How to unlock Xiaomi phone: everything from password to Mi Account

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or bought a used phone with a Mi Account tied?Unlocking smartphones of this brand is nuanced due to strict security policies. Unlike other brands, it often requires confirmation of the original owner, and non-standard methods can lead to blocking IMEI through the servers of Xiaomi. This guide is proven ways for models of 2018-2026, including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 13 and new series.

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the type of lock, the screen password (PIN, pattern lock) is removed locally, and the binding to Mi Account requires interaction with the manufacturer's servers, we will analyze both scenarios, and also tell you how to bypass the lock after reset to factory settings if the phone requires you to enter an old account, all instructions are adapted to the latest version of MIUI 14/15.

1. Screen unlock: PIN, password, pattern lock

If you forgot the unlock code of the screen, but remember the data from the Mi Account associated with the device, use the official method:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password?” appears.
2. Click on this caption → select “Unblock through Mi Account”.
3. Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Create a new screen password.

This works on 90% of models, except for devices that have lost data protection enabled (which is manually activated in security settings).

Alternative method: via Fastboot (for advanced)

If the phone is not tied to the Mi Account, but unlocking through the recovery menu is not available, you can delete the password file via Fastboot.This method is suitable for models on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro, Poco F4).

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC| Download the archive with Mi Flash Unlock | Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power) | Disable the antivirus (it can block commands)

-->

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flash userdata userdata.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: This method erases all data from internal memory! Do not use it if there are important files on the phone without a backup. For models on MediaTek (for example, Redmi). 10A) Another approach is required, through SP Flash Tool.

2. deletion of Mi Account without original owner

The most difficult situation is when the phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account and the previous owner is not available. Xiaomi officially requires a confirmation of purchase (check) to unlock, but there are workarounds:

• 📧 Contact Support: Write to Xiaomi Support with a photo of the check (if saved) or boxes with the help of the phone. IMEI. Sometimes even a screenshot of correspondence with the seller helps.
• 🔄 Passage EDL: Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash your phone with account zero, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader.
• 🛠️ Call for service: Some workshops have access to official Xiaomi tools for unbinding (cost) ~1500–3000 ₽).

For Xiaomi 2020 and newer models (e.g. Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro), EDL bypassing has become more difficult due to SLA (Secure Lock Authentication) verification. If the phone gives an error "This device is locked" when trying to firmware, then the bootloader is locked and you will need official unlock.

3. factory reset: when it helps and when it doesn't

Recovery reset is the first method that users try, and it works if:

• ✅ The phone is not tied to the Mi Account.
• ✅ Enable the “Allow Reset” function in the security settings (default disabled on new models).
• ✅ The device is not in the "Lost" state (activated via Find Device).

To make the discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data".
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and later, after a reset, a request for data entry from Mi Account may appear, even if it was not previously available, this is due to the “Data Protection in case of loss” function, which is activated automatically when you first log in to your account.

💡

If the phone requires an old password after reset, try entering 123456 or 000000 – sometimes this works on devices with firmware from third-party developers.

4. Unlock via Find Device (if phone is stolen/lost)

If you lost your phone or it was stolen, but you have access to the Mi Account attached to your device, you can try unlocking it remotely:

1. Go to the Find Device website and log in.
2. Select your device in the list.
3. Click "Unlock Device" (only available if your phone is connected to the Internet).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

This method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery level of charge > 15%.
• 🔒 The “Find Device” function was activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

If the device is offline, you can send a command to lock or reset the next time you connect to the network, but after reset via Find Device, the phone may require data input from Mi Account on the first turn on.

5. Firmware through Mi Flash: When it's the only way out

If other methods fail, the firmware is left over via the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for devices with the bootloader unlocked or if you are ready to unlock it (which erases all data).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the version of "Fastboot").
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Unlock Tool and unlock the bootloader (requires a binding to Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days for new accounts).
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. Start Mi Flash, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware of unofficial (custom) firmware on Xiaomi models 2022 and newer may lead to blocking IMEI due diligence SLA. Use only official images from Xiaomi website.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting (3 to 30 days) for new accounts. This period cannot be circumvented - it is sewn into Xiaomi servers.

6. Bypassing locking through service codes (for older models)

On devices up to 2019 (Redmi Note 7, Mi 8, Mi A2), service codes to reset the lock are sometimes triggered.

• 🔢 ##7378423## — Resetting security settings (works on Mi) A1/A2).
• 🔢 ##3646633## → "Connectivity" → "CDS Information" → "Radio Information – sometimes allows you to reset the link to the account.
• 🔢 ##4636## → "Usage Statistics" → "Clear Data – Clearing the cache of the system (not always helpful).

These codes do not work on newer MIUI 12+ models, as Xiaomi has closed most service loopholes. On Android One devices (such as the Mi A3), you can try resetting via ADB:

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


adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

After completing these commands, restart the phone - sometimes this removes the screen lock.

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Replacement of the motherboard: In service centers can be soldered memory chip with account data (cost) ~5000–10 000 ₽). Suitable for expensive models (Mi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2).
• 📱 Buying a new phone: If the device is old (e.g. Redmi) 4X), repairs may cost more than their cost.
• 🛡️ Appeal to Rospotrebnadzor: If the phone was bought from hand and the seller refused to untie the account, you can file a complaint on the basis of Art. 10 of the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights".

Before you take your phone to the service, check:

• 🔍 A check or warranty card (makes it easier to unlock through support).
• 🔋 Battery level (for firmware you need at least 50%).
• 📋 IMEI Devices (written on a box or under a battery).

💡

If you buy used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to make a factory reset in front of you and unplug Mi Account. Check the lock status through the IMEI.info website - some devices may be on the blacklist of operators.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi