How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your password and your fingerprint doesn’t work: all the working methods

Forgot the password from Xiaomi, and the fingerprint is no longer recognized? Or bought a used smartphone with a locked screen? The situation is familiar to many owners of devices Redmi, POCO or Mi. Fortunately, you can unlock Android on Xiaomi without a password in several ways - from official (via Mi Account) to technical (via Fastboot or ADB).

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven methods that work on most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12 Some methods require prior preparation (e.g., included). USB-Debugging, others will work even on a fully locked device. Important: Recovery or Fastboot reset methods will delete all data from the phone - prepare a backup if possible.

If you are not sure of your technical skills, start with the simplest options (unlock through Mi Account or Find Device). For experienced users, methods using ADB or firmware through Fastboot will suit you.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔄 The phone has Mi Cloud sync enabled (even if you don’t remember, it’s likely active by default).

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap the button “Forgot password?” (or “Forgot password?” on English firmware).
2. Select the option “Unblock through Mi Account”.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand, the previous owner could not untie his Mi Account.In this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need a reset via Fastboot (see section 4).

💡

If the “Forgot your password?” button doesn’t appear, try entering any password 5 times in a row – after that, the system will offer alternative ways to unlock.

2. Use of the “Find Device” function (remote unlock)

If you have Find Device enabled on your phone, you can unlock it remotely through a web browser, which works even if the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, but it must have access to mobile Internet.

How to check and unlock:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the “Find Device” section, select your smartphone from the list.
3. Press "Unlock" (Unlock).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait for the notification on the phone – it will unlock automatically.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🌍 The phone must be connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The device must be turned on (not discharged).
• 🔒 Find Device must be activated before blocking.

3. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

The method is suitable for users who have previously included USB-Debugging in the developer settings. If this mode is activated, you can delete the password file through ADB (Android Debug Bridge without data loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
4. Delete the password file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting, the lock screen will disappear. ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI This method may not work because of additional security checks, so try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

Make sure that USB-debugging is on|Install drivers ADB PC-only|Download the platform ADB (Android SDK)|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`-->

4.Reset via Fastboot (complete data cleanup)

If previous methods failed, it will remove all data, including photos, messages and apps, but it will unlock the phone, and it will be suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 9/10/11, POCO F3/F4, Mi 10/11.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Fastboot tool.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables may interrupt the process).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid shutdown during firmware).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears (robot labeled Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Fastboot.
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
5. Wait for the reboot – the phone will be like new, without a password.

📌 Important: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) You may need an additional command to unlock the bootloader:

fastboot oem unlock

But keep in mind that this will result in a complete reset and deletion of all data.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most reliable method, but it erases all data. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

5. Unlock via Recovery Mode (without data loss on some firmware)

Recovery is another way to reset, but with nuances. On MIUI stock firmware, this method usually results in deletion of data, but on some custom firmware (like LineageOS), you can bypass the lock without completely cleaning.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

⚠️ Note: If the phone has stock Recovery from Xiaomi, the reset will result in the deletion of all data, TWRP) They provide more features, but their installation requires an unlocked bootloader.

6. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try more complex ones, which require technical knowledge and carry risks, but sometimes save in desperate situations.

Method 1: Firmware with the Mi Flash Tool

• 🖥️ Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• 🔧 Install the Mi Flash Tool on PC.
• 🔄 Fastboot phone by selecting the “Clean All” option».

Method 2: Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

If after resetting the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account, you can bypass FRP-locking with special tools (e.g, FRP Bypass APK). However, this method requires:

• 📲 Access the settings menu (via emergency call or TalkBack).
• 🔗 Third-party installations APK-file.
• 🛠️ Knowledge of working with ADB.

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If nothing helps, contact the official Xiaomi service.

• 📄 Check or document confirming purchase.
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 💰 Payment for services (average 1000-3000) ₽).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi