Forgot the password from the Mi Account or bought Xiaomi from hand, and the previous owner did not untie the device? The situation is familiar to many: the smartphone requires entering a login / password after resetting or flashing, blocking access to the system. In 2026, unlocking Xiaomi without a Mi Account became more difficult due to tightening security policies, but it is still possible – the main thing is to choose the right method depending on the model and version of MIUI.
In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to bypass the lock, including formal and informal solutions. Importantly, not all methods are universal – some only work on older versions of MIUI (up to 14), others require technical skills, and we will also warn against dangerous “life hacks” that can turn your Redmi or POCO into a “brick”.
Why Xiaomi is blocking a device without a Mi Account?
Since 2018, Xiaomi has implemented Factory Reset Protection (FRP), similar to that on Android devices from other brands, and the bottom line is simple: once you reset your Wipe Data, you need to verify your rights through your Mi Account, which protects your data when you steal it, but creates problems when you buy used phones.
In 2023-2026, the logic of blocking became more complicated:
- 🔒 MIUI 14+: The lock works even when updating the firmware through Fastboot, if the device was tied to the account.
- 📱 Models with Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2/3 (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60): Use hardware encryption, making bypassing the lock almost impossible without an official unlocker.
Critical detail: Smartphones on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO M5) are more likely to be unlocked through exploits in the SP Flash Tool than models on Qualcomm.
Method 1: Official unlocker from Xiaomi (for authorized users)
If you have access to an email or a phone number linked to your Mi Account, try to reset your password through the official website. But what if your account is not yours?
Xiaomi provides the official unlock tool for confirmed users, the Mi Unlock Tool, but since 2023 the process has become more complicated:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official page (Windows only).
- Sign in to the tool under your Mi Account (yes, you need your account, but not necessarily the one that is tied to the phone!).
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
- If the device was linked to another account, proof of ownership (checks, IMEI box) will be required.
⚠️ Note: From 2026, Xiaomi will block unlocking for devices under 72 hours from the last time you linked to your account.
☑️ Preparations for official unblocking
Method 2: Bypassing EDL-The mode (for advanced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash through the device without standard restrictions.The method works on most Xiaomi models on Qualcomm chips, but requires:
- 🔧 Authorized EDL-account (you can buy from trusted sellers or get through the Xiaomi affiliate program).
- 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
- 📄 Firmware file in.mbn format (special version for the EDL).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Qualcomm drivers (e.g. QDLoader HS-USB Driver).
- Transfer the phone to EDL: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power on the phone turned off. If it doesn't work: Open the back cover and close the EDL contacts (need a tester or tweezers).
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Pro
Flash
⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL damage IMEI module NFC. On Xiaomi models 12T This method often results in the blocking of Baseband (network loss).
What to do if the EDL is not determined?
Method 3: Exploit for MIUI 12-14 (via Recovery)
Some versions of MIUI (mainly 12-14) have a vulnerability that allows you to reset your Mi Account through custom Recovery (e.g., TWRP).
Algorithm of action:
- Install TWRP for your model (see official website).
- Boot in TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account_info.xml /data/system/miui_activation.xml
- Reboot. Some firmware will require an additional reset (Wipe → Format Data).
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to spend time looking for a proven method or contact specialists. On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro models, self-unlocking without official tools in 95% of cases ends in the loss of IMEI.