How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 3 if you forget your password: all the working methods of 2026

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Mi 3 is a problem that many users are facing even 10 years after the release of this legendary smartphone.The device, released in 2013, is still used as a backup phone or media player, but its older versions of MIUI and the lack of modern methods of restoring access make unlocking difficult. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where it is enough to confirm a Mi Account, the Mi 3 often requires radical measures - from a reset via Recovery to firmware via Fastboot.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current unlocking methods, including those that work without data loss (if you previously tied Mi Account) and forced methods for cases where there are no other options. Importantly, the Xiaomi Mi 3 (codename cancro) has a closed bootloader, so some instructions for new smartphones do not apply here. We took into account all the nuances of the old firmware and prepared unique solutions that are not in the standard unlock guides.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

The safest way to do this is to use a Xiaomi account if you have linked it to your device, and on the Mi 3, this method works even after a hard reset, but only if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore access through the email/SMS).
• 🔄 The device did not manually delete the account through Settings → Mi Account → Remove Account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? if English is spoken).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email/phone associated with the account and the password.
4. Confirm the entrance – the device will unlock automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you enter data from Mi Account error "This device is locked", then the account was deleted manually or the smartphone is linked to another profile.

If you don’t remember your account details, try to restore access to account.xiaomi.com. Note that Xiaomi may request confirmation via SMS to the number associated with the account – if the SIM card is long gone, it will be difficult to restore access.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data, you can reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will erase all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. The Xiaomi Mi 3 uses Stock Recovery, which does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the Power button.
2. Press Volume Up (+) + On button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot to System.

The smartphone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, which works 100 percent, but has a critical drawback: total data loss. If you had important files on your device, try other methods first.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery doesn't work (for example, because of a damaged firmware), you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot. On Xiaomi Mi. 3 It works even with a blocked bootloader, but does not guarantee the safety of data.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 📄 Firmware for Xiaomi Mi 3 (for example, official) MIUI or).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down (-) + Turn on button until the screen with the hare in the header (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB/Fastboot and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi driver.

To reset your password without losing data (if possible):

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If this does not help, you will have to re-flash the device:

Fastboot flash recovery name file recovery.img


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi 3 with a locked bootloader, firmware through Fastboot can result in a "brick" (complete failure) if you use unofficial files. Always check firmware compatibility with the device's codename (cancrocro).

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If the smartphone is not determined after the command of fastboot devices, try another one. USB-The problem is often with the faulty cord, not the drivers.

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

If Xiaomi Mi 3 previously included debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the file with the password through ADB. This method saves data, but only works when two conditions are met:

1. USB debugging is activated in the developer settings.
2. The smartphone is connected to a PC on which ADB drivers are installed.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
2. Open the command line and enter:

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

Once you reboot, the password must be reset, and if you have a "permission denied" error, you don't have root permissions, in which case the method won't work.

On the Mi 3 with MIUI 5-7 (the most common version on this device), the path to password files may be different. If the standard command didn't work, try:

adb shell rm /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent methods did not help, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 The device is tied to Mi Account, but you don’t remember the data.
• 📱 Smartphone locked after failed firmware.
• ⚠️ The message on the screen reads: This device is locked by Mi Cloud".

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📧 Access to the email specified when registering for Mi Account (if linked).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the complexity, in some cases, the service center may offer firmware with a complete reset, if other methods are not possible.

Note: informal services often offer “unlock in 5 minutes”, but this is fraught with:

• 🚫 Installation of unlicensed software.
• 🔧 Damage to the loader.
• 📵 Loss. IMEI (Smartphone will stop catching the network).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi 3 with the bootloader locked, an unofficial firmware can lead to a “hard brick” – when the device stops turning on even in the Fastboot. EDL-mode (emergency firmware), which requires special equipment.

6. Alternative methods (for rare cases)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try the less common ones, and they're suitable for specific situations.

To enter EDL Mode on Xiaomi Mi 3 you need:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold the Loud up (+) + Loudness down (-) + plug in USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (the device will not display the logo).

Further actions require the Mi Flash Tool program and firmware in.tgz format.

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The EDL and Mi Flash Tool methods should only be used as a last resort, designed for power users and can permanently disable a device if you do the wrong thing.

Frequently asked questions