How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: from Mi Account to a complete reset

Introduction

Forgetting your smartphone password is a bad situation, but it can be remedied, especially if you're talking about Xiaomi devices, where the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, the main thing is not to panic or try to find a combination at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system can lock the device for 30 minutes or even require a reset.

In this article, we will look at all the current unlocking methods, from the simplest (via the Mi Account tied) to the radical (full reset via Fastboot), each illustrated by step-by-step instructions, risk warnings and tips on how to avoid data loss. The effectiveness of the method depends on the smartphone model, version MIUI and availability of backup copy.

If you are reading this article on a locked phone through another gadget, check right away if you remember the username and password from Mi Account.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (the most secure method)

If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the login details, this is ideal.The method works on most models (including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) and does not require resetting, the main condition is that the phone must have Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

• 🔹 On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (or similar label at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔹 Choose Unblocking via Mi Account.
• 🔹 Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your account. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS email.
• 🔹 Follow the system’s hints – the phone unlocks automatically.

Important: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or performed a reset via TWRP without deleting your account, this method may not work, in which case the system will require confirmation via SMS to the associated number.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for European market) after 3 failed attempts to sign in to Mi Account phone may require waiting 24 hours.Do not try to pick up a password - use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Reset password through Find Device (if enabled)

The Find Device feature (similar to Google's Find Phone) allows Xiaomi to be remotely unlocked if it was activated before locking.The method is suitable for devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but requires:

• 📶 Connecting your phone to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20%.
• 🔑 Accessing your Mi Account from another device.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other smartphone.
2. Sign in with the same account as on a locked phone.
3. In the menu, select the locked device (if there are several).
4. Click Unlock the device → confirm the action.
5. Wait for sync (can take up to 5 minutes) and the phone unlocks automatically.

If the feature is inactive or the phone is not displayed in the list of devices, try other methods. Also note that after unlocking this way, you may need to re-enter the password from Wi-Fi and some applications.

💡

If your phone is not connected to the internet, but you have access to it. SIM-Insert it into another smartphone and send it to the card. SMS This will turn on mobile data for 5 minutes (not working on all models).

Method 3: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)

Hard Reset is a radical method that removes all data from your phone, including your password. Use it only if other methods have failed.The method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but on devices with MIUI 13+, you may need to confirm via Mi Account after reset (if the account was linked).

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO F3/F4, Redmi K40/K50: Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Next:

• 🔹 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 🔹 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmware - Factory Reset).
• 🔹 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🔹 After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you previously tied your Mi Account, you'll need to enter your account details to activate it.

⚠️ Warning: Hard Reset devices with a bootloader may have a "This device is locked" error, which requires official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (up to 720 hours of latency).

Method 4: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone is debugging over USB and has access to a computer. This is rare, but if you have previously activated debugging (for example, to install custom firmware), there is a chance to unlock the phone without losing data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone appears in the list, continue.
4. Delete the password file (for the MIUI): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reset, the password will be reset. If the command does not work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This command will open a password change menu where you can set a new one.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work due to enhanced security, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) after such a reset will require re-activation.

Method 5: Unlock via Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If previous methods failed and the bootloader is blocked on the phone, Fastboot unlocks all data and requires official permission from Xiaomi (via account binding), suitable for Redmi, POCO and Mi models with Qualcomm or Mediatek chipsets.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open the terminal in the folder with fastboot.
4. Check the connection: fastboot devices
5. Reset: fastboot flashing unlock or for older versions: fastboot oem unlock
6. On the phone, confirm unlocking (select Unlock with the volume button, confirm with the power button).
7. After reset, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).

You can download the official firmware on MIUI Downloads.

• 🔹 Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder.
• 🔹 In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode.
• 🔹 Connect your phone to Fastboot and press Flash.

The waiting time for unlocking the bootloader depends on the status of the account:

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center. 📍 Find the nearest center on the Mi Service website. 💰 The cost of unlocking: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for blocking). ⏳ Term: 1-3 days (if you need to order spare parts - up to 2 weeks).
2. Use paid online services. Some sites (e.g. MiAccountUnlock) offer remote Mi Account unlocking for $10 to $50: 🚨 Fraud (payment without result). 🔒 Account data breach. 📵 Blocking Xiaomi Account for Suspicious Activity.

Before you pay for the unlock, check:

• 🔹 Availability of a check or warranty card (free unlock in the service).
• 🔹 Mi Account Status (possibly you are using the wrong region).
• 🔹 Version MIUI — in forums (for example, 4PDA) There may be relevant instructions for your model.

💡

If the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, it is impossible to officially unlock it. The only way out is through EDL-mode firmware (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or paid access to firehose files).

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
• 📝 Write passwords to a trusted manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📧 Link Mi Account and enable synchronization (path: Settings) → Xiaomi account → Synchronization).
• 🔧 Enable Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted devices or location) in Settings → Password and security.

If you often forget passwords, set up PIN-code instead of a pattern lock or a complex alphanumeric combination. PIN It is easier to remember and the security level remains high (at 6 lengths).+ symbolism).

It is also useful to activate the "Find the device" function:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Find Device.
2. Enable the Location and Unlock options.
3. Make sure your phone has access to geolocation and mobile data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi