How to unlock Xiaomi phone after resetting to factory settings: the full guide 2026

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is standard procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for firmware. But what if after a hard reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, a pattern lock or a computer key? PIN-This situation is familiar to thousands of users, especially after buying a used smartphone or a failed attempt to unlock the bootloader.

In 2026, Xiaomi tightened its security policy: even after completely resetting through Recovery, many models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T) require confirmation of the original Mi Cloud account. Without it, the phone turns into a brick with the words "This device is locked." Fortunately, there are legal and informal ways to get around locking - from standard tools to engineering methods for advanced users.

In this guide, we will discuss 5 working methods of unlocking, including official (via Xiaomi support) and alternative (using Fastboot, EDL and third-party utilities), as well as learn which models are most vulnerable to locking, how to avoid re-activation of protection and what to do if the phone is purchased from hand without the previous owner’s data.

Why Xiaomi is blocked after resetting settings

The reason for the lock is because of Mi Cloud Lock (aka FRP, Factory Reset Protection), which links the device to the Mi Account that was authorized on the phone before the reset, and even if you run Wipe Data through Recovery, the system stores the binding information in the protected persist section.

Since 2021, Xiaomi has introduced an additional layer of protection - OEM Lock. Now, when reset, you can see:

• 🔒 Requirement to enter a password from Mi Account (if the phone was linked to the account).
• 📱 Request for confirmation through SMS/email (If two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🚫 Message "This device is locked" (on models with locked boot loader).
• ⚙️ Activation error (if previously the owner was enabled Find Device).

The problem is especially common on devices with MIUI 13/14 and later, as well as on the flagships of the Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi K50 and POCO X5.

Method 1: Unlock with the official Mi Account

If you remember the data from the Mi Account, which was tied to the phone before the reset, this method will take no more than 5 minutes, suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 11T and newer ones.

Step-by-step:

1. On the locked screen, select “Forgot password?” (or similar option).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
3. Confirm your identity through SMS-mail-in.
4. Create a new password and try again.

If two-factor authentication is disabled, the system may request a backup email or a secret question. On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global), after successful authorization, the phone unlocks automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased with hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his account from the system, in which case official unlocking is possible only with his participation (you need to untie the device through the personal account Mi Account).

Method 2: Use Fastboot Mode (for unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader on your Xiaomi is already unlocked, you can bypass the lock via Fastboot.This method is suitable for models with support for fastboot oem unlock, but requires a PC and installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
4. Reset the protection of FRP: fastboot erase frp
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone should suggest configuring it as new.This method works on most Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40), but may not work on MediaTek models (e.g., the Redmi 10C).

💡

If fastboot erase frp is not supported, try an alternative: fastboot erase persist.This will delete your account link data, but may reset some network settings.

Method 3: Unlocking through EDL (for advanced users)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to overwrite system partitions, including locking. FRP. The method is suitable for Qualcomm devices, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable and firmware.

Warning: The wrong actions in EDL can turn your phone into a brick. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Download the firmware for your model from MIUI Download (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive and delete files with the.mbn extension from the folder (they are responsible for verifying the signature).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (this may require a short circuit of contacts on the board or a special cable).
4. Run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the "Clean All" option.

After successful firmware, the phone will be completely reset, including locking Mi Account. However, this method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader and the current version of the anti-rollback (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).

Method 4: Bypassing the lock through Xiaomi service centers

If the independent methods did not work, the official service center Xiaomi can help unlock the phone if there are documents confirming the purchase.

To contact the service center:

1. Find the nearest authorized center on the Mi Service website.
2. Take your passport, check (or warranty card), phone box.
3. If the phone is used, ask the previous owner to write a statement of waiver of the rights to the device.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: service centers in Russia and the CIS can refuse to unlock if the device was activated in another region (for example, in China or the EU), in which case only contacting Mi Support through international support will help.

Method 5: Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official methods did not help, some users resort to unofficial utilities and exploits, we do not recommend using them, but for the sake of completeness, we will tell you about the most common:

• 🛠️ Availability of Mi Account Unlock Tool or FRP Bypass APK. These programs promise to bypass the lock through vulnerabilities in the MIUI, But often contain malicious code or require root rights. Risk: data theft or permanent locking of the phone.
• 🔄 Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP). In some models (for example, POCO F1, Redmi Note 9 Pro) can be installed TWRP manually delete files /data/system/gesture.key or locksettings.db. Requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 📡 Use of the SIM-Original operator cards. On older models (until 2020) insertion sometimes helps SIM-The system can miss the lock if it recognizes the "native" network.

Warning: Most alternative methods violate Xiaomi’s user agreement and may result in:

• Lose the warranty.
• IMEI lock (if the phone is listed as stolen)
• Firmware malfunction.

💡

The only legal way to unlock without risk is official Xiaomi support, and all other methods can result in data loss or device breakdown.

How to avoid blocking Xiaomi in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these rules:

• 🔑 Untie Mi Account before resetting. Before selling or transferring your phone, go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account and click "Exit." Then delete the account through Settings → Memory. → Resetting settings → Delete all accounts.
• 📱 Don't buy used Xiaomi without checking. Before buying, ask the seller to reset with you and make sure the phone doesn't require a password entry after the reboot. Check lock status via ##4636## (Section "Phone Information").
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI. In new firmware versions, Xiaomi fixes vulnerabilities that are used to bypass the lock. Updates also add legal ways to restore access (for example, through Mi Cloud Find Device).
• 📝 Save data for recovery. Take a picture or take a photo: Mi Account login and password; backup email and phone number; two-factor authentication codes (if enabled).

If you often sell or buy Xiaomi, use the Guest Mode feature (Settings → System → Guest Mode) to allow you to transfer your phone temporarily without the risk of blocking your main account.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)