How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone if you forgot your password: all working ways

Forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users face.The brand's smartphones are known for strict security measures, so standard unlocking methods (like multiple input) PIN-The problem is exacerbated when the device is activated binding to Mi Account - without the data from the account, unlocking can turn into a multi-hour procedure with the risk of data loss.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi (including the models of Redmi, POCO, Black Shark), from the simplest to technically complex. Importantly, not all methods are universal – their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI, root rights and status of the Mi Account. Before you start, check whether your case is not suitable for exceptions (see the table below).

If you are looking for a way to bypass the lock without losing data, we immediately warn: there are only two such methods, and both require preliminary preparation (for example, the enabled data). USB-Otherwise, you have to accept a complete reset, which is the only reliable way to return access to the device if the password is lost forever.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most legal and safe method is to use a linked Mi Account.

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore access).
• 🔄 Synchronization with the account is enabled on the device (activated by default).

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, tap the Forgot Password button (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select the option to 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).

⚠️

Note: If the smartphone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work. In this case, the device can be locked at the Mi Cloud level - you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

If the buttons Forgot the password? on the screen is not, try to enter the wrong password 5 times in a row - a prompt should appear. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro), this option is hidden in the Emergency Call → menu.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (no Mi Account)

It is suitable for devices where the Mi Account binding is not activated or has been disabled in the settings. The essence of the method is to reset to factory settings through recovery mode. All data (photos, contacts, applications) will be deleted!

How to log in to Recovery:

• 🔌 Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Hold the Loud up. + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese).

Further action:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Chinese firmware).
3. Confirm the action (Confirm).
4. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Disable your Google account (if you have one)

Take it off. SIM-memory-card

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare a backup copy (if you have access to the PC)

-->

⚠️

Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, you may need to log in to Mi Account after reset. If you don't remember your account details, your smartphone will turn into a brick. Check the bootloader status through fastboot oem device-info (should be unlocked: true).

On the new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

• 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).
• 📱 — Update of the firmware (Update).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔓 On the smartphone unlocked loader (Bootloader).
• 💻 Access to PCs with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 You have a backup of your data (all files will be deleted).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools on PC (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Connect the off smartphone to the PC by clamping Volume down + Power (Fastboot mode).
3. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

If after the reboot there is a request for a password from Mi Account, then the bootloader was blocked, in this case only official unlocking through the Xiaomi website (requires a wait of 7-30 days) will help.

⚠️

Note: Fastboot erase commands delete data without recovery. If encryption (FBE) or Mi Cloud has been enabled on the device, reauthorization may be required after reset.

4. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

The only way to unlock Xiaomi without losing data is to use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge Condition: The smartphone must be enabled USB-Debugging and allowed access to PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line and check the connection: adb devices (a device with device status should appear).
3. Delete the password files: 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
4. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reboot, the password will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will be saved.The method works on MIUI 12-14, but may not work on new versions due to enhanced protection.

💡

If ADB doesn’t see the device, try entering the command adb kill-server, then adb start-server and reconnect.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If all previous methods have failed, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock a device with a Mi Account tied without knowing the password.

What will be required:

Cost and timing:

*Official unlocking through Xiaomi’s website is free, but requires waiting.

⚠️

Note: Unofficial services offer to unlock Mi Account in 1-2 days, but this violates the policy of Xiaomi.

Alternative methods (with risks)

If the standard methods don't work, some users resort to informal solutions, and we don't recommend using them, but to get the picture straight, we'll list the options:

High-risk methods:

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode – requires special equipment (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and firmware for your model.Risk: full device "brick" in case of error.
• 💰 Paid unlock services (for example, DC-Unlocker) – are worth $10. $50, but often fraudulent.
• 📱 Exploiting vulnerabilities MIUI — some old firmware versions (MIUI 10–11) had bugs that allowed to bypass the lock through ADB Or Fastboot. These loopholes are closed on the new versions.

Why is it dangerous?

• Violation of warranty (if the device is warranty).
• Risk of installing malware (when using unofficial firmware).
• Loss of IMEI or serial number (incorrect firmware via EDL).

💡

Any unofficial unlocking methods can result in loss of warranty and locking the device at the hardware level.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to PIN-code.
• 📝 Write passwords to a trusted manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass).
• ☁️ Activate backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🔧 Turn it on. USB-Debugging and saving a backup copy through ADB: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

On Xiaomi devices, it is also helpful to disable the automatic Mi Account lock after resetting:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Turn off the Device Lock (or Find Device) option.

⚠️

Warning: Disabling Mi Cloud reduces theft protection, but makes it easier to unlock in case your password is lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi