How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your password: all working methods

Forgotten passwords on Xiaomi are a situation that one in five users encounter, and according to statistics from service centers, 18% of device locks are related to loss of access due to a loss of access. PIN-Fortunately, unlocking a smartphone without losing data is possible in 60% of cases, if you follow proven patterns and take into account the nuances of firmware. MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss 5 official and informal unlocking methods, including Mi Account, Fastboot and Recovery modes, as well as tools like ADB and Mi Flash Tool. Particular attention will be paid to models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), where the process is different from devices on MediaTek (like Redmi 10A).

1.Preparation for unlocking: what to do before blocking

If you’re reading this article in advance, you have a chance to avoid losing data completely if you block it in the future. Most of Xiaomi’s unblocking methods require one of three conditions:

• 🔗 A linked and confirmed Mi Account (even if you don’t remember your password).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 Backup data to Mi Cloud or PC (via Mi) PC Suite).

If none of the conditions are met, you only have to reset hard through Recovery, but it will delete all the data on the device.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C50) debugging USB It turns off automatically after you restart. To keep it active, activate the Unlock option in the developer menu. OEM.

If your phone is already locked, move to the next section. If you are not, do at least one of the steps above.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Log in to an existing account or create a new one (remember the login and password!).
3. Confirm your account via SMS or email.

2 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 Mi Account was tied to the device before being blocked.
• 📧 You remember your account login and password (or you can restore them).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your login (email or phone number) and password. If you don't remember your password, click Forgot your password? and follow the recovery instructions.
4. After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new password or PIN-code.

If the buttons forgot the password?

• 🔄 Restart the phone (clip the power supply) + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi on the lock screen (swipe down) → wifi icon).
• 🔑 Repeat the attempt to log in via Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and newer (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi Note 12) after 5 failed attempts to log in through Mi Account, the device is locked for 24 hours!

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet

Remember the username and password from Mi Account

Check that your account was linked before the lock

Have access to email/SMS password-recovery-->

3. Recovery Mode (Universal Method)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you're left resetting to factory settings, which works on all Xiaomi models, but deletes all data on the device, including photos, messages and apps. SD-map (if it is installed).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (on some models you need to select a language).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action (Confirm).
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and this method works even if you have to:

• 🔒 Password forgotten, PIN graphical.
• 📵 There is no internet connection.
• 🚫 Not tied to Mi Account.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and later, after reset via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was previously tied.If you do not remember them, the phone will turn into a "brick" (it will not load beyond the activation screen).

4 Unlocking via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone was debugging on. USB.
• 💻 Have access to a Windows computer.
• 🔄 You are ready for possible data loss (but the chance of saving it is higher than when resetting through Recovery).

The work will require:

• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the downloaded firmware (file with.tgz extension).
5. At the bottom, choose Clean all and lock or Clean all.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but:

• 📱 All data will be deleted (except files on the SD-map).
• 🔒 If the firmware is not suitable for your model, the device may stop turning on ("brick").
• 🔄 On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) You need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Unlock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

The method only works if USB debugging has been activated before locking, it allows you to delete a password file without completely resetting, but requires command line skills.

What do you need?

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable.
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 50%.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

If you reset the password, try the adbd error:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot and enter:

fastboot boot twrp.img


adb shell




[Repeat commands above]

Where to download twrp.img? For your model, look at the official TWRP website.

• 🚫 Nana MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work due to enhanced protection.
• 🔧 If the password is still there after the reboot, try repeating commands or resetting data via Recovery.

💡

Before using ADB, check if the device in the system is determined by the adb device command. If the list is empty, install the drivers or try another cable.

6 Unlocking through a service center: when nothing helps

If all of the above methods have failed, you should contact the service center, which is true if:

• 🔐 Your phone is blocked by your Mi Account and you don’t remember the login details.
• 📵 The device does not turn on after unsuccessful manipulations with the firmware.
• 🛠️ Smearing equipment is required (for example, for discharge) NVRAM MediaTek).

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS:

• 📍 List on the official website.
• 💰 The cost of unlocking: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and complexity).
• ⏳ Timeframe: 1-3 working days.

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Passport (to confirm ownership).
• 📱 Charger (if the phone is discharged).
• 🛒 Check or box (if the phone is guaranteed).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer "unblocking through" IMEI" It's often a fraud, because it can cause the phone to lose its connection to the network or turn into a brick. Xiaomi's official services never use this method.

💡

Contacting the service center is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi if the Mi Account password is forgotten and USB debugging is not enabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi