Unlock Xiaomi after resetting: 5 working methods (including bypassing Mi Account)

Why is Xiaomi blocked after resetting?

Hard resets on Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO smartphones often result in unexpected device locks, which are linked to Mi Account security, which links the phone to a user's account. If you reset through Recovery Mode or Fastboot and then forget your account data, the system will require login and password input β€” even if the device was bought by hand and was not previously used by you.

Another common reason for blocking is the activation of Find My Device (on older models – Mi Cloud Lock), which automatically locks the phone after reset, if it was not disabled in advance, for example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro 2021-2022, this feature is enabled by default, and locking can occur due to:

  • πŸ”„ Incorrect discharge performance (e.g. interruption of the process).
  • πŸ“± Reframing through informal tools (TWRP, OrangeFox).
  • πŸ”’ Activation of factory protection (FRP) on Android 10 models+.
  • πŸ› οΈ Maternity Board Repair or Replacement (requires a link to a new account).

It is important to understand that the method of unlocking depends on the version of MIUI, device model and lock type. For example, on the POCO X3 Pro (2021), Mi Account bypass is possible via Fastboot, and on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra (2023) official proof of ownership will be required.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model is blocked?
Redmi Note 9/10/11
POCO X3/F3/F4
Mi 11/12/13
Another model
I don't know.

Method 1: Unlock with the official Mi Account

The most legal and secure way is to use data from your linked Mi Account. If you remember your email and password, follow the instructions:

  1. On a locked screen, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi (or use mobile data).
  2. Enter the email/phone and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the device before the reset.
  3. If a confirmation code is requested, check your email or SMS (on the number associated with your account).
  4. After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you can configure it as new.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands, the previous owner must untie the device from their account via account.xiaomi.com (Devices section). β†’ Otherwise, unlocking through Mi Account will not be possible without his participation.

Try to restore your password via email/SMS| Contact the previous owner (if you bought used)| Check the saved passwords in the browser/manager | Use backup email to restore-->

If your account has been deleted or blocked, you can restore access through Xiaomi support, but you will need to:

  • πŸ“„ Check or document confirming purchase (with serial number of the device).
  • πŸ“± IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# or on the box).
  • πŸ“§ Access to the email specified during account registration.

Method 2: Bypass Mi Account via Fastboot (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices until 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F1), you can bypass the lock via Fastboot mode.

  • πŸ”“ Find My Device is not activated on the phone.
  • πŸ“± The device supports unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
  • πŸ’» You have a PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode.
  2. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
  3. Download the archive with the Mi Account Unlock Tool (e.g. MiFlashUnlock or XiaomiTool V2).
  4. Run the command in the terminal (for Windows): fastboot oem unlock-go Note: Some models may require pre-unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
  5. If everything goes well, the Mi Account lock will be removed.
What to do if the team is not working?
If you enter fastboot oem unlock-go with a FAILED error (remote: 'unknown command'), then 1. Your model does not support this method (relevant for 2021+ devices). 2. bootloader is locked - official unlocking is required via en.miui.com/unlock. 3. The device is in the EDL Mode state (needs another method).

⚠️ Note: The use of informal tools may lead to:

  • 🚨 Brick of the device (complete inoperability).
  • πŸ”„ Loss of warranty (if phone warranty).
  • πŸ“΅ Blocking IMEI (eSIM-based).

πŸ’‘

The Fastboot method is only suitable for devices until 2020, and on newer models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) it does not work due to the updated protection system.

Method 3: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to overwrite system partitions of the phone, including locking Mi Account.The method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires:

  • πŸ’» PC with Windows and installed Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
  • πŸ“‚ Firmware file in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
  • πŸ”§ MiFlash or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).

Instructions for Qualcomm processor devices (e.g., POCO X3 NFC, Redmi Note 9 Pro):

  1. Turn off the phone. Press the volume up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-The screen must remain black (the device will be defined as QHSUSB_BULK task-manager).
  2. Install the Qualcomm driver manually (you can download here).
  3. Launch MiFlash, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
  4. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).
  5. After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.
Xiaomi modelSupported chipsetDifficulty unlocking
Redmi Note 10/10 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 732GMedium (requires EDL)
POCO F3Snapdragon 870High (requires an authorized account)
Xiaomi Mi 11 LiteSnapdragon 732G/780GLow (Fastboot running)
Redmi 9A/9CMediaTek Helio G25/G35Very high (SP Flash Tool required)

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek chipsets (e.g. Redmi) 10A, POCO C31) instead EDL mode BROM program SP Flash Tool.The process is similar, but requires a scatter.txt file and authorization via MTK Auth Bypass.

Method 4: Use of service codes and hidden menus

On some Xiaomi models (mostly until 2019), you can bypass the lock through an engineering menu or service code.This method does not guarantee 100% results, but it is worth trying if other methods are not available.

Ways to enter the hidden menu:

  • πŸ“ž Type on your phone keyboard (even on a locked screen): ##3646633## This will open Engineer Mode (on some firmware).
  • πŸ”’ Enter the reset code FRP (Factory Reset Protection: #7780##Not working on all devices!
  • πŸ”„ Try the Mi Account reset combination: ##4636## β†’ Battery Information β†’ Menu β†’ Factory Reset

If you’ve managed to log in to Engineer Mode, go to MTK Settings β†’ Security β†’ FRP Reset and reset. On Qualcomm devices, the path may be different: Diagnostic β†’ Reset FRP.

πŸ’‘

If service codes don’t work, try connecting your phone to your PC and use MTK Bypass (for MediaTek) or QC Firehose (for Qualcomm).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all the independent methods fail, you have to contact the official service center, which is the only legal way to unlock the device if:

  • πŸ”’ The phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account and the previous owner is unavailable.
  • πŸ“± nova (2022-2026) with an updated protection system.
  • πŸ› οΈ You are afraid of damaging the device by self-manipulation.

What you need to unlock in the service:

  1. Check or document confirming the purchase (with serial number).
  2. Passport of the owner (if the phone is officially purchased).
  3. IMEI devices (can be found on the box or via *#06#).
  4. Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Note: Informal service centers may offer "unlocking" through firmware swapping or IMEI. This is against the law and may lead to:

  • πŸš” Blocking the device by the communication operator (based on the IMEI).
  • πŸ“΅ Loss of warranty and inability to update firmware.
  • πŸ” Problems with the police (if the phone is wanted).

πŸ’‘

The official service is the only way to unlock the Xiaomi 12/13 or Redmi Note 11/12 without the risk of losing functionality.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi after a reset, users often make critical mistakes that exacerbate the problem.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Use of informal firmwareBrick device, loss of IMEIDownload the firmware only from the official website
Interrupting the firmware processLoader damage, cyclic rebootUse a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Attempting to bypass without backupLoss of personal data (photos, contacts)Create a backup through ADB backup before resetting
Ignoring the MIUI versionIncompatibility of firmware, errors in installationCheck the version through Settings β†’ About the phone

Another common problem is a cyclic bootloop after a failed firmware, and if the phone is constantly restarting and not turning on, try:

  1. Enter Recovery Mode (Nutrition + Volume Up).
  2. Execute Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
  3. If it doesn’t work, flash the device through Fastboot or EDL.
What to do if the phone is not determined by the PC?
If the device is not recognized when connecting to the PC: 1. Check the cable (use the original cable). 2. Install the drivers. ADB/Fastboot manually through device manager. 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 4. Disable the antivirus (it can block the connection).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
No, any unlocking method (other than entering the correct Mi Account) results in a complete data reset.If you need to save files, try extracting them via ADB pull before reset (if USB debugging is enabled).
Does the Mi Account bypass work on Xiaomi 13 Pro?
On the new flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), Fastboot or EDL bypasses are not possible without authorization.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account email?
Try to restore access through the recovery page.If the email or phone is not tied, contact Xiaomi support and provide proof of purchase.
Can I unlock my phone if the previous owner hasn’t untied his account?
Technically, it does, but it violates Xiaomi's user agreement, and the legal way to do that is to contact the previous owner and ask them to delete the device from their account, and if that's not possible, contact the service center with the documents on their phone.
Why does the phone not turn on after the firmware is running through EDL?
Probable causes: Wrong firmware (not for your model), interrupted firmware, damaged bootloader, solution: repeat firmware with the correct file or go to the service.