How to find or reset your account password on Xiaomi Redmi phone: the full guide 2026

The forgotten password from Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that one in five users face. According to Xiaomi Service Center, 18 percent of the calls in 2023 were connected to device locks. The reasons range from trivial forgetfulness to buying a used phone with a tied account. But regardless of the circumstances, there is a solution — and there are several.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for restoring access to Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models based on MIUI 12-14. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, email binding or backup code), others work even without them, we will also explain how to bypass the lock without losing data and what to do if the phone requires a password from Mi Account after reset.

We warn you right away: methods like "5 times enter the wrong password" or "call a locked phone" on Xiaomi don't work. The manufacturer is serious about security, so you'll need more powerful tools. Let's start with the simplest and most secure options.

1. Recovery via a linked email or phone

If you’ve set up your Mi Account on your Redmi, the chances of successfully unlocking are high. Xiaomi lets you reset your password via email or SMS – but only if you have access to your linked contacts.

How it works:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (on some firmware it is hidden - try entering the password incorrectly 3 times).

2.The system will redirect you to the Mi Account recovery page.

3. Select the confirmation method: Email or Phone.

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Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, this method won't work, so go to the hard reset section.

Once you have entered the code from the email or SMS, you will be asked to create a new password. Importantly, the new password must contain at least 8 characters, including capital letters and numbers. If the system produces an error "Too simple password", add characters like! or @.

2.Use of the Mi Account backup code

Few people know, but when you create a Mi Account, the system offers to save a backup code, a set of 8 digits that you can use to unlock. If you wrote it down (for example, in a notebook or password manager), follow the instructions:

1. On the password entry screen, select "Other Login Methods" (or "Restore Access").

2. Slip on the "Backup Code" option.

3 Enter the 8-digit code and confirm the action.

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Warning: The backup code is only valid once! Once used, the system will suggest generating a new one. If you lose it, it will be harder to restore access.

If the code is lost but you still have access to the mail linked to the Mi Account, you can request a new backup code via account.xiaomi.com.

1. Sign in to the site.

2. Go to the "Security" section → "Backup Codes".

3. Generate a new set and save it in a safe place.

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Take a photo of the backup code and save it to a protected folder in Google Photos or Mi Cloud, so you won’t lose it even when you change your phone.

3 Unlocking through Find Device (Mi Cloud)

Xiaomi's Find Device service not only tracks the phone, but also remotely unlocks it.

The device is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

- The "Find Device" function is enabled in the Mi Account settings.

You remember the login details for Mi Cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.

2. In the list of devices, select your Redmi.

3. Click "Unlock Device" (the option may be called "Unlock").

4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

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Warning: After remotely unlocking, the phone may require you to enter your Mi Account password the next time you turn it on, and if you don't remember it, you'll have to use the official unlock tool.

4 Hard Reset - a last resort

If all previous methods failed, you can reset your phone completely, delete all your phone data, including photos, messages and apps installed, but if you sync with Mi Cloud on Redmi, you can recover some of your information (contacts, notes) later.

How to make Hard Reset on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Turn off the phone.

2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models - Power + Volume down).

3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons - you will be taken to Recovery Mode.

4. With the volume buttons, select "Wipe Data" (or "Clear Data"), confirm the choice with the power button.

5. Select "Wipe All Data" and wait until the process is complete.

6. Reboot your phone via Reboot.

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Warning: After resetting, the phone may require you to enter the password from the Mi Account that was previously tied. If you do not remember it, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool

If Redmi requires a Mi Account password after reset, and you don't remember it, you'll need to use Xiaomi's official Mi Unlock Tool, which works even for hands-on phones, but has limitations:

You need to wait 72 hours after you link your account to your device (if your phone is new).

- You will need a Windows computer and original USB-cable.

The device must be unlocked for the bootloader.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website: en.miui.com/unlock.

2. Install the program on your PC and run it on behalf of the administrator.

3. log in to your Mi Account (if you have restored it) or create a new one.

4. Connect the Redmi turned off to the PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).

5. In the program, press Unlock and wait for the process to be completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

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Note: If a phone has been stolen or bought from hand without an account being unblocked, Xiaomi may block the unlock, in which case contact the service center with the purchase documents.

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Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to get around Mi Account locking after a reset. All bypass programs from third-party developers can contain viruses or permanently lock the phone.

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t help, you can try advanced techniques, but they require technical knowledge and are risky.

Method 1: ADB bypass (only for MIUI 12 and older)

If the phone was enabled debugging over USB, you can try to delete the file with the password through ADB.

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line.

2. Enter commands:

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




reboot

3. After the reset, the password should be reset.

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Note: This method does not work on all firmware and can lead to data loss or system failure. Use it only if you are confident in your actions.

Method 2: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast FastBoat Fast Fast Fast FastBoat

If the phone doesn't unlock, you can try flashing it over the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the official firmware for your model on the MIUI Downloads website.

2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.

3. Select firmware and press "Flash".

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Warning: Flashing deletes all data and can result in Mi Account being blocked if the phone was linked to an account. Use this method only as a last resort.

Comparison of unlocking methods:

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods but your phone is still locked, there are two options left:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – If you have a check or a box from your phone, specialists can help unlock the device via IMEI.

2.Provide proof of purchase – if the phone is bought by hand, try contacting the previous owner and asking them to untie the account via account.xiaomi.com.

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Warning: Don’t trust the “masters” who promise to unlock your phone in 5 minutes through “secret programs” – most often scammers who will either steal your data or permanently lock your device.

If a phone has been stolen or lost and you found it through Find Device, don't try to unlock it yourself.According to Xiaomi's policy, such devices can be locked permanently.In this case, contact the police with proof of purchase.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi Redmi, always check if the Mi Account is untied. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and try to log out. If the system requires a password, the phone is tied to someone else’s account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi