How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your phone password – all the ways of 2026

Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Android smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) offer several ways to restore access. However, not all methods are equally safe: some can lead to data loss, others to blocking a Mi Account account.

The main problem is that Xiaomi is actively using FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which means that even after resetting through Recovery, the phone may require data input from the associated Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock in 2026, including official and alternative methods, and also explain how to avoid common errors.

Before you start unlocking, answer two key questions:

  • πŸ” Is the phone linked to a Mi Account? If so, the process is simplified.
  • πŸ“± Is Find My Device enabled on your device? This will help unlock your phone through the web interface.
πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/X6
Mi 11/12/13
Another Xiaomi
Not Xiaomi.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and secure way is to use a linked Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, if you have previously logged in through this account, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (or a similar inscription at the bottom of the screen).

If the "Forgot your password?" button is not, try entering the wrong password 5 times in a row, after which the recovery option should appear. On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14), the path may be different: instead of a button, you will be prompted to enter your account information immediately after several unsuccessful attempts.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously deleted your Mi Account from your phone, this method will not work, and it is also not available if the device was purchased with your hands and the previous owner has not untied his account.

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If you do not have access to the linked phone number or email, try to restore access to Mi Account through the official account.xiaomi.com website. This will require answering security questions or providing a passport scan (if the account has been verified).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you will be hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed apps. On models with MIUI 12 and later, after the reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account (if it was previously linked).

Step-by-step:

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4
  1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" (or "Reset"). Navigation is done with volume buttons, and the power button is selected.
  4. Confirm the action by selecting "Wipe All Data".
  5. After the reset is complete, select "Reboot" to reboot.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, look for items with characters (data cleanup) and (reboot).

Xiaomi modelCombination for entering RecoveryIs a Mi Account Required After a Reset?
Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5Food + Volume upYes, if the account was tied.
Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix 4Food + Volume upYes, on MIUI 13+ firmware
Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4Food + Volume upNot if the firmware is older than MIUI 12.5
Xiaomi Pad 5/6Power + Volume up + DownYeah, always.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requests data from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, do not enter random combinations - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if a Recovery reset doesn't help or the phone is locked at the Mi Account level.It requires a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as basic command line knowledge. The risk of damaging the firmware with this method is higher than with a Recovery reset.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Power + Volume down.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
  3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
  4. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention! This command will erase all data and may result in Mi Account being blocked.
  5. Install modified Recovery (e.g. TWRP) if you need to:
  6. Reboot your phone to Recovery and reset.

On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot may require linking the Mi Account to the device via the official Mi Unlock Tool app.

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your phone, check: 1. If Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers (downloadable on official website) 2. Do you use the original cable (not all) USB-cables support data transmission). 3. Is debugging mode enabled USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI, Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB). If the phone is not detected, try another one. USB-port.

Method 4: Find My Device (Google)

If you have Google's Find My Device on your phone and it's connected to the Internet, you can unlock it remotely, and this only works if you:

  • πŸ“± Your phone is linked to a Google account (not a Mi Account!).
  • 🌐 Mobile data or Wi-Fi are enabled on the device.
  • πŸ” The "Find the Device" function is activated in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Find My Device from your computer or other phone.
  2. Log in to the same Google account that is linked to a blocked Xiaomi.
  3. Select the locked device from the list.
  4. Click "Block" (yes, lock - this will allow you to set a new password).
  5. Enter a new password and confirm the action.
  6. After 1-2 minutes, the password on the phone will be updated.

If this method didn't work, maybe the phone is out of sync with Google or it's not connected to the network, and then try other ways.

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Find My Device is the only method that allows you to unlock your phone without losing data if it is connected to the Internet.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ”’ The phone is locked at Mi Account level and you don’t remember the login details.
  • πŸ“΅ Reset via Recovery or Fastboot results in re-blocking.
  • πŸ› οΈ You are afraid to manipulate your own firmware.

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
  • πŸ†” Passport (for proof of identity).
  • πŸ“± Phone box (in some models, the serial number on the box must match the number in the system).

The cost of unlocking official Xiaomi services varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock. on unofficial services, the price may be lower, but there is a risk of running into fraudsters or getting a phone with damaged firmware.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the service center will not be able to help without proof of ownership. EDL-mode (emergency loading mode), which requires special equipment.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often make mistakes that make things worse, and here are the most common ones:

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Enter random passwords from Mi AccountAccount blocking for 24 hoursUse recovery via email or SMS
Resetting via Recovery without detachment Mi AccountPhone will require account data after rebootingMake sure your account is untied or you remember the data
Use of informal firmwareLoss of IMEI, network problemsDownload the firmware only from the official website
Interrupting the firmware process"Brick" of the phone (complete inoperability)Don't turn it off. USB-cable

Another common problem is that the phone doesn't turn on after it's reset, and it can happen because of:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge (charge your phone before manipulation).
  • πŸ”§ Damaged firmware (try to reflash through Fastboot).
  • πŸ“± Hardware malfunctions (for example, damaged motherboard).

If after unlocking the phone is unstable (spontaneously restarts, does not see) SIM-map), perform a full reset again or run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The phone is linked to Mi Account or Google Account and you remember the login details. The device is connected to the Internet (for the method via Find My Device). You previously enabled USB debugging and can use ADB to delete the gesture.key file (does not work on all models).
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This means that the reset was incorrectly performed or the phone has enabled reset protection (FRP).Try: Enter the data from the Mi Account that was tied to the phone. If the account is not tied, run the phone through Fastboot with full formatting (fastboot erase userdata).
How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget the pattern lock?
The pattern lock is reset using the same methods as the password: Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet); Recovery Mode (full reset); Find My Device (if sync with Google is enabled); some firmware (MIUI 12 and later) will display a "Forgot the pattern lock?" button after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, which will redirect you to restore via Mi Account.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through a computer without Fastboot?
Yes, but only if the phone previously had USB debugging enabled. In this case, you can use ADB to delete password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot This method does not work on all models and requires root rights or modified Recovery (for example, TWRP).
How much does it cost to unlock Xiaomi in the service?
The cost depends on the reason for the lock and model: 500-1000 rubles - reset password / pattern lock. 1000-2000 rubles - unlock Mi Account (check required). 2000-3500 rubles - firmware through EDL (if the phone is "brick"). In informal services, the price may be lower, but there is a risk of getting a phone with damaged firmware or losing the warranty.