How to unlock Xiaomi Mi: from bootloader to Mi-account

Forgot your Mi Account password? Buy a used Xiaomi smartphone with a profile tied to someone else? Or want to install custom firmware but run into a locked bootloader? Unlocking Xiaomi devices is one of the most popular procedures among brand users. Unlike other manufacturers, there are three key types of locks: bootloader, Mi Account (Xiaomi account) and FRP (protection after reset).

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking for models. 2018–2026 years, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 Importantly, the methods vary depending on the version. MIUI And the kind of lockdown. FRP on MIUI 14 It has changed dramatically compared to MIUI 12, a unlocking the bootloader now requires binding SIM-We've taken all these nuances into account so you don't waste time on outdated instructions.

Warning: some operations (such as unlocking the bootloader) reset the device to factory settings and delete all data. If there is important information on the smartphone, first try the methods of restoring access without reset - they are described in the first sections.

1. Unlock Mi-account without reset (if you know the login / password)

If you remember the data from your Mi Account, but your smartphone doesn't accept it, the problem may be a temporary lock, a Xiaomi server error, or a synchronization failure.

• 🔄 Restart the device. Sometimes the authorization error disappears after a simple reboot. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes out, then turn the smartphone back on.
• 🌐 Check your Internet connection. Mi Account requires a stable connection to log in. Connect to another Wi-Fi network or activate mobile Internet.
• 📱 Use the official app. Download Mi Account Unlock to another smartphone, log in there and try unlocking the device using Find the device".
• ⏳ Wait 24 hours. After 5 failed password attempts, the account is blocked for a day.

If you don’t remember your password but have attached an email or phone number to your account, restore access via the official page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword. Xiaomi sends a confirmation code to your email or SMS – this is the safest way to regain control of your device.

⚠️ Note: Do not use third-party services to "hack" Mi-account IMEI. Most of them are either fraudulent or only run on older versions. MIUI (The risk of losing your device or data is too high by 2020.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a factory reset protection that is activated if a Mi Account was attached to the device. After a hard reset, the smartphone will require you to enter the username and password from the last account. You can get around it in several ways, but none guarantees 100% success on new versions of MIUI 14+.

The most working methods for 2026:

• 🔧 Recovery mode on some models (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO X3) You can go to Recovery Mode (keep power) + Volume up, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. FRP may fall off.
• 📎 With help. OTG-Connect the flash drive to the file. FRP_Bypass.apk (download XDA Developers), then through the menu "Special features" set APK and follow the instructions.
• 🖥️ PC software. Software like Mi. FRP Tool or GSM Flasher automates the process, but requires an unlocked bootloader and may not work on the latest firmware.

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase.
2. Unlock the bootloader (instructions in the next section) and flash the device through Fastboot.

3. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

Unlocking the bootloader is a must-have step for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), obtaining root rights or restoring the device after a major failure. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process has become more difficult due to security requirements:

1. Tie it up. SIM-card to device (required from 2022) Insert a card that you will use for at least 72 hours.
2. Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Return to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Attach the device to the Mi Account in the Mi Unlock Status menu (ibid., in the developer settings).
4. Wait 168 hours (7 days) Xiaomi blocks unlocking immediately after the account is linked.

After waiting:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official version only!).
2. Launch the tool on your PC, log in under the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.
3. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

Tie it down. SIM-card+ hour|Enable debugging on USB|Link the device to a Mi Account|Wait 168 hours (7 days)|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website-->

If the tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error:

• Check out the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Make sure that the ADB and Fastboot drivers are installed on the PC.
• Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• If you have an error of 86006, wait another 24 hours and try again.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader completely erases data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and it will void the warranty if the smartphone was bought in official Xiaomi stores.

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Unlocking the bootloader is the only legal way to install custom firmware or obtain root rights to Xiaomi. All other methods (exploits, bypassing through ADB) work unstable and can lead to a “brick” of the device.

4. Reset password/pattern lock without loss of data

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-If you don't have a Mi Account attached on your device, you can try resetting the lock without losing data. MIUI 12 and older:

• 📞 Call a locked smartphone. Call the device from another phone, take the call, then quickly go to Settings. → Password and security and change the way you lock.
• 🔑 Use "Find Device." Go to i.mi.com, log in, select your device, and click "Unlock." Works if "Find Device" is enabled".
• 🖥️ ADB-If the debugging is on the team. USB was enabled before locking, connect the smartphone to the PC and execute: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb reboot After reboot, the lock will reset.

If these methods do not work, then only hard reset via Recovery remains:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After resetting, the device will restart in its clean state.

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If your smartphone is locked, but you remember the pattern, try to type it backwards or mirrored, and sometimes it works because of a failure in your gesture recognition system.

5 Unlocking through service centers and official channels

If the independent methods didn't work, contact Xiaomi's official support channels, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Check or sales contract (if the used device is a contract with the previous owner).
• 🆔 Passport for identification.
• 📱 IMEI Devices (indicated on or under the battery).

Unblocking process through the service center:

1. Find the nearest authorized service center.
2. Provide documents and a device. Specialists will send a request to Xiaomi to verify the ownership.
3. The waiting time for a response takes 3 to 14 days.
4. After confirmation, the smartphone will be unlocked or sewn with official firmware.

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. For devices older than 3 years (Redmi 5/6, Mi 8/9) unlocking can be free.

⚠️ Warning: Some "unofficial" service centers offer 1 day undocumented unlocking, most often using exploits or fake accounts, which can lead to re-blocking after a few days.

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If you are willing to take a chance and have experience with ADB, Fastboot or soldering, alternative methods can be tried. They are suitable for older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi 6/7) or devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Required:

• 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with support EDL (board-bar).
• 📁 Official firmware in.tgz format for your model.

Instructions:

1. Put the device into EDL mode (hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power or short test points on the board).
2. Connect to the PC, start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the firmware and press Flash.

Method 2: Bypassing TWRP

If the device has a custom TWRP recap:

1. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reset the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi