How to unlock a Xiaomi device: the full guide 2026

Forgot the password from Xiaomi? The phone locked after failed attempts to enter the pattern lock? Or maybe you bought a used smartphone with someone else's Mi Account tied? Situations when you need to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices, mass — and each has its own solution.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock for 2026: from a standard reset via Recovery to bypassing FRP-locking (Factory Reset Protection) and unlocking the bootloader for firmware custom software. Importantly, the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI, device model and reason for blocking. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, one algorithm will work, and for Redmi Note 8 on MIUI 12 – a completely different one algorithm.

We warn you beforehand: some operations (for example, reset via Fastboot) will delete all data from the device. If important files are stored on the phone, try the methods without losing information first - we also described them below.

1. Unblock through the Mi Account (if you remember the login / password)

The easiest way to do this is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if you've logged in before and you haven't disabled sync. Here's how to do this:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (or similar label, depending on the version of MIUI).

2 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.

3. Confirm entrance through SMS-code.

If the device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), it will take no more than a minute to unlock, and importantly, this method will not work if the previous owner has not untied his account, in which case you will need to reset via Recovery or call in support of Xiaomi.

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If the lock screen does not have a button "Forgot your password?", try to enter any password 5 times in a row - after that the system will offer recovery options.

• ✅ It works on all models. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO s MIUI 10 newer
• ✅ No data reset required.
• ❌ It will not help if your account is not yours or sync is disabled.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data, but USB debugging (ADB) is enabled on your device, you can try resetting your password without completely resetting it, a method that is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
4. Enter the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
5. Reset the phone and the password will be reset.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings | Download ADB Tools (platform-tools) | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable-->

This method only works on devices with MIUI before version 12.5. On new firmware, Xiaomi closed this loophole due to a security vulnerability.

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It's been disabled, it's not going to work, so you can move to the next section with the Fastboot reset.

3. Complete reset via Fastboot (universal method)

When other methods fail, you can still reset hard through Fastboot mode, which will delete all data, but it is guaranteed to unlock the device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the new Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a rabbit and FASTBOOT inscription).
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the cmd in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be like new, you will need an initial setup. If the device was tied to the Mi Account, you may need to enter account data (see the section on FRP bypass below).

Xiaomi 13/14 series|Redmi Note 12/11|POCO F5/X5|Xiaomi Mi 11|Other model-->

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

If after resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the data of your previous Mi Account, you are faced with a problem. FRP-It's a theft protection that appears on all devices with a lock. MIUI 9 and newer. You can get around it in a number of ways:

Method 1: Mi Unlock Tool (official)

• 📱 Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
• 🔗 Sign in to the program under your Mi Account.
• 🔓 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the wizard’s instructions.

Method 2: Using APK bypasses (unofficial)

For Android devices 8-10 You can use special ones. APK-files that are installed through ADB Sideload, for example:

1. Download. FRP_Bypass.apk (Find the latest version for your model).
2. In Recovery mode, select Apply update from ADB.
3. Enter the command: adb sideload FRP_Bypass.apk

⚠️ Attention: Informal methods of circumvention FRP may violate the warranty and be blocked by updates MIUI. On new devices (such as Xiaomi 14), these methods often don’t work.

5 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) for firmware

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and confirmation through Mi Account.

Steps to unlock:

1. Link the device to your Mi Account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Click Unlock in the program and the countdown (usually 72-168 hours) will begin.
5. After the wait is over, try again - the bootloader will be unlocked.

New devices (such as the Xiaomi 13T) may require additional confirmation via SMS or wait up to 30 days.

• ✅ It allows you to install custom firmware and TWRP.
• ❌ Resets all data.
• ❌ It may be insured (depending on the region).

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Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official way. Using informal tools (such as EDL) can lead to a device "brick".

6 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode) - the last method

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is used to recover bricks, devices that are not turned on or stuck on the logo, which requires special equipment (EDL cable or testpoints) and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

When you need an EDL:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load.
• 🔄 Fastboot firmware ends in error.
• 🚨 The device is locked after a failed firmware.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the test points (for each model they are their own, look for schemes for Redmi Note 10, Xiaomi Mi 11, etc.).
3. Connect. USB-cable to PC – the device is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

To run through EDL, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers.
• 📁 Stock firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip format).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably with grounding).

7 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods worked, or you're afraid of damaging the device, contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

The cost of unlocking in the service depends on the reason:

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are unlocking - some centers refuse such orders without a warranty card.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi