How to bypass the lock on the Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide

When a Xiaomi or POCO smartphone suddenly stops letting the owner in, it is one of the most stressful for the user. This can happen after a failed update, accidentally entering the wrong pattern lock or buying a device from the hands that was locked by the previous owner. Locking the screen or Mi Account are security mechanisms designed to protect your data from theft, but sometimes they become an insurmountable barrier for the legitimate owner of the gadget. Depending on the type of lock, there are various methods of restoring access, from simple manipulations with the menu to complex firmware procedures.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways of solving the problem, relevant for 2026-2026. You will learn how to act if you forgot your password, how to untie the device from someone else's account and what engineering methods exist for difficult cases. It is important to understand that each step requires care, because incorrect actions can lead to complete failure of the device. We will consider both software and hardware solutions so that you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.

Before you start to act, you need to clearly define the type of lock. PIN-If you have a code or a pattern lock that's one scenario, if you have a message on the screen that you're linking to a Mi Account and you want to enter a password, that's the level of protection that Anti-theft has, and in some cases, the device can be blocked by a carrier or have regional restrictions. Understanding the nature of the problem is half the success in solving it.

Determination of the type of blocking and primary diagnosis

The first step is always to make sure that the screen is accurate. The lock screen can look different. In one case, you see a standard password curtain, in another you see the Mi logo requiring authorization, and in the third you see a message that the device is remotely locked. The Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi models have different versions of MIUI and HyperOS shells that can react differently to bypass attempts. If you bought a phone from your hands and you see someone else's account when you turn on, chances are that the previous owner hasn't reset or forgot to untie the device.

Often users confuse the lock screen with the lock bootloader. The bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer to prevent the installation of unofficial software, but this does not interfere with the phone. However, if you try to flash the device without unlocking the bootloader, you will get an error. It is important not to confuse these concepts. The lock bootloader is solved through an official request to Xiaomi, and blocking the account requires either a password or specialized software.

• 🔒 Screen lock: Request PIN, Password, pattern lock or fingerprint when the screen is turned on.
• 🔐 Mi Account Lock: Activation screen with the requirement to enter the username and password from the Mi-account to which the device is linked.
• 📵 FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Google protection requiring you to enter a password from your Gmail account after resetting your settings.

⚠️ Note: If the screen displays a message "This device is locked" indicating someone else's Mi-account, this means that the device is listed in the database as lost or stolen, or the owner did not log out of the account before the sale. Without data from this account, it is impossible to unlock the phone using standard methods.

Diagnostics also include checking for recovery modes. Try to pinch the Volume Up + Power button combination. If the phone goes to the Recovery menu (usually with the Mi logo or menu in English/Chinese), then the system is partially functional and there is a chance of getting by with a software reset. If the phone is hanging on the logo or cyclically rebooting, the problem can be deeper - in damage to system files or bootloop.

Resetting with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

The most common and often effective method of unlocking if you forget your screen password but remember your Mi Account (or it wasn’t installed at all) is a full reset via Recovery Mode. This process, known as Hard Reset, completely cleans the device’s internal memory, returning it to factory status. It’s important to understand that all your photos, contacts and apps will be permanently deleted, so this method is only suitable for those who are willing to sacrifice data for access to the phone.

To perform the procedure, turn off the smartphone. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears. After that, release the power button, but continue to keep the volume until the Recovery menu appears. Depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA), the menu can be in English, Chinese or Russian. Navigation is carried out by volume buttons, and the choice is by the power button (or touch if the screen reacts).

From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data). The system will alert you to the risks. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The process will take from 10 seconds to several minutes. Once complete, the phone will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) and select Reboot. When you first turn on, the system may require you to connect to Wi-Fi and enter a password from a previously synchronized Mi Account for security purposes.

Bypassing the Mi Account (Mi Cloud Lock)

Mi Account locking is a serious level of protection. If you reset your phone and ask for a password from an account you don't know, standard methods like Hard Reset don't solve the problem. This is anti-theft protection. However, if you're the legitimate owner (like you bought a phone and the seller forgot to log out), there are ways to remove the attachment. One involves using special utilities on your PC, such as the Mi Unlock Tool (official, but requires a 168-hour wait) or third-party solutions like Mi Account Remove Tools.

Third-party tools often work through exploiting vulnerabilities in authorization protocols or through mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode for entry to the EDL Usually you need to disassemble the phone and close special contacts on the board (Test Points) or use a specialized phone. USB-This method is considered advanced and carries risks, and success depends on the processor model (Snapdragon, MediaTek, Helio) and the Android version.

It is important to note that the use of informal methods of bypassing Mi Account often leads to the fact that the functions of calls and mobile Internet can remain blocked (so-called "Bypass" instead of full "Remove"). Full account deletion (Remove) is possible only if you have server access or unique tokens, which are often paid services. Complete deletion of the Mi Account without the owner's password is possible only through official support channels when submitting a purchase check.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when downloading Mi Account unlocking software from unverified sources, many of which contain viruses, miners, or require payment after which they stop working. 4PDA or XDA Developers tools.

Using ADB and Fastboot for advanced users

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot toolkit offers a lot of options. If the phone has been pre-enabled debugging over USB, you can try to delete the lock files directly, to do this, the phone connects to the computer, and the console is entered commands to access the system partitions.

The process is as follows: first you need to install ADB drivers and the Tools platform on your PC. Then the phone is put into debugging mode (if the screen allows) or you use Recovery mode with ADB support. The adb shell command allows you to access the system shell. From there you can delete files responsible for storing access keys, such as gesture.key or password.key, located in the /data/system/ directory.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




adb reboot

However, on modern versions of Android (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) with disk encryption enabled, this method often does not work without root rights, since the /data partition is blocked. In this case, ADB is used to install a custom recovery (for example, TWRP), which already allows you to reset the password. But installing TWRP often requires an unlocked bootloader, which creates a vicious circle.

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If ADB If you can’t see the device, try installing universal Google drivers. USB Driver or specific drivers Qualcomm/MediaTek It's for your processor. USB-The cable is on quality original, as cheap cables often only work for charging.

Specifics of unlocking MediaTek and Snapdragon processors

The methods of bypassing locks are highly dependent on the installed platform. Xiaomi smartphones have historically been divided between MediaTek (budget and mid-range Redmi) and Qualcomm Snapdragon (flagships and upper middle segment). SP Flash Tool and Method BROM (Boot ROM). It allows you to flash the device even with a fully locked bootloader and a broken system, bypassing standard checks.

Snapdragon devices are more difficult to handle because of the secure bootloader and signatures. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is often used here, but it often requires a Xiaomi authorized service center account to authorize firmware in this mode. There are workarounds, such as using test points on the board to log into an emergency EDL without authorization, but this requires physical disassembly of the phone.

• 🛠 MediaTek: Easier to respond to software intervention, possible reset via SP Flash Tool without server authorization.
• 🔒 Snapdragon: High level of protection, often requires an authorized Mi Account for firmware in mode EDL.
• 📱 Universality: Methods for one rarely processor work on another, it is important to know the chipset model accurately.

MediaTek often uses a “certificate patch” method that bypasses firmware signature verification, which allows custom firmware or modified Recovery to be installed, which in turn removes screen or account locks. However, on new models 2026-2026 In the years of release, these vulnerabilities are actively closed.

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Knowledge of the exact processor model (MTK or Snapdragon) is critical to choosing the right unlock tool. MTK-Device tools for Qualcomm and vice versa – this can lead to a brick of the device.

Preventing and Restoring Access to Accounts

The best way to avoid locking issues is to set the device up properly in advance.Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account.Write them down to a secure location or use a password manager. It is also recommended to link the phone number and backup email to the Mi Account, which will allow you to restore access through the Mi Account. SMS-code if the primary password is forgotten.

If you plan to sell your phone, make sure to do a full clean. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out, then Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset. Only this way you are guaranteed to remove the device’s attachment to your account and not cause problems for the new owner. Don’t rely on button resets alone, as they can not untie the device from the server unless you have logged out beforehand.

If you lose access to your account, don't rush to use questionable paid services. Try i.mi.com to recover your password. If your phone is found or stolen, you can track it through this site or remotely block it, which is the reverse of the coin - you can protect your data, but you can also become a victim if you don't secure your account with two-factor authentication.