How to Open a Xiaomi Phone Without a Password: All the Ways to Work in 2026

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a problem that thousands of users face every day. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking without an Apple ID is almost impossible, Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones offer several alternative ways to restore access, but not all methods are equally safe: some will save your data, others will lead to a complete reset.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to unlock (including official and technical), their pros/cons, as well as unique nuances for models 2023-2026 with MIUI 14/15, which are not mentioned in the outdated guides. Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so read carefully.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 You remember the username/password from your Mi Account (or you can restore it)
• 🔄 The device is synced with cloud.xiaomi.com

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If you don't remember, click Forgot your password? and follow the recovery instructions.
4. After authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new PIN/password or disable the lock.

Advantages: does not require data reset, works on all models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.) Disadvantages: if the account is not tied or blocked, the method will not work.

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If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Mi Account, prepare backup codes or email/SMS access for confirmation in advance.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, the radical method is hard reset, which will delete all data, including photos, messages and apps, but return access to the phone, suitable for Xiaomi models on Qualcomm and Mediatek chips.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of Power + Volume Up (or Power + Volume Down for some models).
2. Hold the Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears (usually 10-15 seconds).
3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After the reboot, the phone will be like new – you will need an initial setup.

Make sure the battery is charged. >30%|Backup important data (if your phone has been previously unlocked)|Prepare. SIM-re-activation card|Know the data from the Google account (required after the reset)

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Important! On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), after reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account (Factory Reset Protection).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 and Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2/3 Recovery resets can block the bootloader, which requires official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

The method is suitable if the phone unlocks the bootloader and USB Debugging is enabled. Requires a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB-TypeC cable (original!). Works on 90% of Xiaomi models, except the newest ones with Anti-Rollback protection.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off your phone and turn to Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume Down.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

Risks: Incorrect commands can damage firmware. On MIUI 15 and HyperOS models, this method may not work properly - check compatibility on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

4. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps by build number → For developers → USB debugging), you can delete the password file via ADB. The method saves data, but requires technical skills.

Algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB (if you see a request on the lock screen).
2. Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe and execute: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Warning: on MIUI 14+, the path to the password files may be different. If the commands fail, try:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: On encrypted phones FBE (File-Based Encryption, for example, Xiaomi 13T) Check the encryption type with the adb shell getprop ro.crypto.type (if the file answer is not secure).

5. Use of service codes (hidden functions)

Xiaomi hides a few engineering codes that can help unlock. They don't work on all MIUI models and versions, but it's worth a try. Importantly, the codes are entered in the Phone app as a number.

Warning: Service codes can cause phone malfunctions. Do not enter codes that are not intended for your model!

Mi Account|Recovery Mode|Fastboot|ADB|Service codes |Nothing helped

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6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, the official way is to contact Xiaomi Service Center, which is to:

• 🔒 Phones with the previous owner’s Mi Account blocked (handheld purchase).

What will be required:

• Check or box with IMEI (proof of ownership).
• Passport (for identification).
• Payment for the service (from 1,500 to 5,000) ₽ model-wise).

Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS can be found on the official website: mi.com/global/service. the average unlock time is 3-7 days.

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Official unlocking in the service is the only legal way to bypass the protection of Mi Account without losing the warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Users often make critical unblocking errors that lead to complete data loss or a phone building, and these are the most common:

1. Using unofficial firmware: Installing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) on a locked phone without unlocking the bootloader will result in a hard brick.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% before any manipulation.
• 📱 Use only original cables and chargers.
• 🔍 Check the phone models and version MIUI In Settings → The phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions