How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone if you forgot your password: all the ways of 2026

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, and according to statistics from service centers, 18% of device locks are related to loss of screen access. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal unlocking methods that work even without knowing the password. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for 2026 – from simple (via Mi Account) to complex (using Fastboot and Fastboot). EDL-regime).

It’s important to understand that not all ways save user data. For example, resetting through Recovery completely clears the memory of the device, while unlocking through a Xiaomi account in some cases allows you to save files. We will describe in detail each method, its pros, cons and nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended method by the manufacturer is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if the device previously synced with Xiaomi servers and the Find Device function is active, the advantage of which is the minimum risk of data loss (provided that you remember the username and password from the account).

To unlock the phone:

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com from your computer or other device.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to a locked smartphone.
• 📱 Select the tab "Find the device" → Find your Xiaomi listing.
• 🔓 Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action through SMS email.

If the unlock button is not available, it means:

• ❌ The device is disabled synchronization with Mi Account.
• ❌ The phone is not connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ❌ The device is in Offline mode (for example, after being reset via Recovery).

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously linked a Mi Account or do not remember the login details, this method will not work.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)

The method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. It is guaranteed to unlock the device, but delete all data (photos, messages, applications).

• 🔄 Not tied to Mi Account or do not remember the data.
• 📵 The phone is not connected to the internet (no) Wi-Fi/mobile).
• 🔧 You need to access the device immediately, even at the cost of losing files.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting "Wipe All Data".
5. After the process is complete, select "Reboot".

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked, and if you do not remember them, the phone will remain locked!

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

It works for devices with an unlocked bootloader (if you previously unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool), it allows you to bypass the lock without losing data, but requires skills with ADB and Fastboot. If the bootloader is locked, this method will not work.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (can be downloaded at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
3. Download the firmware for your model and unpack it in a folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command to unlock: fastboot flashing unlock Some devices may require: fastboot oem unlock
5. After successful execution, restart your phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

4.Using EDL mode (for power users)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader. It works at the Qualcomm processor level, so it's suitable for most Xiaomi models on Snapdragon chips. The method is complex but effective if other methods have not helped.

What will be required:

• 🖥️ Windows PC with Mi Flash Tool installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (required original!).
• 📄 Firmware for your model in.tgz or.zip format.
• 🔧 QFil or Mi Flash (for firmware in the EDL).

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds.
3. If the screen is black, but the computer makes the device connect sound, EDL mode is activated.

The firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, click "Select" and specify the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect the phone in EDL mode.
4. Press Refresh – the device must be determined as COM-port.
5. Select the firmware mode "Clean All" (full cleaning) or "Clean All and Lock" (with bootloader lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

1. Use a different version of the program (e.g. Mi Flash 2020 instead of 2023).

2. Swipe through QFil (for Qualcomm chips).

3. Check the integrity of firmware files (unpack and compare hashes).-->

5. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the device has previously enabled USB debugging, you can unlock it through ADB without losing data.The method works on Xiaomi with MIUI 12-14 and requires access to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type: adb shell
3. Delete the screen lock files: rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/pattern.key
4. Reboot the device: reboot

If the lock is still locked after the restart, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This command will open a password change menu where you can set a new PIN or pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work because of the increased protection, and it will not work if the debugging is done. USB was offline.

💡

USB debugging should be enabled before you activate it before blocking, this method is useless.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If the self-unblocking attempts fail, the most reliable solution is to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is especially true for:

• 🔒 Devices with Mi Account blocked (if you don’t remember the data).
• 📱 High-security models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3).
• ⚠️ Phones that have stopped turning on after unsuccessful manipulations.

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport or other document confirming possession.
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).

Advantages of the service center:

• ✅ Data security (in some cases).
• ✅ Official Unlocking Without Risk of Brick".
• ✅ Recovery capability IMEI and other system parameters.

How to find the nearest service:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Enter your city in the search field.
3. Select the center marked "Authorized".

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi