How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: from Mi Account to Hard Reset

The forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that even experienced users face. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, Xiaomi phones have unique security mechanisms associated with Mi Account, Fastboot and proprietary firmware. MIUI. If you have entered an incorrect pattern lock or PIN-code too many times, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or even require a reset. But don't panic: 90% of the time, you can unlock the phone without losing data - the main thing is to act on the instructions.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods of unlocking (from official to technical), their pros and cons, as well as nuances for different models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. EDL-The mode (for advanced users) and legal methods with minimal risks.If you are not sure about your skills, start with the safest options (sections 2-3).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
• 🔄 The phone has sync enabled (even if you haven’t set it up, it’s often active by default).

To unlock Xiaomi through your account:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter email/phone + password.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation via the Internet. SMS to the attached number - make sure you have access to the SIM-The card that was in the device at the last authorization.

💡

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it on the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the backup email or phone number specified during registration.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the only official way is hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the device, suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (2018-2026).

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For older devices (e.g., Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

After the reboot, the phone will be as new as the new one. ⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) After Hard Reset, you might need to enter the Mi Account that was previously linked, which is anti-theft protection, and if you don't remember the account, you'll have to use the methods in sections 4-5.

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged | Save the IMEI (written on the box or under the battery) |Prepare a backup (if the phone has ever been unlocked before) |Please check if you have a tied Mi Account (ask the previous owner if the phone is used)

-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

If Mi Account is not tied and Hard Reset does not help (e.g. due to activation) FRP-You can try unlocking through Fastboot. This method requires a computer, USB-This is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except for the newest (2023-2026), where the manufacturer tightened protection.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Unlock file for your model (for example, unlock_tool.zip for Redmi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare image with the word Fastboot will appear).
2. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi drivers.
4. Unlock the bootloader (only for previously unlocked devices!): Fastboot oem unlock On newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), this method may not work due to ARB protection.
5. If the unlock is successful, run the stock firmware through Fastboot: fastboot flash all firmware.zip (where firmware.zip is the official firmware for your model).

⚠️ Attention: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Lite Unlocks bootloader Wipes Data From Internal Memory.

Mi Account|Hard Reset|Fastboot|I've been to the service.|Never blocked your phone.

-->

4. Bypassing the lock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is the only way to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password and Mi Account, and Hard Reset does not help because of the fact that you are not using the device. FRP. This method requires special equipment (EDL-Cable or Deep Flash Cable and firmware knowledge, suitable for most models, but newer devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) may require an authorized developer account.

How it works:

1. The phone is being translated into EDL-mode through closure of contacts on the board or a special cable.
2. Through the Mi Flash Tool program, stock or modified firmware is sewn, bypassing the lock.
3. After firmware, the phone is rebooted in normal mode without a password.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware in the EDL may damage modules IMEI, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is recommended only for power users or service centers. EDL-files for your model on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods have not worked or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the most reliable option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📱 New models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13), where self-unlocking is difficult.
• 🔒 Devices with switch on FRP-Protection of the Factory Reset Protection).
• 🛠️ Phones that have lost firmware after unsuccessful manipulations IMEI.

What you will need to contact the service:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
• 🔑 Data from Mi Account if it was tied (in some cases, the service can reset the link on request).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 3000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of the work. In official centers Xiaomi procedure takes from 1 to 3 days, the advantages of a guarantee for the work performed and the preservation of official firmware.

💡

Official service is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi with the preservation of warranty (EDL, Fastboot) may cancel warranty obligations.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📧 Link Mi Account and enable synchronization (path: Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📝 Write your password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).

It's also useful to know:

• On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, you can configure emergency access - specify a trusted phone number, which will come with a code to unlock.
• If you often forget passwords, install Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted devices or location).

⚠️ Warning: Never buy used Xiaomi phones without resetting your Mi Account. Even after Hard Reset, the previous owner can block the device remotely via Find Device.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi