Why does Xiaomi require a password after resetting settings?
You did a setup reset on Xiaomi, but after the reboot, the device requires you to enter a password from your old Mi Account?This is not a bug, but a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) measure that the company has implemented to combat smartphone theft. Even after a full reset via Recovery or Fastboot, the system requests the previous owner's data - if the device was tied to a Mi Account.
Complicating the problem is that many users donβt remember the password from the linked account or buy used phones without decoupling from the previous owner. In such cases, standard unlock methods (for example, through Find My Device) do not work. However, there are workarounds β from official (through Xiaomi) to technical (EDL mode or firmware via Fastboot).
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock Xiaomi after a reset, including methods for devices with a locked bootloader and without binding to Mi Account.
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the phone before the reset, this is the easiest and most secure way. Xiaomi system allows you to unlock the device through the web interface without resorting to technical manipulation.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- π Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to your account.
- π± In the Devices section, find the locked smartphone (it will be marked as βOfflineβ or βBlocked").
- π Click Unlock the device and confirm the action through SMS email.
- π Restart your phone β the lock should be removed automatically within 5-10 minutes.
If the device doesnβt appear in the list or the unlock button isnβt available, check:
- β Correctness of the account data entered (sometimes users confuse accounts if there are several of them).
- β Internet access on your phone (connect to Wi-Fi or insert) SIM-map).
- β Account status β if it has been blocked for suspicious activity, it can take up to 24 hours to unlock.
βοΈ Preparing for Unlocking with Mi Account
β οΈ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his account, this method will not work, in which case you will have to use alternative methods or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Method 2: Bypass FRP through Recovery Mode (for older models)
On Xiaomi devices until 2019 release (for example, Redmi Note 5/6/7, Mi 8/9) sometimes works bypassing FRP through the standard Recovery menu. This method does not require a connection to a PC, but is not suitable for all firmware.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Volume Up + Power combination before the Mi logo appears (this will trigger Recovery Mode).
- Select the language (if the menu is in Chinese, look for the button with the gear icon).
- Go to Advanced β Disable FRP (or similar).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
If you donβt have Disable FRP, try:
- π Reset settings again via Wipe Data (sometimes this resets the password request).
- π₯ Install firmware update via Apply update from ADB (If you have a pre-loaded.zip file).
| Xiaomi model | Probability of success | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5/6/7 | β Tall. | Works at MIUI 10-11 |
| Mi 8/9/9T | β οΈ Medium | Firmware without FRP patches is required |
| POCO F1/Phone | β Tall. | Bypass is possible via Fastboot |
| Redmi Note 8/9 and newer | β Low. | FRP is locked at the hardware level |
β οΈ Note: On new devices (Redmi Note) 10/11, Xiaomi 12/13) This method doesn't work because of hardware protection. Attempts to bypass Recovery can result in a permanent lockdown of the bootloader.
Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)
If previous methods didnβt work, you can try unlocking Xiaomi via Fastboot mode.This method requires a PC connection and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.Itβs suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if youβre ready to unlock it (this erases all data!).
Step-by-step:
- Install Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool) on PC.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB and check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
- To unlock the bootloader, perform: fastboot oem unlock (on new models, you will need to link the Mi Account through the official website).
- After unlocking, run the device through Fastboot command: fastboot flash all [firmware name].zip
If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can bypass FRP by deleting the lock file:
fastboot erase frpWhat if the fastboot canβt see the device?
β οΈ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos and contacts.
Method 4: EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - extreme method
Regime. EDL (or 9008) is a service mode for firmware Qualcomm devices, which allows you to bypass all locks, including FRP. It works even on locked phones, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or short circuit of contacts) and firmware.
How it works:
- π Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL (To do this, you need to close the test points on the board or use Deep Flash Cable).
- π₯οΈ In the Device Manager should appear port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- π Download the firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater) and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
- π After the firmware, the phone will restart without locking.
Warnings:
- β οΈ The wrong firmware can "brick" the device.
- β οΈ On new models (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2) EDL blocked without authorization Xiaomi.
- β οΈ For some devices (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) requires paid authorization through Firehose.
fastboot getvar productThis will help you to find the right firmware and avoid mistakes.-->
Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (for used devices)
If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the previous owner didnβt untie the account, the official way to unlock it is to contact support with proof of purchase.This is long (3 days to 2 weeks), but safe.
What will be required:
- π Check or sales contract (with device IMEI).
- π§ Email from the previous owner if contact is available).
- π± IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# or on the box).
- π³ Bank card details (if the purchase was made online).
How to apply:
- Go to the support page and select Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents.
- Wait for a response (usually arrives on email within 3-5 days).
- Follow the instructions from the unlock letter.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi may refuse support if: πΉ The documents look fake. πΉ The phone is listed in the database of stolen devices. πΉ Previous owner did not confirm the transfer of ownership.
How to avoid lockdown after resetting in the future
To avoid the issue of a blocked Xiaomi after a reset, follow these rules:
- π Always untie your Mi Account before selling your phone: Settings β Mi Account β Get out.
- π Write the username/password from your account to a secure location (for example, to the password manager).
- π Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Fixed some vulnerabilities FRP.
- π‘οΈ Do not buy used phones without checking your account status (ask the seller to reset with you).
If you often experiment with firmware, unlock the bootloader in advance through the official tool. This will save you from problems with FRP in the future.
π‘
Even if you don't plan on selling your phone, untidying your Mi Account before resetting will save you a lot of trouble, and just logging out in the settings will take less than a minute.