Resetting on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones often becomes a headache if you forget the Mi-account or lock screen password. After a hard reset, the device may require you to enter old credentials — and without them access to the phone is blocked. This situation is familiar to many: a screen that says, "This device has been reset. To continue, log in to an account that was previously synced on this device" prevents you from using the gadget.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock after a reset, from official (via Mi Unlock Tool) to alternative (bypassing via Fastboot or EDL). Importantly, the methods differ for devices on MIUI different versions and depend on the model. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro (2023) one method will suit, and for Redmi Note 8 (2019) another. We will specify the nuances for each situation.
Why Xiaomi is blocked after resetting settings
The reason for the lock is to protect Mi-account, a Xiaomi feature that is tied to the device’s hardware identifier, and even after a full reset (Wipe Data), the phone retains information about a previously associated account in a protected memory area (eMMC or UFS), a measure against theft, but it also creates problems for legitimate owners.
Key points:
- 🔒 FRP (Factory Reset Protection – similar protection from Google, works if you have added a Google account to your phone.
- 📱 Mi-account – Xiaomi’s own protection, works independently FRP.
- ⚠️ On devices with MIUI 12+ Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets (for example, POCO X3 Pro) lock is more stringent than on older models with MediaTek.
If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie his Mi-account, unlocking becomes more difficult, and in such cases, the official way through the Mi Unlock Tool may not work - alternative methods will be required.
Yes, requires you to enter the old Mi-account|
Yes, asks for Google Password (FRP) |
No, no unlocking needed |
I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.-->
Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
This is the safest method, but it only works if you have access to the Mi-account that was tied to the phone.The instruction is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 11-14.
What you need:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (Mac is not supported).
- 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).
- 📱 Login and password from Mi-account tied to the phone.
- 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website!).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool. When installed, allow the driver installation.
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi-account and follow the program's hints.
- If the phone is not detected, install the drivers manually through Device Manager → Update the driver.
Download Mi Unlock Tool from official website|
Make sure Mi-account is not blocked |
Disable the antivirus (it can block the program)|
Use the original USB-cable-->
The unblocking time depends on the status of the account:
| Mi-account status | Waiting time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account over 30 days old | Instantly. | If you've previously unlocked the devices |
| Account under 30 days | 72-168 hours | Requires a binding SIM-map |
| Account with suspicious activity | Up to 360 hours. | Verification may be required |
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, check: Is the phone connected to the Internet (needs verification). Is the mode on? OEM Unlock in developer settings (if phone turns on) Whether a non-original cable is used (may not have enough power for stable connection).
Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (without Mi-account)
If you don’t remember the Mi-account data, but the phone supports Fastboot, you can try bypassing the lock via the firmware of the modified boot.img. This method works on most devices with Qualcomm chipsets (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro, POCO F3).
Warning: The method requires ADB and Fastboot skills. Mistakes can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the device!
Instructions:
- Download Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
- Connect to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
- Download modified boot.img for your model (see the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
- Fastboot flash boot boot boot.img fastboot reboot
What if Fastboot doesn’t see the device?
Critical: After the firmware modified boot.img Anti-Rollback protection can work (ARB), That locks the phone forever. ARB your model!
Method 3: Bypass FRP (Google Account) on Xiaomi
If after a reset, the phone requires data input from a Google account (not a Mi-account), this is the case. FRP-It's a lockdown that you can get around without a PC, using loopholes in the computer. MIUI. The method works on devices with Android 9-12.
Instructions for circumventing FRP:
- On the Google account entry screen, click on the “Email” field and enter any text, then highlight it.
- In the context menu, select Share → Gmail (or another messenger, if available).
- In the window that opens, click “Add Account” → “Google” and create a new account.
- After adding an account, restart the phone - the lock will be removed.
For new versions MIUI 13/14 This may not work. The alternative is to use it. ADB:
adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/
adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) bypass FRP through ADB It's often blocked. In such cases, only firmware through the EDL (see next section).
Method 4: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader.The method is suitable for devices that do not work Fastboot or Mi Unlock Tool, but require special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable and firmware.
What you need:
- 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🔌 EDL-cable (or homemade cable with Test Point contact closure).
- 📁 Firmware for your model in.mbn or.elf format.
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and plug in. EDL-cable (or close Test Point on the board).
- The device manager should have a device. QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- Wait for the firmware to finish (10-15 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.
On most Xiaomi devices, the contacts to log in EDL They're located under the back cover, next to the battery. 4PDA or XDA The phone is called "[Test Point]". EDL».-->
Risks of the method:
- ⚠️ The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick».
- ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13 Xiaomi blocks firmware through series EDL login.
- ⚠️ The guarantee will be cancelled.
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If all previous methods have failed, the official way is to contact Xiaomi Service Center, the only legal way to unlock without risking damage to the device.
What will be required for the application:
- 📄 Checks or box from the phone (proof of purchase).
- 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
- 📱 Serial number of the device (IMEI).
- 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).
The process of unlocking in the service:
- The specialist checks the documents and sends a request to Xiaomi.
- If the phone is not blacklisted (not stolen), permission to unlock is granted.
- The phone is stitched with the official firmware with the removal of the binding to the Mi-account.
Timeline: 3 to 10 business days, and on devices with MIUI 14 and new chipsets (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), the process may be delayed due to additional checks.
💡
Officially unlocking the service is the only way to keep the warranty, and all other methods (Fastboot, EDL) will void it.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | Account not tied to phone or blocked | Check your login/password and try another account. |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | No drivers or cable issues | Install the drivers manually, try another cable |
| After boot.img firmware, the phone does not turn on | Incompatible version of boot or worked Anti-Rollback | Flip the full firmware through EDL |
| Mi Flash Tool is an error flash_write_failed | Memory or lock from Xiaomi damaged | Try a different version of the firmware or contact the service |
Another common problem is that the phone asks for the old password after the firmware is run, and this happens if the memory area with the Mi-account data has not been deleted.
- Repeat the firmware with full formatting (flash_all_lock.bat In the Mi Flash Tool).
- Use the firmware marked “Anti-Rollback” for your model.