Xiaomi’s current smartphones are equipped with powerful data protection systems that can sometimes become an obstacle for the owner, often when selling the device, transferring it to another user or simply wanting to simplify access to the gadget’s functions, device owners face different types of restrictions, from a standard pattern lock to more complex mechanisms like Mi Account Lock.
The procedure for removing protection depends on whether you have access to the system or have forgotten your credentials. In the first case, you just need to go to the appropriate settings menu, in the second case you will need more radical measures, such as Hard Reset or the use of specialized software, and it is important to understand that any manipulation of security carries the risk of losing personal information.
This guide covers all the current unlocking methods for current versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. We will look at the standard ways to disable passwords, work with a Mi Account, and methods to restore access through your computer. Before starting any actions, make sure that you are the legal owner of the device.
Staff disabling password and pattern lock
If you remember the current access code and you're inside the system, it takes only a few minutes to deactivate the security, and it's the most secure method that doesn't require any third-party tools. You need to go to Settings, then select Passwords and Security, and that's where all the access control tools are concentrated.
In the menu that opens, find the option Device Protection (or Lock Screen and Passwords in older versions). The system will require you to confirm your rights by asking you to enter your current password, pattern lock or fingerprint. After successful authorization, a button will appear on the screen to Disable Device Protection. By clicking on it, you will finally remove all login restrictions.
It's worth noting that once you disable your password, all biometric data, like Face ID and fingerprint scanner, will also stop working to unlock, which is logical, because biometrics is only an alternative to the main code, and if you decide to re-install security in the future, all settings will have to be reconfigured.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system requires a password even after trying to disable it, which may be due to the security policies of some applications or corporate profiles, in which case, check whether the phone has applications with administrator privileges of the device that can force encryption.
Unlocking the lock through resetting (Hard Reset)
When the password is forgotten and you can't log in, the only standard solution is a complete data reset, a procedure known as Hard Reset that returns the phone to factory status by removing all user files, contacts and applications. Before starting, make sure the battery is at least 50-60% charged.
⚠️ Warning: Recovery resets will completely destroy all data on the internal drive.If you don't have a backup in the cloud or on your computer, it won't be possible to recover photos and documents.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone and hold a certain key combination. On most Xiaomi models, this is the simultaneous pressing of the Volume Up button and the Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi or Xiaomi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
☑️ Algorithm of actions in Recovery
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation several times, as this is an irreversible action. After the process is completed, select Reboot to restart.
Once turned on, the phone will look like a new one, just out of the box. However, if the device had the Internet and Mi Account turned on before the reset, Find Device protection may work, in which case the system will require you to enter the username and password from Mi Account, which was previously synchronized with the phone, without this data, you will not be able to use the device.
Bypassing the Mi Account (Find Device)
The Mi Account lock is a serious anti-theft mechanism that binds the device to the owner's account on Xiaomi servers, and if you bought the phone from your hands and it's locked, or you just forgot your account data after a reset, the situation gets complicated, and standard methods are not enough, you need to remove the binding through the server or special utilities.
The official method of blocking is possible only if there is a check about the purchase and a box with the IMEI-In this case, you need to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi, employees will check the documents and, if the device is not listed in the theft, can unlock it remotely through the database.
There are also software unlocking methods, often called "Bypass," which exploit vulnerabilities in the system or use special boot modes. One of these modes is Fastboot. To enter it, you need to press the Volume Down button and Power on the device off, in which the phone connects to the PC for firmware or debugging.
Risks of using third-party software to unlock
It's important to distinguish between a lock screen and an account lock. If a phone requires a password from Mi Account immediately after it's turned on or reset, then Find Device was active. Just reflashing the phone is not enough, because it's on the server side when you first connect to Wi-Fi.
Google and Find My Device Services
Google's ecosystem also offers access control tools that can be useful in certain scenarios: Find My Device not only allows you to track your location, but also remotely lock your phone or erase data. However, to use this method to unlock, the device must have the Internet and GPS enabled.
If your goal is to simply access data and your password is forgotten, this method won't bypass security, but it will keep you in control of your device. Go to android.com/find from any other device, enter your Google account. If your phone is online, you'll see three options: Call, Lock, and Clear.
The Clean function is basically a Hard Reset equivalent, deleting all data and resetting the screen password, but like the Mi Account, after this procedure, the phone will require a Google account holder's FRP lock, which is a theft protection that is embedded directly into the Android operating system.
| Method | Data security | Access to the system is required. | Risk of blocking an account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Complete. | Yes. | No. |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | No (deletion) | No. | Possible (Mi/Google) |
| Find My Device | No (deletion) | No (we need the internet) | Yes (FRP) |
| Service centre | Depends on the method. | No. | No (with the papers) |
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
For advanced users who want to gain full control of the device, the issue of unlocking the bootloader is relevant. Bootloader is a program that loads the operating system. It is blocked by the manufacturer by default for security. Unlocking allows you to install custom firmware, obtain root rights and modify system files.
The unlocking process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but requires a number of conditions to be met: first of all, you need to apply through the Mi Unlock Tool app on your PC and link your Mi Account to your device. After applying, you often have to wait 7 to 30 days before the server allows you to unlock.
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Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to create a full backup of the data to an external medium. The unlocking process automatically initiates the cleanup of all data on the phone for security purposes.
To do this, the phone is put into Fastboot mode (clutch Loudness down + Power) and then via a USB cable it connects to a computer running the Mi Unlock utility. The program will check the status of the account and, if the period has expired, unlock the device, which removes many software restrictions, but also reduces the overall security of the gadget.
It should be noted that the unlocked bootloader makes the device vulnerable to certain types of attacks, and can also disrupt the work of banking applications and services with a high degree of protection (Google Pay can stop working without additional manipulations with Magisk), in addition, this action formally deprives of warranty, although in some service centers you can temporarily return the lock back.
Typical problems and their solution
Unlocking is not always a smooth process. Users often encounter errors that put them at a loss. One common problem is the message "Unconnected" when trying to unlock Mi Account after a reset. This may mean that Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable or the IMEI of the device is blocked by the operator.
Another common situation is endless restart (bootloop) after a failed attempt to flash or interrupt the reset process, which requires re-entering Recovery or Fastboot mode and trying to reflash the device again using the official firmware file from the manufacturer's website.
⚠️ Warning: If your phone requires unlocking your Mi Account and you don't remember your password, don't try to guess it repeatedly.
There is also a problem with the touch screen in Recovery mode, when the buttons do not respond to pressing, in which case the control is carried out exclusively by physical volume and power buttons, and if they do not work, there may be a hardware malfunction of the buttons or the plume.
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The main reason for failures when unlocking is the lack of link to the account before reset or the lack of Internet at the time of verification by the server.
Precautions and data security
By disabling the lock, you remove the barrier between your personal data and a potential attacker. If you plan to sell or give your phone away, simply deleting files is not enough. The data can be restored with special utilities. So before transferring the device to a new owner, make sure to complete a full reset with formatting.
Use two-factor authentication for your Mi Account and Google account, which will add an additional layer of protection even if your password is compromised in some way. Never hand over your device to someone else for “repair” or “setup” without first logging out of all accounts.
Check the list of devices that have access to your account regularly. The Mi Account security settings have a Devices section where you can see all the gadgets authorized under your login. If you notice an unfamiliar device, change your password immediately and end the session.