How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your screen lock password: the full guide 2026

The forgotten screen lock password on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike iPhones or Samsungs, Redmi, POCO and Mi devices have unique security mechanisms that make unlocking difficult, and the main problem is that without the right actions, you risk losing all data or turning your phone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (Fastboot and ADB mode).We will focus on Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4/F5 models, where the algorithms may differ.

If you're reading this article on a locked phone with another device, go straight to the Mi Account method. If you don't have a linked account and the data is critical, try the ADB method (on Android 10 and below).

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest way if you’ve previously linked a device to a Xiaomi account.The method works on all models, including the latest Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, but requires stable internet.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot password?” (or Forgot password on English firmware).
2. Select “Unblock with Mi Account”.
3. Enter the login and password from the account associated with the phone.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on security settings).

⚠️ Note: If you have logged in to Mi Account via Google or Facebook, use this authentication method.Trying to enter a password from Xiaomi directly can block your account for 24 hours.

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14).
• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
• ❌ It doesn’t help if the phone isn’t connected to the network (Wi-Fi/mobile).
• ❌ If the account is not tied, the method is useless.

After successful unlocking, the system may require you to create a new PIN or pattern lock. Tip: Write it down in a secure location (such as Google Keep or 1Password) to avoid a recurrence.

Method 2: Remote unlocking through Find Device

If the phone has Find My Device enabled (similar to Google's Find My Device), you can unlock it via a web browser.The method is suitable for devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but has limitations.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Click on “Unlock” (or Unlock).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: This method will not work if:

• 🔌 Phone's off or discharged.
• 🌐 No internet connection (even if the device is on the network, the lock may not work).
• 🔒 The “Find the Device” function has been disabled in the settings.

If it doesn't work, move on to the next method, and it's important that after you remotely unlock, some features (like Mi Pay) may require you to re-authorize.

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Before using Find Device, check if geolocation is enabled on your phone – this will increase the chances of successful unlocking.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Suitable if the phone is on debugging mode USB It's the only way to unlock Xiaomi without losing data, but it only works on Android 10 and below (MIUI 11 and older. On new firmware (MIUI 12+) Xiaomi has closed this loophole.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: Adb devices If the device appears in the list – go further.
3. Enter the commands alternately: 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
4. After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked.

⚠️ Note: If a Permission Denied error appears after entering the su command, then:

• 🔐 No root rights are granted on the phone.
• 📱 The device is running on MIUI 12+ (method will not work).

Install ADB Tools on PC|Download Xiaomi drivers for your model|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the debugging on-line USB (developer-setting)-->

If ADB doesn’t help, there are two options: unlock through Fastboot (saves data on some models) or hard reset (deletes everything).

Method 4: Unlock via Fastboot (without data loss on some models)

Fastboot mode allows you to reset the lock password without deleting user data, but only on some Xiaomi models.The method requires an unlocked bootloader, which is true for devices purchased before 2021. On new smartphones (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12), the bootloader is blocked by default, and this method will not work.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices
5. To reset your password, use: fastboot erase userdata Attention! This command will delete all data except files in the DCIM folder (photo/video).
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F3/F4 redmi K40/K50 The fastboot erase userdata command can result in a complete reset. Before using, check the relevance of the method for your firmware on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

If Fastboot doesn’t help or you’re not willing to risk data, the last option is hard reset.

Method 5: Hard Reset – a last resort

It's the most reliable, but it's the most destructive method, and it will delete all data, including photos, messages and apps, and only use it if other methods don't work or the data isn't important.

How to make Hard Reset on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Wipe Data.
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 11T, POCO X3 Pro) after reset may require data input from a previous Google account (FRP-If you don't remember them, the phone becomes a brick».

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models, including the latest.
• ✅ No need for PC or special knowledge.
• ❌ Deletes all data without recovery.
• ❌ It may cause problems with FRP Android 11+.

If the phone requires you to enter an old Google account after reset, use the access restoration or contact the service center.

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Hard Reset is the only method that is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi, but at the cost of total data loss.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center, you will need a confirmation of purchase (check or box), in some cases, unlocking is possible even without loss of data.
2. Use paid unlock services. on forums (for example, 4PDA) There are specialists who remotely unlock the phone through the EDL-Cost: 500 to 2000 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid "miracle" programs like the Mi Unlock Tool from unknown developers:

If you decide to use a paid service, check the reviews and reputation of the artist. Never send money forward - payment must pass through secure platforms (for example, Qiwi with a return guarantee).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi