How to open a locked Xiaomi smartphone: from simple to complex

Did you forget your Xiaomi password or your phone lock down after failing to enter a pattern lock? The situation is familiar to many — according to statistics, one in five users has experienced this problem at least once. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and alternative ways to unlock that work even without losing data on modern models of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or flagships of the Xiaomi 14 series.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods - from a simple reset via Mi Account to complex technical solutions using Fastboot and other technologies. EDL-Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on the version MIUI, Smartphone models and whether security features have been previously enabled, such as on devices with Snapdragon chips (e.g., on Snapdragon chips, POCO F5) available EDL, on the Redmi. A2 Helio processor – only standard methods.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30%) – when discharged during the procedure, the phone can turn into a “brick")
• 📡 Availability of stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet (required for login in your account)
• 🔧 Access to a computer (for methods with Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool)

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 You remember the login and password from the account that was linked to the device
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (or a similar inscription at the bottom of the screen).
2. Select the option "Unblock through Mi Account".
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password on another device but have not updated it on a locked smartphone, authorization may not pass).

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If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try connecting your phone to charge and try again in 5-10 minutes, sometimes blocking the option after multiple failed attempts to enter.

2. Reset the pattern lock via a call (for older versions of MIUI)

This method worked on versions. MIUI 8–11 and certain devices with MIUI 12, but the latest updates have fixed the vulnerability. 4X, Redmi Note 5 or older, you can try it out:

Algorithm of action:

1. From a locked phone, call another number (or ask someone to call you).
2. Accept the call, then click the Add Call (or Conference) button.
3. In the dialing field, type ##4636## and this will open the engineering menu.
4. Return to the home screen via the Home button and set a new pattern lock in the security settings.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 and new smartphones (Xiaomi) 13T, POCO X6) This is not working, because the manufacturer has closed the security loophole, and if you try to enter the engineering code, you can lock the device completely!

3. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If previous methods failed, it will be hard to reset through recovery mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10C, POCO M5 and Black Shark 5.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) 🔘 Power button + Loudness down (for some old Redmis)

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT) After the reset, you may need to enter data from a previous Mi Account that was linked to the phone (FRP). If you do not remember the data, you will need to contact the service center.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
• 📱 The phone's debugging on. USB (USB Debugging (if not, the way won't work!)
• 🔓 You are ready for possible data loss (depending on the team)

Instructions for Windows:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools or download Mi Flash Tool from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Power button + Volume down (hold 10 seconds)
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder from fastboot and execute: fastboot oem unlock or to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp
5. Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO X5 Pro) the fastboot oem unlock command may fail due to the bootloader lock, in which case an official permission to unlock through the Xiaomi website will be required (the process takes up to 72 hours).

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The Fastboot method is only suitable if USB debugging has been enabled before, without it, the computer will not be able to recognize the device, and commands will not work.

5. Unlock through EDL-Mode (for Snapdragon)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode available on Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K50) that allows you to flash a device even with a fully locked bootloader, but requires special equipment and knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com)
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the contacts test point (location depends on the model) or use the command: adb reboot edl (if debugging was enabled).
3. Connect your phone to your PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and click "Flash".

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can permanently disable the communication module (IMEI, If you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to the service center. EDL In the workshops starts from 1500 rubles.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking the passport of the owner (to confirm ownership), the cost and timing depend on the model and the reason for the lock:

• 📄 It will be necessary to unlock: 🆔 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (or other identity document) 📋 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed) 📱 The device itself (even when switched off)
• ⏳ Timeframe: 1 to 5 working days.
• 💰 Cost: from 500 to 3000 rubles (depending on the complexity).

Where to find a service center:

1. Go to the official support site of Xiaomi.
2. Select the "Service Centers" section.
3. Enter your city or enable geolocation.
4. Check the addresses and schedule of the nearest centers.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial workshops can offer "5 minutes" unlock without paperwork:

• 🚨 Installation of unlicensed software (possible problems with updates)
• 📵 Loss of loss IMEI (phone will stop catching the network)
• 🔒 Blocking your Mi Account (if the master uses illegal methods)

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Official service is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi without losing warranty, and unofficial methods can lead to problems with updates and communication modules.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi