Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that every fifth user faces. According to statistics of service centers, 18% of calls are related to locking the device due to loss. PIN-Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to unlock, but each of them has its own nuances and risks.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking Xiaomi phones (including Redmi models, POCO, Black Shark, from the safest of all, through a tied Mi Account, to radical measures like a Fastboot reset or a flashing experience. 2023–2026 years MIUI 14/15, Where the process may differ from the old instructions.
We warn you right away that some methods will lead to complete data loss, and the wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all models, including the latest Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6, if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
- 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
- Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
- Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Follow the system instructions for resetting the lock password.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled Find Device or have not linked an account, this will not work. SMS Even with the right password, it is a security measure against hacking.
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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official website account.xiaomi.com via the attached email or phone. Do not use third-party services to "hack" the account - this is fraud!
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the next option is to reset your settings via Recovery Mode.This method removes all data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages, apps), but keeps the device working. Suitable for most Xiaomi models, except those that include the Mi Cloud Lock feature (more on this below).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🎮 For Black Shark: The Power Button + Loudness up + Loudness down.
Recovery
Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
→
Confirm the action and wait for the reset to be completed.
Reboot → Reboot to System
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) And when you reset, you might have a request for Mi Account data that you had previously tied up, called Mi Cloud Lock, which is anti-theft protection, and if you don't remember your account information, your phone will remain locked!
What is Mi Cloud Lock?
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method via Fastboot is suitable if:
- 🔧 You have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- 📥 You can download the official firmware for your model.
- 🛠️ You are prepared for possible data loss (in some cases, it can be saved).
This method will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
- 📦 Firmware archive (.tgz or.zip) for your model (you can download it on the official website).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in Android SDK.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (your device should be displayed).
- Select Clean All mode (full reset) or Save User Data mode (save data, but doesn’t work on all models).
- Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware or interrupted process can lead to a breeze (complete failure) of the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center.
4.Using EDL mode (for power users)
Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone even when there is a major crash, and it is used when the Fastboot is unavailable or unhelpful. EDL New Xiaomi models (released after 2021) require an authorized account or special cable (EDL cable).
How it works:
- The phone is transferred to EDL mode through a combination of buttons or short circuit of contacts on the board (disassembly is required).
- The computer runs the Mi Flash Tool or QFil utility (for Qualcomm processors).
- Official or custom firmware is requested.
⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO M6) entrance EDL It can be locked at the hardware level, and you'll need soldering equipment or help from a service center.
| Processor model | Entry into EDL is possible | Is authorization required? |
|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm Snapdragon (8 Gen 2, 778G, etc.) | Yes. | Yes (for new models) |
| MediaTek Dimensity (9000, 1080, etc.) | Limited. | Yeah (often requires disassembly) |
| Qualcomm 4xx series (budget models) | Yes. | No (on old firmware) |
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EDL mode is the most powerful unlocking tool, but also the riskiest. Without experience, it's best not to use it yourself, especially on newer models with unauthorized firmware protection.
5. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been debugged USB (USB Debugging, you can try unlocking it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method won’t work unless debugging has been activated in advance!
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 USB-cable.
- 📱 Phone with debugging enabled and resolution for this computer.
Instructions:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key # for pattern lock
rm /data/system/password.key # for PIN/password
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootAfter the reset, the password should be reset, and if not, repeat the process or try alternative commands:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 This method may not work due to enhanced security, and after resetting the password, you may have problems with the Mi Account (re-authorization will be required).
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods did not help or you are afraid of taking risks, the most reliable option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- 🔒 Phones with Mi Cloud Lock (requires original owner confirmation).
- 📱 Models with damaged firmware or hardware locks.
- 💼 Corporate devices with additional protection.
What you need to unlock in the service:
- 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
- 🔑 Data from Mi Account if the phone was tied.
- 💳 Payment for the service (on average from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the complexity of the service).
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services may offer “unlock” by bypassing Mi Account for a low price. Often this is a scam: after such an unlock, the phone may lose access to Xiaomi’s branded services (cloud, updates, theme store).
Check for a check or guarantee card|Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Write it down. IMEI (box-and-battery)|Prepare your Mi Account information (if you remember)|Backup important data (if the phone is partially working)-->
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:
- 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the password.
It's also useful to know:
- 🔄 Nana MIUI 14/15 The function of emergency reset password through SMS (if the phone number is attached).
- 📱 In some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) you can configure temporary access for friends / relatives without disclosing the main password.
⚠️ Warning: Never disable Mi Account on your phone if you plan to sell or transfer it to another person.This could result in the device being locked for a new owner!