How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your screen password: the full guide 2026

Forget the pattern lock or PIN-Xiaomi’s smartphone code is a nasty situation, but it’s fixable. Unlike other brands, Redmi, Poco or Mi phones offer several ways to restore access, including both official methods from the manufacturer and alternative solutions for power users. The main thing is not to panic and not try to pick up a password at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system can lock the device for 30 minutes or even require a reset.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking (including those that work on models 2023-2026 with MIUI 14/15), assess their effectiveness and risks, and explain how to minimize data loss. From simple reset via Find My Device to complex manipulations with Fastboot – choose a method that suits your level of training. Importantly, on devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader), some methods may not work without first unlocking through the official Xiaomi website.

1.Official method: Unblocking through Mi Account

The safest and most recommended method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account that was added to the device.
• 🔄 Find My Device has been activated in the settings.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button Forgot password will appear on the screen.

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number/mail).
3. Create a new password to unlock the screen.

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If the Forgot Password button doesn’t appear, try connecting your phone to charge and try again – sometimes the system requires a minimum charge level to unlock.

⚠️ Note: If two-level authentication was enabled on the device (2FA), You'll need to enter a code from the Mi Security app or backup code, and you can't unlock it through your account without it.

2 Unlocking through Find My Device (Remote Reset)

If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, but your phone is linked to a Google account, you can use Find My Device, which is suitable for Android 8.0 and later, but has an important limitation: it will completely reset the data on the phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to Find My Device from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Google account as a blocked Xiaomi.
3. Select your device in the list (if there are several).
4. Click on Erase Device (Data Device).
5. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new. This method is guaranteed to work, but it deletes all files, photos and apps. If the device had important data without a backup, try other methods first.

3 Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If previous methods failed or you don’t remember your account details, you’ll be left with hardware resetting through Recovery Mode, which also erases all data, but doesn’t require an internet connection or password knowledge.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 13):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination Volume up + Power button and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (usually in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) item.
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked to the device (FRP). If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will remain locked.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot is a good way to get around the lock without completely resetting the screen, but requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed ADB/Fastboot driver.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power button.
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the command: fastboot devices Make sure that the device is determined (its serial number will appear).
5. To reset your password, type in: fastboot erase userdata or (for some models): fastboot erase locksettings
6. Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot

⚠️ On devices with a locked bootloader, fastboot erase commands will not work - the system will return the error FAILED (Remote: 'Flashing is not allowed' In this case, you first need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

5. Alternative methods (with data risk)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try to bypass the lock with third-party tools.These methods are not official and may violate Xiaomi’s security policy, so use them at your own risk.

⚠️ Note: Using informal tools may result in loss of warranty, blocking IMEI Or turning your phone into a brick, make sure that you don't have any critical data on your phone before you experiment.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If self-unlocking attempts fail, the most reliable (but also the longest) way is to contact an official service center, and employees will be able to unlock the device, confirming your ownership.

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. In some cases (for example, if the phone was purchased less than a year ago), unlocking can be free of charge under warranty.

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The official service is the only legal way to unlock if you do not remember the data from Mi Account and do not want to risk the data.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple recommendations:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock to a secure location (e.g., encrypted Google Keep notes or a Google Keep note) 1Password).
• 🔄 Regularly back up your data through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📧 Link your Mi Account and Google account to your phone, even if you don’t plan to use them.

It is also useful to enable Smart Lock (in security settings) that automatically unlocks your phone in trusted locations (such as at home or work) to reduce the need for manual password entry.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi