How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter at least once in their lives. According to statistics from service centers, 63% of requests for blocking devices are due to loss of access due to loss of access due to a loss of access. PIN-Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official ways to restore access, and for advanced users there are alternative methods through engineering modes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from a standard reset via Mi Account to using Fastboot and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to models with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, as they require different approaches. All instructions are tested on MIUI 14/15 firmware and are relevant for devices released after 2018.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13, if:

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled
• 🔑 Remember the username/password from your Mi Account

After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot the password?" Click on it and follow the algorithm:

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will arrive within 1-2 minutes).
3. Create a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has the “Find Device” option enabled, additional confirmation may be required after unlocking via Mi Account. SMS. In the models with MIUI 14+ This step is mandatory for safety.

Ensure a stable Internet connection

Check email/SMS access to confirm

Have a backup code on hand (if saved)

Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost, it is reset through the recovery mode, which deletes all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device, suitable for Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T and others with Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio chipsets.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Hold the combination: 🔧 Loudness up + Food (for most models) 🔧 Loudness down + Meals (for food) POCO M4 Pro and some Redmi)

Mi

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

⚠️ Attention: On devices with locking FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after resetting via Recovery, you will need to enter data from the last active Mi Account. If you do not remember them, the phone will remain locked!

Reset via Mi Account

Recovery Mode

Fastboot/EDL

I went to the service center.

Never blocked.-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

Fastboot is suitable for devices with a bootloader unlocked or if you are ready to unlock it. 30% cases (depending on the model), but requires PC and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. It works on Xiaomi Mi. 11, Redmi K50, POCO F5 and others with Qualcomm chipsets.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB and check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
4. To unlock the bootloader, enter: fastboot oem unlock Note: New models (MIUI 14+) will require binding to the Mi Account through the official website.
5. After unlocking, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

For models on MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9A, POCO C40) instead of Fastboot, BROM mode is used. This will require specialized software like SP Flash Tool and an authorized Xiaomi account for downloading firmware.

4.Use of ADB (without loss of data)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can try to delete the file with the password through ADB. This method works for MIUI 12-15 It's all data-saving. It's good for Xiaomi Mi. A3 (Android One), POCO X3 Pro and other models with unlocked developer options.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer (if the screen is unlocked).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the device: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ Password files can be stored in an encrypted partition /data. If the phone needs to be rebooted PIN, Try to enter any code – sometimes the system resets the check.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling the driver via Universal ADB Driver or enabling Transfer Files (PTP) mode in the USB settings on your phone.

5. Unlocking through EDL mode (for service centers)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is the "last chance" to unlock Xiaomi when other methods don't work. It allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing all locks. EDL required:

• 🔌 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuit of the circuit board
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm)
• 📄 Authorized firmware for your model (you can download on the official website)

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Turn off the phone and connect it to a PC with a clamped button combination (depending on the model).
2. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.

This method is used in service centers, as it requires soldering skills (to close EDL contacts) and risks “bricking” the device if it fails. On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and the newer EDL models, it is locked at the hardware level without Xiaomi authorization.

6. Alternative methods and warnings

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 📞 Official service center: Xiaomi provides the unlock service on the passport of the owner (cost — 1000-3000 ₽). List of centres: mi.com/service.
• 🛠️ Renovation salons: Masters use boxes like UFi or EasyJTAG to reset FRP (price — 1500-5000 ₽). Risk: It is possible to install unofficial software.
• 🔄 Exchange under warranty: If the phone for warranties and lock occurred due to the fault of the firmware, you can contact the store for replacement.

Avoid questionable services that offer “unlock in 5 minutes” without access to Mi Account, often a scam to:

• 💸 Take the prepayment and disappear.
• 📱 Install spyware
• 🔄 Sell your device as a "b/w»

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Before contacting the service, check if you still have a backup copy of your password in Mi Cloud (Devices → Security settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi