Locking Xiaomi through a Mi Account is one of the most common problems among smartphone owners of this brand, and the protection system works after resetting, stealing a device or trying to circumvent factory restrictions. PIN-Unlocking through Mi Account requires proof of ownership – and here the difficulties begin.
Many users are faced with a situation where the phone asks to enter a username and password from a Xiaomi account, but the data is lost, and recovery via email or SMS does not work. In some cases, the device can be linked to the account of the previous owner (for example, when buying a used phone). Today we will analyze all possible ways of unlocking, from official methods to technical bypasses, including the risks and nuances of each approach.
It’s important to understand: Xiaomi is actively fighting unauthorized bypassing locks, so some methods may stop working after firmware updates.We update this article regularly, but if your phone model is released after 2023, check the relevance of methods on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers).
1.Official method: Restore access to the Mi-account
The safest and most legal method is to restore access to your linked Mi Account, which is suitable if your phone is locked after resetting or you simply forgot your password. Xiaomi provides several ways to restore:
- 📧 By email – if the registration indicated the mail and it is confirmed.
- 📱 Po Po Po SMS — If the account is linked to a phone number.
- 🔗 Backup email – if the main one is not available.
- 🆔 Documents - to confirm identity (passport scan required).
To restore access:
- Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Select the recovery method (email/SMS code or answer to the check question).
- Follow the system's instructions.
⚠️ Note: If an account was created through Google or Facebook, try logging in through these services. Xiaomi doesn't always show alternative ways to sign in on the lock screen.
If the recovery does not work:
- Check the Spam folder in the mail - the code can get there.
- Make sure that the phone number is not blocked by the operator.
- Try to restore access from another device (PC or other smartphone).
2 Unlocking through Xiaomi Support: When It Works
If you can’t restore your account (e.g., a phone is hand-built and tied to someone else’s Mi Account), you can contact Xiaomi’s official support, a method that is suitable for legal owners who can confirm the purchase.
Unlocking will require:
- 📄 Check or invoice for the purchase of the phone (with indication) IMEI).
- 📱 IMEI devices (can be recognized through a box or sticker under the battery).
- 🆔 Identity document (passport).
Process of treatment:
- Go to the support website: support.xiaomi.com.
- Select the Unlock Mi Account (or similar) section.
- Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents.
- Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days).
| Type of document | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check/invoice | Must contain IMEI, model, date of purchase | Only the original is suitable, not the photograph. |
| Passport | Scan of a turn with photo and registration | Must match the check. |
| Guarantee pass | With the IMEI and the date of sale | Not all regions are accepted |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may refuse to unlock if the phone was purchased on AliExpress, Avito or in unofficial stores without a check.
If the phone is purchased by hand, try contacting the previous owner and asking them to remove the device from their account via i.mi.com (Device Management section).
Bypassing blocking through Fastboot: for advanced users
If the official methods didn’t work, you can try unlocking the phone via Fastboot mode, which is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
We warn you that doing the wrong thing can turn your phone into a brick! If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better see a specialist.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account (if you have one).
- Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader.
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a complete data reset, but this method does not guarantee bypassing the Mi Account lock on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12).
Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Install drivers ADB and Fastboot|Connect the phone to the original USB-cable|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Backup important data (if possible)-->
⚠️ Attention: Starting with 2022 Xiaomi tightened the protection: unlock bootloader may take up to 720 hours (30 days) account-to-device binding! 4. Use of the EDL-The extreme method for experienced EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.The method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable) and knowledge: ✅ It works even if the bootloader is blocked. ✅ You can flash any version of the software (including custom firmware). ✅ Bypasses the Mi Account lock on older models: ❌ The risk of damaging your phone if you do the wrong thing. ❌ Purchase required EDL-cable (nearly) 1000–2000 ruble.). ❌ On new models (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3) may not work. Instruction: Buy or Do It EDL-cable (for example, for Qualcomm) 9008). Download the firmware for your model (e.g., xiaomifirmwareupdater.com). Connect your phone in mode EDL (You can run the device through the Mi Flash Tool or QFil. Which Xiaomi models support? EDL-Most devices on Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 10/11) support EDL. Models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9/10) They don't usually support this mode. On new flagships. 13/14) EDL It can be locked at the hardware level, and if you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center. EDL workshops are about 1500–3000 ruble. 5. Alternative methods: risks and limitations On the Internet you can find many “magic” ways to bypass the blocking of Mi Account – from the use of the Internet. ADB But most of them are either outdated or they only work on older models. Let's look at the most common methods and their real effectiveness: The method works on the risks of the current situation. 2026 Passage ADB Old models (up to) 2019 - May work partially ❌ Important Installation TWRP + Delete Redmi Miui Files 4/5, Mi A1/A2 High risk of brick" ⚠️ Limited Use of Mi Account Bypass Tool Models 2018–2020 garland. Viruses, account blocking ❌ Dangerous Firmware through SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek) Redmi 9/10, POCO M3 Loss of loss IMEI, networking ⚠️ Most of the "free" programs to bypass the lock (Mi Account Unlock Tool, Xiaomi Tool) V2) They don't work or they contain malware. We don't recommend using them! 💡If you still decide to try alternative methods, be sure to check the files on VirusTotal.com and create a backup of the data (if the phone is at least somehow turned on). 6. How to avoid blocking your Mi Account in the future To avoid the problem of a blocked Xiaomi, follow the simple rules: 🔐 Save your account information – write down your login and password in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password). 📱 Link backup email and number – this will make recovery easier. 🔄 Untie your device before selling – remove your phone from your i.mi.com account. 🛡️ Don’t buy hands-on phones without a reset – demand a full Factory Reset from the seller with you. 🔧 Don’t block the bootloader unnecessarily – this will make it harder to unlock in the future.If you reset your phone frequently (for example, for firmware testing), disable the Mi Account binding in the settings: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Select Security. Turn off Device Lock option (if available). 💡Even if you disable the Mi Account lock, the phone may still require confirmation after resetting. You can only completely remove the link through the official logout. 7. What if nothing helps? If all of the above methods did not work, you have three options: Contact the Xiaomi service center - the official unlock will cost 2000-5000 rubles, but guarantees the result. Sell your phone for parts -- if it's old, it's good to donate it to donor parts (screen, battery, camera) and use it as a brick -- some of the models can be reflashed in a Qualcomm 9008 and used as a media player or a test device: 🔍 Not on the forums (4PDA, XDA) New methods for your model. 📅 Is the bootloader unlock timeline (720 hours) over). 💻 If the phone is locked after buying from hands and the seller refuses to help, you can try to return the money via AliExpress (if the purchase was there) or write a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor (for Russian sellers). FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Can Xiaomi unlock without losing data? No, 99% of the time unlocking Mi Account results in a complete phone reset. The only way to save data is if you remember your account password and can backup before unlocking. How much does it cost to unlock at the service center? Cost depends on model and region: Redmi Note 8/9/10 — 1500–2500 ruble 11/12/13 — 2500–4000 ruble. POCO F3/F4/F5 — 2000–3500 Official Xiaomi centers charge a fixed fee (about) 3000 RUB.), but guarantee the result. Does the bypass work through the shift IMEI? No, shift. IMEI Moreover, it is illegal in most countries and can lead to problems with the mobile network. Xiaomi blocks devices with fake ones. IMEI Can I unlock the phone if the previous owner is dead or missing? Yes, but it will require: Call Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, sale contract). Provide documents proving that you cannot communicate with the previous owner (e.g., a death certificate or a missing person report to the police) The process can take several weeks and success is not guaranteed. Why does the phone require a Mi Account again after firmware is installed? This is because the Mi Account lock is tied to the phone's hardware identifier (not just firmware). Even after a complete firmware flash, the system can request account data. Only solves the problem: Official unlock through support. Firmware via EDL with a full NVRAM reset (not always works).