How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: official and alternative methods

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Unlike other brands, Mi, Redmi and POCO phones have a unique security system tied to a Mi Account account, which makes unlocking difficult, but also opens up additional opportunities for access recovery.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via a linked account) to technical (Fastboot and EDL mode). It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, resetting through Recovery will delete all data, and using informal tools can lead to the blocking of IMEI (unique device ID) by Xiaomi. We will describe the risks of each option in detail and give recommendations for minimizing them.

If you're looking for a way to get around data loss, you can go straight to the Mi Account recovery section, and if you bought your phone from your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, you'll need more radical measures, which we'll talk about as well.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account – the official way without data loss

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 login and password from the account that was linked to the device
• 📧 The mail or phone number associated with the account receives a confirmation code.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entry via SMS or a letter with a code.
4. Follow the system instructions for resetting the lock password.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, this method won't work. In this case, contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, contract.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ All data is stored on the phone.
• ✅ Does not require technical skills
• ✅ Officially Approved by Xiaomi

2.Reset via Recovery Mode – fast, but with loss of data

If Mi Account is lost and the phone needs to be unlocked urgently, you can use Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, but returns access to the system.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination Volume up + Power button and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) with the volume buttons, confirm the choice with the power button.
4. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied. If you don't know this data, the phone will turn into a "brick" (inoperable device).

3. Unlocking via Fastboot – for advanced users

Fastboot mode allows you to interact with your phone through your computer, bypassing the locking of the screen.

• 🔧 You can work with the command line.
• 💻 You have a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed
• 📱 The phone is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock If the command does not work, try: fastboot flashing unlock
5. Follow the instructions on your phone screen (confirmation via Mi Account may be required).

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50) The fastboot oem unlock command will not work without first unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock app.This process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting!

💡

Before using Fastboot, check if your phone is recognized by the fastboot device command. If the list is empty, install Xiaomi USB Driver drivers.

4. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - last resort

EDL (Emergency Boot) is a hidden mode that allows you to flash the phone at a low level, bypassing all locks, and is used by service centers, but has the maximum risks:

• 🚨 Total data loss is possible
• 🔄 Maybe wipe off. IMEI (The phone will be unsuitable for calls)
• 🛡️ Xiaomi may block the device for using unofficial tools

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + Power (on some models you need to first clamping the volume, then connect) USB-cable).
3. The screen will stay black, which is fine. Check if the device in Device Manager is identified as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware in EDL mode, you will need:

• 🖥️ Special software: Mi Flash Tool or QFil
• 📄 Official firmware for your model (you can download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🔌 Cable USB Data support (not all cables are suitable!)

💡

EDL mode should only be used if other methods have failed, and the wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick without the possibility of recovery.

5. Alternative methods: bypassing the lock without resetting

If you don't want to lose data, you can try alternative methods. They don't work on all MIUI models and versions, but they sometimes help:

Method 1: Calling a locked phone

• 📞 Call the locked phone from another device.
• 📞 Take the call, then quickly go to Settings. → Password and security and reset the pattern lock.
• ⚠️ It only works on older versions. MIUI (12).

Method 2: Use the "Find the Device" function

• 🌍 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
• 📍 Select a locked phone in the list of devices.
• 🔒 Click Block, then set a new password.

Method 3: Connecting the mouse via OTG

• 🖱️ Connect. USB-mouse to phone OTG-adapter.
• 🔍 With the cursor, try “stretching” the notification curtain and accessing the settings.
• ⚠️ New models (MIUI 14+) This method is blocked.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

1. Official SCs have access to special tools for unlocking, but will require documents confirming the purchase.The cost of the service: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles, depending on the model.
2. There are services on the Internet (for example, DC-Unlocker) that sell unlock codes for $5-20. Risk: 30% chance of getting a non-working code or running into scammers.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid "masters" who offer to unlock your phone in 5 minutes with a warranty, most often using illegal methods that lead to locking. IMEI. Check reviews and demand a check!

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi