How to unlock Xiaomi Mi: from a pattern lock to a Mi Account

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Mi? Phone locked after failed attempts to enter the pattern lock? Or does the system require confirmation of Mi Account, which you lost access? Situations vary, but there is always a way out. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of unlocking – from simple (via Google account) to complex (firmware via Fastboot), and also tell you how to minimize data loss.

It’s important to understand that the unlock method depends on the type of lock and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 14, the method that is suitable for the Redmi Note 8 on MIUI 12 may not work. So before you start, check the firmware version in the Settings → About Phone menu (if you have access). If the phone is completely locked, focus on the model – it can be seen on the box or under the battery (if removable).

Also note that some methods require proof of ownership (checks, IMEI box), this applies to unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, the official tool from Xiaomi. If the phone is bought with hands, the process may be delayed or even impossible without the help of the previous owner.

We warn you beforehand that not all methods guarantee data security. If there is important information on the phone, try the methods without reset first (sections 2 and 3).

1. Unlock through Google account (only for Android 9 and below)

This method works exclusively on older versions of MIUI (based on Android 9 Pie and below).If your Xiaomi Mi is updated to MIUI 12/13/14 based on Android 10+, skip this section - Google registration will not help here.

The instructions are simple:

1. Enter any password/key 5 times until the message “Forgot the password?” appears.
2. Click on this caption → select “Login via Google”.
3. Enter the login and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was reset to factory settings via Recovery, this method won’t work – you’ll need confirmation via Mi Account.

If the "Forgot your password?" button is not, it means:

• 📱 It's on the phone. MIUI 12+ (Google Unlocking is disabled).
• 🔒 The device is linked to Mi Account, not Google.
• 🛠️ The manufacturer has disabled this feature in regional firmware (for example, for Russia).

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If the phone was bought in China, it probably has global firmware without Google services, in which case it is impossible to unlock through Google - use methods with Mi Account or Fastboot.

2 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires access to the Mi Account account that was linked to the phone. If you forget your username/password, first restore them to account.xiaomi.com.

How to unlock:

1. On the locked screen, click "Forgot your password?" → "Unblock through Mi Account".
2. Enter your email/phone and password from your account.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new password for your phone.

If the button "Unlock through Mi Account" is not:

• 📶 Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the button appears after a restart.
• 🛠️ On some firmware, you must first enter any password 10 times to activate the option.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, it is officially impossible to unlock it without his help).

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (Reset to factory settings)

This method erases all data from your phone, but it works on any Xiaomi Mi models, including new ones, which is suitable if you do not remember the password and have not tied the Mi Account (or are ready to lose it).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models - Power + Volume down).
3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons – you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data (on some firmware - "Factory Reset").
6. Confirm the reset and wait for the process to be completed.
7. Reboot the phone ("Reboot").

After the reset, the phone will be like new – you will need to reconfigure MIUI and restore data from the backup (if it was).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) 10T, Mi 11 and later) after reset via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied. FRP-If you don't remember your account, you'll have to use Fastboot (section 5).

🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%

📡 Make sure that SIM-card retrieved (if the phone requests) PUK-code)

🔗 Prepare a backup of important data (if you have access to the phone)

📱 Check the phone model – on some (for example, POCO F3) The combination of buttons for entering Recovery is different-->

4. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

The method is suitable if the phone is debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer menu → Settings → Additional → For developers → USB debugging). If debugging is turned off, this method will not work.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the Android website).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers and cable.
3. Enter the command to delete the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock should disappear. If not, try repeating commands or using an alternative method.

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ADB-Unlocking works only when the debugging is enabled USB. If it is not, this method is useless – go to Fastboot or reset via Recovery.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This is the most reliable way if other methods have not worked, and it is suitable for phones with a locked bootloader, but requires official permission from Xiaomi to unlock, without this step, you will not be able to flash the phone.

What needs to be done:

1. Get permission to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website: 📧 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone. 📱 The phone must be linked to the account for at least 7 days. 📄 Check or box IMEI (If you bought a phone with your hands).

Mi Unlock Tool

Fastboot

• Turn off the phone.
• Press the Nutrition + Loudness down until the hare appears in the hat (Mi Bunny).
• Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Log in to your Mi Account and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware completely erases data and can result in a 72-hour lock on your Mi Account if you often try to unlock different devices!

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all of the above methods fail, the less standard options remain, and they are suitable for specific cases:

Method 1: Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

• 📍 Find the nearest Xiaomi service center.
• 📄 Bring a check, a box and a passport.
• 💰 The cost of unlocking - from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model).

Method 2: Use of third-party services (at your own risk)

There are paid services on the Internet that promise to unlock Xiaomi Mi remotely, and we don't recommend using them, because:

• 🔓 There is a risk of losing access to the phone forever.
• 💳 You can get caught by fraudsters (payment without results).
• 📵 Xiaomi could be blocked IMEI device for unofficial unlocking.

Method 3: Flashing through EDL (Emergency Mode)

This is the extreme method that is used if the phone is not switched on or locked at the bootloader level (EDL-Without experience, it is better not to try, because there is a high risk of turning the phone into a brick".

If you do decide, you will need:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 🔌 EDL-cable (or adapter for entering mode 9008).
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn format for your model.

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Before using EDL, check if your model supports this mode. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 10 and later, the EDL entry is often locked at the hardware level.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having a locked phone problem again, follow the simple rules:

1. Set up backups

• 📱 Regularly save data to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 💾 Use local copying through Settings → System system → Backup.

2. Link several ways to unlock

• 🔑 Set up your fingerprint and face recognition.
• 📧 Link Mi Account and Google Account.
• 📝 Write your password to a secure location (for example, a password manager).