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:
- π Is the phone linked to a Mi Account? If so, the process is simplified.
- π± Is Find My Device enabled on your device? This will help unlock your phone through the web interface.
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:
- 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.
β οΈ 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 donβt 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:
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" (or "Reset"). Navigation is done with volume buttons, and the power button is selected.
- Confirm the action by selecting "Wipe All Data".
- 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 model | Combination for entering Recovery | Is a Mi Account Required After a Reset? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | Food + Volume up | Yes, if the account was tied. |
| Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix 4 | Food + Volume up | Yes, on MIUI 13+ firmware |
| Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4 | Food + Volume up | Not if the firmware is older than MIUI 12.5 |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Power + Volume up + Down | Yeah, always. |
β οΈ 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:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- π Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Power + Volume down.
- Connect your phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
- 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.
- Install modified Recovery (e.g. TWRP) if you need to:
- 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 canβt see the device?
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:
- π± Your phone is linked to a Google account (not a Mi Account!).
- π Mobile data or Wi-Fi are enabled on the device.
- π The "Find the Device" function is activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- Go to Find My Device from your computer or other phone.
- Log in to the same Google account that is linked to a blocked Xiaomi.
- Select the locked device from the list.
- Click "Block" (yes, lock - this will allow you to set a new password).
- Enter a new password and confirm the action.
- 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.
- π The phone is locked at Mi Account level and you donβt remember the login details.
- π΅ Reset via Recovery or Fastboot results in re-blocking.
- π οΈ You are afraid to manipulate your own firmware.
What you need to unlock in the service:
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π Passport (for proof of identity).
- π± 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.
β οΈ 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 consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Enter random passwords from Mi Account | Account blocking for 24 hours | Use recovery via email or SMS |
| Resetting via Recovery without detachment Mi Account | Phone will require account data after rebooting | Make sure your account is untied or you remember the data |
| Use of informal firmware | Loss of IMEI, network problems | Download 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:
- π Battery discharge (charge your phone before manipulation).
- π§ Damaged firmware (try to reflash through Fastboot).
- π± 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.