How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: all working ways

Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking often requires a service center, Android devices (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) offer several ways to restore access. However, not all methods are equally safe: some save data, others lead to a complete reset. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to unlock, their pros, cons and nuances for different Xiaomi models (including new devices from 2023 to 2026).

It’s important to understand that if your phone has Mi Account protection enabled, some methods may not work without validating your username and password. It’s also worth considering that after a hard reset (via Recovery or Fastboot), all data — photos, messages, apps — will be deleted. So first of all, check if you have a backup in the Mi Cloud or on your computer.

If you’re looking for a way to unlock Xiaomi without losing data, look for methods using Mi Account or ADB (if USB debugging was previously enabled). Older models (before 2020) may be EDL-based bypassing, but it requires special equipment and skills. Next, detailed instructions for each case.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account tied and your phone is connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), this method will allow you to reset your password without losing data. Works on most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and others with MIUI 12-14.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Enter any password on the lock screen 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password?” or “Unlock via Mi Account” appears".
• 🔹 Click on the link and enter the username and password from your Mi Account. If you do not remember the data, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔹 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔹 Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is not connected to the Internet, this will not work, and also on some models (e.g. Redmi). 9A s MIUI (13) confirmation may be required through SMS to the linked number, even if you have entered the correct password from the account.

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If you don’t have access to your linked phone number or email, try to restore your Mi Account through the recovery page. Specify the device’s IMEI (can be found on the box or under the battery) to speed up the verification process.

2. Reset password via Find Device (if enabled)

Xiaomi's Find Device feature not only allows you to track your phone, but also remotely reset your password.

• 📱 The device is connected to the Internet.
• 🔄 Find the device is activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).
• 🔐 You remember the data from your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click "Unlock Device" (or "Unlock Device" in English).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the password will be reset and the phone unlocked.The data is not deleted, but it may be necessary to re-enter the password from Wi-Fi and some applications.

3. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (will delete all data)

If previous methods fail, you can reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but will result in complete deletion of data, including photos, contacts and apps. Make sure you have a backup before you start.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Wipe All Data) → Chinese-language).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account that was tied to the phone. If you do not remember them, the phone will remain locked (called activation lock).

Turn off the phone.

Slam Power + Volume Up

Select Wipe Data

Confirm the reset

Wait for the reboot.-->

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 🔌 Debugging is on. USB (If not, the way won't work).
• 💻 Installed ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when the device is off).
2. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

Once you restart, the phone will be unlocked, but all the data will be deleted. FRP-lock (reset protection), but on new models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) It may not work because of increased protection.

5. Bypassing the lock through EDL-The regime (only for experienced ones)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone directly, bypassing standard restrictions, is used in service centers, but can also be useful for unlocking. Dangerous for beginners: wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick".

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔧 Authorized account to unlock the bootloader (if the phone is new).

Instructions:

1. Enter in. EDL-Turn off the phone, press Volume Up. + Volume Down and connect to the PC.
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found online).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro instead EDL mode BROM, It's for firmware. SP Flash Tool. Also, after firmware, you may need to re-activate through Mi Account.

Comparison of Xiaomi Unlocking Methods

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center, you will need a check or a box from your phone (to confirm ownership), and in some cases, you may require a passport.
2. Use paid unlocking services. There are services on the Internet that for 500-2000 rubles remotely remove the lock via EDL or FRP.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or FRP Bypass APK. Most of them don’t work on new versions. MIUI, Or they contain malware. Don't download suspicious files!

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If the phone is locked after buying from hand, there is a high risk that it is tied to someone else’s Mi Account, in which case unlocking without the help of the previous owner or service center is almost impossible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi