How to reset data to Xiaomi if you forgot your password: all working ways

Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone - a situation that thousands of users face daily.pattern lock, PIN-The code or fingerprint can suddenly become unrecognizable, and trying to remember the combination only exacerbates the problem. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of data resetting on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From official solutions through Mi Account to technical techniques using Fastboot and EDL-regime.

It’s important to understand that password resets almost always mean loss of user data (photos, messages, apps). However, in some cases, you can save some information — it all depends on the method and device model you choose. We will also tell you how to minimize the risk of data loss when unlocking and what to do if your smartphone requires confirmation through an old phone number that you no longer have access to.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13) and firmware based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. If your model is older than 2018, some methods may not work – we will warn you about this in advance.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account
• 📍 The device was not reset to factory settings earlier (otherwise you will need confirmation through the old number)

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously untie your phone number from your Mi Account or changed your email, this method won't work.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, it’s hard to reset through the recovery mode, which will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for devices with a locked bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 📱 For most models: Power + Volume Up 📱 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume Down

Recovery

Wipe Data

Power

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)

Save the IMEI (write on paper)

Battery charge > 50%

Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ After a reset, you may need to confirm through your Mi Account, even if it wasn’t tied before.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed
• 🔌 The device is determined in Fastboot mode
• 📦 You are ready to use the command line.

Instructions:

1. Install Android Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume Down to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined, perform a reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) This method may not work because of the blocked bootloader, in which case you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to a few hours. 720 waiting-hours!

4.Use of EDL-mode (for locked devices)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore a device even with a locked bootloader:

• 🖥️ Windows PC with Mi Flash Tool installed
• 📂 Official firmware for your model (download at xiaomiflash.com)
• 🔌 Xiaomi Cable (preferably original)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold Volume Up + Volume Down and connect USB-cable to PC (the device must be defined as Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean All for a full reset).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL Make sure you download the firmware for your model (e.g., redwood for Redmi Note 10, alioth for Redmi Note 10, and make sure you download the firmware for your model). POCO F3).

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Before you run your firmware through EDL, disable the antivirus – it can block Qualcomm drivers.

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

If the device has previously been enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can try to reset your password through ADB. This method does not delete data, but only works if two conditions are met:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB activated in the developer settings
• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB And you have access to the command line.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line and enter:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reset, the password will be reset. If the commands don't work, try an alternative method:

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

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ HyperOS may not work because of the changed system file structure, and root rights are required, which are disabled by default on most Xiaomi devices.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📱 Devices with a locked bootloader and Mi Account disabled
• 🔒 Smartphones that have Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
• 📦 Models older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi Note 5, Mi) A1)

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or box from the device (to confirm possession)
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 3000 rubles)

⚠️ Note: Unofficial service centers may offer “Mi Account bypass” for less money, but this is often associated with the risk of installing unlicensed software or losing warranty. Xiaomi official centers work only with documented devices.

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Service center is the only legal way to unlock if the smartphone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account (for example, after buying used).

Comparison of Xiaomi Unlocking Methods

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Xiaomi