Unlocking Xiaomi through an emergency call: how to bypass the password without losing data

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and fear losing all data after resetting to factory settings? Unlocking through an emergency call is one of the few methods that can help bypass protection without deleting files. However, it does not work on all models and versions of MIUI, and the wrong actions can lead to a complete lock of the device. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm, nuances for different firmware and alternatives if the standard method does not work.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi is constantly tightening security measures, so life hacks that are relevant for the Redmi Note 4 or Mi A1 may not be suitable for the Redmi 12 or POCO X5 on the latest version of MIUI 14/15. We have tested the method on several devices and identified key points that increase the chances of success. If you are willing to take a risk, we will begin a detailed analysis.

Why an Emergency Call Method Can Work

Emergency call is the only feature on a locked Xiaomi that runs the interface without entering a password. In older versions of MIUI (before MIUI 10), this section allowed you to access system settings or even the Android shell. Modern firmware has closed most vulnerabilities, but some models still allow:

• 📱 Open the Quick Settings menu via swipe down in Emergency Call mode (works on Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
• ⚙️ Run settings through the power button holding (relevant to MIUI 11-12).
• 🔗 Go to the browser via a phone number with the prefix ##4636## (rarely, but it works).

The basic principle is exploit, which allows you to break out of isolated emergency call mode into the main interface. On new devices (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T), this method is almost always blocked, but for budget models in 2019-2021, there are chances.

⚠️ Note: If the lock screen displays the message "Device protected by Mi Account", the emergency method will not work.

Preparation: What to do before the start

Before attempting to unlock, check out a few critical points:

1. Battery level – if the phone runs out during the process, there is a high probability of losing all data due to forced shutdown.
2. Model and version of MIUI – the method works on MIUI 9-12 (less commonly on MIUI 13). You can find out the version by writing when downloading or via Settings → About phone (if you have access).
3. Presence SIM-Maps – Some steps require active SIM fictitiously.

If you have Xiaomi with a Qualcomm chip (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the odds are higher than on devices with MediaTek (like the POCO M4 Pro), the latter often blocking system commands even in emergency call mode.

Step-by-step: Unlocking through an emergency call

Follow the algorithm in strict order. If the step doesn't work, move on to the following:

1. Activate the emergency call On the lock screen, press Emergency call → enter any number (e.g. 112) → press the call button. Wait for the phone interface to appear (don’t necessarily wait for the connection).
2. Try to open the Quick Settings menu In Call Mode, swipe down from the top of the screen. If you have a menu with Wi-Fi icons, Bluetooth, click Settings. If the menu doesn't open, move to the next step.
3. Run settings through the power button Hold the Power button 5-7 seconds until the turn off menu appears. Press and hold the Power off - on some firmware this causes a rebate in Safe Mode (Safe Mode), where the password may not be required.
4. In the field to enter the number, dial: ##4636## If it works, the testing menu will open, where you can go to Settings → Reset and restore and disable the password.

If neither of these steps worked, try repeating the process with the other. SIM-map or move on to alternative methods (described below).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ After 3 failed attempts to log in to settings via emergency call, the device can block this feature for 24 hours.

Alternative methods without data loss

If the emergency call method didn’t work, consider these options (from safest to riskiest):

• 🔧 ADB-commands (requires included debugging by USB Connect the phone to the PC, open the cmd and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key After restarting, the password will reset (only works if the debugging was activated in advance!).
• 📱 Reconstruction regime (TWRP). If you have custom recavers installed on your phone, you can delete password.key or locksettings.db files manually through File Manager in the file. TWRP.
• 🌐 Reset via Mi Account. If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, go to account.xiaomi.com, find the device in the list and send an unlock command (the data will be saved).

The most reliable, but difficult way is to back up your fastboot.

1. Install Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm/MediaTek drivers.
2. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
3. Run the command: fastboot oem backup (not working on all models!).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most users fail because of typical miscalculations, and here's what you can't do when you unlock them:

• ❌ Interrupt the process in the middle (for example, pull the cable during the process) ADB-This can cause damage to system files and the load cycle.
• ❌ Use unofficial firmware without backup if you have never worked with fastboot or TWRP, It is better to contact the service.
• ❌ Enter random codes in emergency mode (for example, *#06#). On new firmware, this can trigger the operation of anti-Rollback protection.

If after a failed attempt, the phone stopped responding to touch or got stuck on the MI logo, try:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to charging for 30 minutes – sometimes helps with battery discharge at a critical moment.

💡

If you still have access to a computer that Xiaomi previously synced, check the folder C:\Users\Your name\AppData\Local\Xiaomi\MiPhoneManager - there can be backups of contacts and SMS.

Xiaomi models that are guaranteed not to work

The manufacturer has closed an emergency call vulnerability on the following devices (as of 2026):

In these models, attempting to bypass the lock through an emergency call will result in:

• Automatically delete all data after 5 failed attempts.
• IMEI blocking (on some firmware).
• Activate the “Anti-Theft” mode, which requires entering a username / password from Mi Account.

What to do if nothing helps

If all methods are exhausted and data is critical, there are two options:

1. Official partners can unlock the device by documents (passport + check), but:

Use paid unlocking services

There are online services (for example, Mi Account Unlock), which for 500-1000 rubles provide an unlock code.

• Fraud (payment without result).
• Getting a brick instead of unlocking.
• Violation of Xiaomi’s privacy policy.

If the data is not critical, it is easier to reset completely via fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase frp




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: After being reset via fastboot on some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro) may require re-activation through Mi Account, even if there was no prior link.

💡

If the phone was bought by hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, it's legally impossible to unlock it, and the only way out is to negotiate with the previous owner or return the device to the seller.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions