Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi code or password, and the phone stores important photos, correspondence and documents? Standard ways of unlocking (for example, through Find My Device or reset to Recovery) erase all data from the device. But there are alternative methods that allow you to bypass the lock screen or Mi Account without formatting internal memory.
In this article, the current 2026 ways to unlock for smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware).
- 🔓 Bypassing the screen lock through ADB and Fastboot (for devices with debugging enabled).
- 📱 Unblocking your Mi Account without deleting data (including if your phone is not activated).
- 🛠️ Software Methods for Models with Qualcomm and Mediatek Processors.
- ⚠️ Risks and Limitations of Each Way – What Could Go Wrong.
Important: Not all methods are universal. Success depends on the smartphone model, MIUI version, Bootloader status, and other factors. If you are not sure about your actions, contact Xiaomi Service Center (but be prepared to provide proof of ownership of the device).
1. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If your Xiaomi has previously activated USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 times tap, then Additional → For developers → USB debugging), the chances of unlocking the device without losing data are maximum.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📦 ADB Fastboot Tools by Google.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC. On the lock screen, you will see a request for debugging permission - click "Allow" (if the screen responds to touch).
- Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder and do:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, enter:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericThis command should open the lock change menu. If not, try the alternative:
adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Tools and unpack into a separate folder|Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable|Check the display of the device in adb devices-->
⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with the MIUI 13+) This method may not work due to the increased protection, in which case try the method with Fastboot (section 3).
2. bypassing the lock screen via Safe Mode (for older versions of MIUI)
If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 11 or older, you can try booting into Safe Mode, where some stock locking apps may not work.
How to start Safe Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
- Press the Power button and hold it until the Mi logo appears.
- Once the logo appears, press and hold the volume button until the system is fully loaded.
In the lower right corner of the screen, you'll see the Safe Mode message.
- 📱 Try to install a new one. PIN/Password in Settings → Screen locking.
- 🔄 If you don’t, remove locking apps (like Screen Lock) that may have been installed by third-party launchers.
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If Safe Mode doesn’t start, try an alternative way: Hold both Volume Up + Volume Down buttons until the recovery menu appears, then select Safe Mode (if there is one).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ Safe mode is often disabled or does not allow you to change the lock settings, and after rebooting to normal mode, the old password can return.
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for unlocked Bootloader)
If your Xiaomi has a Bootloader unlocked, you can try removing the lock files via Fastboot, which does not erase user data, but requires technical skills.
What do you need?
- 🔧 Unlocked Bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team - look for Device unlocked: true).
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot and drivers.
- 📄 Backup of data (in case of error).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check for its detection:
fastboot devices- Delete the lock files (for MIUI 12-14):
fastboot erase locksettings
fastboot erase gatekeeper- Reset the device:
fastboot reboot| Xiaomi model | Support for the method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9/10/11 | ✅ Yes. | It works on most firmware, except the Chinese version with Anti-Rollback. |
| POCO X3/X4 | ✅ Yes. | You need to pre-unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | ⚠️ Partially. | On global firmware works, on Chinese - you may need an additional command fastboot erase frp. |
| Redmi K40/K50 | ❌ No. | Anti-Rollback 4+ protects the changes via Fastboot. |
⚠️ Note: On devices with Bootloader blocked, this method will not work. FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State').
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If Bootloader is blocked, it is impossible to unlock it without data loss - official permission from Xiaomi via Mi Unlock Tool will be required (binding to the Mi Account is mandatory).
4 Unlocking your Mi Account without reset (if your phone is tied)
If your Xiaomi is locked because of a link to your Mi Account (for example, after resetting or buying a used phone), you can try bypassing the check without deleting the data.
- 📧 You have access to email/phone linked to your Mi Account.
- 🔗 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or SIM-map).
- 🛡️ Factory mode is not activated on the phone (Factory Mode).
Methods of unlocking:
- From the official Mi website: Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in. In Devices, find your smartphone and click Unblock. Confirm the action via SMS/email.
- Using Find Device: Install Find Device on another phone. Sign in with the same Mi Account. Select a locked device and send a command to Unlock the screen.
What if you don’t have access to your email/phone?
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later unlocking through Find Device may require confirmation SMS to a number linked to a phone (not an account!) SIM-The card is missing, the method will not work.
5. Software Methods for Qualcomm and Mediatek
If standard methods fail, you can use specialized utilities for Qualcomm or Mediatek chipsets, which require technical knowledge and are suitable for advanced users.
For Qualcomm (Snapdragon) processors:
- 🔧 Use the QFil or Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode).
- 📂 You need firmware with deleted lock files (locksettings.db, gatekeeper.password.key).
- ⚡ Risk: Wrong firmware can turn a phone into a brick».
For Mediatek processors (Helio, Dimensity):
- 🔧 It's fine. SP Flash Tool or MCT (Mediatek Flash Tool).
- 📂 Requires a scatter.txt file and a modified boot.img.
- ⚡ Risk: Possible loss IMEI or sensor errors.
Important: Qualcomm devices with MIUI 13+ often require authorization through the Firehose Programmer, which can only be obtained from official Xiaomi partners.
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Before using any third-party utilities, check the processor model in your phone through Settings → About Phone → Full Specification. Failure to fit the firmware to the chipset is guaranteed to damage the system.
6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)
If none of these things worked, there are radical methods that require disassembling the device or using professional equipment.
Methods with physical access:
- 🔧 ISP (In-System Programming: Connecting to flash memory via test points and reading data using a programmer (e.g. EasyJTAG or Medusa Pro).
- 🔌 UFI Box: Universal box for unlocking smartphones, supports many Xiaomi models (requires the purchase of a license).
- 🛠️ Replacement of motherboard: Last resort if data is critical (cost 30-70% of the phone price).
⚠️ Attention: Methods ISP and UFI Box requires experience with soldering equipment. An error when connecting to test points can disable a memory module or processor.
Cost of services in service centers:
| Method | Average price (₽) | Implementation time | Data retention guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlocking through ISP | 3 000 – 8 000 | 1-3 hours | ✅ 90% |
| UFI Box (license) | 5 000 – 12 000 | 30-60 minutes | ✅ 95% |
| Replacement of fees | 10 000 – 25 000 | 1-2 days | ❌ Data is lost. |