How to unlock a Xiaomi phone if you forget your password or pattern lock

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can't unlock your phone? The situation is familiar to many - especially if the device has been lying idle for a long time or used by children. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to reset the lock. But it is important to understand that not all methods will save your data, and some can even lead to complete loss of access to your Mi Account if you act carelessly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, from simple (via an attached account) to complex (via Fastboot mode), and learn how to avoid locking in the future and what to do if the phone requires confirmation after a reset. All instructions are relevant for Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark models based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has Find My Device enabled, some methods may only work after detaching the device from your Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, after a reset, the phone will require you to enter your previous account details.

To avoid wasting time, first check if the easiest way is to unlock through Mi Account. If not, go to the rest of the methods.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest and most recommended method by Xiaomi, but it only works if you meet three conditions:

  1. The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  2. You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the device.
  3. The phone was not reset to factory settings earlier (otherwise you will need to confirm the old account).

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

Step 1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).

Step 2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter details from your account.

Step 3: Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

Step 4: Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and tied to someone else's account, this method will not work, in which case contact the seller for account details or use alternative methods (see section 3).

📊 What kind of Xiaomi phone is you?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/X6
Mi 11/12/13
Black Shark
Other

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember data, you can reset your phone to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data, including photos, messages and apps.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13) After the reset, you may receive a request for data entry Mi Account, which was tied before the lock. If you do not know this data, the phone will become a “brick” – it can only be unlocked through the official Xiaomi service (see section). 5).

☑️ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
  • 📱 The phone supports unlocking the bootloader (on new models may require waiting 7-15 days).
  • 🔓 You are ready for possible data loss.

Step 1: Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.

Step 2: Put your phone in Fastboot mode:

Hardware: Turn off the phone → Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.


Software: Connect your phone to your PC → enter in the command line:




adb reboot bootloader

Step 3: In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) do:

fastboot oem unlock

If an error occurs, the bootloader is blocked. Unblock it through the official Xiaomi website (you will need to link an account and wait for permission).

Step 4. After unlocking the bootloader, run your phone through Fastboot using the command:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

What if Fastboot doesn’t recognize your phone?
Make sure you have the Mi Flash Tool drivers installed. USB-Cable (preferably original) Restart your PC and phone. If the problem persists, disable the driver signature in Windows (click Win). + X → System parameters → Update and security → Recovery → Reboot with special parameters → Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reboot. → F7).

4.Use of Find My Device (Remote Unlock)

If the phone has Find My Device enabled, you can try unlocking it remotely via Xiaomi’s website, which works even if the phone is not currently connected to the internet (the command will run when you first connect).

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
  3. Click Delete Data (or Erase Device).
  4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: After the remote cleaning, the phone will require the data entry of the Mi Account, which was tied before locking, and if you do not remember it, it will be impossible to unlock the device without contacting the service center.

💡

If the phone isn’t displayed on Find My Device, check if geolocation and mobile data are enabled on the device, and make sure the phone isn’t discharged (charge level should be above 15%).

5. Official Xiaomi service (if nothing helped)

If all previous methods have failed, the last option is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center, which is the only way to unlock the phone if:

    What will be required:

    DocumentWhat do you need?Where to find it.
    Check or guarantee cardConfirmation of purchaseShop or seller
    PassportConfirmation of identityPersonal documents
    IMEI phoneIdentification of the deviceOn the box or under the battery (if removable)
    Data of the previous owner (if b/u)To decouple the Mi AccountThe seller

    ⚠️ Note: Xiaomi service centers in Russia and the CIS can refuse to unlock if the phone was purchased abroad or does not have an official warranty.In this case, try to contact informal services, but be prepared for high prices (from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles).

    💡

    Officially unlocking through the service is the only legal way to bypass the binding to the Mi Account without the risk of “filling” the phone.

    6.How to avoid blocking in the future

    To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

    • 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
    • 📝 Write your password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
    • 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
    • 📧 Link to the phone the current email and the number to restore Mi Account.

    We also recommend turning off Find My Device if you don't use it, which will eliminate the need to enter your account details after a reset, but remember, without this feature, you won't be able to find your phone in the event of a theft.

    📊 You are using biometric unlocking?
    Yeah, fingerprint.
    Yeah, facial recognition.
    No, just a PIN/password.
    No, the pattern lock.

    Frequent Questions (FAQ)

    Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
    Yes, but only if you have access to the Mi Account linked to the phone, in which case use the method in Section 1. All other methods will result in deletion of the data.
    The phone asks for the old password after resetting through Recovery.
    This means that the phone has Mi Account protection on, you need to enter the account information that was tied before the reset, and if you don't remember it, contact Xiaomi Support to restore access or a service center.
    Can I unlock Xiaomi through the ADB, if USB-debugging not included?
    No. To work with ADB, debugging must be activated in advance in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB). Without this, you will not be able to connect to your phone via PC.
    How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
    The cost depends on the model and the reason for blocking: Reset password without binding to the account: 1,500-3000 rubles. bypass Mi Account (if used): 5 000-10,000 rubles. recovery after a failed reset: from 3 000 rubles. Official Xiaomi services can do it for free if the phone is warranty and you have checks.
    Do you have any Xiaomi unlock software (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool)?
    Most of these programs are fraud or malware. Don't use them! They can: Steal your Mi Account data, infect your PC with viruses, permanently lock your phone (turn it into a brick), the only safe way is through official methods or service centers.