A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to service centers statistics, 18% of device locks are related to loss of screen access. Fortunately, you can reset your phone to factory settings even without knowing the combination, the main thing is to choose the right method depending on the model and version of MIUI.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to zero Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO without a password: from standard reset via Recovery to advanced methods using Fastboot and Mi Account. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), where the manufacturer has tightened the protection. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.
1. Recovery Mode Reset (works on 90% of devices)
The most versatile method is the use of Restore Mode, which is suitable for most models, except for those where Xiaomi has blocked this feature (for example, on some firmware for the European market), the main advantage is that it does not require a connection to a PC or Mi Account.
To log in to Recovery, follow the following steps:
- π Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
- π§ Press the combination Volume up + Eating and holding on 10-15 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
- π± On the screen with a mi-rebel (bunny in the hat) select the language (usually English by default).
- π Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power to confirm).
Once the reset is confirmed, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this method may not work due to hardware protection, in which case move to the method. β3 or β4.
Find My Device is turned off in Google Settings|Is the phone at least 30 times charged%|Is there a backup of important data|Wi-Fi connected (for quick setup after resetting)-->
β οΈ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked. email/Password - Use the method β2.
2 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock through a tied Mi Account. This method works even on new models with enhanced protection, but requires:
- π§ Access to the email used to register your Mi Account.
- π± Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π Opportunities to introduce SMS-code or use backup email.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
- Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
- Enter your email and account password, and if you don't remember, use the Forgot Mi password?
- Confirm the unlock via SMS or backup email.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password or reset your device.
If after successful authorization, the phone still requires a password, try:
- π Reset the device.
- π± Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block Xiaomi servers).
- π Wait 24 hours β sometimes Mi servers temporarily limit the number of attempts.
Recovery|Mi Account|Fastboot|Treated to the service center |Never blocked the phone-->
| Unlocking method | Suitable for models | You need a PC? | Risk of data loss | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Mode | All but the New Flagships (Episode 13/14) | β No. | β Total reset | ββ (easily) |
| Mi Account | All models. | β No. | β No (data retained) | β (easily) |
| Fastboot (EDL) | All but requires unlocking bootloader | β Yes. | β Total reset | ββββ (difficult) |
| TestPoint | Older models (until 2020) | β Yes. | β Total reset | βββββ (difficult) |
3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can use Fastboot mode, which requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command line knowledge, and is suitable for devices with a bootloader unlocked.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Googleβs Platform Tools.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and do:
fastboot devices(Your device should be displayed)
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot rebootIf the phone still requires a password after rebooting, try a full reset:
fastboot erase frpβ οΈ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, fastboot erase commands will not work β you will need to first unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. This process takes up to 72 hours (requires account binding and waiting for permissions from Xiaomi).
How to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi?
4.Using EDL mode (for power users)
Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.
- π₯οΈ Windows computer.
- π Cable. USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
- π¦ Firmware for your model (download only from official sources, for example, miui.com).
- π οΈ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Algorithm of action:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds at the same time. The screen will remain black - that's normal.
- Connect the device to a PC. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Install the driver for QDLoader (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll restart in its clean state.
π‘
If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you're trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one you're currently running. Download the same or newer version of the firmware.
5. Hardware reset via TestPoint (for older models)
TestPoint is suitable for Xiaomi devices until 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F1). It involves closing special contacts on the motherboard, which puts the phone in firmware mode. Risk: if you do not act negligently, you can damage the board.
How it works:
- Take the phone apart (need a mediator and a screwdriver).
- Find TestPoint points on the motherboard (their location is unique for each model β look for 4PDA circuits).
- Close the contacts with tweezers or a needle, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
- The phone will be defined as Qualcomm 9008 β then run it through the Mi Flash Tool (as in the method). β4).
Advantages of the method:
- β It works with a blocked Mi Account.
- β No need to unlock the bootloader.
Disadvantages:
- β Risk of damage to fees in case of negligence.
- β Device Requires Disassembly (Loss of Warranty).
- β On new models (after 2020) Xiaomi has removed TestPoint.
π‘
TestPoint is only relevant for older devices, and on newer models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12/13), this method does not work due to the changed architecture of the boards.
6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps
If all of these methods do not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- π Phones with a Mi Account tied, data from which is lost.
- π± Devices with damaged firmware after unsuccessful manipulations.
- π‘οΈ Hardware-protected models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi) K70 Pro).
What you need to unlock in the service:
- π Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
- π Passport of the owner (if the phone was purchased under a contract).
- π³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model).
The average unlock time is 1-3 working days, and in some cases, the service center may suggest reflashing the device with a complete data cleanup if other methods are not possible.
β οΈ Warning: Unofficial services often offer βMi Account bypassβ for a low price, but this is fraught with risks: π« Installation of unlicensed software with viruses. π The possibility of re-blocking through 30-60 days. π΅ Loss of warranty (if the device is still warranty) Official Xiaomi services never offer a βcircumventionβ β they either unlock legally or refish the device.