How to reset data to Xiaomi if you forgot the password from the Mi-account: all working ways

A forgotten password from a Xiaomi account is one of the most common problems among smartphone owners of this brand. Without access to Mi-account, you will not be able to reset your phone through standard settings, install updates or even sell the device, worse still: after a reset via Recovery, the phone will require you to enter the account information to which it is linked, otherwise it will remain blocked.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to bypass locks, from official (via Xiaomi) to technical (using Fastboot and EDL modes). It is important to understand that some methods require special knowledge or equipment, and the wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick.”

If you're not sure about your skills, you better go to the service center, but if you're willing to take a chance, let's go!

1.Official way: Unlocking through Xiaomi support

The safest, but also the longest, method is to contact Xiaomi Support, which is suitable if you have proof of ownership of the device (checks, box, IMEI).

• 📄 Availability of a document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card, bank account statement).
• 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out through the set *#06# or on the sticker under the battery).
• ⏳ The term of consideration of the application - from 3 to 14 days.
• 🌍 You need to contact in support of the region where the phone was purchased (for example, for Russia - official forum).

How to apply:

1. Go to the account recovery page.
2. Select “Forgot your password?” → “No email/phone access.”
3. Fill out the form by specifying IMEI, serial number and attaching scans of documents.
4. Wait for the answer to the email (check the Spam folder).

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands, the chances of unlocking are minimal. Xiaomi does not remove the link of the previous owner's account without his consent.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Recovery is the easiest way to erase data, but it doesn't remove the Mi-account binding. Once you reboot, the phone still requires you to enter your username and password from your old account, which is only suitable if:

• 🔄 You remember your account information but you forgot your pattern lock/PIN-code.
• 📦 Plan to sell your phone and want to clear your personal details (but the new owner won’t be able to use the device without your account).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time (on some models – Volume down).
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note) 8/9, Mi A3) After the reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method through Fastboot allows you to reset the binding to the account, but requires an unlocked bootloader and PC. Suitable for models on Qualcomm processors (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11. On MediaTek (Redmi 9, POCO M3) This way doesn't work.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read section 4).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Reset your account by fastboot erase frp or new models: fastboot erase persist
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13+) The fastboot erase frp command may not work. EDL (section).

💡

If the "FAILED" error appears after the fastboot erase frp command, then the bootloader is locked. First unlock it (section 4), then repeat the procedure.

4. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without an unlocked bootloader, most reset methods don’t work. Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all new devices, and you need to unlock it:

1. Link the device to your Mi Account (yes, that’s a paradox – you need access to your account to unlock your phone to reset your account).
2. Wait 7-15 days (depending on the model).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

If you do not have access to your account, you can only unlock the bootloader through EDL (section 5) or by contacting the service center with proof of purchase.

Instructions for unlocking (if you know the account details):

1. Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → Developers → Unlock OEM).
2. Connect the device to your account in Settings → Mi Account → Device Status.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

5. Firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - an extreme method

EDL allows you to flash your phone directly without locking, which is the riskiest way, because if you make a mistake, the device can fail.

• 🔧 Phones with a locked loader.
• 📱 Qualcomm models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 10).
• 🚫 Devices that do not respond to other methods.

What you need:

• 💻 PC with Windows and Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔌 Cable USB (necessarily original!).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠 The Mi Flash Tool program or EDL-cable.
• Connect the phone to a PC – it should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
• Wait until the end (10-20 minutes).
• Used as a brick»: 🔌 You can take out the motherboard and use it to repair other phones. 🎮 Turn it into a retro console (if the screen is running). ⚠️ Warning: Don't buy "miracle software" to unlock Xiaomi from questionable sites. Most of them are scams or viruses. The only working tools are official (Mi Unlock Tool) or community-verified (Fastboot, EDL). FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi ❓ Can I reset Mi-account without losing data? No. All account reset methods (Fastboot, EDL, Firmware) erases data from internal memory. The only way to save files is to unlock your phone through Xiaomi support (section 1). ❓ Why does the phone ask for an old account after a Recovery reset (FRP). It links the device to the Mi Account, even after the reset. To remove the request, you either need to enter the data of the old account or reset the request. FRP through Fastboot/EDL. ❓ Does the way you call a locked phone work? No. Previously, on some models (Redmi) 4X, Mi 5) It was possible to bypass the lock through the call screen, but in MIUI 10+ This vulnerability has been closed. ❓ Can I unlock Xiaomi through the IMEI? Officially, no. Xiaomi doesn't provide such services. Unofficial services offering "unlocking by" IMEI», Exception - appealing in support of proof of purchase (section) 1). ❓ How to avoid blocking Mi-account in the future: 📝 Write down the username/password from your Mi Account in a secure location (for example, in the password manager). 🔄 Link backup email and phone. 📱 Turn it off. FRP in the developer settings (Settings) → For developers → Unlocking OEM). 🔓 Make regular backups of data.