A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in ten users encounters, whether it’s a digital code, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint that is no longer recognized, locking the screen can become a real headache, especially if the device stores important data such as photos, correspondence or work documents.
Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to unlock. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods - from restore using Mi Account to using Fastboot mode and tools like ADB. Importantly, not all methods are suitable for models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), so read the terms of each option carefully.
If you're not sure about your technical skills, you'd better go to the service center, but most of the instructions in this article can be done by a beginner, so you can follow the step-by-step recommendations and not miss important details.
1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)
If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached, you can unlock your device in 5 minutes without losing data, a method that works on most models, including the Redmi 10/11, POCO F4/F5 and Xiaomi 12/13.
To start, try entering your Mi Account password directly on the lock screen. If Forgot your password? is not active, follow these steps:
- 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to the locked device.
- 📱 In the Devices section, find your smartphone and select the Find the device option.
- 🔓 Click Unlock the screen and confirm the action through SMS email.
After that, the phone unlocks automatically within 1-2 minutes, and if the device does not appear in the list, check whether it is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
⚠️ Note: This method will not work if the Find Device feature is disabled or it is not connected to the network. Also, some models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro with custom firmware) may ignore remote unlocking.
2.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode
If Mi Account is not tied or unlocked through it fails, there is a hard reset, which will remove all data from the device, including photos, apps and settings. Use it only as a last resort!
The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9A, POCO X3 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite. Before you start, make sure that the battery charge is at least 30%.
Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)
Connect the charger (recommended)
Make sure there are no important unsaved data on your phone.
Prepare. SIM-card or flash drive with backup (if any)
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- Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
The phone will turn on in the “as after purchase” state, and at the setup stage, you can restore data from the backup of the Mi Cloud (if it was created earlier).
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously linked after a reset.This is anti-theft protection – if you do not remember the username / password, it will be impossible to unlock the phone without contacting the service.
3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can try unlocking it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader, such as POCO F1 or Redmi K20 Pro.
Importantly, the way it works is if the debugging was activated before locking, and if you've never connected your phone to your computer in developer mode, it won't work.
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
- 📱 Connect your locked phone to your PC via USB-cable.
- 🔧 Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd and enter:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootAfter the reboot, the phone must turn on without asking for a password. If a device unauthorized error appears, then debugging over USB has not been confirmed on the phone before.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Using Fastboot to unlock the bootloader
On new Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14), the bootloader is locked by default, meaning that it will need to be unlocked to reset the password via Fastboot. The process takes up to 72 hours and requires a Mi Account tied.
If you are willing to wait, follow the following steps:
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Connect the device to your computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices should appear serial number of your phone.
- Start unlocking the bootloader: fastboot oem unlock On the phone screen will appear a warning - confirm the action.
- Wait for an SMS or email from Xiaomi with confirmation (can take up to 3 days).
- Once unlocked, reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
This method is suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.
💡
If unlocking the bootloader is delayed, check the Spam folder in the mail - a letter from Xiaomi can get there.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers
If none of the above methods work, you have to contact the official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest option, and in most cases, specialists will be able to unlock the phone even without losing data (as long as this is not contrary to Xiaomi’s security policy).
What will be required for the application:
- 📄 Passport or other identity document.
- 📱 Locked phone itself (with a charge of at least 20%).
- 📋 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- 🔑 Data from Mi Account if it was tied.
The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of unlocking. For new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the price may be higher. The deadline is from 1 to 5 working days.
⚠️ Please do not contact informal workshops promising to unlock the 10 There is a high risk of running into fraudsters who either can not help or damage the device. Xiaomi official service centers are in most major cities, and their list can be found on the website. mi.com/ru/service.
6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)
If the standard methods didn't work, you can try the less common ones, and they're suitable for individual models or atypical situations.
| Method | Suitable models | Conditions | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via EDL Mode | Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A, POCO F1 | Qualcomm box or Mi Flash Tool required | High risk of a breeze in an error |
| Use of Test Point | Xiaomi Mi 8, Mi 9, Redmi Note 7 | You need to take down the phone and close the contacts. | Loss of warranty, risk of damage to fees |
| Recovery with the Mi Flash Tool | All models on Qualcomm processors | Need a firmware for a specific model | All data is deleted, errors are possible. |
| Bypassing through Safe Mode | POCO X3, Redmi 9 | Works if the lock is caused by third-party software | It will not help with hardware locking |
EDL Mode involves connecting your phone to your computer in emergency mode and running firmware through special tools, which is an extreme measure that you can trust to professionals, but you can try Safe Mode yourself:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button, and when the Mi logo appears, hold Volume down until Safe Mode loads.
- Remove recently installed apps that may have caused the blockage.
- Restart your phone in normal mode.
💡
If your phone is locked because of a virus or malware, Safe Mode often helps you bypass the lock without resetting your data.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
To choose the best method, evaluate your technical skills and risks, and below is a comparative table of all methods, with an indication of the complexity and consequences.
| Method | Difficulty | Loss of data | Tools required | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | Computer or other telephone | 5-10 minutes |
| Reset via Recovery | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | Phone buttons | 15-20 minutes |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ❌ No. | Computer, USB-cable, ADB | 30-60 minutes |
| Fastboot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | Computer, unlocked bootloader | 1-3 days (waiting for confirmation) |
| Service centre | ⭐ (user-only) | ❌ No (usually) | Passport, check | 1-5 days |
On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO C40), unlocking via the Fastboot is often impossible – specialized hardware will be required.