How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: step-by-step instructions 2026

Forgetting your smartphone password is a difficult situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Especially if we are talking about Xiaomi devices, where the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access. The main thing is not to panic or try to find the code at random: after 5-10 failed attempts, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or even require a factory reset. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking, from the most secure (without loss of data) to radical (with a complete reset).

It's important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether the Mi Account is tied to the phone, whether debugging is enabled over USB, whether there is a backup of data. For example, if you previously logged in to Xiaomi and remember the username / password from the account, the chances of returning access without loss are maximum, but if the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else's account, you will have to contact the service center or use workarounds, which we will also consider.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require technical skills (ADB, Fastboot). If you have never encountered such tools, it is better to entrust unlocking to professionals - errors can turn the phone into a brick. For beginners, we have identified the easiest ways (the first two sections), and experienced users will find detailed instructions on how to work with EDL and bypass locking through the Flash Mi Tool.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the login details, this is ideal.The method works on most models (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) and does not require resetting, the main condition is that the phone must have a mobile network or Wi-Fi active to sync with Xiaomi servers.

Instructions:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap the "Forgot Password" button. On some firmware, this item may be called "Restore Access.
• 🔑 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account. If you do not remember the data, restore them through account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to the email or phone number associated with the account).
• 🔓 Once you've successfully logged in, the system will suggest you create a new password or a graphical key, come up with a strong code and confirm the changes.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, this will not work, in which case the owner will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement) to unblock the device. EDL (about him, in section 5).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 All data (photos, messages, applications) are stored).
• 🔹 Does not require a PC connection or special knowledge.
• 🔹 It works even on locked devices with MIUI 12/13/14.

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If the lock screen does not have a button “Forgot your password?”, try entering any code 5 times in a row – sometimes after that there is a suggestion to restore access through Mi Account.

2 Unblocking through Google Account (for older versions of MIUI)

This is the case for MIUI 8-11 devices (released before 2020) that still support Google services. On new firmware (MIUI 12+), the feature is removed, so it won't work on Redmi Note 9/10, POCO F3 and later. Check the MIUI version in settings (if the phone is unlocked) or on the device model.

How to unlock:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message Forgot the pattern lock? or Forgot pattern appears.
2. Select the option “Restore through Google Account”** (or Sign in with Google).
3. Enter the username and password from Gmail, which was linked to the phone. If there are multiple accounts, try each one.
4. After successful authorization, create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was enabled factory reset via Mi Account (Find Device function), after unlocking through Google, the device can automatically reset to factory settings. This is anti-theft protection, so make sure the feature is disabled before using the method (if the phone is unlocked, check in Settings). → Mi Account → Find Device).

3. Unlock via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

The method is suitable if the phone was previously enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. This is one of the few ways to unlock Xiaomi without losing data, but it requires preparation. If debugging is not activated, move to the next section.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Android Studio).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further. If not, install drivers or try another cable.
3. Enter the commands in turn (after each click Enter): adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksetting.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. The phone will reboot and the lock will be removed, and if you request a new password, just skip it.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10) after this procedure, Mi Account protection can work, and the phone will require you to enter your account information. If you do not remember them, you will have to reset (section 4).

Install drivers ADB and Fastboot|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (if unlocked)|Connect the original USB-cable|Charge your phone at least 30 times%|Download the Android platform SDK Tools-->

4. Hard Reset (reset to factory settings)

If previous methods didn't work or you don't remember the Mi Account data, the radical way is hard reset, which removes all the data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device. Use it only as a last resort!

How to reset:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
• 🔧 Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: For most models: + Loud up. POCO F1/F2: Nutrition + Loudness down.
• 📛 From the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, choose the power button) select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
• 🔄 After reset, select Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: Mi Account devices may be asked to enter account data (This device is locked) after reset. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will become a “brick” – it can only be unlocked through the username / password. EDL (section 5) or at a service centre.

5. Unlocking through EDL (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to bypass locks even on phones with a Mi Account tied. The method is complex and risky: it requires a special cable (EDL cable), firmware for your model and knowledge of Fastboot commands. Errors can lead to a complete loss of device performance.

Short instructions (details depend on the model):

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (this may require disassembling the device and closing contacts on the board or using an EDL cable).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. After firmware, the phone will restart in a clean state (without locking, but also without data).

⚠️ Note: Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened protection: for firmware through the EDL You need an authorized developer account, and without it, the Mi Flash Tool will give you an error. SLA This restriction can only be circumvented through service centers or the purchase of an account (which violates Xiaomi’s rules and is fraught with consequences).

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EDL mode is the last chance to unlock Xiaomi with a tied Mi Account, but requires technical skills and is risky for beginners.

6. Alternative ways and myths about unlocking

You can find dozens of Xiaomi's "secret" unlocking methods online, from a phone call to a magnet, most of which don't work or make things worse.

• 📞 «Calling a locked phone won’t work. MIUI 12+. Previously, you could get into the contact menu during a call, but now this vulnerability is closed.
• 🧲 «Attach a magnet to a sensor – a magnet can damage a compass or other sensors, but the lock will not remove the lock.
• 🔧 «Remove the battery for 10 minutes" - on modern Xiaomi battery is non-removable, and even if it is turned off, the lock will remain.
• 💻 «Use programs like Dr.Fone – these tools often require root rights that cannot be obtained on a locked phone.

The only viable alternatives are:

• 🔄 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (official or authorized) You will need a check or box with IMEI.
• 🔓 Bypassing the Mi Account Unlock Tool (risky, can lock the device permanently).

If none of the methods worked, and the data on the phone is critical, consider contacting data recovery specialists. The cost of the service starts from 5,000 rubles, but there is a chance to return photos or documents even after resetting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi