How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forget your password

Xiaomi owner can’t unlock the screen because of a forgotten device PIN-It's a common thing, and users often rely on biometrics or automatic unlocking to forget the digital code, and it turns the device into a brick, which is restricted by the operating system's security mechanisms. MIUI or hyperos.

Fortunately, the Android architecture allows you to force the device to clear its memory back to its original state, a process called Hard Reset, which completely removes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, but gives you back full control of the gadget. It's important to understand that after the procedure, the smartphone will look like you just took it out of the box.

There are several proven methods of bypassing locks, each with its own characteristics and requirements, and we will look at the methods through the Recovery engineering menu, Google's cloud service, and the manufacturer's dedicated Find Device tool, and the specific method depends on whether the phone is on, whether there is Internet access, or if the account is tied.

Preparation of the device for forced discharge

Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to make sure that the device is ready. The basic requirement for a successful reset is that you have enough battery power. The process of formatting the system partition is energy intensive, and if the phone turns off in the middle, it can damage the bootloader. It is recommended to keep the charge above 50%.

It's also worth knowing in advance what kind of lock you're waiting for, whether it's a simple lock screen, a Google account (FRP), or a Mi Account account, and if you reset your phone and you don't remember it, it's going to be extremely difficult to unlock the device without a check or a box, and that's where only a service center or a full flashing with the bootloader unlocking will help.

Note the state of the physical control buttons. Entering recovery mode often requires the volume and power keys to be pressed simultaneously. If the buttons stick or don't work, you won't be able to log in to Recovery Mode and you'll have to use computer techniques or carry the device for repair.

⚠️ Note: All data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted. If you have synced with Google Photos or Mi Cloud, the data can be restored after authorization.

Hard Reset Method with Recovery Mode

The most common and effective way to do this is to use a fully locked phone that doesn't respond to touch, and it uses a built-in recovery partition that's available at the system level, below the user interface level, and you don't need a password from the screen to log in, but you need physical buttons.

The order of action may vary slightly depending on the model, but the overall algorithm is the same: first you need to completely turn off the smartphone. If the device is getting stuck on the lock screen and does not turn off in the usual way, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the full vibration and extinguishing of the screen.

When turned off, press the Volume Up button and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or recovery menu appears. Some models, such as the Redmi Note series, may require a USB cable (not necessarily to the computer, you can use the charger) to be connected while the buttons are pressed.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find the Wipe Data item. In some versions of MIUI, you first need to select the language (English) and then go to the Wipe Data menu -> Wipe All Data.

Google Find My Device Service

This method is only relevant if the locked phone is on the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data transfer) and active geolocation. also on the device must be signed in to Google account.

Go to the official Google Find My Device website from any browser. Sign in with the same account you use on a blocked Xiaomi. Choose the model you want from the device list. If your phone is online, the map will show its location.

From the device management menu, select the option to Clear the device (Erase Device). The system will warn that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The smartphone will receive a command and automatically begin the reset process even if the screen is turned off.

It's important to note that after this cleaning, the phone will ask for a password from the Google account when it first boots up. This is standard theft protection (FRP) that can't be bypassed by a simple reset. Make sure you remember the login details.

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If the phone is not visible on the map or has an offline status, the reset command will remain in the queue and will be executed automatically as soon as the device appears on the network.

Reset via Xiaomi Find Device

Google’s alternative is Xiaomi’s own ecosystem, which means that if you have Find Device enabled and signed in to your Mi Account, you can use the manufacturer’s cloud portal, which often works more stable if your phone is roaming or has problems with Google services.

Go to i.mi.com. Enter your Mi Account login and password. Select the device tab in the interface. The functionality is similar to Google: you'll see the map and the management menu. Select the data cleanup option.

The advantage of this method is that it sometimes allows you to bypass Google’s FRP lock if the phone was tied to the Mi Account in advance, although the latest security versions have tightened, but it is a working way to regain access to the system.

If the Find Device service on the phone is turned off, this method will not work, in which case only the option with Recovery Mode or unlock through the bootloader is left (which requires 7-15 days of pre-preparedness).

Unlocking through Fastboot and Mi Unlock

If standard methods don't work, you can try unlocking the bootloader, but this method has a critical limitation: it requires that the phone pre-open the "Unlock bootloader" function in the Developer menu. If you didn't turn it on before locking the screen, the method won't work.

The procedure requires a Windows computer, a USB cable and the Mi Unlock Tool utility. The phone is converted to Fastboot mode (clampdown Loud Down + Power). In the PC utility, you log in to your Mi Account and try to unlock the device.

Xiaomi’s security system will impose a wait timer (usually 7 to 15 days) that is necessary to confirm the owner’s rights. Once the deadline expires, a retry via Mi Unlock will remove the lock and automatically clear the data.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader voids warranty in some regions and reduces the overall security of the device, making it more vulnerable to malware.

FRP (Google Account Lock) and its solution

After a successful reset, you may encounter an activation screen where the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account that was previously synced to the device: FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. Without entering the correct data, the phone will not be used.

If you remember an account, just enter the details. If you forget your account or have your phone bought by hand, things get complicated. Google doesn't officially provide a way to bypass this protection without a password. The only legal way is to restore access to your account through Google's recovery form on your computer.

There are technical ways to bypass FRP through vulnerabilities in the system (TalkBack, special applications), but they depend on the specific version of Android and the security patch. On new versions of MIUI, such holes quickly close, so it is critical to remember your credentials.

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FRP-If you forget your Google account password, it's officially impossible to restore access to your phone without your account data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)