How to open Xiaomi Mi 6: unlock the screen, account Mi and bootloader

Xiaomi Mi 6, released in 2017, still remains popular among users thanks to the powerful “iron” (Snapdragon 835 processor, 6 GB of RAM) and current support for custom firmware. However, owners often face the problem of unlocking the device – whether it’s a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-code, associated Mi Account or locked bootloader after a failed firmware. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi 6, taking into account its features: the lack of a slot for the device. SD-Maps, fastboot support and specifics of working with Mi Unlock Tool.

It is important to understand that the methods of unlocking depend on the type of lock:

• 🔒 Screen lock (PIN, Password, pattern lock – solved through Recovery or ADB.
• 📱 Mi Account – requires confirmation through official Xiaomi services or workarounds.
• 🔧 Bootloader – unlocked only through the Mi Unlock Tool with an account binding.

If you are not sure about the type of lock, try entering any password 5 times in a row - the system will show a notification with a reason (for example, "Device is blocked by Mi Account").

1. unlock the screen through Find Device (official method)

The safest method is if the Mi 6 has enabled Find Device and the device is connected to the Internet, and it works even without linking to the Mi Account, if you previously configured sync with Google.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the Mi 6 locked in the device list.
3. Click “Unlock the device” and confirm the action.
4. Wait for sync (can take up to 5 minutes) and the phone unlocks automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 6 has mobile internet and Wi-Fi disabled, this method will not work, and it is also not available if the device has been reset to factory settings - you will need to enter Mi Account data when you first turn on.

Alternatively, use Google Find My Device (if enabled):

• 🌐 Go to the google.com/android/find.
• 🔍 Select Mi 6 in the list and click “Block the device».
• 🔑 Set a new temporary password – it will replace the old one on the lock screen.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the official methods didn't work, and access to the device is critical, there's a hard reset through recovery mode, which will delete all the data, including photos, apps and settings, but will restore access to the phone.

Step-by-step instructions for Xiaomi Mi 6:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and click "Wipe Data" (or "Erase Data").
4. Confirm the action by choosing "Wipe All Data".
5. After resetting, restart the phone ("Reboot").

⚠️ Note: Mi 6 with a locked bootloader may require you to enter your Mi Account data associated with the device after reset. If you do not remember your username / password, go to the section about unlocking your account.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📱 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🗑️ The third item is reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔧 The last point is the connection with the PC (Connect with MIAssistant).

3. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

If the Mi 6 has USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer, you can delete the password file via ADB. The method only works when you connect your phone in an unlocked state (at least once after you enable debugging).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect the Mi 6 to the PC via USB-cable (original!).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: 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
4. After rebooting, the lock screen will be reset.

If the su command doesn’t work (no root rights), try an alternative method:

adb shell


cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases




sqlite3 settings.db




update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';




update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';




.quit




reboot

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 6s MIUI 12+ This method may not work because of the changed password storage structure, and then only resetting through Recovery or flashing it will help.

💡

If ADB doesn’t see the device, try updating the driver for Mi 6 in Windows Device Manager by manually selecting the Android ADB Interface driver from the platform-tools folder.

4. Unblocking Mi Account (bypassing FRP)

If you need to enter Mi Account data after resetting the Mi 6 and you don’t remember it, you will need to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is implemented on Xiaomi through binding to the company’s servers, so there are no universal ways to do this – only official or semi-official.

Method 1: Restore access to your account

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and click “Forgot your password?».
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
• 🔑 Follow the instructions for recovery (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).

If your account is not restored, try contacting Xiaomi support via the feedback form, providing proof of device ownership (checks, IMEI).

Method 2: Test mode bypass (for firmware up to MIUI 11)

1. On the account entry screen, click “Additional Settings” (or “Emergency Call”).
2. Enter the code ##3646633## and the engineering menu will open.
3. Go to Connectivity → Wi-Fi and connect to the network.
4. Return to the lock screen and try skipping account binding through setting up a new device.

5. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 6

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Mi 6 (codename sagit). To install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or modified Recovery (TWRP), it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be linked to your phone!).
3. On Mi 6, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (crucial!)

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

Unlock

Wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has restrictions on unlocking bootloader for older devices. If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, try it: 🔄 Use a different version of the tool (e.g. 3.5.1118.43 instead of the last one). 🕒 Wait 72–168 hours after linking your account to your device. 📱 Switch the device to an older version MIUI (for example, MIUI 10).

On the Mi 6 with firmware newer than MIUI 12.5, unlocking the bootloader may require confirmation via SMS or additional authorization. If the phone is purchased from hand, the previous owner must remove the device from his Mi Account on i.mi.com.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 6 will void the warranty and may result in the device being locked if you do not act correctly. Use this method only if you plan to install custom firmware or TWRP.

6. Alternative methods: TWRP and custom firmware

If the standard methods didn't work, and the bootloader is already unlocked, you can install TWRP Recovery and reset your password or flash clean firmware through it, which is suitable for power users.

Instructions for installing TWRP on Mi 6:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Sagit from twrp.me.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot.
3. Connect the Mi 6 in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, select “Wipe” → “Format Data” (this will delete all data, including password).
5. Reboot the phone.

For custom OS firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1):

• 📥 Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
• 🔄 Move files to the phone through MTP into TWRP.
• 🔧 V TWRP Select “Install” and run the firmware first, then GApps.
• 🔄 Do "Wipe" Cache/Dalvik» and reboot.

The following are the Mi 6 (sagit) firmware:

7.If nothing helps: contacting the service center

If all of the above methods did not work, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center or an authorized workshop. The cost of unlocking varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the type of lock:

• 🔐 Screen lock – usually reset free of charge when confirming possession (checks, box).
• 📱 Mi Account – may require payment (~1000–1500 ₽) and expectations (up to 3 days).
• 🔧 Bootloader/FRP — complex cases, the cost up to 2000 ₽.

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Prepare documents for the phone (guarantee card, check).
• 📱 Find out. IMEI devices (on a box or under a battery).
• 🔍 Check the service center on the site mi.com/ru/service — Official partners are listed here.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial workshops may offer “5-minute unlock” through questionable methods (e.g., modified firmware). EDL-It's fraught with blocking. IMEI Xiaomi Mi 6 on the Snapdragon 835 processor is particularly vulnerable to such manipulation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 6