How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not get into the system? This situation is familiar to many — especially if you have not used the device for a long time or installed a complex pattern lock. Fortunately, you can unlock a Xiaomi smartphone (including the models of Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) even without a factory reset — if you know the right methods.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to unlock, from standard Mi Account recovery to advanced Fastboot and ADB methods. Each option is suitable for different scenarios — for example, if you have Find Device enabled or debugging mode, and you’ll learn how to avoid data loss and what to do if your phone requires confirmation after a reset.

Importantly, the methods are different for devices with a locked bootloader (most new models) and unlocked. If you previously activated OEM Unlock in the developer settings, you have a better chance of success. Let's start with the easiest way to restore through your Xiaomi account.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest method if your Xiaomi is tied to a Mi Account and it has Find Device enabled, which is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others with MIUI 14/15.

How it works: After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will suggest that you restore access through Mi Account. If this option does not appear automatically, try entering the password incorrectly again - or use the web version of Find Device.

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
• 📱 Select a locked device in the Find Device section (if it is linked to an account).
• 🔓 Click Unlock Device and confirm the action through SMS email.
• 📲 Wait for notifications on the phone - after the restart, the lock will be removed.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work if Find Device is disabled in the settings.
• ❌ Requires a stable Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ❌ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) You may need to confirm that through SMS even after unlocking.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, this method won't work.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss - sometimes)

If Mi Account didn’t work, the next step is to use Recovery Mode, a method that works for MIUI devices and allows you to reset your password, but doesn’t always save data. On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), resetting through Recovery usually results in a complete memory cleanup.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models, the item may be called Factory Reset).

An important caveat: on devices with encrypted storage (by default in MIUI 12+), a reset via Recovery will result in complete loss of data, including photos and apps. If the phone is not encrypted, the chances of saving files are higher.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed and the bootloader Unlocked is unlocked, you can use Fastboot, USB-Cable and basic command line knowledge, suitable for Xiaomi models that were previously activated OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the phone to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
3. Open the command line in the adb folder and type: fastboot devices (you should display your device).
4. Run the command to unlock: fastboot flashing unlock (some models may require fastboot oem unlock).
5. Confirm the unlock on the phone (if you receive a request).

What if the bootloader is locked? In this case, Fastboot will not help - you will need official permission from Xiaomi to unlock.

• 📱 Go to the site. en.miui.com/unlock.
• 🔑 Register and apply for unlocking (can take up to 72 hours).
• 📡 After approval, repeat the procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool resets all data on the phone. 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) This method can lock the device for 72 hours after a failed attempt.

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If the phone is not identified in Fastboot, try another one. USB-cable or port (you can use the original Xiaomi cable and the rear one). USB-port).

4.Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone has previously been activated debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the file with the password through ADB. This method only works if:

• ✅ The phone has connected to this PC before (there is a debugging permit).
• ✅ Developer settings are enabled OEM Unlock.
• ✅ The device is defined in adb devices.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
2. Enter: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksetting.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the phone: reboot

After the reboot, the lock should disappear, and it is important that on newer versions of MIUI (14+), this method may not work due to the increased protection.

5. Bypassing locks via Safe Mode (for older versions of MIUI)

On devices with MIUI 10-12 (e.g., Redmi Note 8, Mi 9), you can try logging into Safe Mode and uninstalling the app responsible for blocking, which works if the password is set through third-party software (e.g., AppLock) rather than system settings.

How to activate Safe Mode:

1. On the lock screen, hold the Power button until the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the option “Switch off power (or turn off)” before the request to log in to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm the transition - the phone will restart in safe mode.

In Safe Mode:

• 🔍 Check if the lock has disappeared (if so, a problem in third-party software).
• 🗑️ Remove suspicious applications (e.g. AppLock, Smart Lock).
• 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) Safe Mode does not bypass the system lock screen.This method is only suitable for removing third-party blockers.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (guarantee cases)

If all of the above methods have failed, the last option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📱 Phone bought from hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and no access to the associated email/SMS.
• 🛠️ The device is locked after a failed firmware or reset.

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (to confirm possession).
• 🆔 Passport (if the phone is officially purchased).
• 💳 Payment for services (on average 1000-3000 rubles, depending on the model).

Xiaomi service centers in Russia and the CIS can unlock the device even without a data reset, but only if there are documents. If the phone was stolen or bought from hands without unblocking the account, the chances of successful unlocking are minimal.

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Official service is the only legal way to unlock if all other methods fail, but it can take up to 5 business days and require proof of ownership.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi