Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do if you forget your account details
The message “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi screen is one of the most unpleasant situations for a smartphone owner, which means that the device is tied to a Mi Account account, and the data entered is incorrect or missing. Most often, the problem occurs after resetting, buying a used phone or long-term non-use of the gadget. PIN-This lock is more difficult to bypass: it is laid down at the firmware level and is connected to Xiaomi servers.
The main difficulty is that without access to the original account (login and password) or confirmed email/There are, however, workarounds, from legal (appeal for support) to technically complex (firmware through the phone). EDL). It is important to understand that any unofficial methods can lead to loss of warranty, blocking. IMEI Or a full "bricking" of the device, and in this article we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, their risks and nuances for different models. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Was the device bought new or with hands? (If the previous owner could not untie the account.) 2. Do you have access to an email or phone linked to the Mi Account? (Even if the password is forgotten, recovery is possible.)
The choice of method depends on the answers.
Official Unlocking Methods: When They Work
If you have the slightest chance of regaining your account, start with the official methods. Xiaomi provides several legal avenues, but they require proof of identity or link data.
The most reliable option is to restore access to the Mi Account: 1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword. 2. Enter the email or phone associated with your account. 3. Follow the instructions for resetting your password (confirmation code will arrive at the email/Text).
If an email or phone is not available, try to recall backup data (such as a second email or recovery number).
If recovery is not possible, please contact Xiaomi for support: • For users from Russia: mi.com/ru/support (Select “Mi Account” for other regions: mi.com/global/service.
Upon request, it will be required to provide:
- 📄 Check or document confirming purchase (if the device is new).
- 📱 IMEI phone (you can find out through the set *#06# on the locked device).
- 🆔 Serial number (located on the box or under the battery if removable).
It's important.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, official unlocking is unlikely).
Unlocking through Fastboot mode: Is your model suitable?
Fastboot is one of the most common methods, but it doesn't work on all models, and the way it works is by connecting the phone to a PC and sending a command to unlock the bootloader, which sometimes resets the account, but since 2021 Xiaomi has tightened its security, and on new devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11/12, Xiaomi 13) this method often doesn't work.
To check if your model is suitable: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears. 3. Connect the device to the PC via USB. 4. In the command line (on PC) type:
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: false, then the bootloader is locked, and the method may work. If true, the bootloader is already unlocked, and you need to try other ways.
Unlocking through Fastboot will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android website).
- 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).
- 📥 Firmware for your model (download only from the official website).
Step-by-step:
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC
Download the firmware for your Xiaomi model
Connect your phone to Fastboot mode
Start the command line on behalf of the administrator
-->
In the command line, enter consistently:
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot rebootNote
recovery.img
boot.img
Mi Flash Tool
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A/10A) Unlocking through Fastboot often leads to blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection, which requires additional software such as SP Flash Tool.
Firmware through EDL: The ultimate method for power users
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to overwrite system parts of a phone, including account data, even on locked devices, but requires special equipment (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable) and knowledge. This is the riskiest method: if you make a mistake, the phone can turn into a "brick".
To run through EDL, you will need:
- 🔧 EDL cable (or homemade adapter with contact closure Test Point).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.tar format for your model.
- 🔑 Xiaomi Developer Account (for some models).
It's important.
Xiaomi 12/13
Redmi Note 12
EDL
Mi Account
Step-by-step: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Connect. EDL cable (or close Test Point on the board if you make the adapter yourself). 3. Press Volume up + Loud down and plug in. USB-The device should be identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008. 4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh → Flash. 5. Wait for the process to end (10-15 minutes).
| Xiaomi model | Support for EDL | I need authorization. | Risk of blocking IMEI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9/10 | Yes. | No. | Medium. |
| Xiaomi Mi 9/10/11 | Yes. | Yes (since 2022) | High-pitched |
| POCO X3/F3 | Yes. | No. | Low. |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Yes. | Yes. | Very tall. |
⚠️ Note: After the firmware is through EDL On some models (Redmi Note 11 and later) Anti-Rollback protection can work, which will lock the device forever!
What is Anti-Rollback and why is it dangerous?
Bypassing blocking through service centers and third-party services
If independent methods did not work or you are afraid to take risks, you can contact service centers. However, there are nuances: 1. Xiaomi official SC will unlock the device only if there is a check and confirmation of purchase. No documents will be refused. 2. Informal services are taken to unlock, but:
- 💰 The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).
- ⏳ Term - from a few hours to 3 days.
- 🔓 No guarantee: after unlocking, problems may remain (for example, sensors or network do not work).
Among the popular services (at your own risk): • UnlockBoot - remote unlock through EDL (requires sending the device). • GSM-Forum - a community where you can find artists (but the risk of fraud is high). • Local service centers (look for reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS).
Before contacting the service: 1. Check if they give a guarantee of work. 2. Ask if the data will be saved (usually when unlocking a full reset). 3. Check if the IMEI is blocked after their methods (this will make the phone useless for calls). 4. Ask for examples of successful unlocks for your model.
💡
Before contacting the service, take a photo of IMEI (dial *#06#) and the serial number (on the box or under the battery).
Alternative methods: what else can you try
If the official and technical methods did not help, there are less reliable, but sometimes working options:
1. Reset via Recovery Mode (sometimes working on older models): • Turn off the phone. • Press the Power Button + Volume up until the Recovery menu appears. • Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm power button). Chance of success: ~20% (on Redmi 4X/5A and older).
2.Use of bugs in the system (relevant to specific versions of MIUI):
Some firmware has vulnerabilities that can bypass the lock, such as:
- 🐞 Nana MIUI 10-12 sometimes worked Wi-Fi connection and then reset via ADB.
- 🔄 On the Redmi Note. 7/8 was a bug with language switching in the lock menu (allowed to open settings).
It's important.
4PDA
XDA-Developers
3. Flash through SP Flash Tool (for devices on MediaTek): • Download SP Flash Tool and Scatter firmware. • Connect your phone in BROM mode (usually just turn off and connect USB). • Select the Scatter file in the program and click Download. Risk: High (possible loss of IMEI or damage to NVRAM).
💡
On devices with a Qualcomm processor (most Xiaomi flagships), the SP Flash Tool does not work – use the Mi Flash Tool or EDL.
What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures
If all methods are exhausted and the phone is still locked, radical solutions remain:
1. Sale of parts.
The blocked Xiaomi can be sold as a component donor:
- 📱 Screen, battery, cameras – required for repair.
- 🔋 The battery (if it is functional) can be sold separately.
- 📶 Antenna module or speakers – buy service centers.
The price will be 2-3 times lower than the market price, but it is better than leaving the phone to dust.
2.Use as a "smart device" without SIM-map.
Even a blocked Xiaomi can be adapted:
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3. appeal to the court (if the phone is purchased new).
In rare cases, you can try to challenge the blocking through the court if:
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Note:
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, the device is legally considered “not fully transferred to the property”, in which case the chances of unlocking through the court are minimal.