether it is banned for violations).
- 🔹 Geolocation settings (Settings) → Security → Location should be on).
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Xiaomi’s official unlocker is the only method that is guaranteed to work on new models (2022-2026) without the risk of blocking an account.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:
- Firmware via Mi Flash Tool: You will need an unlocked bootloader and official firmware for your model. Instruction: How to flash Xiaomi through Mi Flash Tool? 1. Download the firmware for your model. 2. Unpack the archive and launch MiFlash.exe. 3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. 4. Select the firmware folder and press Flash. 5. Once completed, the phone will reboot with a clean system.
- Contact the service center: Official Xiaomi services can reset the password on the passport of the owner (purchase confirmation is required).
- EDL-Firmware (for advanced users): Requires authorized cable and knowledge of QFil or MiFlashPro commands. Risk: turn the phone into a brick if you make an error.
Forums often recommend using programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or SP Flash Tool, but we do not recommend them for reasons like:
- 🔹 High risk of blocking your Mi Account.
- 🔹 Possibility of installing malware.
- 🔹 Violation of Xiaomi Policy (may result in loss of warranty).