How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone if you forgot the password lock screen: 7 proven ways

Forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to statistics from service centers, 18% of screen lock requests are related to loss of access due to forgotten access. PIN-A code, a pattern lock or a fingerprint, and the problem is compounded by the fact that modern Redmi smartphones are not a part of the world, POCO and Mi store encrypted data: without the correct password, even after resetting via Recovery, files may not be available.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (using ADB and Fastboot). Importantly, the methods are different for devices with an unlocked bootloader and those where it is locked by the factory. We will also explain how to minimize data loss and avoid re-blocking. If your Xiaomi requests a password after a reboot or update, here you will find a solution.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models is to use a tied Mi Account. The condition is one: the smartphone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), and you remember the username and password from the account. If you previously logged in to Mi Cloud or synchronized data, the chances of success are 95%.

Instructions:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with Mi Account. Click Next.
• 🔐 Enter your account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS email.
• 📱 Once you've successfully logged in, the system will suggest resetting the lock password. PIN graphical.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Does not work if the smartphone is disconnected from the network (for example, after resetting settings).
• ⚠️ On devices with a locked bootloader (most new models) after 5 failed attempts to enter a password may require waiting 24-72 hours.
• ⚠️ If the Mi Account was not previously linked, the method is useless.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the login data, there is a hard reset through the recovery mode.This method will delete all data on the device, including photos, messages and installed applications. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), after the reset, you may need to log in to the Mi Account to activate.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).

Important: Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may have a "This device is locked" error after reset, which means that the bootloader is locked and you will need to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you need a PC).
• 📱 Or enter data from the Mi Account that was tied to the device before the reset.

Disable your Google Account (if you have one) by Find My Device

Download Xiaomi drivers for PC (in case of unlocking the bootloader)

Prepare data from Mi Account (if linked)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if you have access to a PC and have ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.The method works even on locked bootloaders, but requires Xiaomi's MI Unlock Tool. Attention: on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) after unlocking the bootloader, Anti-Rollback protection is reset, which can lead to update issues.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or MI Unlock Tool).
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and start the MI Unlock Tool (Migret Account authorization required).
4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
5. After unlocking, run the device through Fastboot using the command: fastboot flash all [firmware name].tgz

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty. on some models (e.g., on some models, POCO F5) After this procedure, Widevine stops working. L1, What reduces the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney+ before 480p.

If MI Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try it.

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔄 Reboot your PC and smartphone, try again.

4.Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the smartphone has previously been activated debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer options, you can reset the password through ADB The method only works when connected to a PC that previously confirmed access to the device (i.e. was accepted). RSA-key).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder and execute: adb shell 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
3. Reboot the device with the adb reboot command.

What to do if ADB does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check if the original cable is used (not all) USB-cables support data transmission).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔄 Switch the Connection Mode on your smartphone (if available) to File Transfer (MTP).

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If USB debugging wasn’t enabled but you have root access, try connecting via ADB in Recovery mode (TWRP type custom recovery is required).

5 Unlocking through Find My Device (Google)

If you have a Google Account authorized and sync enabled on your smartphone, you can try resetting your password through Find My Device. The method works only when you have an active Internet connection on your device and if you have not previously reset through Recovery (in this case, Google Account is blocked).

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to Find My Device and log in under the same account as you do on your smartphone.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click Lock Device and enter a new password (it will replace the old one after rebooting).
4. If the option is not available, try to erase the data (full reset).

Limitations:

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Find My Device on some firmware MIUI You may need to re-authorize in Mi Account to unlock the bootloader. If you don't remember your account details, the smartphone will turn into a brick".

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all these methods did not work, you can contact the official service center. Xiaomi provides the unlock service on the passport of the owner (purchase confirmation is required). The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (or another state where the smartphone was purchased).
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if retained).
• 📱 The device itself with a charge of at least 30%.
• 🔐 Data from Mi Account if it was tied.

Timeline and nuance:

• ⏳ Unblocking takes 1 to 3 working days.
• 🔧 On devices with damaged screen (not responsive to touch) may need to replace the display.
• 📦 If the smartphone was bought abroad, service centers in Russia may refuse service.

The addresses of official Xiaomi services in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before visiting, check by phone if they provide an unlock service - some centers specialize only in repairs.

7. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official methods did not help, you can find "gray" methods of unlocking on the Internet, for example:

• 🔓 Passage EDL-Emergency Firmware Requires Special Equipment (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and knowledge of QFil or MiFlash commands.
• 🛠️ TestPoint flashing. Suitable for MediaTek processor models (e.g. Redmi 9, POCO M3). Risk: High chance of turning the device into a brick".
• 💻 Use of paid services like DC-Unlocker or Octoplus. the cost is from 500 rubles, but there is no guarantee of success.

Why these methods are dangerous:

• ⚠️ Breaking the chain of trust MIUI may result in loss IMEI or a broken chamber.
• ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro after such manipulations can work Anti-Rollback, blocking updates.
• ⚠️ Service centers refuse to repair devices after unofficial unlocking.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

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If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center. Incorrect firmware or unlocking the bootloader can lead to a complete loss of operation of the device, and recovery will cost more than official unlocking.