How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your Mi Account password: official and unofficial methods

Why Mi Account is blocking your phone and what to do

Mi Account’s forgotten password is one of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners, because the manufacturer has integrated the account into the firmware security system: without authorization, you can’t reset your settings, reflash your device, or even use some features after a hard reset, which is anti-theft protection, but it also becomes a headache if you forget your login details.

Complicating matters, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy since 2021, requiring proof of identity (passport, IMEI, check) to unlock through official channels, and without these documents, the chances of access being restored are minimal, but there are workarounds, both legal (through support) and technical (using PCs and special tools), and in this article we will examine all current methods, their pros, cons and risks.

It is important to understand: the newer the model of the smartphone (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the harder it is to bypass the lock. MIUI 14+ The devices are heavily protected, while older devices (before the Redmi 9) are sometimes unlocked without official confirmation, and the region of purchase also plays a role: phones for the Chinese market (CN-The versions are more blocked than the global ones (Global).

Method 1: Recover password through the official Mi Account website

The easiest and safest method is to use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com, which is suitable if you have access to a linked email or phone number.

1. Go to the Mi Account login page and click “Forgot your password?”
2. Choose the method of recovery: by email or SMS.
3. Enter the email address or phone number associated with the account.
4. Follow the instructions in the email or SMS (usually a link or confirmation code).
5. Create a new password and save it in a safe place (for example, in the password manager).

If you don't remember the email or number you're attached to, try to remember what data you used when you first set up your phone, often the primary email (like Gmail or Mail.ru) or the number that was active at the time of purchase, and check the spam folder in your mail — sometimes emails from Xiaomi get there.

⚠️ Note: If an account was created through third-party services (such as Facebook or Google), you can only restore access through them.

Try all possible email and phone numbers

Check the Spam folder in the mail

Make sure you have access to your linked Google/Facebook account (if you have registered through them)

Try to restore access from another device (PC, tablet)

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Method 2: Unlock with Xiaomi support (documents are required!)

If you can't recover your password, you have to get official support, and this works, but it requires proof of ownership.

• 📄 Check or invoice for the purchase of the phone (with indication) IMEI).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 📱 IMEI Devices (can be found on the box or via the command *#06# on the locked phone).
• 📧 Email linked to your account (if you remember).

The process looks like this:

1. Go to the support page: mi.com/global/support.
2. Select the “Unlock Mi Account” or “Unlock Account” section.
3. Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents.
4. Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days).

If the phone was not officially purchased (for example, from hands or on AliExpress without a check), the chances of unlocking are minimal, in which case support may refuse or require additional confirmation, such as a video with the device and document in hand.

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If you don’t have a check, but the phone was bought using a card, ask for a bank statement – sometimes this helps confirm the purchase.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the official methods have not worked, you can try unlocking the phone through Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) or if you are ready to unlock it. Attention: the method requires skills to work with ADB and Fastboot, and can also lead to data loss or “bricking” of the phone.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (original so there are no connection issues).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 50% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, you will have to wait 7-15 days to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
3. Download a special script to unlock (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool – look for 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
4. Run the script and follow the instructions (usually you need to enter a command like fastboot oem unlock or use the utility to reset FRP).

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) This method often doesn't work because of the increased protection, and once unlocked, you may need a full reset (Wipe Data), which will delete all data from the phone.

Method 4: Use EDL-The emergency method (for experimental testing)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing the lock Mi Account. It works even on locked devices, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable and knowledge in firmware.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on most models, including new ones.
• ✅ Bypasses account locking at firmware level.
• ✅ You can sew clean. MIUI accountless.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires a purchase EDL-cable (~10–20$).
• ❌ The risk of turning your phone into a brick if you make a mistake.
• ❌ All data is deleted.

Step-by-step:

1. Buy or do. EDL-cable (you can order on AliExpress or solder yourself according to the scheme).
2. Download the firmware for your model (e.g. from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
3. Install the Qualcomm 9008 driver on your PC.
4. Connect your phone to your PC EDL-mode (usually closed contacts on the board or a special cable is used).
5. Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean All option).

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EDL-The mode is the most reliable way to unlock, but also the most risky.

Method 5: Bypassing a lock through FRP (Factory Reset Protection) reset

On some Xiaomi models (especially older ones, before the Redmi Note 8), you can bypass Mi Account locking via FRP reset (Factory Reset Protection), which works if the phone has been reset to factory settings, but requires you to input data from your account, the point is to “cheat” the system and skip the authorization step.

You'll need:

• 📱 Phone with access to the recovery menu (Recovery).
• 🔌 OTG-cable and flash drive with a bypass file (or PC to send commands through ADB).
• 🔄 Ability to boot into Safe Mode (on some firmware).

Instructions (as in Redmi 5/6):

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Select Wipe Data and confirm the reset.
3. After rebooting at the setup stage, connect to Wi-Fi, but do not enter your account details.
4. Go back and try running Settings through Safe Mode (clasp Volume down when turned on).
5. If you can log in, turn off Find Device and Mi Account manually.

On newer firmware (MIUI 12+), this method rarely works, as Xiaomi has closed most loopholes, but on older devices or custom firmware, there are chances.

Method 6: Contact the service center (last chance)

If all of the above methods fail, you can take the phone to an authorized Xiaomi service center, where you can unlock the device, but you will need the same documents as the support (check, passport, IMEI), the advantage of the service is that they have access to internal Xiaomi tools and can unlock even new models.

What you need to know:

• 💰 Cost of the service: from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model and region).
• ⏳ Timeframe: usually 1-3 days.
• 📄 Documents: passport + check (required!).
• 🔄 Warranty: If the phone is warranty, unlocking it can cancel it.

If you don’t have an official Xiaomi service in your city, you can contact private workshops, but be careful: unofficial unlocking methods can damage your phone or cause data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Some "masters" offer unlocking through change IMEI Or the firmware of fake certificates, and it's not just breaking the law (IMEI — Unique identifier, but it can also make the phone unusable on carrier networks.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, many users make the same mistakes that lead to data loss or the final lock of the device.

Another common problem is blocking the account after repeated attempts to enter a password, Xiaomi can temporarily block access to Mi Account for 24-48 hours, in which case you can only wait or try to restore access through another method (for example, SMS instead of email).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions