A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Unlike other brands, MIUI shell phones have unique security mechanisms that complicate the unlocking process. You can’t just reset your settings through Recovery Mode like on Android naked: the system requires confirmation of your Mi Account account, and the attached phone number may not be available.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways of unlocking – from official (via Xiaomi account and Find Device service) to technical (using Fastboot and other devices). EDL-We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions. MIUI 14/15 Smartphone models (such as Redmi Note) 12 or POCO X5 You will also learn how to avoid total data loss and what to do if the phone requests a password after firmware.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- 🔑 You remember the login (email or phone number) and password from the account.
- 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the authorization details.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new password or pattern lock.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password, the system may block access for 24 hours due to suspicious activity.
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If you do not have access to the associated phone number, try to restore the account through a backup email. To do this, click on the Mi Account login page Forgot your password? → Restore via email
2. Use the Find Device function (remote unlock)
Xiaomi’s Find Device service not only tracks the phone, but also unlocks it remotely, which works even if the device is not connected to the mobile Internet, but must be on a Wi-Fi network.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
- In the list of devices, select a locked phone.
- Click Unlock Device (or Unlock Device).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
🔹 Limitations of method:
- ❌ It does not work if the phone is disabled Find Device in the settings.
- ❌ Requires an active Internet connection on a smartphone.
- ❌ Once unlocked, you may need to re-authorize in some applications (such as Mi Pay or Mi Home).
3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If you don't remember the Mi Account or Find Device is disabled, the radical method is hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but unlock the device.
Instructions for Xiaomi on MIUI 14/15:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked to the phone (Mi Cloud Lock).If you do not remember this data, the phone will turn into a brick".
What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset?
4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable if you have previously enabled USB debugging and unlocked the bootloader. Otherwise, this method will not work.
Tools required:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (original, undamaged).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.
Step-by-step action:
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Volume down + Power before the bunny says Fastboot appears.
- Connect the phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F5) This method will not work without first unlocking Bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).
☑️ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot
5. Firmware through EDL-regime (extreme case)
EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader. This method is risky: wrong actions can lead to loss of power. IMEI, lock-in 5G Or "brick" the device, only use it if other methods have not helped.
What you need:
- 🔧 Specialist EDL-cable (or closing contacts on the board).
- 💾 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Instructions:
- Transfer the phone to EDL-regime: 🔌 Connect. EDL-cable (or close test points on the board). 🔄 Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds – the screen should go out.
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
📌 Important: After the firmware is through EDL phone:
- 🚫 Lose your Mi Account binding (requires new authorization).
- 📶 Stop catching the network (if the modem is damaged).
- 🔋 Discharge quickly (if the firmware is incompatible with the hardware version).
Comparison of Xiaomi Unlocking Methods
| Method | Mi Account required | Loss of data | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐ | All models. |
| Find Device | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐ | Models with an active Internet |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No (but may be required after resetting) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ | All models (except for the Mi Cloud Lock) |
| Fastboot | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Models with unlocked loader |
| EDL-regime | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Extreme case (risk of "bricking") |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to solve them:
🔹 "No device found in Mi Flash Tool
- 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try to connect to the back port of the PC).
- 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
🔹 "This device is locked when running
So, that means the bootloader is locked.
- Apply for unlocking through the official Xiaomi website.
- Wait for the SMS confirmation (can take up to 3 days).
- Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
🔹 The phone will not turn on after resetting
Possible causes:
- 🔋 Battery is dead (charge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes).
- 🔄 The reset process has hung (clutch the power supply) + Volume up for 20 seconds).
- 💥 Firmware is damaged (reflashing via Fastboot or EDL).
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If the phone asks for a password from the old Mi Account after unlocking and you don’t remember it, you can officially restore access only through the Xiaomi service center with confirmation of purchase. Unofficial methods (for example, bypassing through test points) can lead to blocking IMEI.