How to unlock ID Mi on Xiaomi: official and unofficial ways

Forgot the password from Mi Account or purchased a Xiaomi smartphone from hand that requires the data of the previous owner? Unlocking ID Mi is one of the most common problems of brand users. Without access to the account, you will not be able to use many functions, from synchronizing contacts to installing applications through the Mi App Store. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from official to alternative, which work in 2026.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and some old methods (like EDL or Fastboot bypassing) have stopped working on new models. We’ve analyzed recent user reports and tests on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T devices to provide only proven solutions. If your smartphone is locked after resetting or buying – read on.

Why is Xiaomi blocking the device with Mi Account?

The Mi Cloud Activation Lock (or simply Mi Account) system was introduced by Xiaomi to protect users from data theft.

• 🔒 When you first turn on your smartphone or after resetting (Hard Reset), the system requires you to enter a username and password from Mi Account, which was tied to the device.
• 📱 If you bought a phone with your hands, and the previous owner did not untie the account – the device will become a “brick” without the possibility of using it.
• 🔄 Even after flashing through Fastboot on new models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) lockdown may persist.

According to Xiaomi, in 2023, the number of calls for support for blocked devices increased by 40%.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), an attempt to bypass locks through the EDL This can lead to a complete failure of the bootloader and the need to replace the motherboard.Before any manipulation, check the model of the chipset in the documents or through the computer. CPU-Z.

Official way: unlocking through Xiaomi support

The safest, but also the longest, method is to contact Xiaomi’s support team.

1. Go to the Mi Account website and try to recover your password via email or phone number.
2. If you lose access to your mail/phone, fill out the call form: Support Xiaomi.
3. Attach scans of documents confirming the purchase (check, box with IMEI, warranty card).

The time frame for processing a request is 3 to 14 days, and users say they are most likely to respond to attachments:

• 📄 Photo of the box with the serial number and IMEI.
• 💳 Check or bank statement (if purchased in the official store).
• 📱 Screenshot of the lock screen with IMEI (is called by the set *#06#).

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the seller refuses to provide your Mi Account details, official unlocking is not possible).

Recovery of Mi Account: If you forget your password

If your phone is locked because of a forgotten password, but you have access to an email or phone number linked to your account, follow this instruction:

Try to remember the backup email.|Check the spam folder in the mail.|Use the "Forgot Password" feature on the Mi Account website.|If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS-code|Try old passwords (Xiaomi saves the history of the last 3)

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If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Go to the password recovery page.
2. Enter the login (email or phone) and the capcha.
3. Choose the method of recovery: Email or SMS.
4. If the system requests an old password, try entering the last one you know (even if it is incorrect, sometimes the bypass works).

On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), password recovery may require two-factor authentication (2FA) confirmation if it was enabled and backup code access is lost, it will not be possible to officially unlock the account.

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If you don't remember which email was linked to Mi Account, try entering all your email addresses in turn in the recovery box.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (without Official Support)

If the official methods don't work, there are still informal methods, and their effectiveness depends on the model of the smartphone and the version of MIUI, and it's important that these methods can violate the warranty and lead to data loss.

1. Unlock via Fastboot (for older models)

This method works on devices until 2021 (e.g., Redmi Note 9, Mi 9).

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
3. Swipe the device with the command (replace filename to firmware file name): fastboot flash all filename.zip

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek chipset (such as Redmi 10), firmware via Fastboot can lead to an error BROM ERROR: SLA AUTHENTICATION FAIL. In this case, you will need an authorized MediaTek account, which is issued only to service centers.

2. EDL bypass (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device at a low level, and works on most models, but requires:

• 🔧 Special cable. EDL or circuitry.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Put your phone in EDL mode: For Qualcomm: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and plug in USB. For MediaTek: Test points on the board are required to be closed.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

3. Use of third-party services (paid services)

If independent attempts were unsuccessful, you can turn to paid services that specialize in unlocking Mi Account. The average cost of the service is 1500-5000 rubles, depending on the model.

• 🌍 MiUnlock.ru (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan).
• 🌍 DC-Unlocker (international).
• 🌍 GSM-Forum (Community of Specialists).

Before paying, check the reviews on independent sites (such as 4PDA or XDA-Developers) and scammers often offer "guaranteed unlocking" for prepayment, then disappear.

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Paid services are the only working option for new Xiaomi models (2022-2026), where official and independent methods do not help.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Selling the device for parts: Avito or Yula can make 30-50% of the cost of the phone by selling it as a "donor" (for example, screen, camera, battery).
2. Calling the service center: Some workshops offer soldering of an eMMC chip or firmware through a programmer, but the cost may exceed the price of the phone itself.
3. On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) you can use basic functions (calls, SMS) even without unlocking the Mi Account.

According to 2GIS, there are about 15 service centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg that specialize in “difficult” unlocks for Xiaomi, with the average cost of a service of 3,000-8,000 rubles, but no one guarantees success.

How to Avoid Mi Account Blocking in the Future

To avoid the problem of a blocked Mi Account, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Always untie your account before selling your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Delete the account.
• 📝 Save data for recovery (email, phone, backup codes) 2FA) In a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep) 1Password).
• 🛒 When buying a used phone, ask the seller: Screenshot of the Mi Account menu with confirmation of no binding. Check or warranty card (for official unlocking).
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Fix vulnerabilities that scammers use to block other people’s devices.

If you often sell or buy Xiaomi phones, get a separate Mi Account specifically for this purpose, which minimizes the risk of losing access to your main account.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, check the IMEI on the IMEI.info website. If the device is “Lost/Stolen”, there is a high risk that it is blocked by the previous owner.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Account