How to Reset Data to Xiaomi If You Forgot Your Password: The Complete 2026 Guide

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. It is especially frustrating when the device stores important data, such as photos, contacts or work documents. Fortunately, there are legal ways to unlock that do not require contacting the service center. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of resetting a password on Xiaomi in 2026, from official tools to technical workarounds.

It’s important to understand that a full reset is an extreme measure that removes all information from a device. However, in some cases you can do without losing files. We’ll look at both options, as well as the nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14. If you are not sure about your technical skills, we recommend that you first try out safe methods.

Before you start, check if your Xiaomi is connected to your Mi Account, which will make it much easier to unlock. If not, don’t despair: even then, there are solutions.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and safest method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

  • πŸ“± Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • πŸ”‘ Remember the username and password from Mi Account
  • πŸ“² On the smartphone enabled the function "Find the device" (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find the device)

Instructions:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in under your account.
  3. Select the locked device in the "Find the device" section.
  4. Click "Unblock" and confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device, you will need to enter code from SMS Google Authenticator, without which you can't unlock.

πŸ’‘

If you don't remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it through your linked email or phone number. To do this, click "Forgot your password?" on the login page.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you can try resetting the password through Recovery Mode, a method that works for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T.

Importantly, not all versions of Recovery support password reset without deleting data, and on new devices (released after 2022), this method may not work.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press the Power Button + Volume combination up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (on some models, the path may be different: Mounts and Storage β†’ Format /data).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Reboot your device with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with encrypted storage (default enabled on Android 10)+) This method will result in total data loss, and check if the password request is on fire after the reboot, and if so, you'll need a complete reset.

Turn off phone | Press the power and volume buttons up | Wait for the Recovery | menu to appear Select Wipe Data | Confirm the reset

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3.Using Fastboot and ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Fastboot mode and the ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge, suitable for Xiaomi models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F5, Redmi K60).

Warning: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable).

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original)
  • πŸ“¦ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for your model (download from the official website)

Instructions:

  1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your model.
  2. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press the Power button + Volume down.
  3. Connect the device to the computer.
  4. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, check the drivers.
  5. To reset your password without losing data, type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings This command only works on devices with the bootloader unlocked. If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
If the fastboot device team doesn’t show you your smartphone, try it: 1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi Composite" MDB Interface"). 2. Use the other USB-cable. 3. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator. 4. Disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on and restart the PC).

4. Reset via Xiaomi Service Center (guarantee case)

If you have not tried it yourself, please contact the official Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ”’ The device is blocked by your Mi Account and you don’t remember the login details.
  • πŸ“± Smartphone for warranties (self-reset can cancel it).
  • πŸ’Έ You are ready to pay for the service (on average 1000-3000 rubles depending on the model).

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Checks or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ“± The device itself with a charge of at least 30%.

⚠️ Attention: In informal services can offer "account bypass" through firmware using the help of EDL-This violates the warranty and may result in loss of IMEI Xiaomi does not officially support such methods.

Unlocking methodMi Account requiredLoss of dataDifficultyImplementation time
Through Mi Account (Find Device)βœ… Yes.❌ No.⭐ Easy.5-10 minutes
Recovery Mode (Wipe Data)❌ No.βœ… Yes, on new models)⭐⭐ Middle-Average15-20 minutes
Fastboot + ADB❌ No.⚠️ Partially (depends on the team)⭐⭐⭐ Hardly.30-60 minutes
Service centre❌ No.βœ… Yeah (usually)⭐ Easy (for the user)1-3 days
EDL-regime (informally)❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very difficult.1-2 hours

Mi Account (Find Device)|Recovery Mode|Fastboot/ADB|Service Center |None of the above

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5. Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

The unlocking process may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Let’s consider the key nuances for popular lines:

Redmi smartphones (Note 10/11/12, 9A/9C, etc.):

  • πŸ”Ή Most models are reset via Recovery without additional manipulation.
  • πŸ”Ή Devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may need to log in to your Mi Account even after a reset.
  • πŸ”Ή On Redmi Note 12 and later, you must untie your account before selling, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the phone.

Flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix Fold)

  • πŸ”Ή They use enhanced data protection, so Wipe Data in Recovery often results in a complete cleanup.
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 3 may require authorization via Mi Account even after reset.
  • πŸ”Ή It is recommended to use the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for recovery.

POCO devices (F4/F5, X5 Pro, etc.):

  • πŸ”Ή Nana POCO Globally integrated (Global) ROM) Recovery reset usually goes without any problems.
  • πŸ”Ή Models with China ROM They can be blocked after a reset, requiring a link to a Chinese Mi Account.
  • πŸ”Ή Nana POCO F5 and newer unlocking through Fastboot without data loss (when unlocked bootloader).

πŸ’‘

Devices with China ROM (Chinese firmware) may be asked to link to a Chinese phone number account after a reset, in which case only the official service or firmware on the global version will help.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
  • πŸ“ Write your password in a secure location (e.g., Google Password Manager or Google Password Manager). 1Password).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
  • πŸ”— Link Mi Account to Google Account to make it easier to restore access.
  • πŸ“± Set up a Smart Lock in Android so that your phone unlocks in trusted places (like at home).

⚠️ Note: If you plan to sell or transfer your Xiaomi, be sure to do so:

  1. Make a backup copy of the data.
  2. Untie Mi Account in the settings (Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Exit).
  3. Perform a reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Resetting).
  4. Make sure that after resetting, the phone does not require you to enter an old password or account.

If you often forget passwords, consider using them. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock or a complex password. PIN It is easier to remember, but it protects the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Xiaomi

Can I reset my password to Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only in two cases: If you remember the data from Mi Account and can unlock the device through Find Device. If you have a bootloader unlocked and use fastboot erase locksettings commands (does not work on all models); on new devices (2022 and later), password reset almost always leads to deletion of data.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This means that the device was enabled data encryption (by default on Android 10).+). In this case: Try entering the old password (sometimes the system accepts it even after resetting). If you don't remember the password, you will have to do a full reset via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool. EDL-regime, but it's risky.
How to reset Xiaomi if it is turned off and not turned on?
If the device doesn't respond to the power button: Connect the charger and wait 30 minutes - maybe just the battery is dead. If it doesn't work, try the forced reboot: press the Power Button + Volume up for 20 to 30 seconds. If the phone vibrates but doesn't turn on, try logging into Recovery or Fastboot and reset. If nothing works, contact the service - maybe a hardware problem (e.g., a power button is faulty).
Can you unlock Xiaomi through Google Account like on older Android?
No, starting with MIUI 9 (2017 Xiaomi has removed the ability to unlock through Google Account. Now this only works on very old models (for example, Redmi). 4X or Mi A1 The alternative is to use Mi Account or reset via Recovery/Fastboot.
What is it? EDL-The mode and how it helps to reset the password?
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to stitch a device at a low level even if it is locked, and is used in service centers to restore bricks (defaulting phones). ⚠️ Attention: Self-use EDL Without experience, it can lead to loss. IMEI (The phone won't catch the network. Disrupt the sensors (camera, gyroscope, etc.) Cancell the warranty. EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account (which is only available for official services) and special equipment (Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008).