A forgotten password or pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to service center statistics, 18% of calls are related to unlocking the screen, and in 60% of cases, device owners lose access to data due to ignorance of alternative login methods.
The manufacturer has integrated multiple layers of protection into MIUI, making it difficult for unauthorized access but also creating problems for legitimate owners. We analyzed all the current unlocking methods for models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including methods through Mi Account, Fastboot mode, ADB tools and even hardware solutions.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure method, which works on 95% of Xiaomi devices with an associated account, is suitable for smartphones on MIUI 12-14, if you previously signed in to Mi Account and synchronized.
After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?". Click on this link and follow the instructions:
- 📱 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account
- 🔑 Get the confirmation code by SMS or
- 🔓 Enter the code and create a new lock password
- 📲 Wait for synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes)
If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try entering the password at random 5 times in a row - the system will necessarily offer an alternative way to sign in. Some models (Redmi 10, Poco X3) may require a Wi-Fi connection to verify the account.
2.Use of Fastboot Mode (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if you have previously enabled USB debugging. Important: this method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool. Some models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) may require account authorization even in Fastboot mode.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (original!
- Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK)
- Enter the command: fastboot oem unlock
- If you have a confirmation request, use the command: fastboot flashing unlock
New devices (MIUI 14) may require an account to be linked to the device via the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi’s security policy, and an alternative is firmware via Fastboot, removing only the gesture.key file.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download the latest Mi Flash Tool version|Prepare original USB-cable|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Disable the antivirus during the procedure-->
3. Unlocking through ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
The method only works if USB debugging has been enabled in the developer settings before, and it is one of the few ways to get around the lock without losing data. It is suitable for Poco F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and others with MIUI 13/14.
Algorithm of action:
- 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line
- 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices
- 🔑 Delete the password file (for the pattern lock): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
- 🔄 Reboot the device: adb reboot
If used PIN-code or password, replace the command with:
adb shell rm /data/system/password.keyCritical information: On devices with data encryption (by default in MIUI 14), this method will result in loss of access to files after rebooting, in which case a complete reset will be required.
4.Reset via Recovery Mode (Data Loss)
An extreme method that is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi device but will delete all user data.Use it if other methods have not helped or if there is no important information on the smartphone.The procedure takes 3-5 minutes.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off the device.
- Press the volume up + power for 10-15 seconds
- In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation)
- Confirm the reset by choosing Yes
- After restarting, set the device as new.
On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), the recovery menu may require a password, in which case use the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power for forced reset (does not work on all devices).
What if your smartphone is not included in Recovery?
5. Hardware unlocking techniques
If the software doesn't work, there are hardware solutions that require special equipment and skills, so we recommend you go to service centers, but some operations can be done yourself.
The most common hardware methods:
| Method | Suitable models | Difficulty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing through EDL | All models (authorized account required) | Tall. | 1500-3000 rubles. |
| Replacement of the eMMC chip | Older models (up to Redmi Note 9) | Very high. | 3000-5000 rubles. |
| Use of boxing (UFi, EasyJTAG) | All models. | Medium | 1000-2500 rubles. |
| Resistor soldering | Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A | Tall. | 800-1500 rubles. |
For self-flashing through EDL you will need:
- 🔧 Deep Flash Cable (or homemade analogue)
- 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm
- 📄 Firmware for your model (version) EDL)
- 🔑 Authorized account for new models (from 2021)
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Before contacting the service center, be sure to check whether your device is not covered by an official warranty. Unlocking through informal methods will void Xiaomi warranty obligations.
6. Alternative methods (for specific situations)
Sometimes standard methods don't work because of firmware or hardware limitations, and consider the rare but effective options:
For devices with a 3.5 mm connector:
- 🎧 Connect the headphones and try to enter the password through the on-screen recorder (works on the computer). MIUI 12)
- 🔊 Use voice-entered password (if previously configured)
For smartphones with NFC:
- 💳 If contactless payment is set up, try attaching the card to the back panel - sometimes this will unlock the screen.
- 📱 On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11) unlocking through the smart watch Mi Band works
For enterprise devices:
- 🏢 Go to the IT-Department – on devices with Android Enterprise can be installed an alternative method of unlocking
- 🔑 Use the corporate portal to reset your password (if the device is tied to a domain)
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On devices with a Qualcomm chip (most Xiaomi smartphones), there is a hidden Diag Mode mode, which sometimes allows you to bypass the lock through special AT commands. However, this method requires deep technical knowledge and can lead to a “brick” of the device.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are 5 rules to help you never lose access to your Xiaomi:
- 🔐 Use biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) as the primary method of unlocking.
- 📧 Link your Mi Account and enable two-factor authentication
- 📱 Regularly back up your files via Mi Cloud or locally on PC
- 🔄 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Improved access recovery system
- 📝 Write your password in a secure location (e.g., in the Xiaomi Password Manager)
On devices with MIUI 14 the function "Reserve" appeared PIN-code." It can be configured in Settings. → Password and security → Standby PIN. This code will unlock your device even if you forget your primary password.
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If you often forget passwords, turn on Smart Lock in your security settings, which will automatically unlock your device in trusted areas (such as at home or work) or when you connect to trusted Bluetooth devices.
⚠️ Note: On devices with encryption enabled (default in) MIUI 14) any password reset through informal methods will result in loss of access to all data. The only way to recover information in this case is to have an up-to-date backup in the Mi Cloud.