How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi after resetting to factory settings: 5 working ways

Why the phone is locked after reset and what to do about it

You reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings via Recovery or in the settings menu, but after the reboot, the device requires you to enter Mi Account details?This is the standard Xiaomi protection that activates when hard reset is on phones with a tied profile.The system perceives the reset as an attempt at unauthorized access and blocks the device even if you are its legal owner.

The problem gets worse if you:

• 🔄 Forgot the username or password from Mi Account
• 📱 Buying a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account
• 🔧 Performed a reset via Fastboot or third-party utilities
• 🛠️ Trying to sew the device with an unofficial firmware

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, including official Xiaomi methods and workarounds for cases where account data is lost, why some instructions from the Internet don’t work on new Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 12/13 or Redmi 10C) and how to avoid re-blocking.

Resetting through settings|Reset via Recovery|Firmware through Fastboot|Purchases of used devices|Other causes-->

Method 1: Unblock through the official Mi Account (if you remember the data)

If you remember the username and password from Mi Account, it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock, and this method works on all Redmi models, including the latest versions with MIUI 14/15.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, select Log in to Mi Account (or Unlock with Mi Account).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS or Mi Security app.

Check the keyboard layout (English/Russian) | Make sure Caps Lock is turned off | Try resetting your password via [mi.com](https://account.xiaomi.com) |Use backup email to recover-->

It's important if you're coming in from a new one. IP-Addresses or devices, Xiaomi may request additional verification, in which case check email or other SMS If the code doesn't come, try using the backup email you gave when you registered.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI 13+ If you fail to log in, the system can block your account for 24 hours. If you are not sure about the password, you should immediately use the restore function on the Xiaomi website.

Method 2: Restore access to Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you do not remember your password but have access to the email or phone number associated with your account, use the official recovery procedure:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter the email or phone associated with the account.
3. Choose a Recovery Method: 📧 By email (the code will come in the mail) 📱 Po Po Po SMS (code will come to the phone) 🔐 By backup email (if the main one is not available)

Create a new password and confirm the changes.

Return to the locked phone and log in with new details.

If you don’t have access to your email/phone, try:

• 🔹 Remember the backup email (as indicated during registration).
• 🔹 Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (checks, box with the device) IMEI).
• 🔹 Use the hardware unlock method (see Method 4).

Method 3: Bypassing locking via Fastboot mode (for advanced users)

If official methods don’t work, try unlocking Redmi via Fastboot, which is suitable for models up to 2022 (e.g. Redmi Note 9/10, Redmi 9A) and may not work on new devices (Redmi Note 11/12/13) due to enhanced security.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (original or high-quality).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (Fastboot version).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Install drivers (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically, download Xiaomi Driver).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the downloaded firmware.
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean all (full reset) or Clean all and lock (bootloader lock reset).
5. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11 and later) before the firmware must unlock Bootloader through the official application Mi Unlock Tool. Without this, Mi Flash will give an error "Device is locked".

1. Reconnect. USB-cable to another port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi Composite" MDB Interface").-->

Method 4: Unlocking through EDL mode (for tech-savvy)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the only way to bypass Mi Account locks on new Redmi models (2022-2026) if you don’t have access to an account, but it requires special hardware (an authorized EDL cable or box) and firmware knowledge.

How it works:

1. The phone is switched to EDL mode via short circuit test points on the board or via cable.
2. Through the PC sewed clean firmware without binding to the account.
3. After the reboot, the phone unlocks, but it may need to be activated again.

Risks of the method:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the case is opened).
• 🔥 Possibility of "bricking" the device in case of firmware error.
• 🛡️ On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You need an authorized Xiaomi developer account.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center.The cost of unlocking through EDL in Russia and the CIS is from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).

💡

EDL mode is the last chance to unlock Redmi if official methods don’t work, but it requires special equipment and skills. Newer models (Redmi 13C, Note 13 Pro) may not work without Xiaomi’s authorization.

Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Path)

If the phone is officially purchased (there is a check, a box with IMEI), you can try unlocking it through Xiaomi support.This method is the longest (from 3 days to 2 weeks), but legal and does not require technical skills.

What needs to be done:

1. Prepare the papers: 📄 Check or invoice for the purchase of a phone. 📦 Photo of the box with the visible IMEI (must coincide with IMEI phone). 🆔 Passport photo (photo page).

Xiaomi

• 🌐 Official website: mi.com/support
• 📧 Email: support@xiaomi.com
• 💬 Chat in Telegram/VK (If there are official channels for your area).
• Describe the situation: specify the phone model, IMEI, the reason for the lock and attach the documents.

What will the support answer:

• If the documents are in order, they will send an unlock code or remove the account binding remotely.
• If the phone used and documents are not - will refuse help (you will have to use other methods).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support can request video with the phone, where you can see IMEI (If you dial the code *#06# and the serial number (on the box), you'll probably be denied.

How to avoid blocking after unlocking: 5 rules

Once you successfully unlock Redmi, it is important to set your phone up so that the problem doesn't happen again.

1. Untie the old Mi Account: Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. Click Delete Account and confirm the action.
2. Do not link your account right away: When you first enable, skip the sign-in step to Mi Account (click Skip or Later).
3. Create a backup email: When registering a new account, specify an additional email to restore.
4. Turn off Factory Reset Protection (FRP): In Settings → Google → Security, turn off Reset Protection.

Save your account details

• Write down your login and password in a secure location (for example, in the password manager).

If you are selling or transferring a phone, you must:

• 🔄 Perform reset through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings (not via Recovery!).
• 📱 Make sure that after resetting the phone does not require entering Mi Account.
• 📝 Transfer the account information to the new owner (if the link remains).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi