How to reset your password to Xiaomi if you forget your pattern lock PIN-code: full guide

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that even experienced users face, PIN-A code or fingerprint, a lock can become a serious problem if you don't remember the combination to unlock. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official ways to reset the password without resorting to service centers.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of unlocking Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO – from the simplest reset via Mi Account to complex manipulations in Recovery and Fastboot modes. It is important to understand that some methods will lead to complete loss of data on the device, so before starting the procedure, assess the risks and prepare backups (if possible).

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached and activated, you can reset your password without losing data.This method works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and the flagship Xiaomi series 12/13/14.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
  • πŸ”‘ Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (the same as used in the Mi Cloud or Mi Store).
  • πŸ“§ A confirmation code will come to the associated email or phone number - enter it in the appropriate field.
  • πŸ”“ Create a new password or a pattern lock. You're done! All the data on your phone is saved.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone to factory settings without logging out, this won't work.

πŸ“Š What is the way to unlock Xiaomi you tried?
Through the Mi Account.
Through Recovery.
Through Fastboot.
I've been to the service.
I haven't tried it yet.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss on some models)

Recovery mode is a built-in recovery menu that allows you to reset your phone to factory settings. On new Xiaomi models (released after 2020), a reset via Recovery usually results in complete deletion of data, but on older devices (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi A1) sometimes files are saved to internal memory.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
Xiaomi modelIs the data preserved?Is a Mi Account required?
Redmi Note 8/9/10❌ No.❌ No.
Xiaomi Mi 10/11❌ No.βœ… Yes, if he was tied up)
POCO F3/F4❌ No.❌ No.
Redmi 4X/5A⚠️ Partially (photos/video may remain)❌ No.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader, after resetting via Recovery, you may need to log in via Mi Account, even if you haven’t used it before".

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot mode allows you to control your phone via a computer using ADB and Fastboot commands. This method is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You don’t remember the password from your Mi Account;
  • πŸ“± The phone screen is damaged and you can’t enter a password;
  • πŸ”„ Previous ways didn't work.

The work will require:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS;
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original);
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Android Developer);
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for your model (can be found on the Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power button.
  2. Connect the device to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number.
  4. Unlock the bootloader (if it is locked): fastboot oem unlock Attention! This command will erase all data on the device.
  5. Swipe the phone with the official firmware: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB and Fastboot|Download the firmware for your model|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Prepare original USB-cable-->

4.Use of the "Find Device" function (remote unlock)

If your Xiaomi has Find Device enabled, you can remotely unlock your device via a web browser, which only works if you meet three conditions:

  1. The phone is connected to the Internet;
  2. Find Device has been activated in the settings.
  3. You remember the data from the Mi Account.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. In the Find Device section, select your phone from the list.
  3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
  4. The phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.

This is a convenient way to do this if the phone is lost or stolen, but you want to get it back, but once unlocked, the device will be reset to factory settings.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?
If your device doesn’t appear in the list on i.mi.com, check: 1. Is the Internet on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data) 2. Is Find Device enabled in settings (Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device). 3. Has the phone been reset to factory settings without leaving Mi Account – in which case it won’t show up. 4. Try updating the page or using another browser (Chrome or Edge is recommended).

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods have not worked, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

  • πŸ” Phone locked due to multiple incorrect password entry;
  • πŸ“΅ The device does not respond to the connection to the PC;
  • πŸ”§ bootloader locked and Mi Account not tied;
  • πŸ’₯ After self-manipulation, the phone turned into a brick".

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Passport or other document confirming possession;
  • πŸ“± Phone box (preferably, but not necessarily);
  • πŸ’³ Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of the work, in some cases, the service may refuse to unlock if the phone is listed in the database of stolen devices or has unofficial firmware.

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, take a screenshot of the IMEI phone (on the box or under the battery if it is removable) and this will speed up the identification process of the device.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

There are many β€œmagic” ways to unlock Xiaomi without losing data on the Internet, from using hidden codes to firmware through third-party utilities, and we do not recommend using them for the following reasons:

  • 🚫 The risk of turning your phone into a brick – unofficial firmware may contain errors;
  • πŸ•΅οΈ Security Threat – Many β€˜hacked’ utilities contain malware;
  • πŸ“‰ Loss of warranty – after using uncertified tools, the service center will refuse repairs.

If you are still trying to experiment, here is a list of the most risky methods:

  • πŸ”“ Use of the EDL Mode (emergency boot mode) – requires special cable and command knowledge;
  • πŸ“± Firmware through SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash – only suitable for devices running MediaTek processors;
  • πŸ”§ Hacking through firmware vulnerabilities (e.g., exploits for Qualcomm).

⚠️ Attention: Forums often advise you to enter the code ##3646633## to access the engineering menu. On current Xiaomi models, this code does not work and can cause system failure!

πŸ’‘

Official unlock methods (Mi Account, Recovery, Fastboot) are guaranteed to keep the phone running, and alternative methods can cause irreparable damage to the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

❓ Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if you have Mi Account attached and activated on your phone, in which case you can reset your password through the "Forgot Password?" option on the lock screen, and all other methods (Recovery, Fastboot, Find Device) will result in deletion of the data.
❓ What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restor access via account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot Password?, enter your linked email or phone number and follow the instructions. If you don't have access to your email/phone, contact Xiaomi with the documents proving your account ownership.
❓ Why After Recovery, Your Phone Requires an Old Password?
This is because of Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which links the device to the Mi Account. To remove the lock, log in to the same account that was linked before the reset. If you don't remember the data, contact the service center with proof of purchase.
❓ Can you unlock Xiaomi with a broken screen?
Yes, but the methods depend on the degree of damage: If the sensor works: connect the mouse through the OTG-Adapter and unlock your phone as usual; If the screen doesn’t respond: use Fastboot or Find Device (provided the phone is connected to the internet); If the phone doesn’t turn on: you’ll need screen repair or firmware through EDL Mode at the service center.
❓ How to avoid blocking in the future?
Not to be faced with the problem of forgotten password: πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock; πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock to a secure location (e.g., a password manager); ☁️ Regularly back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive; πŸ”— Link Mi Account and activate Find Device.