How to unlock Xiaomi phone: from screen to Mi Account

Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do about it

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most secure on the Android market, but this protection sometimes plays against the owner. PIN-Screen code, binding to your Mi Account after resetting, or activated bootloader on custom firmware. Each case requires a different approach - there is no universal solution.

The most common problem is locking the screen after 10 failed password attempts, in which case the system suggests entering data from the Mi Account, but if you do not tie it or forget the login, the phone turns into a brick. Another common situation is buying a used device where the previous owner did not untidy his account, and here you can not do without official Xiaomi tools.

It is important to understand: the methods of unlocking depend on the model and version. MIUI. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) with the MIUI 14 will work one way, and on POCO F5 (2023) with HyperOS, another. We will look at current solutions for devices from 2020 to 2026, including bypassing locks through Fastboot, EDL-regime and official services.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you see a sign on the lock screen saying, "Forgot your password?" and you ask me to enter your Mi Account information, this is the easiest case.

• 📱 Your phone is linked to your Mi Account (you have previously logged in to it).
• 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 You remember. email/phone and password from the account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?”.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
4. Create a new one. PIN-code.

If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased by hand), you can officially unlock it only through Xiaomi support service, you will need a purchase check or a purchase agreement with the previous owner’s data.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi always check whether the Mi-account is untied! Go to Settings → Mi Account → Devices – there should be no other people’s gadgets.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (without data loss?)

Many users try to make a hard reset through Recovery Mode, but this leads to a complete cleanup of the phone - and if it was tied to a Mi Account, after the reset, a request will appear to enter a login / password. However, there is a caveat: on some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), reset via Recovery bypasses the screen lock, but not the account.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds.
3. From the menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume and power buttons).

Important: Once reset, the phone will require input from the Mi Account if it was tied! This method is only suitable for unlocking the screen, not the account. To bypass the binding, read the next section.

Method 3: Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot

If you installed custom firmware and the phone is locked during the booting phase (it appears that “This device is locked”), you will need an official bootloader unlock. Xiaomi allows you to do this, but the process takes up to 72 hours.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Log in Fastboot Mode: Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be linked to your phone!).
5. Click Unlock and wait until it is completed (it may take several hours to wait).

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ Waiting for unlock up to 3 days (depending on the model).
• 🔌 The phone must be charged at least 60 times%.
• 📱 Does not work on damaged devices EMMC-chip.

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Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot is the only official way for custom firmware. All other methods (e.g., via EDL) can result in a loss of IMEI or a “brick.”

Method 4: Bypassing Mi-account through EDL-mode (for advanced)

If the phone is locked on the Mi Account after the reset, and the official methods do not help, it remains. EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to flash your phone through Qualcomm tools, and only works on devices with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., Snapdragon, POCO F3, Redmi K40).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Instructions:

1. Install the Qualcomm driver (otherwise the PC won’t see the phone in EDL).
2. Turn off the phone, press the volume up. + Loudness down + USB-cable (on some models you need to short test points on the board!).
3. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and click "Flash".

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can kill the communication module (IMEI) Or turn your phone into a brick, and if you're not sure, go to a service center, on devices with Mediatek, like Redmi. 9C) instead EDL used SP Flash Tool.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all self-unblocking attempts fail, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides a document-based unlocking service in authorized centers.

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (if the phone used).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The phone itself (even when it is off).

The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model, and in some cases (for example, if the damaged EMMC) it may be necessary to replace the motherboard - this will cost 5,000-15,000 rubles.

Where to look for service centers:

• 🌍 Official website: mi.com/ru/service.
• 📍 Maps. Google/Yandex on request "Xiaomi Service Center [your city]».

⚠️ Warning: Avoid "gray" workshops offering unlocking for 500 rubles. Often such services lead to loss IMEI or locking the device at the server level of Xiaomi (so-called "blacklist»).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users compound the problem by trying to unlock the phone using the wrong methods.

1. Using unofficial firmware: Installing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader results in a "brick." Always check firmware compatibility with the model through XDA Developers.
2. Attempts to open the phone: On new models (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), the autopsy sensor is triggered when the case is opened, and the warranty burns instantly.
3. Ignoring backups: Before any manipulations with unlock, make a backup via Mi Cloud or ADB backup. After reset, data cannot be restored!

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after firmware is EDL. To avoid this, save the original IMEI before firmware (can be found on the box or via the *#06# command) and use firmware with the correct regional binding (for example, Global, not China).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions