How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget the code: 7 proven ways

Forgotten password, PIN-A code or pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, and according to service center statistics, 38% of device locks are due to loss of access due to incorrectly entered code. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking requires a mandatory iTunes connection, Redmi phones are a big deal, POCO Mi offers several alternative paths, from official Mi Account tools to engineering modes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock (including those that work without resetting data), explain why some methods stopped working after the updates. MIUI 14/15, And we'll warn you against common mistakes that can turn temporary locking into a brick. 2023–2026 years (Redmi Note) 13 Pro+, POCO F6, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, where the manufacturer has tightened the protection.

1.Official method: Unblocking through Mi Account

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all MIUI devices (even the older Redmi 4X or Mi A1), but requires pre-association of the account to the phone before blocking.

Instructions:

• 📱 On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
• 🔗 Select Unlocking via Mi Account and enter email/phone-bound.
• 📧 The address or number will be sent. SMS confirmation-coded.
• 🔓 Enter the code and create a new password./PIN.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is not connected to the Internet (for example, via Wi-Fi or mobile network), this method will not work. MIUI 13+ You may also need to verify through two-factor authentication (if enabled).

2 Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Mi Account is not tied or the phone is not connected to the network, then Fastboot mode remains, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except those that are protected. FRP (Factory Reset Protection (e.g, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ firmware MIUI 14+).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. Press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check for driver recognition (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi) and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader.
5. After unlocking, swipe your phone through Fastboot using the command: fastboot flash all [firmware name].zip

⚠️ Warning: Unlock bootloader erases all data from the device! on new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) You may need to wait 7-15 days after you have linked your account to your device (Xiaomi’s policy against unblocking your account).

Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable antivirus (can block tools)

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3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If other methods are not available, hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, but return access to the phone, works on all Xiaomi models except those that have FRP protection enabled (it will require data entry from the previous Mi Account after the reset).

How to reset:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone. Press the power button. + Volume up before the Recovery menu appears.
• 📛 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 Confirm the action (select Confirm).
• 🔙 After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

💡 Useful tip: If after reset, the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account (FRP-locking, and you do not remember them, contact the Xiaomi account recovery center with proof of ownership of the device (checks, box with a device). IMEI).

4. Alternative methods (without loss of data)

For users who don't want to lose data, there are informal workarounds that don't work on all models and require caution, as they can disrupt the stability of the system. MIUI 12–14:

4.1. bypassing Emergency Call (for old firmware)

On some devices (Redmi 9, Mi 10 Lite) you can take advantage of the vulnerability in the emergency call menu:

• 📞 On the locked screen, press Emergency Call).
• 🔢 Enter the code ##4636## (test menu).
• 🔧 Go to the phone settings and turn off the screen lock.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ This method is blocked. Attempting to enter the code can lead to an error log and a temporary lock on the phone for 5 minutes.

4.2.Use of ADB (USB debugging required)

If USB debugging was previously enabled on the phone, you can delete the password file via ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

After the reboot, the lock will reset.The method works on MIUI 11-12, but on newer versions (MIUI 14+), the file can be restored after the reboot.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If you don't succeed, you have to go to an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock without the risk of damaging the device, and the cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 📦 Phone box (it is indicated on it) IMEI).
• 🔐 Data from Mi Account (if the phone is tied).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services can offer 'unlock in 10 minutes' via bypass FRP Or custom Recovery firmware. It's fraught with danger:

• 🚫 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔄 Unstable system operation (accidental reboots, application errors).
• 📵 Blocking. IMEI (new models MIUI 14+).

💡

An official service center is the only safe way to unlock if you are unsure of your technical skills.

6. Features of unlocking on new models (2023-2026)

With the release of MIUI 14 and HyperOS (for Xiaomi 14 series), Xiaomi has tightened its security policy.

• 🔒 FRP-The lock is activated automatically when reset via Recovery if the phone was tied to the Mi Account.
• ⏳ The bootloader unlock wait has been increased to 15 days (previously 72 hours).
• 🚫 Vulnerabilities in Emergency Call and ADB (Section 4's Circumvention Methods No Longer Work).
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication is now mandatory for Mi Account unlocking.

For owners of Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6 or Xiaomi 14 Ultra, there are only two reliable ways:

1. Unblocking through Mi Account (if the account is linked).
2. Contact the service center with documents.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid being in this situation again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔑 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup method.
• 📧 Link Mi Account to your phone and enable two-factor authentication.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-code or pattern lock to a safe place (e.g. encrypted Google Keep notes).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB (In case you need to unlock through ADB).

💡 Useful tip: Set up Smart Lock in Settings → Screen locking → Smart Lock: This will automatically unlock your phone in trusted places (such as at home or work) without entering a password.

💡

If you often forget passwords, install the LastPass or Bitwarden app to securely store access codes.

Frequently asked questions