How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone if you forget the lock password: the full guide 2026

Why Xiaomi is getting blocked and what to do first

Forgotten password on Xiaomi is a bad situation, but not a hopeless one.The brand’s modern smartphones (from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14) use layered data protection, so simply rebooting or retrieving. SIM-The first thing you need to do is not panic or try to guess the password at random, and after 5-10 attempts, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or erase all data (if Autoclean is enabled).

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot). Importantly, some methods require pre-binding an account or enabled debugging over USB — if you did not do this in advance, some instructions will not be available. Also remember that any manipulation of the firmware can lead to a loss of warranty.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account?
• 📱 Is it on the phone? USB-debugging (in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI)?
• 💾 Is there a backup of data (for example, in Mi Cloud or on PC)?
• 🔧 Is your model suitable for unlocking through Fastboot (check on the official website of Xiaomi)?

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (the most secure method)

If your Xiaomi is tied to a Mi Account and your device has mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled, this will work 90% of the time, and the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the network (even if the screen is locked), the instructions are suitable for Redmi models, POCO and Xiaomi lineup on MIUI 12-14.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (or Forgot password on English firmware).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm the entrance through SMS-mail-in.
5. Follow the system instructions to create a new password.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has internet shut down, this method won't work, and some models (e.g. Xiaomi) will also work. 13T Pro with HyperOS may require additional verification through a Google Account if it was linked to.

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network|

Remember the email/number linked to Mi Account|

You have access to mail or SMS to confirm |

The phone does not have the "Find Device" function on it (can block unlocking)-->

Method 2: Reset password through Find Device (if enabled)

Find Device, Google's equivalent of Find My Phone, not only allows you to track your smartphone's location, but also remotely reset your lock password, which works even if your phone isn't currently connected to the Internet, because the command will go the first time you connect.

How to take advantage of:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Click Delete Data (or Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action – the phone will be reset to factory settings, and the password removed.

⚠️ Warning: This method completely erases all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If the phone was enabled sync with Mi Cloud, some data can be restored after unlocking.

Method 3: Unlocking with Recovery Mode (without data loss)

Recovery Mode allows you to reset your password without completely clearing the data, but only if the phone does not have encryption enabled (by default it is activated on the phone). MIUI 12+ This method is suitable for Redmi models. 9/10/Note 11 older.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Do not choose Format Data – it will erase everything!).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, the phone will turn on without a password, but the apps and settings will remain, but if encryption is enabled, the data will become unavailable, and a complete reset will be required.

💡

If Recovery Mode doesn't have Wipe All Data, try connecting your phone to your PC and using the Mi Flash Tool to flash it, but it's risky -- it requires firmware skills.

Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable, but also the most complex, requiring an unlocked bootloader and only suitable for models that support official unlocking (the list is available on Xiaomi’s website), and if the bootloader is blocked, this method will not work without waiting (usually 7-30 days).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with firmware for your model.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.


2. Connect the phone to the PC and check for device detection by the command:




fastboot devices




3. Download the firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global) and unpack it.




4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.




5. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).




6 After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be erased.

⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better go to the service center. Also note that unlocking the bootloader resets all data and removes the warranty.

💡

Unlocking through Fastboot is the only way to get around the password on models with a locked bootloader, but requires waiting (up to 30 days) and technical skills.

Method 5: Use ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone was pre-installed on the debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password through ADB It's a data-free method. MIUI 11-14 and requires access to a computer.

Algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot
3. After resetting, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) This method may not work because of the increased protection, and root rights are required, which void the warranty.

Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, the last option is the official service center. Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking documents (passport + check of purchase), the cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What you need to know:

• 📄 Take your passport and documents on the phone (box, check).
• ⏳ Unblocking period - from 1 to 5 days.
• 💾 Data may be stored, but not always (depending on service policy).
• 🔒 If the phone is blacklisted (stolen/lost), unlocking will not be possible.

The official service centers can be found on Xiaomi's website. Avoid "grey" workshops - they may use illegal methods that will damage the device.

Unlocking methods comparison: what to choose?

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi