═══ BBBLOCK 2: ARTICLE BOdy ═══
The situation when you pick up your smartphone, try to enter the access code and realize that you have forgotten the password, can unsettle even the most calm user.
It is especially frustrating when important photos, work documents and contacts are left on the device, access to which is now restricted.
Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices face this problem regularly, as the security system MIUI and HyperOS work quite rigidly to protect the owner’s data from outsiders.
Fortunately, the company’s engineers have provided several ways to restore access, although most will require the complete deletion of user data.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current techniques, from standard reset procedures to more complex manipulations through your Mi Account so you can take back control of your gadget.
Assessment of the situation and preparation for action
Before proceeding to active actions, you need to clearly understand what kind of blockage you are faced with, since the choice of method of solving the problem depends on this.
There is a lock screen (pattern lock, PIN-code, password) and locking Mi Account, which is activated after resetting if the device has enabled the function “Find device».
If you simply can’t log in, you’ll need reset methods through Recovery Mode, but if the phone requires a password from a Mi Account after a reboot, things get complicated and will require proof of the owner’s identity.
It is important to prepare a computer with access to the Internet in advance and USB-cable, as some procedures may require interaction with the company's services.
⚠️ Note: Most of the methods described below will result in the complete deletion of all data from the phone's internal memory.Photos, contacts and applications will be lost without the possibility of recovery if a backup was not made.
Make sure that the battery is at least 30-40% so that the phone doesn’t turn off at the most inopportune time of the system recovery process.
If you have linked a Google or Mi Account, remember the login and password from them, since after the reset, the security system will necessarily request this data to confirm ownership.
Reset password through the account Mi (Find Device)
This is the most civilized and secure way, which only works if the locked device was signed in to Mi Account and enabled the function “Find the device”.
Also a prerequisite is the presence of an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) on the smartphone itself, so that it can receive a command remotely.
To implement this method, you will need any other gadget (computer or phone) with access to the global network.
You need to go to the official website of the Xiaomi Cloud service and log in under the same account that is used on the locked phone.
After logging in, find the “Find Device” item in the menu.
In the list of your gadgets, choose the desired Redmi or Xiaomi.
The interface will offer several actions: play the sound, lock the device or clear the data.
You are interested in the option “Clean” (Wipe Data), which will remove the screen password along with all the information on the device.
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If the Find Device feature was disabled on the phone before locking, this method will not work and you will have to use hardware reset buttons.
After confirming the operation, the phone will receive a command to reset and restart without the installed screen lock password.
However, if the device has been enabled protection SIM-You will still need to enter the cards. PUK-code that can be obtained from your carrier.
Hardware reset via Recovery Mode
If remote access is not possible, the most reliable way is to use the system recovery menu known as Recovery Mode.
This mode is built into the firmware of each Xiaomi smartphone and allows you to perform low-level operations with the system.
To enter this menu, you need to turn off the device completely, and then pinch a certain combination of buttons.
On most Redmi and Xiaomi models, you need to simultaneously press the Volume Up button and the Power button.
Hold them until the brand logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume until the main menu appears.
☑️ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up-down), and the choice of item is made by the power button.
You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.
The system can then request confirmation where you need to select Wipe All Data.
After the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot to restart the system.
⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12, 13, 14) and HyperOS, entering Recovery mode may require unlocking the screen, making this method useless if you forget your password. In this case, try typing the word "clean" into the dialer field (if you have access to calls) or move to the next section.
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions, the Recovery menu may be simplified and not contain all the features available in the Chinese versions.
In this case, the only way out is to use specialized software for PC.
Google and Find My Device Services
Google’s ecosystem also provides device management tools that can help in a critical situation.
Find My Device not only tracks the location of your phone, but also manages its lock.
For this method, it is necessary that the blocked smartphone was logged into the Google account, the Internet is turned on and geolocation is activated.
Go to the service site from any other device and log in under the same Google account.
Select your device from the list of available devices.
In the action menu, find the option “Erase Device”.
This command will delete all data, including the screen lock password, and return the phone to factory status.
After the reboot, the phone will be like a new one, but will require you to enter a password from the Google account from which the synchronization was performed (FRP protection).
What is FRP and how to deal with it?
It is important to understand the difference between a Mi Account and a Google account: they are independent and deleting one does not affect the linking of the other.
If both protections were enabled on the phone, after reset, you will have to enter passwords from both services.
This is done for maximum security, so that even in the event of theft and flashing the phone remains useless for the attacker.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
To make it easier for you to navigate the methods, we have prepared a summary table that will help you choose the best option in your situation.
Different methods require different conditions and have their own limitations that must be considered before starting the procedure.
| Method | I need Internet on my phone. | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud (Find Device) | Yes. | No (full reset) | Low. |
| Google Find My Device | Yes. | No (full reset) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode (Buttons) | No. | No (full reset) | Medium |
| Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools | No (PC needed) | No (usually) | Tall. |
| Service centre | No. | Maybe (not always) | Low (for you) |
As can be seen from the table, it is almost impossible to save data with a forgotten password without using specialized software for specific models, which is often paid.
Most users choose the path of least resistance – a complete reset, as this guarantees the return of the device.
Contacting a service center makes sense only if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid to finally “lock” the device with the wrong actions.
Authorized center employees have access to official tools for resetting accounts upon presentation of a purchase check.
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The fastest way is remotely resetting through the cloud, but it requires pre-setting your phone and having internet.
Important safety nuances MIUI and HyperOS
With each update, Xiaomi is strengthening security measures, which creates additional obstacles to unlocking.
One such measure is a lock timer: after several failed attempts to enter a password, the phone can lock for 30 seconds, 5 minutes or even an hour.
In some cases, the system may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account just to unlock the screen if you suspect suspicious activity.
This means that even if you know the pattern lock, you may not be able to get into the menu without accessing the internet to verify your account.
Another important aspect is the device’s link to the server-level account.
If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the device from your Mi Account, you will face an activation lock.
In this case, no resets will help until you contact the seller for a password or provide purchase documents in support of Xiaomi.
When buying a used smartphone, always ask the seller to perform a full reset with you and log out of all accounts.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use dubious programs to “hack” passwords found on the Internet. 99% of the time they contain viruses, miners or are simply fraudulent software that will steal your data from your computer.
Xiaomi does not provide official support for recovering user passwords remotely for privacy reasons.
The only legal way to remove the lock without a password is to provide the original check and box in an authorized service center.
There, specialists can unlock the device through an internal portal, confirming that you are the rightful owner.
Preventing blocking in the future
To no longer face the problem of a forgotten password, it is worth introducing several useful habits when using a smartphone.
First, always write complex passwords to a secure location, such as a paper notebook or a secure password manager on another device.
Second, check regularly to see if sync is active with Mi Cloud and Google Photos so your data is always safe in the cloud.
Third, add alternative unlocking methods like fingerprint or facial recognition, which often work even if you forget the digital code (although periodic password entry will still be required).
It is also useful to configure a smart lock in Android security settings.
This feature allows you to keep your phone unlocked in safe places, such as at home or when it’s connected to your car via Bluetooth.
This will eliminate the need to enter a password every time you are in a familiar setting.
However, remember that Smart Lock reduces the overall level of security, so use it with caution.
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Use biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) as your primary method, and use complex passwords only as backups, which are rarely remembered, and are used in 1% of cases.
Regular system updates are also important, as new software versions often fix vulnerabilities that could lead to lockdown or, conversely, new convenient recovery features appear.
Don’t ignore notifications about new versions of MIUI or HyperOS, especially those related to security.