The Xiaomi smartphone that we found is a situation that many people are facing, with a device with excellent specs, and a locked screen, a tied Mi Account account, or FRP protection, which Xiaomi has tightened security measures in 2026, so standard unlock methods that have worked before may not work.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the found Xiaomi β from official (through proof of ownership) to technical (bypass locks through Fastboot or EDL). It is important to understand that some methods require special skills, and the wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a βbrick.β If you are not sure of your abilities, you should consult specialists.
Before you start, answer two key questions: 1. Do you have proof of legal ownership of the device (check, box, sales contract)? 2. Are you prepared for some methods to wipe all data from your phone?
1. Check the type of lock: Mi Account, FRP or PIN-code
The first step is to determine which lock is on the one Xiaomi finds, and it depends on the choice of unlock method. There are three main types:
- π PIN-Code/pattern lock is the easiest lock that can be reset via Recovery Mode or Fastboot.
- π± Mi Account β binding to Xiaomi account, requires login and password after reset.
- π§ FRP (Factory Reset Protection β Google protection activated after resetting if a Google account has been added to your device.
How to know what lock on the phone?
| Type of lockdown | Signs. | Can you get around without a password? |
|---|---|---|
| PIN/pattern lock | Asks to enter the unlock code when enabled | Yes, through the dump. |
| Mi Account | After reset, asks to enter a login / password from the Xiaomi account | Difficult (proof of ownership required) |
| FRP | After reset, asks to enter data from the Google account that was on the device | Maybe (there are workarounds) |
If you have a screen that says, "This device is locked by Mi Account" or "Verify your account," that's 100% Mi Account lock. FRP. PIN-The code or pattern lock usually appears immediately when you turn on.
β οΈ Note: If Xiaomiβs βFind My Deviceβ is enabled on the device, even after bypassing Mi Account, the phone may be remotely locked by the previous owner. β Mi Account β Find My Device (if available).
2.Official way: Unlocking through Xiaomi support
The most legal and safe method is to contact Xiaomi Support, which can unlock the device if you provide proof of legal ownership.
- π You have a check, box or sales contract.
- π± The phone was given and you can confirm it (for example, through correspondence).
- π You bought the device with your hands, but the seller forgot to untie the account.
How it works:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and select Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form by specifying the IMEI of the device (you can find it through the *#06# set or on the sticker under the battery).
If you don't have the documents, the chances of unlocking are minimal. Xiaomi is very strict about security and rarely goes to meet without confirmation.
- π Call support on 8 800 777 05 45 (for Russia) and explain the situation.
- π§ Write to support@xiaomi.com with detailed description (in English).
β οΈ Warning: If you find a phone on the street, official unlocking is virtually impossible, in which case only technical methods remain (see the following sections), but they can violate warranty and the law.
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Before contacting for support, take a picture of the serial number (on the box or under the battery) and IMEI. This will speed up the verification process.
3. Unlocking PIN-code-key
If you find Xiaomi, you only have PIN-There are a few working ways to get around it, like a code or a pattern lock:
Method 1: Resetting through Recovery Mode
This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models (except for the new flagships with reset protection).
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" β "Wipe All Data".
- Confirm the reset and restart the device.
After this procedure, all data will be erased, but the lock will be removed. However, if a Xiaomi or Google account was linked to the phone, a username/password request (Mi Account or FRP) may appear after the reboot.
Method 2: Unlocking through Fastboot (for advanced)
If Recovery Mode is not available or not working, you can try resetting the lock via Fastboot. ADB and Fastboot.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Open the command line and type in: fastboot oem clean_all For new models: fastboot erase userdata
- Reboot the device with command: fastboot reboot
This method doesnβt work on all devices (e.g., Xiaomi 12/13 may require Mi Account authorization even in Fastboot).
βοΈ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot
4.Blocking Mi Account: Possible Methods
Mi Account is the most complex lock on Xiaomi, tied to a hardware device ID, and itβs almost impossible to get around it without a password, but there are a few ways that might work on older models (until 2021).
Method 1: Using vulnerabilities in firmware (for experienced)
Some Xiaomi firmware has vulnerabilities that can bypass Mi Account through ADB or special scripts, such as devices with MIUI 10-12 that sometimes work as follows:
- Install the Mi Account Unlock Tool on PC.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Run the script and follow the instructions.
β οΈ Risks: This method can permanently lock the bootloader if something goes wrong. Use it at your own risk!
Method 2: Flashing through EDL (Engineering Mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device without locking.
- π₯οΈ Computer with Mi Flash Tool.
- π Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- π§ Authorized Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader (if required).
Step-by-step:
- Transfer the phone to EDL mode (usually by closing contacts on the board or via adb reboot edl command).
- Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select firmware and press "Flash".
- Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).
After the flashing, the device will be as new, but:
- β The Mi Account lock will be removed.
- β All data will be deleted.
- β οΈ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Authorization may be required to unlock the bootloader.
What if the Mi Flash Tool canβt see the device?
5. bypass FRP (Google Account) on Xiaomi
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is blocked after resetting if a Google account has been added to the device, and can be bypassed in several ways on Xiaomi.
Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (for MIUI 12β14)
This method works for most Redmi and Poco models:
- On the welcome screen, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Click on the Wi-Fi password entry bar and hold it until the Share menu appears.
- Select βMessageβ or βGmailβ β this will open access to the settings.
- Go to Settings β Accounts and delete the linked Google account.
- Reset the device.
Method 2: Use of the APK-files MIUI 10β11)
If the first method did not work, you can try to install special software through ADB:
- Download Bypass FRP APK.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: adb install bypass_frp.apk
- Launch the installed application and follow the instructions.
β οΈ Important: On new versions MIUI (13+) This method may not work due to increased protection.
Method 3: Reset via Test Point (for experienced)
If the software methods don't work, you can try a hardware reset through Test Point, which requires disassembling the device and closing the contacts on the motherboard.
- Remove the back of the phone.
- Find Test Point (usually signed as "TP" or "EDL").
- Close the contacts with tweezers and connect USB-cable.
- The phone will go to EDL mode β then run it through the Mi Flash Tool.
β οΈ Warning: Incorrectly closing contacts can cause a phone to fail, a method only recommended for advanced users or service centers.
6. What should I do if nothing helps?
If all of these methods fail, you have a few options:
- π§ Contact a service center β some workshops have access to official unlocking tools (but it is a paid service, ~1500β3000 β½).
- π± Use the phone as a βbrickβ β some models can be reflashed in LineageOS or other custom firmware, but this will disable many features (camera, mobile network, etc.).
- π Sell for parts β if unlocking is not possible, you can profitably sell the display, battery or motherboard.
If you find the phone and can't unlock it, you better return it to the rightful owner.
- Try calling from another phone (if you have a phone number). SIM-card not blocked).
- Contact the police β they can find the owner by IMEI.
- Leave an ad in local social media groups.
Remember: illegal unlocking of someone elseβs phone can be considered a violation of Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (βIllegal access to computer informationβ).
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If the phone is found on the street, the best way out is to try to return it to the owner.Unlocking without proof of ownership can have legal consequences.