How to unlock a password on Xiaomi: all working ways in 2026

Why Xiaomi is getting blocked and what to do first

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users face, according to service center statistics.The reasons range from banal forgetfulness to failures after the MIUI update. But before you start taking drastic measures, check the obvious solutions: maybe you enter a password with a different keyboard layout or use an old version of a fingerprint that has ceased to be recognized after the phone drops.

The first thing to do is calm down and not panic. Most unlocking methods don't require special skills, but it's important to assess the risks. For example, a Recovery Mode reset will delete all data if there was no backup. And an attempt to hack through third-party programs can lead to the Mi Account being blocked for suspected fraud. So start with the safest ways and only then move on to radical measures.

If the phone is locked after failing to enter a password, the screen may display a message such as "Try again in 30 minutes" or "Device locked."

• 🔄 Wait for the specified time (usually 30 seconds to 24 hours) – the timer will reset automatically.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile networks – sometimes the system requires checking over the Internet.
• 🔑 Try to enter the last used PIN-code or pattern lock (if included).

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔗 Device tied to Mi Account prior to lockdown.
• 🔒 You remember the login (email or phone number) and password from the account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button “Forgot password?”.
2. Select the option “Unlock with Mi Account” (or “Unlock with Mi Account”).
3. Enter your email/phone number and password from your Mi Account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If after entering the data, an error appears “The device is not tied to the account”, then:

• 🚫 The account was manually untied through settings.
• 🔄 The phone was reset to factory settings without leaving the Mi Account.
• 📵 The device was purchased from hands and the previous owner did not remove his binding.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the seller did not untie your Mi Account, it is officially impossible to unlock the phone.The only way out is to contact the seller for account details or return the device.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is a factory reset, which works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Mi, but has a critical drawback: all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be permanently deleted.

• 🔐 You don't remember the password from your Mi Account.
• 📱 There is no important data on the phone (or it is synced to the cloud).
• 🔧 Other ways didn't work.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older Redmi (until 2019): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery Mode

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

If the phone requires you to enter Mi Account details after the reset, then the Mi Cloud Lock function was enabled, in which case you can only unlock the device through the previous owner's official account.

Backup (if you have access to the PC)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Refining the model for the correct button combination

Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 and later) may require you to enter an old password after Hard Reset to confirm the reset. If you don’t remember it, the phone will become a “brick” – you can only restore it through the service center.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that lets you control your phone through a computer.

• 🖥️ The phone's debugging on. USB (developer-setting).
• 🔌 There is access to a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📂 You have previously connected your phone to this PC (to avoid asking permission).

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Connect the blocked Xiaomi to the PC via USB-cable.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder.
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should have your device name) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
5. After resetting, the password will be reset.

If the phone still requires a password after completing the commands, try an alternative method via fastboot:

fastboot oem unlock

But keep in mind that this will result in a complete reset and may void the warranty.

Method 4: Using Fastboot Mode to Unlock the Booter

If previous methods have failed and the phone has Bootloader Lock enabled, you can try unlocking it via Fastboot.This is the official method from Xiaomi, but it requires:

• 📱 Linked Mi Account (even if you don't remember your phone password).
• 🖥️ Computers with Mi Unlock Tool and drivers installed.
• ⏳ Expectations 7-14 days (if the account is new or the phone is not tied to it for a long time).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account (if you forgot your password, restore it via email/SMS).
5. If you see a message that says "Wait for 72/168 hours", you have to wait for the specified time.
6. Once you unlock the bootloader, run your phone through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty and may lead to update issues MIUI. In addition, some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) will no longer have data encryption and security features, such as Face Unlock, after unlocking.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔒 Phone locked via Mi Cloud Lock (requires previous owner's data).

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).

Should I go to the service? Pros and cons:

Before visiting the service, check if it is an official partner of Xiaomi.A list of authorized centers can be found on the website mi.com.Avoid "handicraft" workshops - they often use illegal unlock methods that can lead to blocking IMEI.

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If the phone is purchased abroad (for example, on AliExpress), check before contacting the service whether it supports international versions of Xiaomi.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 📱 If Xiaomi is older than 3-4 years, it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new model than to pay for unlocking and repairs.

To flash through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) you will need:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers.
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware.

Warning: This method is only suitable for Qualcomm-based devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3). Phones on Mediatek (e.g. Redmi 9A) will require other software, such as the SP Flash Tool.

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EDL flashing is an extreme method that can cause IMEI loss or communication module failure, and only use it if you are confident in your actions or under the guidance of an experienced professional.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi