A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that even experienced users face, and the main problem is that most standard unlock methods (such as resetting via Recovery) lead to complete data loss, but there are ways to bypass screen lock without deleting files if you are properly prepared and take into account the nuances of MIUI firmware.
In this article, we will discuss the current methods of unlocking Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO for 2026, including working with ADB, Fastboot, Mi Account and even hardware solutions. We will analyze which methods work on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), and which are suitable only for older devices with an unlocked bootloader. Importantly, on devices with MIUI 14+ and activated Data Protection feature, some methods may not work due to increased security.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and legitimate method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi models if:
- 🔹 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 🔹 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.
- 🔹 The smartphone does not activate the function "Data Protection" (in the MIUI 14+).
Instructions:
- On the locked screen, tap the Forgot Password button (usually at the bottom of the screen).
- Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the authorization details.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Set a new password or pattern lock.
⚠️ Note: If the Data Protection function is activated on the device (included in Settings) → Password and security, after unlocking through Mi Account, the phone will require you to enter the old password to decrypt data.
2.Use of ADB (for USB debugging devices)
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable if USB debugging was previously enabled on your smartphone. This is rare, but if you have set up a phone for development or connected it to a PC, there is a chance. The method works on MIUI 12-14, but may not work on new models with enhanced protection (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original, do not damage the port!).
- 📥 Established ADB and Fastboot.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
- Delete the password file (for the pattern lock): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key For PIN/password: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ gesture.key and password.key can be stored in an encrypted partition. If the password is not reset after rebooting, try an alternative command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericIt will call the password change menu, but will require you to enter the old one (if it does not reset).
Install ADB and Fastboot|Download Xiaomi drivers for your model|Check the debugging on-line USB (If not, the method will not work)|Prepare original USB-cable-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If your Xiaomi has a Bootloader Unlocked, you can reset your password through Fastboot mode. This method does not delete data, but requires technical skills. Suitable for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models with an unlocked bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team).
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and open the terminal.
- Check the connection: fastboot devices
- Delete password files (similarly) ADB): fastboot erase userdata ⚠️ This command does not format a section /data, It just resets the lock settings.
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
🔹 Important: On some models (for example, POCO F5) After this procedure, you may need to re-activate Mi Account. If the phone requests a password from the account, enter it - the data will remain in place.
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
4. Bypassing locks via Safe Mode (for older versions of MIUI)
Nana MIUI 10-12, you can try to delete the password through Safe Mode.The method works if the lock is installed by a third-party application (for example, AppLock), and not the system. PIN-For new versions. MIUI this way is irrelevant.
How to turn on Safe Mode:
- On the locked screen, press the Power button until the off menu appears.
- Tap and hold the option to Turn Off (or Reboot) before a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
- Confirm the reboot. When you turn on, you'll see Safe Mode at the bottom of the screen.
Further action:
- 🔓 If the lock was from a third-party app, remove it through Settings → Annexes.
- 🔧 If the password is system, try resetting it through Settings. → Password and security (sometimes Safe Mode allows you to change your settings without entering your current password).
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13+ Signing into Safe Mode may require you to enter a password. If this method does not work, move on to other ways.
5. Hardware methods (for experienced users)
If the software fails, hardware solutions remain, requiring disassembly of the device or the use of specialized equipment, suitable for models where data protection is not activated (for example, Redmi 9A, POCO M3).
Options:
| Method | Description | Risks. | Models. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-circuiting of contacts | Power out of the memory module by closing the test points on the board, requires a soldering iron and circuitry. | Failure of the motherboard, loss of warranty. | Xiaomi until 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 7) |
| Use of boxing (UFi, EasyJTAG) | Connecting via JTAG or ISP to reset a password requires the purchase of equipment (~$200-$500). | Firmware damage, IMEI lock. | Any model, but new (for example, Xiaomi 13T) requires bypass protection. |
| Replacement of the eMMC chip | Transferring data to a new chip with pre-dumped firmware is expensive and difficult. | Data loss in case of incorrect soldering, high cost. | Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO with a removable memory chip. |
🔹 Warning: Hardware methods void warranty and can cause the device to fail completely. If you have no experience in soldering or electronics, you should contact a service center. On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 14), these methods often don’t work because of hardware protection (Qualcomm Secure Boot).
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Before disassembling your smartphone, take a picture of all the plumes and screws. Use plastic blades to avoid damaging the case. If you're not sure, don't take any chances!
6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)
If standard methods don’t work, try these options:
- 📞 Calling a locked phone: Call the device from another phone, take a call, and while you're talking, try opening Settings through the notification panel. MIUI 14+ This method doesn't usually work.
- 🔄 Firmware rollback: If a custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) was installed on the smartphone, you can try to roll back to stock MIUI Data can be saved, but the risk of losing it is high.
- 📧 Restore via Google: On some models (e.g., Google Restore, POCO X3) After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, a button appears: Forgot the password? with the recovery option via Google Account.
🔹 Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, many alternative methods are blocked. For example, bypassing through Google Account is disabled due to Xiaomi's security policy.
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If the smartphone activates the Data Protection feature (MIUI 14+), unlocking without data loss is almost impossible, in which case the only way out is to reset via Recovery and delete all files.