When Xiaomi’s smartphone is locked and requires a password from your Mi Account after resetting, it is one of the most common problems for users of this ecosystem: It’s not just a random security whim, but a serious security mechanism designed to protect your personal data in the event of theft or loss of the device. However, if you forget your credentials, this protection becomes a serious obstacle, making the device temporarily useless.
Before you start taking action, it's important to understand the nature of locking. Find Device binds your device to your unique identifier on the company's servers. Even a full reset via Recovery Mode won't remove that binding, because it's checked when you first connect to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, so simple methods like flashing without first decoupling are often ineffective.
In this article, we will look at legal and secure ways to restore access, discuss password reset procedures through official channels, use of a linked phone number and email, and discuss what to do if data is lost irretrievably, and how official support or service centers can help in this case.
Why is the Mi Account password request
The activation lock, often called Mi Account Lock, works in specific scenarios, most often after a forced reset of the device to the factory settings (Hard Reset) through the Recovery menu or volume button. If you have not logged out of your profile in the phone settings, the security system regards the boot as an attempt at unauthorized access.
Another reason could be a change of password on another device or suspicious activity recorded by Xiaomi servers, in which case the phone requires re-authorization to confirm that the current owner has rights to control the gadget, part of a comprehensive Find Device system that allows you to remotely block and clean data.
Sometimes users create problems by buying used devices, and if the previous owner did not untie the phone from his account, the new owner will face a requirement to enter other people's data, in which case unlocking is possible only through the seller or with a check for purchase in the service.
⚠️ Note: Entering the wrong password many times in a row can lead to temporary blocking of the ability to enter or complete blocking of the account on the server!
Method 1: Restoring access through the linked number
The fastest and most reliable way to return access to the device is to use the password recovery function via SMS. This method works if your Mi Account was linked to a phone number and the SIM card is in your hands. First, go to the official i.mi.com website from a computer or another smartphone.
In the authorization window, enter your ID (This could be a phone number or an email, and click on the link "Forgot your password?" and the system will offer you multiple options for verifying your identity. SMS-Enter it in the appropriate field on the site.
Once you have successfully checked, the system will allow you to set a new password, and it is recommended to use a complex combination of characters that is difficult to find, but easy to remember. Immediately after changing the password, return to the locked phone, connect it to Wi-Fi and enter new login details.
Method 2: Reset via email
If your phone number is lost or your SIM card is inactive, you can use a backup channel called email, which is relevant if you previously specified an email in your Mi ID security settings. The process is similar to recovering via SMS, but the code will come to your inbox.
Go to the Xiaomi account management page and initiate a reset procedure. Select the "Get a code by email" option. Check the inbox, as well as the spam folder, which sometimes includes automated emails from Xiaomi services.
By clicking on the link, you can set a new password, which is a security measure to protect against hacking.
☑️ Checklist before resetting password
Use the Find Device function to unlock
Find Device is not only a location tracking tool, but also a powerful lock control lever. If your phone is connected to the Internet, you can try to unlock it remotely via the web interface.
From the menu, select your device from the list. If your device is online, you will have several options available, one of which is Unlock. By clicking on this button, you will send a command to unlock the screen or account, depending on the version of MIUI and the type of lock.
However, if the phone is in Lost mode or completely locked by the account after a reset, the remote unlock function may not work without prior identification verification by more stringent methods, in which case the system will redirect you to the password recovery procedure described above.
What to do if the phone is offline?
What to do if the number and mail are not available
The most difficult situation is when you don't have access to your linked number or email, which can happen when you change a number, lose your SIM card, or break into your mailbox, in which case the standard automatic methods of retrieving your Mi Account password won't work.
The only legal solution is to get official support from Xiaomi, which requires you to prove that you own the device, and you need to provide a serial number (IMEI), which is usually listed on a phone box or a check from the store.
The process can take anywhere from days to weeks, and security personnel will check the activation history and, if you confirm your rights, help untie the old number and mail, replacing them with current data, without this step, the phone will remain a brick.
Comparison of Access Restoration Methods
To make it easier for you to navigate the options available, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you quickly determine which method is right for your situation, based on the available resources and conditions.
| Method | Conditions required | Speed. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through SMS | Availability of a SIM card | Instantly. | Tall. |
| Through e-mail. | Access to the post office | 5-15 minutes | Tall. |
| Find Device | Internet on the phone | Depends on the network. | Medium |
| Support | Check, box, IMEI | Days/weeks | 100% (with documents) |
💡
Having a purchase check or a box with an IMEI is a “golden key” that solves the problem even when all digital data is lost.
Preventing Access Problems in the Future
To never again face the agonizing question of “how to unlock,” it is important to properly configure the device immediately after purchase. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Security. Make sure it shows the current phone number and backup email.
You should also set up security questions, which is an extra layer of protection that allows you to restore access even if you don't have a phone or a computer with open mail on hand, and write down the answers to those questions in a secure place, such as a paper notebook.
Remember to check the relevance of your data periodically. If you change your phone number, make sure to update this information in your Mi ID profile. Old, inactive numbers are the most common cause of access problems in the long run.
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Store a photo of a purchase check in the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) This is proof of ownership of a device that can save the situation if the phone is stolen or locked.