How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget the password: all working ways

Xiaomi’s forgotten password is a situation that affects one in five smartphone users. According to service centers, 18% of calls are related to screen locking. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to unlock without requiring professional access. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for 2026, from recovery through Mi Account to using Fastboot and EDL mode.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on the phone model, the version of MIUI and the presence of a linked account. For example, on new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) with MIUI 15 may not work resetting via Recovery without password confirmation. We will describe each method in detail, its pros and cons, and give recommendations for data retention. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service center to avoid total data loss or turning the phone into a “brick”.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all models, including POCO, Redmi and flagship series, if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔗 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔒 Find Device (Find Device) has been activated

To unlock the phone:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Enter the email/phone from Mi Account and confirm the code from the SMS or email.
3. Follow the system's instructions for resetting a password or pattern lock.

💡

If the button "Forgot your password?" does not appear, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer alternative ways of login.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone to factory settings without logging out, this method won't work. EDL (see the sections below).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss guaranteed)

Recovery mode allows you to reset your phone to factory settings, but all data will be deleted.

• 🔄 You do not have a Mi Account or do not remember any data from it.
• 📵 The phone is not connected to the Internet (no access to the cloud)
• 🛠️ The device does not support unlocking via Fastboot (old models)

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Clip the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F5/Xiaomi 13T: Volume down + Power

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

Prepare a backup of important data (if your phone has previously synced with Google/Mi Cloud)

Remember the button combination for your model

-->

⚠️ Note: On new devices with MIUI 14/15 After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied. If you do not remember them, the phone will remain locked - in this case, only Fastboot or contacting the service will help.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode allows you to bypass the lock by flashing the phone, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, Released after 2018 year, but does not work on devices with a blocked bootloader (bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Unlock Tool for official unlocking).
2. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the phone b) Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears
3. Connect the phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. For password reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50) After fastboot erase commands, you may need to re-assign Mi Account at the first download. If the account was not untied before locking, the phone will remain in the state "This device is locked".

4.Using EDL mode (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader. It is used in service centers and requires:

• 🖥️ Computers with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008
• 📂 Firmware file (.tgz or.mbn) for your model
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil

Algorithm of action:

1. Put the phone in mode. EDL: For most models: Press the Volume up + Loudness down + USB-cable (connect to PC) for POCO X3/Redmi Note 10: Use a combination of food + Volume down and connect the cable through 5 seconds.

Device Manager

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL may result in loss IMEI If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center, also note that Xiaomi can block an account if you use it often. EDL (suspicion of illegal unblocking).

Mi Account|Recovery Mode|Fastboot|EDL |None of them read the instructions-->

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods have not worked or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the best option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔧 Data retention (in some cases)
• 🛡️ Guarantee for work (if the phone is guaranteed)
• 📄 Officially unlock without the risk of blocking the account

The cost of unlocking in 2026:

• Without data storage: 1000–2500 ₽
• With data retention (if possible): 3000–5000 ₽
• For devices with damaged screen (display replacement required): from 6000 ₽

To find the nearest service center:

1. Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
2. Enter your city or enable geolocation.
3. Select a center marked Authorized Service Partner.

💡

Xiaomi’s official service centers never ask for Mi Account passwords or credit card details to unlock. If you are offered such services, they are scammers!

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

There are many popular ways to unlock Xiaomi online, but most of them are either outdated or risk-taking, and we will list only those that have at least some evidence:

• 📞 Calling a locked phone: On some older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) You could take an incoming call and access the settings through the call menu. MIUI 12+ This bug is fixed.
• 🔌 Firmware rollback: On devices with unlocked bootloader, you can flash the old version MIUI, Risk: data loss and possible brick (turning into a brick»).
• 🤖 ADB-Teams: If previously included Debugging USB, You can try to delete password files via the commands: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key But MIUI 13+ This method has ceased to work due to changes in the structure of data storage.

⚠️ Note: Use of informal methods (e.g. paid services such as Mi Account Unlock or Mi Account Unlock) FRP Bypass APK) fraughtly:

• Blocking Mi Account for suspicious activity.
• Personal data leakage (fraudulents may gain access to your account).
• Loss of warranty (if the phone is still in warranty service).

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

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

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write your password in a secure location (such as Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
• ☁️ Enable synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Mi Account → Synchronization).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📱 Set up Smart Lock (unlock in trusted places) in Settings → Lock screen → Smart Lock.

It's also useful to know:

• On MIUI 14+, you can configure emergency information (Settings → Lock screen → Emergency information), where you can specify a spare email or phone for communication.
• If you often forget passwords, install a password management app (like Bitwarden or KeePassDX).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi