The Mi Account blocked on Xiaomi is one of the most common problems for owners of Xiaomi devices, which occurs after resetting, buying a used phone, or simply because of a forgotten password. Unlike standard screen unlocking, this is about binding to Xiaomi servers that require confirmation of the original account. Without the right actions, the phone becomes a βbrickβ: you can neither call, install applications, nor even log into settings.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking β from official (via Xiaomi support and password recovery) to alternative (bypass locking through Fastboot, EDL and specialized services).
Why is Xiaomi blocking the phone with Mi Account?
Mi Account Lock (or FRP Lock β Factory Reset Protection) was introduced by Xiaomi in 2016 as a measure of protection against theft, the mechanism works like this: when you first turn on the phone or after a Hard Reset, the system requires you to enter the username and password from the account that was associated with the device previously, without this data, the phone remains locked.
The main reasons for blocking:
- π Resetting settings via Recovery or in system settings without detachment Mi Account.
- π± Buying a used phone where the previous owner did not delete the account.
- π Forgotten password or loss of access to the mail/number associated with the account.
- π οΈ Failed firmware after which the phone requires authorization.
- π¨ Theft/theft β in this case, the lock is activated automatically.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not provide βuniversal codesβ or βmaster passwordsβ to unlock. All official methods require proof of ownership of the device. Alternative methods (for example, through EDL) can violate company policies and lead to loss of warranty or complete failure of the phone.
How to Unlock Mi Accounts Officially
If you have access to the mail or phone number linked to the Mi Account, it takes no more than 10 minutes to unlock.
1. Password recovery via Xiaomi website
The easiest way is to reset the password from the account on the official website:
- Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Confirm your identity through a code from an SMS/letter or answer to a check question (if you have been set up).
- Create a new password and save it.
- Enter new data on the locked phone.
If you do not have access to your mail/number, try to restore it through a carrier or email support service (e.g. Gmail or Mail.ru).
2 Unlocking through Xiaomi Support
If password recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase:
- π Check or invoice with serial number (IMEI).
- π Warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- πΈ Photo of a box with a serial number and model.
Support contacts:
- π Official website: mi.com/global/support.
- π§ Email: support@xiaomi.com (for international users).
- π Phone: +86 400-100-5678 (For China, for other countries, check the website).
The timeframe for the request is 3 to 14 days, and in some cases Xiaomi may require video with the device (e.g., show the IMEI in settings or on the box).
Check or invoice IMEI|Guarantee card (if any)|Photo of a box with a serial number|Photo of the phone IMEI in the settings (if possible)|Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity)-->
3 Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for developers)
If the phone has been locked after firmware or unlocking the bootloader, you can try the official Mi Unlock Tool:
- Download the utility from the Xiaomi website: en.miui.com/unlock.
- Log in to the same account as on your phone.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Follow the program instructions.
β οΈ Warning: This method only works if the account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool match. If you bought a used phone and don't know the previous owner's data, it won't work.
Unofficial Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk and Peril)
If the official methods have not worked, there are alternatives that require technical skills and can lead to data loss, phone breakdown or loss of warranty. Use them only as a last resort!
1. Unlock via Fastboot Mode (for older models)
This method is suitable for phones based on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 7/8/9, Mi 9/10).
- π₯οΈ Windows computer.
- π Cable USB Type-C (original).
- π οΈ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.
- π Firmware for your model.
Step-by-step:
- Install Qualcomm and ADB drivers on your PC.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
- Download custom recovery (such as TWRP) for your model.
- Select recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, delete /data/system/gesture.key and /data/system/locksettings.db files.
- Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Note: On new models (Redmi Note) 11/12, Xiaomi 13/14) This method doesn't work because of the enhanced anti-Rollback protection).
2 Unlocking through EDL (Engineering Mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the phone at a low level, bypassing the Mi Account lock, which works on most models, but requires:
- π§ Authorized account to access the Mi Flash Tool.
- π¦ Original firmware for your model (.tgz format).
- π» Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers Installed.
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
- Put your phone in EDL mode: For Qualcomm: Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the cable to your PC. For Mediatek: Use Power + Volume Up (testpoint needed).
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).
β οΈ Attention: Firmware through EDL It can reset all data and can cause a loss. IMEI or the communication module's inoperability.+ (For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro requires authorization through Xiaomi, otherwise the phone will lock forever.
What is Anti-Rollback?
3. Use of paid unlocking services
If the independent methods do not help, you can turn to specialized services, which offer unlocking through:
- π Remote unlocking (by IMEI).
- π¦ Firmware through EDL (warranty).
- π§ Replacement of motherboard (extreme case).
Cost of services:
| Type of service | Term | Cost (β½) | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote unlocking (by IMEI) | 1-3 days | 1 500β3 000 | It may not work on new models. |
| Firmware through EDL | 2-5 days | 2 000β5 000 | Data loss, the risk of brick |
| Replacement of motherboard | 5-10 days | 8 000β15 000 | High cost, loss of guarantee |
Popular services (check reviews before paying!):
- π miunlock.ru (Russia).
- π unlockunit.com (international).
- π gsmforum.ru (forum with proven masters).
π‘
Before contacting the service, check if your phone is blacklisted by IMEI. To do this, type *#06# and check the number on imei.info. If the device is blacklisted, unlocking may not be possible.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make things worse by trying to unlock their phone in the wrong way, and let's look at the typical errors and their consequences.
1.Attempt reset via Recovery without detachment of account
If you run Wipe Data in Recovery on a phone with a Mi Account tied, a lock will appear after the reboot. Solution: Before reset, unplug the account in the settings: Settings β Accounts β Mi Account β Delete the account.
2. Use of informal firmware
Firmware custom ROMs (like LineageOS) on a locked phone can lead to:
- π« Poose. IMEI (no net).
- π Hard-brick (the phone is not turned on).
- π΅ Lock the loader (cannot be stitched back).
Solution: Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
3. Incorrect data entry when password recovery
If you mistype your password on Xiaomiβs website several times, your account may be temporarily blocked.
- Wait 24 hours and try again.
- Use another browser or device.
- Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership.
π‘
If the phone was purchased used and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, it is impossible to officially unlock it. The only options are to contact the seller or use informal methods (risks).
How to Protect Your Mi Account from Lockdown in the Future
To avoid problems with Mi Account, follow these guidelines:
- π Untie your account before selling or dropping your phone.
- π Save data for recovery (email, phone number, check questions).
- π± Check your phone when buying used: ask the seller to reset the settings with you.
- π Update your firmware only through official channels.
- π‘οΈ Do not use unofficial unlock methods unless absolutely necessary.
If you often sell or buy Xiaomi phones, keep this checklist:
Ask the seller to reset the settings with you|Make sure that the Mi Account is untied|Check it out. IMEI originality (not a clone)|Check the operation of all modules (camera, sensors, communication)|Receive a receipt or receipt with the seller's data-->