Unlocking Xiaomi device via i.mi.com: the official way without risks

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or bought a used smartphone with a locked screen? i.mi.com/unlock — The only legal way to unlock a device without losing data (with the right actions). In this article, we will take a Step-by-step look at how unlocking through your Mi Account works, what documents will be needed to confirm ownership, and what to do if the site issues a Couldn’t verify device error or asks you to wait. 72 hour.

It is important to understand that the procedure through i.mi.com only works for devices associated with the Mi Account. If the previous owner did not untie the gadget or you do not remember the login details, an alternative method will be required (for example, Fastboot or contacting the service center).

This article is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI 12–14, including Xiaomi 14 flagships, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ budgetary POCO M6. Instructions checked in 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi’s security policy.

What is unlocking through i.mi.com and when you need it

Service i.mi.com/unlock — Xiaomi's official tool for remotely unlocking devices linked to Mi Accounts, which is needed in three cases:

• 🔐 You forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Lock screen code or password, but remember the data from Mi Account.
• 📱 Buy used smartphone Xiaomi, which the previous owner did not reset to factory settings.
• 🔄 You need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

The main difference from other methods (for example, Fastboot or EDL): Unblocking via i.mi.com does not require technical skills and does not void warranty:

• ⏳ Waiting time: After submitting an application, Xiaomi may require waiting from 72 hours to 30 days (depending on model and device history).
• 📄 Documents: to confirm ownership, a purchase check, a box with IMEI or photograph of the serial number.
• 🌍 Region: the service does not work in all countries (for example, in Russia it is available with restrictions).

If you are trying to unlock a device purchased abroad (e.g., Xiaomi from China or Europe), it may be difficult to confirm your region, requiring a change of region or support.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Contacting i.mi.com

Before you go to the site i.mi.com/unlock, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Check your device's association with your Mi Account. Go to account.xiaomi.com, log in and find your smartphone on the device list. If it's not there, unlocking it through i.mi.com is not possible.

Make sure the device is connected to the internet.

Xiaomi

If the device is discharged or not turned on, connect it to charging and wait for the boot to at least the lock screen. 9A, lying idle for six months) may require "resuscitation" through a high-current charger (2And/5V).

Attention! If a device has been stolen or lost, unlocking via i.mi.com is not possible. Xiaomi blocks such requests automatically. IMEI device.

Step-by-step: how to unlock Xiaomi via i.mi.com

Now, let's get to the key, unlock. Follow the instructions in the right steps.

Step 1. Authorization on i.mi.com

1. Open the page in the browser i.mi.com/unlock (Better to use Google Chrome or Firefox – Safari may have display issues).

2. Select the interface language (English and Chinese are available; Russian is not available, but you can use a browser translator).

3.Tap Unlock Now and log in under the same Mi Account that the locked smartphone is attached to.

Important: If you have two-factor authentication enabled (2FA), confirm the entrance through SMS Without that, unlocking will be unavailable.

Step 2: Selection of device and proof of ownership

1. After authorization, the site will show a list of devices associated with the account. Select the desired smartphone (if it is not in the list, unlocking is impossible).

2.Click Verify Device and download the requested documents:

• 📸 Photo box with IMEI (It is clearly visible where the serial number is).
• 📄 Scanning of the purchase check (if the device is new).

3. Complete the form with the data:

• Device IMEI — specify IMEI (You can find it on the box or via the *#06# command on another phone if the phone is switched on).
• Purchase Date – date of purchase (must coincide with the check).

Step 3: Waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi

After submitting the application, Xiaomi checks the documents manually.

During the wait:

• 📵 Do not turn off the locked smartphone – it should remain on the lock screen.
• 🌐 Do not change the region of your Mi Account (this will reset your application).
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – Xiaomi may request additional data.

Critical information: If you receive an email with the subject line "Mi Unlock Request Rejected", you can only re-apply after 30 days.

• 📌 IMEI matching the box and the application.
• 📅 The date of purchase is indicated correctly (check by check).
• 📎 Documents uploaded in format JPG/PNG (not PDF or HEIC).

Step 4: Unlocking the device

After approval of the application:

1. You will receive an email with the theme Mi Unlock Request Approved.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original Xiaomi cable).
3. On the locked device will appear a notification Device Unlocked – confirm unlock.
4. If the screen does not respond, restart the smartphone with power. + Loudness up for 10 seconds.

If after unlocking the smartphone requires the entry of the old password, reset to factory settings through Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).

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If you unlock your smartphone through i.mi.com and ask for an old password, it means that the device has not been reset, in which case, make sure you run Wipe Data through Recovery Mode.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even with the right actions, users are faced with errors.

"Couldn't verify the device. Try again after 72 hours"

Reasons:

• 🔄 You have tried too often to unlock your device (for example, you have entered an incorrect password).
• 📱 The device was unlocked earlier, but it hasn’t been 30 days since the last unlock.
• 🌍 The region of the Mi Account does not coincide with the region of the device (for example, the account is tied to Russia, and the smartphone is tied to China).

Decisions:

• ⏳ Wait for the specified time (72 hours or longer).
• 🌐 Change the region of your Mi Account to the country of purchase of your device (in your account settings).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi with an explanation of the situation (attach a check and a photo of the box).

This device is locked by Mi Cloud. Please sign in with the previous account

This error means that the device is linked to another Mi Account.

• 🔑 Ask the previous owner to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com (Devices section) → Remove).
• 📄 If it is impossible to contact the previous owner, collect proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement) and contact Xiaomi with a request to forcefully untie the device.
• 🔧 For older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) You can try unlocking via Fastboot (but this will void the warranty).

If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the seller refuses to unplug the account, it could be a sign of fraud. IMEI on imei.info – if the status of Blacklisted, the smartphone is in the blacklist (stolen or lost).

Error: "Network error. Please try again later"

This error is due to problems connecting to Xiaomi servers.

• 🌐 Internet connection stability (try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile internet).
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Proxies – they can block access to i.mi.com.
• 🕒 Try to log in at other times (Xiaomi servers are sometimes overloaded).
• 🌍 Change your region to China (sometimes helps when accessing from other countries).

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If a “Network error” occurs during the downloading phase, try using another browser (such as Microsoft Edge) or clear the cache in the current one.

Alternative ways to unlock if i.mi.com doesn't work

If the official method has not worked, consider alternatives, and note that some methods require technical skills and may result in data loss or warranty cancellation.

1. Unlock via Fastboot (for firmware)

Suitable if you need to unlock Bootloader to install custom firmware.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
3. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (sign in under the same Mi Account).
4. Follow the instructions of the program (it may take 7-30 days to wait).

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Does not work on devices with a locked screen (you need access to settings).
• ⚠️ Cancellation of warranty (if not official firmware).

2. Unlock through EDL (emergency)

The method is for power users, and allows you to unlock even "bricks" (devices that do not turn on after a failed firmware)

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.

Instructions:

1. Put the smartphone in mode EDL (This may require a short circuit of test points on the board).
2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the firmware and press Flash.

Attention, wrong actions in EDL-If you're not sure, you can call the service center.

3. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all methods do not work, contact the official Xiaomi service.

• 📄 Passport.
• 📦 Box from the device with IMEI.
• 📄 Check or sales contract.

The cost of unlocking the service: from 1000 to 3 000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for blocking), in some cases (for example, when you steal), unlocking may not be possible.

How to avoid blocking Xiaomi in the future

To avoid the problem of a locked device, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Link your smartphone to your Mi Account immediately after you buy it (even if you buy a new one).
• 📝 Keep the check and box until the end of the warranty period (minimum 1 year).
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware (in new versions) MIUI Fix vulnerabilities that can bypass the lock).
• 🚫 Do not buy devices with your hands without checking the status of Mi Account (ask the seller to untie the smartphone with you).
• 🔒 Use a strong password for the lock screen (not just a pattern lock).

If you are planning to sell or give a smartphone, you must:

1. Reset it to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
2. Unplug Mi's account via account.xiaomi.com.
3. Delete all data from Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes).

Tip: Before resetting, check if a bank account (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) is linked to the device, and if you reset, access to it may be blocked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions