How to confirm the way to unlock a Xiaomi device: all methods and error solutions

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or the system requires you to confirm the way to unlock after the update MIUI? This situation is familiar to many owners of smartphones Redmi, POCO or Mi, the device suddenly asks to enter the old PIN-A code, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint, even though you're sure you're entering the right data, the reasons can be different: a failure after firmware, activation of Find Device protection, or even a bug in recent versions. MIUI 14 Android-based 13/14.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to confirm the unlock method on Xiaomi devices, including models with Snapdragon and Mediatek processors. You will learn how to circumvent the confirmation requirement if you forgot your password, what to do when you fail to confirm the unlock method, and how to restore access without losing data.

Important: The confirmation procedure may vary depending on the version MIUI And the smartphone model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14.0.5 algorithm different from Redmi Note 10 MIUI 12.5.We cover all relevant scenarios, including devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi).

Why does Xiaomi require proof of unlocking?

The requirement to confirm the unlock method is a security mechanism MIUI, which works in several cases:

• 🔄 After the firmware update (especially when switching to a new version of Android or MIUI). The system checks the integrity of the unlock data.
• 🔒 When changing the password/pattern lock in the settings. Xiaomi may request the old method to confirm.
• 📱 After resetting your settings via Fastboot or Recovery (even if you haven’t done a full reset).
• 🚨 When you activate the Find Device function or suspect unauthorized access.
• 🔧 After replacing system files (for example, when manually deleting applications through the ADB).

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K70) This mechanism works differently: the system can request confirmation even during a normal restart if inconsistencies in the files are detected. /data/system/locksettings.db. This is due to enhanced protection against hacking.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message “Confirm the Unlocking Way to Continue” after a failed firmware through the TWRP, After 5 false attempts, the device may lock for 24 hours or require Mi Account to unlock.

Official ways to confirm unlocking

If you remember yours PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint, follow the standard procedure:

1. Enter the current unlock method (the one you normally use).
2. The system will ask you to confirm it again – use the same method (for example, if you unlock with a fingerprint, confirm with a fingerprint).
3. If a combination of methods is used, for example, PIN + print), the system can request all the registered methods in turn.

On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS algorithm is a little more complicated:

• 📱 First enter the basic method (the one that is set as primary in the settings).
• 🔢 The system may then be asked to enter a backup. PIN (Even if you didn’t explicitly install it, it could have been generated automatically when you first turned it on).
• 👆 If biometrics are used, confirm the unlock with two different fingerprints (if several are registered).

If you forgot your password but you have a Mi Account attached, try:

1. On the confirmation screen, click “Forgot your password?”
2. Select “Unblock via Mi Account” and enter your account details.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, unlocking through Mi Account may not work if the Find Device function was not previously activated. In this case, official proof of ownership through the Xiaomi Service Center will be required.

Make sure the device is charged at least 50 times%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet|Have Mi Account information on hand (if tied)|Check if Find Device is enabled in your security settings-->

What if Xiaomi doesn’t accept the right password?

The situation where you are sure that the password you enter is correct, but the system does not accept it, is common.

If neither method works and Mi Account is not tied, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center with documents for the device (to confirm ownership).

On devices with Mediatek (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Sometimes hardware resets through a combination of power buttons help + Volume Up (clamps for 10 seconds), however, this method does not work on all models and can lead to a brick (complete failure) of the device.

adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

After that, restart the device – the system can allow you to set a new password.-->

How to confirm unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)?

If standard methods don’t work, but you have a bootloader unlocked, you can try resetting the unlock settings via Fastboot without deleting user data, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and fastboot tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 File. persist.img from stock firmware for your model (you can download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Please. persist.img (This will not delete user data, but will reset the unlock settings: fastboot flash persist persist.img
4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the system may suggest setting a new password, and if that doesn't happen, try re-entering the old password, often after the procedure, it starts to be accepted.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), this method may not work due to the changed partition structure, in which case you will need a complete reset via Fastboot with loss of data: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Alternative methods of confirmation (for advanced users)

If the official methods did not help, and Fastboot reset is undesirable, alternative methods can be tried. They require technical skills and are only suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Delete password files through TWRP

If you have a custom recavator installed TWRP, Follow the following steps:

1. Download to TWRP (Pressure Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the following files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm /data/system/gatekeeper.password.key (if)

Reboot the device. The system should allow you to set a new password.

Method 2: Use of ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the locking has been activated by USB, Connect the device to the PC and execute:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




rm /data/system/gatekeeper.password.key




reboot

After rebooting, the password will be reset, but biometric data (fingerprints, face) will have to be reconfigured.

Method 3: Firmware through EDL (for locked loader devices)

If the bootloader is blocked and other methods do not work, the firmware remains through the EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method will result in a complete data reset and can lock the device if you don't follow the instructions.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new HyperOS devices).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device and connect it to the PC, holding Volume Up + Volume Down (to enter the EDL).
2. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
3. Press Refresh – the device should be defined as COM-port.
4. Select Clean All mode (this will delete all data!) and click Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL on HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) It requires authorization through Mi Authorized Account, and without it, the firmware will end in an error. SLA Auth Fail.In this case, contact the service center.

💡

Firmware through EDL — This is an extreme method that should only be used if other methods have not worked, it results in complete data loss and can lock the device if it is not performed correctly.

How to avoid problems with confirming unlock in the future?

To avoid the requirement to confirm the unlock method, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 Do not disable Find Device – this is the only official way to restore access when blocked.
• 📝 Write down the backup. PIN It's safe, and on HyperOS devices, you might need it even if you're using biometrics.

If you frequently use the device TWRP or Fastboot, before each firmware make a backup copy of the persist partition:

adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.img

This will help you quickly restore the unlock settings after a failed firmware.

On devices with MIUI 14+ And HyperOS has a function called "Backup Unlock Code" that can be generated in the security settings (Settings). → Password and security → Backup unlock code. This code will come in handy if the basic unlocking method stops working.

💡

If you plan to sell or transfer the device, be sure to untie Mi Account and reset settings via Settings. → The phone. → Resetting. This will save the new owner from problems with confirming unlock.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Let’s analyze the typical errors that occur when confirming the unlock method on Xiaomi, and how to fix them.

If you see a mistake SLA Auth Fail when firmware is running through the Mi Flash Tool, this means your device requires an authorized Xiaomi account:

• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with) IMEI).
• 🔧 Use bypass scripts (e.g. Xiaomi Auth Bypass), but this is risky and can result in device locking).
• 🏠 Contact the service center with a passport and documents on the device.

On devices with Mediatek (e.g. Redmi) 9C or POCO M3) Sometimes it helps to get rid of SP Flash Tool:

1. Download the firmware in Scatter format for your model.
2. Open up. SP Flash Tool and download scatter-file.
3. Select Format All mode + Download.
4. Connect the device turned off to the PC (without buttons clamping).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions