What to do if Xiaomi is blocked
Forgetting the digital password from Xiaomi smartphone is a bad situation, but it is correctable. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to enter combinations at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the phone will lock for 30 seconds, and after 10-15 - may require data entry from Mi Account or delete all data. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of unlocking, from the simplest to radical, taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware of different versions.
It's important to understand that unlocking depends on whether your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account, whether USB debugging is enabled, and if you have a backup, if your phone is synced to your account, the chances of getting back without losing data are higher, and if not, you'll have to put up with a full reset or use tools like ADB (for advanced users).
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (at least 30%, otherwise the phone may turn off during the process).
- 📶 Internet availability (for Mi Account or Find Device methods).
- 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (if you plan to connect to a PC).
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi uses is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- 🔑 Remember the username and password from the Mi Account.
- 🔄 The phone has sync enabled (usually activated by default).
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
- Choose Restore through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Confirm the entrance through SMS-code.
- Create a new lock password.
If the buttons Forgot your password? No, then the phone has disabled sync with Mi Account, in which case, move on to other methods.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and didn’t reset the previous owner’s tether, this method won’t work.
Method 2: Reset password through Find Device (remote)
If your phone is connected to the Internet but there is no recovery button on the lock screen, try a remote reset via Find Device (the equivalent of Find My iPhone for Xiaomi), which works even if your phone is lost or stolen (but in the latter case, you should first contact the police).
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com from any device.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as on a locked phone.
- Select your phone from the menu (if multiple devices are tied).
- Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
- Confirm the action through SMS-code.
Once reset, the phone will reboot and prompt it to be configured as new, and all data, including photos, messages and apps, will be deleted without recovery.
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If the phone requires the old password to be entered after resetting via Find Device, it means that Reset Protection (FRP) was enabled on it, in which case only a full reset via Fastboot (see Method 5) will help.
Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. That's rare, but if you've previously connected your phone to a PC for development or modification, try it.
What you need:
- 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
- 📥 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux).
3. Enter the command:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
4.Reset the phone:
adb reboot
5. After the reset, the password will be reset.If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
reboot⚠️ Attention: This method requires root rights, if it doesn't, the su command won't work, and you'll have to use other methods, and after this manipulation, you may have problems with Mi Account (re-authorization will be required).
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download ADB Tools|Enable USB debugging on your phone (if available)|Connect your phone with the original cable |Confirm the connection with the adb device command
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Method 4: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)
If previous methods failed, it would leave a hard reset through Recovery Mode, which would delete all data but return access to the phone, and it works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12, and others.
How to make a Hard Reset:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older models (e.g. Redmi 4A): Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Mi
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot
The phone will reboot and offer to configure it as new, and if after the reset there is a request for data entry Mi Account, then FRP protection is enabled (see the next method).
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 | Volume up + Nutrition | Hold it for 10-15 seconds. |
| Mi 11/12, Mi Mix | Volume up + Nutrition | A charging connection may be required |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Volume up + Nutrition | In the Recovery menu, choose English for convenience. |
| Redmi 4/4A/5/5A | Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition | Older models may require PC connection |
Method 5: FRP bypass (if Mi Account is required after reset)
If you have a Hard Reset phone that asks you to enter your previous owner's Mi Account, that's FRP, which is activated automatically if the phone was linked to an account, and you can only legally bypass it if you:
- 📧 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.
- 📄 Have a check or warranty card (for contacting the support service).
If you bought the phone with your hands and can not contact the previous owner, there are still unofficial methods (at your own risk):
- Download the Mi FRP Tool (e.g. Xiaomi FRP Bypass Tool).
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Informal tools for circumvention FRP They may contain malware or violate Xiaomi’s license agreement, and only use them if your phone is truly yours and your account is lost irretrievably.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods work, then the official service remains.
- 🔒 Phone's locked because FRP And you can't get around the defense.
- 📄 You have documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
- 💰 You are ready to pay for the unlock service (cost - from 500 to 2000 rubles).
How to prepare for a visit to the service:
- Find the nearest official Xiaomi service center.
- Take it with you: 📄 Check or guarantee card. 📱 Phone box (if any). 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
Check by phone if they are unlocking (some centers refuse without warranty).
The service may offer:
- 🔧 Software unlocking (if you have access to Mi Account).
- 🔨 Flip-through EDL-The system (requires special equipment).
- 📱 Replacement of motherboard (in extreme cases, if other methods do not help).
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Contacting the service center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and you do not have access to the data of the previous owner.