Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard procedure that helps return the device to factory settings, but after it many users face an unpleasant surprise: the phone requires you to enter a password from the Mi Account, which is tied to the device. Even if you are sure you remember the login data, the system may block access due to a shift. SIM-maps, regional restrictions or synchronization errors.
To make matters worse, Xiaomi is actively fighting device theft, so it’s often impossible to unlock bypassing an account using official methods. But don’t panic: there are legal and semi-legal ways to regain access to your smartphone. In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from official to technically complex, and explain why some “people’s” advice can harm your device.
Before you start unlocking, make sure you have:
- 📱 Xiaomi device with a battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid disconnection during the procedure).
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux (most).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality wires may interrupt the connection).
- 📝 Data from Mi Account (if you remember) or proof of device ownership (checks, box).
1.Official Unblocking through Mi Account
The easiest and safest way is to use a linked Mi Account, and if you remember your username (email or phone) and password, the procedure will take no more than 5 minutes.
On the lock screen, select Unlock with Mi Account (can be called Unlock with Mi Account in English firmware). Enter the login details. If the system requests a confirmation code, check your email or SMS (depending on your account settings).
- ⚠️ Regional problem: If the device was purchased in China and you are trying to log in through an account in another region (e.g. Russia), the system may block the attempt.
- 🔄 Password reset: If you forget your password, use the restore function on the Xiaomi website. You will need access to the mail or phone associated with your account.
- 📱 Time limit: After 5 failed login attempts, the system will block the account for 24 hours.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, official unlocking is not possible - you will need to contact the seller or use alternative methods.
If the phone is locked, try:
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet (sometimes the lock is removed after synchronization).
- Reboot the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.
2 Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
This is a good method if you don’t remember the data from Mi Account, but you are ready to work with Fastboot, Xiaomi’s firmware mode. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, otherwise you risk getting a brick.
Before you start, check:
- 🔧 Drivers are installed on the computer ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Android website).
- 📋 You have a backup of your data (the procedure can wipe everything off your device).
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, check the drivers.
- Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this command will erase all data!
- Sweat custom recovery (e.g. TWRP) if you need to bypass the lock: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Reboot to recovery (fastboot reboot recovery) and manually delete the lock files (folder /data/system/, gatekeeper. and locksettings.).
⚠️ Warning: Wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your smartphone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center.
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers | Download firmware for your model | Check bootloader status (unlocked/locked) | Backup data (if possible) | Charge your phone to 70%+
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3.Using EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL (Emergency Boot) is Xiaomi's "hidden" mode, which allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader.
- 🔌 Authorized cable EDL (Or a homemade adapter with contact closure).
- 💾 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool Program (Windows only).
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-- Cable to the computer. Hold the buttons. 10-15 seconds.
- If the screen is black, but the computer makes the device connect sound, EDL mode is activated.
Next:
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
- Press Refresh – the program must detect the device in COM-port mode.
- Select the Clean all and lock option and press Flash.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot in a factory state without being tied to the Mi Account.
| Unlocking method | An unlocked bootloader is required | Erase data | Difficulty | Risk of "bricking" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐ Easy. | ❌ No. |
| Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ Middle-Average | ✅ High-pitched |
| EDL | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. | ✅ Very tall. |
| ADB | ✅ Yes (sometimes) | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Middle-Average | ✅ Medium. |
4. Bypassing locking through ADB (for debugging devices)
If USB debugging is enabled on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock developer options → Settings → Additional → For developers → USB debugging), you can try to delete lock files via ADB.
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission (if requested).
- Open the command line and type in: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
After restarting, lock the pattern lock or PIN-The code will be reset, but the Mi Account will remain tied!
⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) This method may not work due to enhanced dm-verity protection.
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If USB debugging wasn’t enabled before reset, this method won’t work. Try logging in to Fastboot first and temporarily activating ADB with fastboot oem enable-adb (not working on all models).
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of the self-unblocking attempts fail, the official path is to go to an authorized service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
What will be required:
- 📄 Documents for the phone (check, warranty card, box with serial number).
- 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
- 📧 Mi Account (if you remember) or proof of purchase (if your account is not yours).
The process can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks.In some cases, Xiaomi requires you to pay for unlocking (about 1000-3000 rubles), even if the phone is warranty.
Where to find the official service:
- On the Xiaomi Service Locator website.
- Through the Mi Community app (Support section).
- In partner stores (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video).
What if the service center refuses to help?
6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)
There are dozens of magical ways to unlock Xiaomi online, from using the Mi Flash Pro to closing contacts on the board, most of which are either outdated or high-risk, and we will list only those that have at least some proof of performance:
- 🔧 Firmware through SP Flash Tool: Suitable for MediaTek processor devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31). Requires downloading of the scatter file and firmware. Risk: high probability of errors in the wrong file selection.
- 📱 Use of Custom Recovery: Installation TWRP OrangeFox allows you to bypass some locks, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
- 🔄 Reset via test menu: Some models have a #3646633## (Engineer Mode) combination, but it doesn't take the Mi Account off the hook.
⚠️ Attention: Physically-intrusive techniques (closing contacts, flashing through testpoints) can make your phone down, and should only be used if you are an electronics expert or under the guidance of an experienced wizard.
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No alternative method guarantees 100% results, and if the phone is important, it is better to contact the service or use official methods.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the simple rules:
- 🔐 Untie Mi Account before selling: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out and do the reset.
- 📝 Save your account information: Write your login and password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
- 🌍 Buy devices in official stores: This will save you from problems with regional locks.
- 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Sometimes they fix the blockage bugs.
If you reset settings frequently (for example, for firmware testing), turn on USB debugging and back up the /data partition via TWRP. This will allow you to quickly restore access.