Forgot the Mi Account password and the phone number is not available?The situation is familiar to thousands of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO users who face lockdown after resetting or buying a used device. Without access to the original number, unlocking becomes a puzzle: standard SMS recovery methods or a call do not work, and Xiaomi support requires proof of ownership.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking, from official (through support and documents) to technical (bypassing locks via Fastboot and EDL). Importantly, not all methods are universal β their effectiveness depends on the device model, the version of MIUI and the type of lock (activation or after reset), We also warn against fraudulent services that promise βinstant unlockβ for money, but often leave users without results and without funds.
Why Mi Accounts Block a Device Without a Phone Number
Mi Cloud uses phone number binding as the primary method of protection against theft and unauthorized access. When you reset your settings or try to log in from a new device, the system requests confirmation via SMS.
- π± Lost (Sim card blocked, number handed over to operator)
- π Transferred to another owner (when selling a used phone)
- π« Blocked (debts, fraud, sanctions)
- π Belongs to another region (e.g., Chinese number for global version) MIUI)
Moreover, Xiaomi may request additional data (IMEI, serial number, purchase check) if the account was created in another region (for example, for devices with CN or IN firmware).
A critical feature: since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy β now, to unlock through support, you need to provide a scan of the account holderβs passport (even if the device is bought with hands), which complicates the process, but does not make it impossible.
Official Unlocking Methods (via Xiaomi Support)
If you have access to an email linked to your Mi Account or documents on your device, start with the official channels. Xiaomi provides several ways to prove ownership:
- Email recovery Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot Password β Restore via email. The linked email will be linked to reset password. Importantly, if the email is not available, this method will not work.
- Contact in support with documents Write in official support or create a ticket through Mi Community: π Scan of the passport (page with photo and registration) π± IMEI Devices (indicated on the box or in the About phone settings) π Check of purchase (if the device is new) or contract of sale (for used)
The timeframe for processing the request is 3 to 14 days, and if the documents are in order, support will send you an unblocking instruction or reset the account remotely.
β οΈ Note: If the device was purchased on AliExpress, Gearbest or other marketplaces, check if the sellerβs account is linked to it. In this case, unlocking through Xiaomi support is impossible β you will need to contact the seller.
Alternative ways to unlock without a phone number
If the official methods don't work, there are still technical solutions, and their effectiveness depends on the model of the device and the firmware version.
1. Unlock via Fastboot mode (for devices up to 2021)
The method works on Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3). You will need a computer with installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.
Install Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Download the firmware for your model|Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Power) + Vol-)|Disable antivirus (can block tools)|Backup of data (if possible)-->
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Vol- until the Mi Bunny logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Sign in to your Mi Account (if requested). If your account is blocked, try using another email linked to the device.
- Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
β οΈ Limitations: From 2022, Xiaomi will block unlocking via Fastboot for devices with a tied account.If the tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock", proceed to the next method.
2. Bypassing the lock via EDL mode (for advanced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device bypassing the Mi Account lock, which works on most Xiaomi models, but requires:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 10/11
- π Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
- π¦ Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com)
- π§ Tools: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Attention! The wrong actions in EDL mode can turn the device into a brick. If you are not sure about your skills, contact a specialist.
Instructions:
- Install the Qualcomm driver and Mi Flash Tool.
- Put your phone in EDL mode: For most models: turn off the phone, press Vol+++ Vol- and connect to your PC. Some devices (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) will require short circuit test points on the motherboard.
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
Mi Account.
What if the Mi Flash Tool canβt see the device?
3. Use of third-party services (risks and cautions)
There are many offers on the Internet to unlock Mi Account for money (from 500 to 5000 rubles), some of them are fraud, some do work, but with risks:
| Type of service | Cost | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Services (IMEI Entering) | 500β1500 β½ | High risk of fraud, possible data leakage | Low (often not working) |
| Remote unlocking (via TeamViewer) | 1000β3000 β½ | Malware installation, data theft | Medium (depending on model) |
| Local workshops | 2000β5000 β½ | Minimum (if there are reviews) | High (if the master is experienced) |
| Self-supported firmware (EDL/Fastboot) | Free of charge. | Risk of "bricking" of the device | High (with the right actions) |
β οΈ Note: Check before payment:
- π Availability of feedback on the service on independent sites (for example, 4PDA, XDA Developers).
- π Money back guarantee in case of failure.
- π‘οΈ Does the service use official Xiaomi tools or pirated software.
π‘
Before contacting a third-party service, try to contact the previous owner of the device. If the phone is purchased from hand, ask the seller for a username and password from the Mi Account - this is the fastest way to unlock.
Unlock on specific Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi devices have unique unlock features. Consider popular models:
Redmi Note 9/10/11 Series
Devices on the MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi Note 9T, Redmi Note 10S) do not support unlocking via Fastboot.
- π§ Firmware through SP Flash Tool (similar to Mi Flash Tool for MediaTek).
- π± Recovery bypass: Some custom recovery (e.g. OrangeFox) allow you to reset your Mi Account without full firmware.
POCO F1/F2/F3/F4
POCO devices are often blocked due to a link to the previous owner's account.
- Try logging into Fastboot and using the Mi Unlock Tool (even if your account is blocked, sometimes a reset via email works).
- For POCO F3 (alioth), a short-circuiting test point method for entering the EDL is suitable.
Xiaomi Mi 11/12 Series
Flagship models with Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1 processor have enhanced protection.
- π Official Unblocking through Support (with Documentation).
- π οΈ Firmware through an authorized account EDL (Requires the purchase of loans from official partners Xiaomi).
π‘
On devices with a MediaTek chip (such as the Redmi Note 11), unlocking via Fastboot is not possible - use the SP Flash Tool or contact the service center.
What to do if nothing helps
If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:
- In service centers can offer to replace the fee with a new one (without reference to the Mi Account). The cost is from 5000 to 15000 rubles depending on the model.
- If the phone is locked without unlocking, it can be sold as a display, battery or camera donor, and on Avito or Yula, these devices are bought for 30-50% of the market value.
- If the device was purchased in the official Xiaomi store and blocked due to the manufacturerβs fault (for example, due to an account linking error), you can write a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor. In some cases, this helps to speed up unlocking through support.
β οΈ Note: Do not attempt to hack Mi Account through password selection or exploiting vulnerabilities. Xiaomi is actively fighting against such methods, and after several unsuccessful attempts, the device can be locked permanently (Device Locked status").