How to unlock the screen on your Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions for all models

A forgotten password, pattern lock, or fingerprint that is no longer recognized is a problem that almost every Xiaomi smartphone owner has encountered, and this is made worse by displaying a message on the lock screen that says “Device locked. Try again in 30 minutes” or “Too many typing attempts.” In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to unlock the screen on Redmi, POCO, and Mi phones, including official Mi Account methods and alternative solutions for devices without a tied account.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether the Xiaomi account is connected to the phone, whether debugging is enabled over USB, whether there is a backup of data, and whether you are ready for a complete reset. We will consider options without losing data (where possible) and methods that require resetting to factory parameters. Also, we will focus on the nuances for new models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 processors and Dimensity 9000+, where standard methods may not work.

If your Xiaomi is locked after you have firmware, MIUI update, or region change, there's a solution, and for owners of devices with an unlocked bootloader, we've prepared a guide to unlock through Fastboot with data storage, starting with the easiest and safest way.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the first method worth trying if you remember the data from the Xiaomi account. It works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Mi 13/14, and does not require a data reset.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the lock screen will display the button "Forgot password?" and click on it and follow the instructions:

• 🔑 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
• 📧 Postal or SMS A confirmation code will come in (sometimes a captcha is required).
• 🔄 Enter the code in the appropriate field on the phone.
• 📱 Set a new password or pattern lock.

If the “Forgot Password” button doesn’t appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or pasting it. SIM-mobile internet card, on some firmware (e.g. global) MIUI 14) may require confirmation through SMS, Even if your account is linked to an email.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, unlocking through the account will not be possible.

2. Reset password via Recovery (without data loss on some models)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember your account details, the next step is to try resetting your password through Recovery Mode.This method doesn’t always save data, but on some firmware (especially Chinese) you can reset only the lock password without affecting the user’s files.

Instructions for phones with a locked bootloader (most official firmware):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data: Some models may have different paths: Advanced → Wipe Dalvik/ART Cache).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

On devices with the bootloader unlocked (for example, after official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool), you can try an alternative method:

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare. SIM-map PIN-code (if any)

Remember the data from the Google account (required after the reset)-->

If you reset your phone and require a Mi Account entry that you don't remember, you'll need to use the following methods: Newer models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) resetting through Recovery often results in complete deletion of data, so assess the risks ahead of time.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔓 You have a bootloader unlocked).
• 🖥️ There is a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and USB-TypeC cable.
• 📱 The phone is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode (checked by the command of fastboot devices).

To unlock you will need a special utility - Mi Flash Unlock Tool (official) or third-party scripts like XiaomiTool V2. Important: on new models (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), this method may not work due to enhanced anti-Rollback protection.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start Mi Flash Unlock. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).
4. If the bootloader is blocked, you will need to wait 7-14 days (the official rule of Xiaomi).

For devices with an already unlocked bootloader, you can use the command:

fastboot flashing unlock


fastboot erase frp

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 2/3 Trying to unlock through Fastboot without an official tool can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

4. Bypassing the lock via EDL Mode (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked screen.The method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires:

• 💻 Computer with Windows and Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📂 Firmware file in.tgz or.fastboot format for your model.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to your PC (phone not turned on!).
3. In the Windows Device Manager should appear record Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Then, through the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes. After the restart, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be erased, and the bootloader will remain locked.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all previous methods fail, the official service remains, and this is the only legal way to unlock the phone if:

• 🔒 The device is tied to someone else's Mi Account (buying with hands).
• 📱 Model New (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Turbo) with enhanced protection.
• 💻 There is no way to use the Fastboot or EDL.

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge) >50%).

The cost of unlocking in official Xiaomi services varies from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. The new flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra) may be higher. The deadline is from 1 to 5 working days.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services often offer unlocking in 5 minutes EDL The risks of losing warranty, installing unofficial software, stealing data. Before contacting, check reviews and the availability of a license to repair Xiaomi equipment.

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Before visiting the service, take a photo of the IMEI phone (on the box or under the battery if removable) and the serial number, which will speed up the process of confirming ownership.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods do not work, you can try non-obvious solutions that work in rare cases:

• 📞 Call to locked phone: Call your number from another phone, take a call and in the call menu try to open the settings (works on the phone). MIUI 12 and older).
• 🔌 Connecting the mouse to OTG: On some firmware through USB-The mouse can click on notifications and access the settings.
• 📡 Find My Device (Google): If your phone is linked to a Google account, you can try resetting your password remotely through a device search service.

For owners of POCO with custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) can help flashing through TWRP.

1. Download TWRP for your model (for example, the official website).
2. Install it via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

1. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager and delete the files:

/data/system/gesture.key


/data/system/password.key




/data/system/locksettings.db

After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset, but the application data may get damaged.

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On File-Based Encryption phones, deleting the lock files via TWRP will result in loss of access to user data, in which case only a complete reset will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi