How to Open a Locked Xiaomi Phone: All the Ways to Work 2026

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or the child accidentally blocked the screen with a pattern lock? the situation is familiar to many – the smartphone turns into a β€œbrick”, and access to photos, messages and applications is lost in an instant. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal unlock methods that work even without knowing. PIN-code.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to open Xiaomi, from standard features like Find Device to advanced methods through Fastboot and EDL. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the phone model, the version of MIUI and the presence of a tied Mi Account. For example, one algorithm will suit the Redmi Note 12, and for POCO F5 another, we will note the nuances for each situation.

Warning: Some methods result in a complete reset (if there was no backup in the Mi Cloud), so before you act, check whether the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network, this will increase the chances of recovery without loss.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and legal method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12 and later, if you previously:

  • πŸ”Ή Log into a phone account.
  • πŸ”Ή Confirmed email or phone number
  • πŸ”Ή Do not turn off the Find Device function in the settings

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
  2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the device.
  4. Confirm the entry via SMS or mail.
  5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the Internet, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request proof of identity (passport photo) if you suspect the device was stolen.

πŸ’‘

If the screen does not have a button "Forgot your password?", try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer the recovery option.

2. Reset via Find Device (remote unlock)

Find Device, an analogue of Find My iPhone, not only allows you to track your phone, but also remotely reset your password.

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • πŸ”„ Find Device is activated in the settings
  • πŸ”‘ You have access to the Mi Account linked to the device

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same account as on the locked device.
  3. Select your phone from the list of devices.
  4. Click Delete Data β†’ Erase the device.
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Once reset, the phone will reboot and prompt it to be configured as new, and all data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted, but access to the device will be restored.

πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?
Mi Account
Find Device
Hard Reset
I've been to the service.
Never blocked.

3. Hard Reset (hard reset via Recovery)

If previous methods have failed (e.g. no linked account or phone is not online), a hardware reset remains, which deletes all data but guarantees unlocking the device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9A, POCO X3 and Mi 11.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press both Power and Loudness up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require a reset from the previously associated Mi Account.If you don't remember the username/password, the phone will remain locked (FRP-lockdown).

What to do if you need a Mi Account after Hard Reset?
If the phone asks for account data after the reset, it means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has been activated, in which case you can only unlock the device through an official account or by contacting the service center with proof of purchase.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable for users who are willing to work with ADB and Fastboot.It allows you to reset your password without losing data (in some cases), but requires an unlocked bootloader.If you have not previously unlocked Bootloader on Xiaomi, this method will not work.

Tools required:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original)
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site)

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode:


- Turn off the device.




- Press Power + Loudness down until the bunny appears (Fastboot logo).





2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/Mac) in the folder with ADB.





3. Check the connection:




fastboot devices




(Serial phone number should be displayed)





4. execute the command to reset the password:




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase locksettings





5.Reset the phone:




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This method may not work because of the increased protection, and after the commands are executed, the phone may require the input of Mi Account data.

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot

Done: 0 / 4

5 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the β€œlast hope” for unlocking Xiaomi when other methods fail. It lets you flash your phone through a special cable or short circuit of contacts on the board. It’s risky and requires experience, but sometimes it’s the only way to bring the phone back to life.

What you need:

  • πŸ”§ Cable EDL (or the ability to close test points on the board)
  • πŸ’» Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model
  • πŸ”‹ Charged phone (minimum 30%)

Instructions:

  1. Transfer the phone to EDL mode (via cable or contact closure).
  2. Connect to a PC – the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
  4. Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL If you're not sure about your abilities, you should go to the service center.

πŸ’‘

EDL mode is the only way to unlock Xiaomi with a damaged firmware or locked bootloader, but requires special equipment and knowledge.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods fail, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides a proof-of-purchase unlock service.

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (confirmation that your phone is yours)
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner
  • πŸ“± The device itself (even if it is not switched on)

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region, in some cases, the service may refuse if the phone is listed in the database of stolen devices.

Where to find the official service:

  • 🌍 On the website mi.com/service (Choose a country and a city).
  • πŸ“ Through the cards. Google/Yandex on request "Service center XiaomiΒ».

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

MethodMi Account requiredLoss of dataDifficultySuitable for models
Through the Mi Account on screenβœ… Yes.❌ No.⭐EasyAll models with MIUI 12+
Find Device (remote)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐EasyAll models with active Internet
Hard Reset (Recovery)❌ No (but may require after resetting)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐MediumAll models.
Fastboot❌ No.❌ No (sometimes)⭐⭐⭐HardModels with unlocked Bootloader
EDL❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐ExpertAll models on Qualcomm

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: πŸ”Ή You have Mi Account attached and confirmed (the method through Forgotten Password? on the screen). πŸ”Ή The phone was unlocked via Fastboot earlier (then you can use fastboot erase locksettings commands.
What to do if you ask for an old Mi Account after a reset?
This is FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection). Solutions: Enter the account information that was associated with the phone. If you do not remember the password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com. If the account is not yours (the phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner or service with a check.
How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account email?
Restore your account: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot email? and enter the linked phone number. Follow the recovery instructions (SMS or backup email). If the number is also lost, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Does the unlocking work through the engineering menu (##...)?
No. Codes like ##7780## or *2767*3855# that work on Samsung don't apply on Xiaomi. The only working way through the menu is Recovery Mode (Hard Reset).
Can I unlock Xiaomi via Google Account (like Android)?
No. Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi removed the ability to unlock through Google Account. Now only Mi Account or Recovery/Fastboot reset works.