Forgot your Mi Account password? 5 ways to unlock Xiaomi without losing data

A forgotten Mi Account password is one of the most common problems for Xiaomi smartphone owners, and locking a device through a Mi Account is triggered after resetting settings, flashing it, or trying to log in after a long downtime. Unlike the standard pattern lock or PIN-Unlocking through Mi Cloud requires proof of ownership, which often becomes an obstacle if access to mail or phone is lost.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking – from official (via support for Xiaomi and Mi Unlock Tool) to alternative (via Fastboot, EDL We will focus on the risks of data loss and methods of minimizing them, as well as the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader, POCO, Mi and Black Shark on base MIUI (including MIUI 14/15).

1.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

The most legal method is to use the Mi Unlock Tool, a tool developed by Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader, but it only works if three conditions are met:

• 📱 The device is linked to your Mi Account (even if your password is forgotten).
• 🔗 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps by assembly number → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• ⏳ At least 72 hours have passed since the last account was linked (Xiaomi anti-theft rule).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Install Xiaomi drivers for your model (like Qualcomm or Mediatek).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in with the same Mi Account that your phone is attached to.
5. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Install drivers for your Xiaomi model|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Link the device to your Mi Account 72 hours before unlocking|Prepare. USB-cable (original or high quality)

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Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (pre-unlocking via Mi Account is required).
• ❌ Not suitable if the phone is stolen or bought from hands (link to someone else's account).
• ⚠️ After unlocking, all data will be reset (if there was no backup copy).

2 Unlocking via Fastboot: Bypassing the Mi Account Check

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t help (for example, because of a blocked bootloader), you can try bypassing the Mi Account verification via Fastboot mode.This method is suitable for Qualcomm devices (most Redmi and POCO models).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (Qualcomm drivers) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
• 📲 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for firmware in mode) EDL).
• 🔧 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode (Loud down + Power).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check its definition by command: fastboot devices If the device is not detected, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Download Fastboot firmware for your model and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device should appear in the list.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean all and lock (full reset with bootloader lock) or Clean all (reset without lock).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes).

After the Fastboot firmware:

• ✅ The Mi Account lock will be removed.
• ❌ All data on the phone will be deleted.
• ⚠️ Some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require authorization to use the Mi Account after the first download.

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Before you run your Fastboot firmware, check the phone model with the fastboot getvar product command. Using firmware from another model will result in a device being "bricked."

3. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL (Emergency Boot) is a "hidden" firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader, but it requires:

• 🔌 Special cable EDL (board-bar).
• 💻 QFil or Mi Flash Tool with support EDL.
• 🔐 Authorized Xiaomi account (for new models).

Instructions for devices on Qualcomm:

1. Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC without pressing the buttons.
2. Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (location depends on the model, look for diagrams for your device).
3. The device will be called Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Start QFil, select firmware in.mbn format and press Download.

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EDL mode is the only way to unlock Xiaomi with a locked bootloader and lost access to the Mi Account.However, it requires disassembling the phone and risks voiding the warranty.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention, Test Point's incorrect contact closure could disable the motherboard. If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

⚠️ Attention, starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi tightened protection in mode EDL. For firmware, authorization may be required through an official developer account.

4.Application in support of Xiaomi: the official lifting of the lock

If the phone is legally purchased (there is a check or warranty card), you can try to contact official support Xiaomi.

1. Prepare proof of purchase (check, box with serial number, warranty card).
2. Contact support through: 🌍 Official website (Support section). 📧 E-mail: support@xiaomi.com (for international users). 📞 Hotline phone number (numbers depend on country).

IMEI

The time limit for the request is 3 to 14 days, and if the decision is positive, you will be sent:

• 🔑 Special unlock code.
• 📄 Instructions to remove the lock via Mi Unlock Tool.

What increases the chances of success:

• 📦 Original packaging with serial number.
• 💳 Check or bank statement of purchase.
• 📅 The phone was purchased no more than 6 months ago.

Contact the official service |Use Mi Unlock Tool|ISweep through Fastboot|Use EDL|Other

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5. Alternative methods: bypassing Mi Account without losing data

If you need to unlock your phone without resetting data, you can try the following methods (not all models work):

Method 1: Recovery Mode (TWRP)

• 🔧 Install a custom Recovery TWRP for your model.
• 📁 Download the archive. Disable_Mi_Account.zip (available on forums XDA Developers).
• 🔄 Reboot to TWRP, Switch the archive and restart.

Note: The method only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Method 2: Through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter the commands: adb shell su rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

This will delete files with lock settings, but does not guarantee a Mi Account bypass.

Method 3: Through Service Codes

Some older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 4) have a combination of:

1. Enter the dialer: ##3646633##.
2. Go to Engineer Mode → MTK Settings → Security → Erase FRP.
3. Reboot the phone.

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If the phone asks for a password from a Mi Account after a reset, try entering 123456 or 000000 – sometimes this works on devices with firmware from third-party developers.

6. the table of compatibility of unlock methods with Xiaomi models

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When unlocking Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:

Error 1: "Couldn't unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool

• 🔹 Reason: Device is not linked to account or 72 hours have passed.
• 🔧 Solution: Wait 3 days or use another method.

Error 2: Phone is not detected in Fastboot

• 🔹 Reason: no Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers.
• 🔧 Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager.

Error 3: After firmware, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account

• 🔹 Reason: Firmware did not delete account files (/data/system/mi_account).
• 🔧 Solution: Repeat the firmware with the Clean all and lock option.

Mistake 4: Hanging on the logo after EDL

• 🔹 Reason: Wrong firmware or interrupted process.
• 🔧 Solution: Repeat the firmware in EDL with the correct.mbn file.

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90% of the errors in unlocking Xiaomi are due to misinstallation of drivers or incompatible firmware.Always check the phone model and MIUI version before starting the procedure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions