How to untie Xiaomi smartphone from Mi Account, if you forgot the password: the full guide

A forgotten Mi Account password can become a real headache, especially if your Xiaomi requires authorization after resetting or locking the screen. Xiaomi security system tightly ties the device to the account, and without the right username / password, you can not unlock the smartphone using standard methods. But there is a way out: from official recovery procedures to technical workarounds, we will analyze all the current methods.

It is important to understand that uncoupling the device from the Mi Account without access to the account violates the terms of the Xiaomi user agreement and can lead to loss of the user account. warranty IMEI. However, in cases where you are the legitimate owner of the device (for example, you bought a used phone with a linked account), these methods become more and more effective. The only solution. In the article, only proven methods with the risk and nuances for each model are shown. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.

Why Xiaomi requires a binding to Mi Account and how it is dangerous

Xiaomi introduced Mi Account as a device theft protection measure, and when you activate Find Device or Factory Reset, the phone requests the account that was linked to the device, even if:

• 📱 You have completely reset your settings through Recovery
• 🔄 Reflashed the device via Fastboot
• 🔧 Delete all data via Mi Unlock Tool (for bootloader)

The main problem is that Mi Account locks work at the hardware level. Even if you install custom firmware (like LineageOS), some models (especially new ones starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi 11) can remain blocked.

⚠️ Warning: Models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Xiaomi 11T) have additional protection – Qualcomm Secure Boot. Attempting to bypass through informal methods can result in a total loss of IMEI or modem lock.

Recovery of access to Mi Account

If you forget your password but remember the email or phone number associated with your account, the first thing you should do is try official recovery, which works for 90% of the time and doesn't require technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Select the confirmation method: 📧 Email - the code will come to the mail (check the Spam folder) 📱 SMS - the code for the phone number (does not work for all regions) 🔑 Backup email - if it was specified during registration

Create a new password and confirm the changes.

⚠️ Warning: If you see an error when you recover, "This account is locked due to too many attempts," wait 24 hours before trying again. Using VPN or changing IP- address may result in a full account lock for 7 days.

Check the spam folder in the mail.|Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox)|Turn it off. VPN/proxy|Make sure your phone number is not blocked by the operator.|Try to restore your account from another device-->

If you don’t remember your email or phone number, but you have access to another Xiaomi device that has the same account logged in, try:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account → Account Management.
2. View the linked email in the Security section.
3. Use this email to restore.

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If you still have screenshots or photos from your phone gallery, check metadata (EXIF) files – sometimes it stores device information, including your email account.

Unofficial Mi Account detachment methods (for advanced users)

If official restoration is not available, technical ways to bypass the lock remain, and they fall into three categories:

1. Software – through special utilities (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool).
2. Hardware – through Fastboot or EDL modes.
3. Server – the substitution of authorization data at the firmware level.

Let’s look at each method in detail, with an indication of risks and compatibility.

Method 1: Fastboot bypass (for devices up to 2020)

This method works on older models (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F1) with the unlocked bootloader.

• 🖥️ Windows computer
• 🔌 Cable USB (original)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model

Instructions:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.

⚠️ Warning: On new devices (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro), this method will result in Anti-Rollback locking, the phone will turn into a brick without recovery. Before using, check the compatibility of your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

Method 2: Bypassing EDL- mode (for Qualcomm smartphones)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the Mi Account lock.This method works on most models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but requires:

• 🔧 Contact solderings or special cable EDL (for new models)
• 💻 QFil or Mi Flash Pro
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format

Step-by-step:

1. Download the EDL firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found on 4PDA).
3. Enter EDL mode: For older models: Press Volume up + Volume down + Power. For new ones, you will need to close the test points on the board (see instructions for a specific model).

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Pro

Flash

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware in EDL modem (network loss) or IMEI (phone becomes unusable for calls) can be burned before the procedure, check firmware compatibility and backup the persist partition (if there is access).

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EDL mode is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous method. It bypasses all software locks, but a mistake can make the phone inoperable. Use only if you are confident in your actions or under the guidance of an experienced wizard.

Method 3: Firmware patch via TWRP (for unlocked bootloader)

If you have a custom TWRP recavator installed on your device, you can try removing the account binding through editing system files, which works on models with an unlocked bootloader (OEM Unlock enabled).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Account Remove Tool archive (for example, from here).
2. Download your phone to TWRP (clip Volume Up + Power).
3. Go to Install and select the downloaded archive.
4. Swipe for installation.
5. After the reboot, the Mi Account lock should disappear.

⚠️ Warning: On newer devices (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11), this method may not work because of dm-verity protection. After a patch, the phone may become bootloop-centric, requiring a re-routing of the Fastboot.

Bypassing the lock through Xiaomi service centers

If all the independent attempts failed, you just have to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase)
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity)
• 📱 Phone itself (unlocked screen if possible)

Procedure:

1. Find the nearest service center on the Xiaomi Service website.
2. Make an appointment (some centers require pre-registration).
3. Provide documents and explain the situation (forgot the password, bought a used phone with a linked account).
4. Pay for the service (the cost varies from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Warning: Service centers do not remove locks from hands-on phones without documents. If you cannot prove legal ownership, they will refuse to unlock, in which case only informal methods remain (see previous section).

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If you buy a used Xiaomi phone, always ask the seller to unplug the Mi Account with you. ask them to do a Factory Reset and check if the phone requests account data after the reboot.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to untie Xiaomi from Mi Account, users often face typical problems.

Another common problem is blocking your account after multiple attempts to enter your password.

• 🕒 Wait 24 hours before you try again.
• 🌐 Try to restore access from another IP- address (but not through VPN—this may aggravate the lock).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi via the feedback form, attaching a photo of the check or box.

Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps

If all methods are exhausted and the phone remains locked, consider the following options:

1.Using the phone without unlocking

Some features remain available even with the blocked Mi Account:

• 📞 Calls and SMS (unless the modem is blocked)
• 🎵 Playing music through USB OTG
• 📷 Camera use (if screen unlocked)

2. Sale of phone for spare parts

If unblocking is not possible, you can sell:

• 🔋 Battery (if serviceable)
• 📸 Camera module
• 🖥️ Display (if undamaged)

3. Appeal to the "gray" masters

On forums (for example, 4PDA) there are specialists who, for a fee, remove the binding to the Mi Account through server methods. The cost of the service is from 500 to 5000 rubles depending on the model.

• 🚨 Possible loss of warranty
• 🔒 Risk of fraud (payment without result)
• 📵 Possible locking IMEI

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Before contacting the grays, check their reputation on the forums. Ask for screenshots of successful unlocks and money back guarantees in case of failure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions