A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that thousands of users face every day: Have you forgotten your password, a child accidentally entered the wrong pattern lock 10 times, or bought a used device with an active link to the previous owner? In this article, we will examine all the current ways to unlock Mi, Redmi and POCO phones, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using Fastboot and EDL.
It's important to understand that the method of unlocking depends on the type of lock.
- π Password./PIN-Code - Standard lock screen protection;
- π± pattern lock - pattern for unlocking;
- π Mi Account β Linked to Xiaomi account (often locks the phone after a reset);
- π‘οΈ FRP (Factory Reset Protection β Google protection after resetting.
Some methods require prior preparation (e.g., included) USB-debugging or unlocked bootloader, others work even on a fully locked device. We will describe each option in detail so you can choose the right one.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the username and password, itβs the easiest way to get back access, and it works on most models, including the Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X.
How it works: After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer to unlock the phone through Mi Account.
- On the lock screen, you forgot your password? (or Forgot password?);
- Enter email/phone and password from Mi Account;
- Confirm the unlock via SMS or email.
β οΈ Note: if the phone was purchased from hand, the previous owner could not untie his account, in which case unlocking through Mi Account is impossible - you will need to contact the seller or use alternative methods.
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If you donβt remember the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number.
| Xiaomi model | Support for unlocking through Mi Account | Is the Internet required? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix | Yes. | Yes (Wi-Fi or mobile network) |
| Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 | Yes. | Yes. |
| POCO F3/F4/F5, POCO X3/X4/X5 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Older models (until 2018) | Partially (depends on firmware) | Yes. |
2. Reset settings (Hard Reset) via Recovery Mode
Hard Reset is a universal way to unlock, but it completely removes all data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages).
- π Do not remember the password and do not have a Mi Account attached;
- π¦ The phone was bought from the hands and blocked by the previous owner;
- π§ You need to return the factory settings before selling.
Instructions for most Xiaomi models:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data is deleted.
Get out. SIM-memory-card|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download Xiaomi drivers on PC (in case of problems)|Make sure there is no important data on the phone (it will be deleted)-->
β οΈ Note: on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi) 10T) After Hard Reset, it can be activated. FRP-To avoid this, unplug your Google account in your settings before resetting (Settings) β Accounts. β Google).
What if after Hard Reset, your phone needs an old password?
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If Hard Reset didnβt help or your phone is locked at Mi Account level, you can try unlocking it via Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS;
- π Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set);
- π οΈ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website);
- π Unlocked bootloader (unless previously unlocked).
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB/Fastboot on PC and connect the locked phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when turned on).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number.
- To reset Mi Account, use the command: fastboot erase frp For a complete reset (deletes all data): fastboot erase userdata
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
β οΈ Attention: on new models (Mi) 13, Redmi Note 12) Xiaomi blocks fastboot erase commands without first unlocking the bootloader.If the command is not working, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (waiting will be required). 7-15 days).
Hard Reset (Recovery reset)| Unlocking via Mi Account|Fastboot/ADB| Contacted the service center |Hasn't tried-->
4. Unlock through EDL mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.
- π½ Special cable. EDL (board-bar);
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model;
- π§ Skills with hardware (risk of damaging the phone!).
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
- The phone must be identified as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.
Next, use the Mi Flash Tool to run your phone with the official firmware. Important: choose a firmware version that is compatible with your model and region (Global, China, EEA).
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EDL mode is the only way to unlock a phone with a locked bootloader and an active binding to the Mi Account, but it requires physical access to the board and risks "bricking" the device if it makes a mistake.
β οΈ Note: on phones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) instead EDL mode BROM. They'll need a program. SP Flash Tool and Author's Firmware.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If you don't succeed, go to the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way. The cost of unlocking varies from 1,500 to 5,000. β½ Depending on the type and type of lock.
What will be required:
- π Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed);
- π Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership);
- π± The device itself (preferably with a charge) >30%).
The service centre may:
- π Reset Mi Accounts with Xiaomiβs internal tools;
- π§ Check the phone in mode EDL without risk to the user;
- π οΈ Recover data (in rare cases, if the lock is not associated with encryption).
β οΈ Warning: Unofficial service centers may offer βunlockingβ through illegal methods (e.g., substitution). IMEI). This is against the law and may result in a loss of warranty or a lockdown. IMEI communicationsman.
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid having to deal with the problem of a locked phone again, follow these tips:
- π Use password management (such as Google Password Manager or KeePass) to store codes;
- π± Set up the unlock by fingerprint or face in addition to PIN-code;
- π Regularly backup your data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive;
- π Unplug your Mi Account and Google Account before selling your phone;
- π§ Unlock the bootloader in advance (in case of future problems).
It's also useful to know:
- On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 12+, you can set up an emergency contact that can unlock the device via SMS (in the Lock Screen settings β Emergency Information).
- If you often forget passwords, turn on Smart Lock in your Android settings β it will automatically unlock your phone in trusted places (home, work).
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Create an encrypted note in Google Keep or write it down PIN-code on paper and keep it in a safe place (for example, in a safe or close to you).