How to open the Xiaomi Mi 6 smartphone: unlock the screen, Mi Account and reset password

Xiaomi Mi 6, released in 2017, still remains popular among users due to the powerful “iron” and the ability to install custom firmware. However, even such a reliable device can turn into a “brick” if you forget the unlock password, pattern lock or data from the Mi Account. Unlike modern models, the Mi 6 does not support face unlock or fingerprint bypassing the main one. PIN-code, which makes it difficult to restore access.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 6, from official methods using a Mi Account to hard-core solutions through Fastboot and Recovery. We will focus on saving user data: photos, contacts and messages that are often lost when resetting, and if your device is blocked after you have firmware or changed region, there is a solution here too.

1 Unblocking through Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

The safest way to reclaim access to Mi 6 is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username (email or phone number) and password from your Mi Account.
• 🔄 The device is enabled synchronization with Xiaomi servers.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button "Forgot the password?" will appear on the screen.

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the specified address).
3. Create a new password to unlock the screen.

If the “Forgot Password?” button doesn’t appear, try connecting your phone to charge and try again after 30 minutes – sometimes the system takes time to activate the recovery feature.

⚠️ Note: If Find Device was previously disabled on the Mi 6, unlocking through your Mi Account may not work.

2. Resetting the pattern lock through a call (emergency method)

This method is suitable if the Mi 6 has a pattern lock installed, and not a graphical key. PIN-The method works due to a vulnerability in older versions. MIUI (up to the 10th inclusive), which allowed to bypass the lock through the incoming call screen.

Instructions:

1. From another phone, call the locked Mi 6.
2. Accept a call on a locked device, then immediately press the Home button (physical or touch).
3. If the screen is unlocked, quickly go to Settings → Screen Lock and turn off the pattern lock.

The success of the method depends on the version of MIUI. On firmware newer than MIUI 11, this bug is fixed, and the method will not work.

3 Unlocking through Fastboot and Recovery modes

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to use hardware modes like Fastboot or Recovery, which require connecting the Mi 6 to your computer and can lead to data loss if you don’t backup in advance.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool or ADB (for advanced users).

Method 1: Resetting through Recovery

1. Turn off the Mi 6.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm – power button).
4. After reset, restart the phone.

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot

This method is suitable if the Mi 6 has previously unlocked a bootloader. If not, you will need official permission from Xiaomi (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

fastboot oem unlock

After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash custom Recovery (such as TWRP) and manually delete the lock files.

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Connect the Mi 6 to your computer in Fastboot mode|Backup important data (if possible)-->

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on the Mi 6 using informal tools (e.g., the Mi Unlock Tool from third-party developers) can result in a lockdown IMEI. Use only official software from Xiaomi.

4. Bypassing blocking with ADB (for power users)

If the Mi 6 is included in debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can try to delete the lock files via ADB. This method requires computer access and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Mi 6 to your PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Delete the lock files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If not, repeat the command or check if debugging is enabled on USB.

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If USB debugging is disabled, but the phone is recognized by the computer as a media device, try turning it on via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate the developer mode).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock the Mi 6 failed, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way – it can take from 3 to 10 business days to restore access.

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport or other document confirming possession of the device.
• 📋 Check or warranty card (if retained).
• 💳 Payment for services (on average from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the region).

The service center can offer two options:

Before visiting the service center, be sure to check if they are working with the Mi 6 model – some centers are abandoning old devices due to lack of spare parts or official support.

6. Alternative methods: unlocking through EDL and testpoints

For users willing to take risks, there are informal methods of unlocking through the Internet. EDL-Emergency Download Mode or Test Points: These methods require soldering or the use of special boxes (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro) and are only suitable for experienced repairmen.

Unlocking through EDL:

• 🔧 Requires disassembly of the phone and closing contacts on the board.
• 💻 You need a PC with Mi Flash Pro and firmware for Mi 6.
• ⚡ Risk of damaging the motherboard if you do wrong.

This method is used if:

• 🔐 Phone is completely locked (even Fastboot is not available).
• 📱 On the device burned flash memory or damaged firmware.
• 🔄 We need to rebuild. IMEI post-fast-fast.

⚠️ Note: Unofficially unlocked through EDL or test points cancel the warranty (if it is still valid) and may result in the blocking of the Mi Account for violation of the rules of use!

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Unlocking through EDL is the last chance to bring the Mi 6 back to life if other methods have not worked, but without soldering and firmware experience, it's best to turn to the professionals.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 6