How to unlock Xiaomi Mi A2 if you forget your password: all working methods

Xiaomi Mi A2 β€” a popular smartphone with a clean Android One, but even its owners sometimes face the problem of a locked screen: a forgotten password, a pattern lock or a computer. PIN-The code can turn a device into a brick if you don't know how to do it. Unlike other Xiaomi models, the Mi is a very powerful device. A2 It does not have Xiaomi’s built-in Find My Device feature, making it difficult to unlock through the brand’s standard tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, from the most secure (via Google account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot), each method is illustrated in detail and provided with warnings about possible risks, such as data loss or blocking Mi Account. Particular attention is paid to the nuances of Mi A2, Mi Cloud absence and Android One specifics.

If you're not sure about your technical skills, we recommend starting with methods that don't require a PC connection. But remember, on models with File-Based Encryption enabled, resetting through Recovery will lead to permanent loss of all files β€” even if you don't have a PC connection. SD-The card will be encrypted and unavailable.

1. Unlock through Google account (Android 7-9) only

This works if the Mi A2 has Android 7 Nougat, 8 Oreo or 9 Pie firmware installed and the device is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network. In the newer versions of Android (10+), the unlock function via Google has been removed for security reasons.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ”Ή Enter any password/pattern lock 5 times in a row until the message β€œTry again in 30 seconds” appearsΒ».
  • πŸ”Ή Click on the button β€œForgot the password?” (or β€œForgot pattern?” on the English firmware).
  • πŸ”Ή Enter the login and password from the Google account that was linked to the phone before blocking.
  • πŸ”Ή Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If after entering data Google appears error "Can not confirm the account", it means that:

  • πŸ“Œ Phone is not connected to the Internet (check Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ“Œ Google account was changed or deleted after the device was blocked.
  • πŸ“Œ On the smartphone installed custom firmware without Google services.
πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?
Through a Google account
Through the Mi Account.
Reset to factory
Fastboot/EDL
Never blocked.

2.Use of Mi Account (if tied)

Although the Xiaomi Mi A2 runs on Android One and doesn’t have the Mi Cloud built in, some users have tied Mi Account to it to sync notes or themes. If you’ve done that, there’s a chance to unlock the phone without losing data.

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Mi Account website from another device.
  2. Sign in with the same account as the blocked Mi A2.
  3. In the Devices section, find your smartphone (if it is displayed).
  4. Select the option Find the device β†’ Unlock.
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If the phone is not displayed in the list of devices, it means:

  • πŸ”΄ Mi Account was not tied to Mi A2.
  • πŸ”΄ On the smartphone disabled location services or mobile Internet.
  • πŸ”΄ Device turned off or discharged.

πŸ’‘

Before unlocking through Mi Account, make sure that the phone is turned on mobile Internet or Wi-Fi. If the smartphone is discharged, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes - this is enough to perform the operation.

3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If previous methods didn’t work, it’s a hard reset to factory settings. On the Xiaomi Mi A2, you can do this through Recovery Mode, but two things are important to consider:

  1. On devices with encryption enabled (FBE) all data, including files on SD-The map will be irretrievably removed.
  2. After the reset, you may need to enter a login and password from Mi Account (if it was tied).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe all data β†’ Confirm.
  5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
Action.The resultRisks.
Reset via RecoveryRemoving password, returning to factory settingsLoss of all data, possible blocking of Mi Account
Unlocking through GoogleData retention, new passwordIt doesn’t work on Android 10+
Use of Mi AccountUnlocking without data lossRequires account binding before blocking

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires Mi Account data entry and you don't remember it, you will have to use Fastboot or contact the service center. Attempts to bypass the lock through third-party programs can lead to hard-brick (complete failure of the device).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ The phone's debugging on. USB (lock-in).
  • πŸ”§ You have access to a PC with Xiaomi drivers and tools installed ADB/Fastboot.
  • πŸ”§ You are ready for possible data loss.

Tools required:

  • πŸ–₯️ Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot) Google.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (do not use cheap Chinese analogues!).
  • πŸ”‹ Charging the phone at least 30%.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the Mi A2 to the PC when it is off.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install the drivers.
  5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot

Done: 0 / 5

If you want a password after you reboot, try any set of characters, sometimes it works. If you don't, you'll have to use EDL Mode, but it requires special equipment and knowledge.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

  • πŸ” Phone locked with Mi Account and data lost.
  • πŸ” After reset via Fastboot, the device does not turn on.
  • πŸ” The screen displays an error This device is locked (lock boot loader).

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
  • πŸ“„ Passport of the owner.
  • πŸ’³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 3 000 rubles).

The average unlock time in the service is 1-3 working days, and in some cases, it may be necessary to send the device to a regional center, which will increase the period to 7-10 days.

What if the service center refuses to unlock?
If you don’t have a check or warranty card, some service centers may refuse the service. In this case, try: 1. Contact another authorized Xiaomi center (list on the official website). 2. Provide alternative proof of ownership (for example, a box from a phone with a serial number tied to your Mi Account). 3. Contact informal services, but be prepared to risk damaging the device or losing the warranty.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the issue of the blocked Xiaomi Mi A2, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ”‘ Use a password manager (such as Google Password Manager or Bitwarden) to store PIN-code.
  • πŸ“± Set up unlocking by fingerprint or face in addition to the primary password.
  • πŸ“§ Link to your Mi Account (even on Android One, it will help you recover).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up important data via Google Drive or Mi Cloud (if installed).
  • πŸ“‘ Enable Smart Lock in security settings so that the phone automatically unlocks in trusted locations (home, work).

We also recommend that you disable data encryption (unless it is critical to your security) to avoid losing files when you reset. Go to Settings β†’ Security β†’ Encryption and credentials and turn off the Encrypt phone option.

πŸ’‘

On the Xiaomi Mi A2 with Android One, standard unlock methods (such as through the Mi Cloud) may not work. Always check the Android version before choosing a method - this depends on the success of the operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi A2

❓ Can I unlock the Mi? A2 data-free?
Yes, but only if: πŸ”Ή Android 7-9 is installed on the phone and you remember the Google account details. πŸ”Ή The device is connected to Mi Account and connected to the Internet. πŸ”Ή You've previously included debugging on USB You can use it. ADB To delete the gesture.key file (requires technical skills) In all other cases, the data will be lost.
❓ Why After Recovery, Your Phone Asks for a Password from Your Mi Account?
This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature, which is activated if the phone has been linked to Mi Account. To remove the lock: Enter the data from Mi Account that was tied before the reset. If you don't remember the password, restore it through the Xiaomi website. If the account is not linked or you don't remember it, contact the service center.
❓ What to do if the phone does not turn on after unlocking?
Possible causes and solutions: πŸ”‹ Battery discharged β†’ Connect to charging for 30 to 60 minutes, then try turning on. πŸ”§ Firmware damaged. β†’ Try flashing your phone through Fastboot with the official ROM. 🚨 Hard-brick (complete failure) β†’ Refrigeration is required through EDL Mode at the service center.
❓ Can I unlock the Mi? A2 Find My Device from Google?
Find My Device allows you to find my Device: πŸ“ Determine the location of the phone. πŸ”Š Activate the beep. πŸ”’ Lock the device (but not unlock it!). πŸ—‘οΈ Delete all data (analogous to reset via Recovery) The screen unlock feature via Find My Device was removed by Google in 2016.
❓ How to know if encryption is enabled on my Mi A2?
Go to Settings. β†’ Security β†’ Encrypted and credentials. If it says Encrypted or Encrypted, it means File-Based Encryption (FBE) In this case, the reset via Recovery will result in the loss of all data, including files on the SD-map.