How to unlock Xiaomi: from bootloader to Mi Account (current in 2026)

A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that both beginners and experienced users face, and the reasons can be different: a forgotten pattern lock, a binding to a Mi Account account after a reset, a blocked bootloader when trying to flash custom software, or even a hardware lock after a failed repair. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, taking into account the latest Xiaomi policy updates in 2026.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the type of lock. For example, unlocking a pattern lock does not require interference with system files, whereas de-associating with Mi Account after reset via Fastboot may require official permission from Xiaomi.

If you’re looking for a way to get around the lock without losing data, let’s warn you: 90% of the time, it’s impossible. Xiaomi’s current smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) use hardware encryption that erases user data with any kind of unlock except for the right password.

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-This is the most common problem, and it can be solved without losing data — but only if your smartphone is synchronized with Mi Account and you have access to the Internet.

If the sync is off or the device is not connected to the network, you have to reset the settings.

• 🔑 Through Mi Account (if synchronization is enabled): On the lock screen, tap "Forgot the password?" → Enter the username and password from Mi Account → Confirm the unlocking through SMS Or email. Data is saved.
• 📱 Through Find Device (remote): Go to i.mi.com, log in, select your device → "Delete the data. The smartphone will reset to factory settings.
• ⚙️ Using Recovery Mode (Data Loss): Turn off your phone → clamp down the Power + Volume Up → Choose "Wipe Data" → "Reboot. All data will be erased.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is enabled Mi Cloud Lock (lock after reset), after Wipe Data you will need to enter the Mi Account data, which was tied before reset".

2 Unlocking Mi Account after reset (Mi Cloud Lock)

This is the most difficult lock: the smartphone requires you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account, which was tied before the reset, if you do not remember the data or bought the phone “with your hands” — options are few.

Officially, Xiaomi offers only one way: to contact the support with proof of purchase (check, box with IMEI). Informal methods exist, but they are risky and can lead to a complete loss of performance of the device.

• 📧 Official appeal in support: Write in support of Xiaomi, attach a photo of the check, boxes with IMEI It can take up to 30 days to process.
• 🔧 Through EDL-Mode (for experienced): Requires special cable and software (Mi Flash, QFil) It does not work on all models (for example, on Redmi Note 12 lock). EDL 2023).
• 💰 Paid services: Some workshops offer unlocking through "holes" in the firmware, costing from 1000 to 5000 rubles.

⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud Lock bypassing methods through firmware or EDL This often leads to a hard brick (complete incapacity). MIUI 14, Xiaomi tightened the protection: even after successfully unlocking the phone can lock again on the next update.

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

If you want to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or get root access, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process has become more complicated due to new security rules.

From 2023, unlocking requires:

1. Put Mi Account on the phone.
2. Wait 7 days (up to 30 days on new models).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate OEM Unblocking and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
4. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (turn off) → clamp down the Power + Volume Down).
5. Connect to the PC and follow the instructions in the utility.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 11/12, POCO F4/F5 And the new unlock may take up to 30 days due to additional security checks, and when you unlock it, you reset all the data.

Backup data | Link Mi Account to phone | Enable debugging on USB| Download Mi Unlock Tool| Prepare a USB cable (original!)

-->

4 Unlock after a failed update (Soft Brick)

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo or reboots cyclically after firmware, it's called a soft brick, and in most cases, the problem can be solved without a service center.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Press the Power + Volume Up → Choose "Wipe Data" → "If Recovery is not available, move to the next item.
• 📥 Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com, unpack and stitch through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔧 Firmware through EDL: If Fastboot doesn’t work, you’ll need an authorized Xiaomi account or a vulnerability (for example, Firehose is a good fit for Redmi 9).

Fastboot command (if the utility doesn’t work):

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Firmware that is not compatible with the software (e.g. global version of the Chinese model) can lead to a hard brick. → About phone → Model number).

💡

If the IMEI is missing after the firmware, restore it through the engineering menu: dial ##4636## → Phone Information → Select Network → enter IMEI (indicated on the box or under the battery).

5. Unlocking after hardware repair (IMEI, serial number)

If the motherboard or communication module is replaced, the phone needs activation or shows an error "This device is locked," the problem is that the IMEI or serial number mismatches, which is a common situation when buying a phone from hand after repair.

Options for a solution:

• 📇 Recovery IMEI: If IMEI erased, it can be restored through the engineering menu (see tip above) or utility SN Write Tool (requires authorization).
• 🔧 Firmware with original IMEI: Some workshops stitch a phone with “donor” data, but this is semi-legal and can lead to a network lock.
• 📞 Contacting the seller: If the phone is recently purchased, request a return or repair under warranty - a mismatch IMEI considered a disadvantage.

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI This method is illegal in some countries (including Russia under Art. 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). IMEI, boxed.

6 Unblocking through service centers and third-party services

If the independent methods did not help, you just need to contact the service.

Xiaomi’s official service centers in Russia and the CIS usually do not unlock the Mi Account or bootloader, they only repair the hardware.

Cost of services (for 2026):

⚠️ Warning: Check reviews and request a job guarantee before contacting the workshop. Fraudsters often charge upfront and disappear, especially when remotely unlocked via TeamViewer.

💡

If the phone is locked after buying from your hands, first try contacting the previous owner - they may have forgotten to unplug the Mi Account.

7. Alternative methods and unblocking myths

The Internet is full of tips like "dial a secret code" or "use this magic software." Most of them don't work or are dangerous.

Myth 1: “There is a universal code to reset your Mi Account”

Reality: There are no such codes. It used to be the deletion of gesture.key via TWRP, but with MIUI 13+, it stopped helping because of the hardware encryption.

Myth 2: “You can unlock through an engineering menu”

Reality: The engineering menu (#4636###) only allows you to check the IMEI or test the network. It doesn't give you access to locks.

Myth 3: “Firmware via SP Flash Tool will delete Mi Account”

Reality: SP Flash Tool only works on phones with MediaTek processors, but even then, Mi Cloud Lock will remain. EDL or.

Myth 4: “If you wait 72 hours, the lock will be removed by yourself.”

Reality: This was about old models (until 2019) and waiting is not helping, it needs concrete action.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi