How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your password: 3 proven methods

Why Factory Resetting Is Not Always the Solution

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter. The first thought is to reset the device to factory settings, but it's not always safe. First, you lose all the data: photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Second, new models with MIUI 14+ may require you to enter a Mi Account tied to the phone after a reset, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset your password to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including models with MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS. Also explain how to bypass the Mi Account lock after reset (if you remember the username / password) and what to do if the phone does not respond to buttons. Importantly, methods using third-party programs (for example, Mi Flash without authorization) can lead to a complete loss of warranty and blocking IMEI.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 50% – when reset via Recovery, the phone should not turn off).
• 📱 Model of your device (written on a box or under a battery) depends on the choice of method.
• 🔑 Having a linked Mi Account (if you forgot the password from the account - reset will not help).

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without a computer)

The simplest method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/F4 and Mi 10/11. does not require a connection to a PC, but deletes all data.

• 📵 Phone is on but locked with password/pattern lock.
• 🔄 You are not afraid to lose your data (or have made a backup copy).
• 🚫 There is no Mi Account lock on the device (or you remember the username/password).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3/M4 and some Redmi: Volume down + Power.

10-15 seconds

Mi

Recovery

English

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)

Check the battery charge (>50%)

Prepare. SIM-Card (if you need to restore contacts)

Make sure the volume and power buttons work

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⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter Mi Account, if you don't remember it, the phone will remain locked.

If the Recovery menu doesn’t open or the phone vibrates and turns off, it means:

• 🔌 Battery discharged (charge 10-15 minutes).
• 🔧 Buttons are dirty or faulty (try to clean them with alcohol).
• 📱 Device with a locked boot loader (needs Fastboot).

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (with computer)

This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including new ones with HyperOS, but requires a computer and a computer. USB-The advantage is that it bypasses the Mi Account lock (if you don’t remember the password from your account), but deletes all data and can reset your network settings.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not damage the port!).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds until the Hare in the Cap (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.
5. In the program, click Select and select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
6. Press Refresh – your phone should appear in the list of devices.
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
8. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware through Fastboot, the phone requires the Mi Account input, and you do not remember it, do not enter the data at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Method 3: Unlock with Mi Account (if you remember the login)

If you've linked your Mi Account to your phone and you remember your username/password, you can unlock your device without losing data.

• 🔐 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📱 Phone locked after failed password attempts.
• 🔄 You do not want to reset the settings (the data will remain in place).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Enter the password from Mi Account.
5. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
6. Set a new password for your phone.

If you forgot your password, you will not see:

• 📵 You do not have a Mi Account tied (go to Method 2).
• 🔄 The phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account (requires to contact support).
• 📱 The device is running HyperOS (in some versions the option is hidden).

💡

If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it through the official page, and you will need access to the email or phone number specified during registration.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If none of these methods worked, consider these options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

Official service centers can unlock your phone without losing data if you have:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📧 Access to the email specified when purchasing.

Cost: 1000-3000 rubles (depending on the model) List of centers: mi.com/service.

2.Use of EDL-The mode (only for experienced users)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader. Dangerous! If you do not do it, you can damage the IMEI or NVRAM.

This will require:

• 💻 Computer with Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable with Support EDL (or EDL-cable).
• 📂 Firmware in.mbn format (for your model).

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Xiaomi violates the warranty without official permission, and incorrect firmware can lead to loss of IMEI (This method is recommended only for experienced users or master service centers.

3. Check for "holeholes" in the firmware

Some older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5) have vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the lock through:

• 📞 Emergency Call (Emergency Call) → Entering code ##4636##).
• 🔧 Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Reboot in Safe Mode).
• 📡 ADB-Teams (if debugging is included) USB).

However, on new devices (MIUI 13+, HyperOS) these methods do not work – Xiaomi has closed most of the vulnerabilities.

How to avoid blocking in the future: 5 tips

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

1. Set up a backup. Use Mi Cloud or Google Account to automatically save contacts, photos and notes. How to enable: Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Data Sync
2. Attach Mi Account. Even if you don't use Xiaomi services, a tied account will help unlock your phone. How to check: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account
3. Use biometrics. A fingerprint or facial recognition speeds up unlocking and reduces the risk of forgetting your password.
4. Write your password in a safe place, such as Google Keep or 1Password (don’t keep notes on your phone!).
5. Update your firmware. Newer versions of MIUI/HyperOS add email or SMS access recovery.

💡

If you often forget passwords, set up Smart Lock unlocking (automatically unlocking in trusted places, such as at home or work).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset