How to reset Xiaomi settings to factory if you forget your password

The situation where the owner of an Android smartphone forgets the pattern lock or digital pin code is one of the most common problems in the maintenance of mobile equipment. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices face screen locking regularly, especially after updating the MIUI or HyperOS system, which may require re-authorization. access to data can be lost due to forgetfulness, accidental input of incorrect data or technical sensor failures.

There are several proven methods of bypassing locks, each with its own features and consequences. The most radical, but also the most effective way is Hard Reset, a complete factory reset that completely erases user data, including photos, contacts and apps, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state. However, if the device was enabled to search for the device, you may need to enter a password from the Mi Account.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand the risks and prepare the device. Google and Xiaomi are tightly integrated security systems, so a simple reboot will not be enough. In some cases, you will need a stable Internet connection or a previously synchronized account. Below we will discuss in detail all the available ways to restore access.

Preparation of the device for forced discharge

Before you start the procedure of restoration of access, it is critical to perform a number of preparatory steps, which will help to avoid additional errors, such as blocking by FRP (Factory Reset Protection), and save important data if you can. If the smartphone is turned on and working, but you can not log in, try to remember the password from Google account, as it may be required after reset.

Make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%. The reset process and subsequent initial setup can take considerable time, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files or “brick” the device. Also check for a SIM card if unlocking requires receiving a reset. SMS-confirmation.

⚠️ Note: After resetting all personal files, including photos, videos, music and documents, will be permanently deleted. If you have synced with Mi Cloud or Google Photos enabled, the data can be restored after authorization.

If you use an external SD card, it's best to remove it before you start the procedure so you don't accidentally format it with your phone's internal memory. Although modern versions of MIUI usually ask for confirmation of formatting external memory, you can be safe, and you can also prepare your computer and USB cable if you plan to use software unlocking methods.

It is important to distinguish between types of locks. If the phone is simply locked by the screen, the methods below will help. If the device is blocked by the carrier or is listed on the wanted list (IMEI blacklist), software reset will not help to remove the restriction on the use of communication networks.

Method 1: Reset via the Recovery (Hard Reset) menu

The most versatile method, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, regardless of the shell version, does not require a screen or touch screen to work, since the control is carried out by physical buttons.

After turning it off, press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Main Menu menu appears. The navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is with the power button.

• 🔹 Select Wipe Data with volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
• 🔹 In the following menu, select Wipe All Data for full internal memory cleanup.
• 🔹 Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (confirmation).
• 🔹 Wait until the process is over, then select Back to Main Menu and Reboot -> Reboot to System.

The time to reset depends on the internal memory capacity of the device; on current models with large storage devices, this can take from 5 to 15 minutes; do not interrupt the process and do not try to force the phone to turn off until a successful completion message appears on the screen.

Once the system is restarted, it will start the initial setup, and you will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your account, which is where FRP protection can work if a Google account was linked to the phone before the reset.

Method 2: Remote reset via Find Device

If your smartphone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and has a device search feature enabled, you can reset remotely from any other gadget or computer, a method that is especially convenient if the buttons on the phone itself are faulty or the sensor does not respond to touch.

To implement this method, go to the official mi.com site in the Find Device section or use the Find My Device application from Google. You will need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was used on the locked device. If you forget this data, it will be extremely difficult to restore access without a check or a box.

In the service interface, select your device from the list and press the Wipe Data button. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the smartphone. Once the device is online, it will execute the command and restart.

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If the phone is turned off, the reset command will be executed automatically when it is turned on and connected to the Internet.

This method also allows you to change the screen lock password remotely if the Lock function is active, however, if you do not remember the password from the Mi Account, this method will become unavailable and you will have to resort to hardware reset via Recovery.

Method 3: Using ADB for Advanced Users

For users familiar with the command line, there is a USB debugging method, which is only possible if the locked phone has previously enabled USB debugging in the Developer menu. If this option has not been activated, the method will not work.

You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and platform tools ADB. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Open the command line (CMD) PowerShell in the tool folder ADB and type in the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can proceed to reset.

adb shell am start -a android.settings.RESET_DASHBOARD_PRIVACY


adb shell pm clear com.android.settings




adb reboot

However, a more reliable way to ADB — This is a software-based entry into Recovery mode. Adb reboot recovery will put the phone into recovery mode, and then you can run standard Wipe Data if the touchscreen is partially working, or use other devices. ADB-commands to delete key files, although on newer versions of Android this is closed with security patches.

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ADB is only effective when USB debugging is enabled in advance. On new Android 11+ devices, access to the file system via ADB is limited, which reduces the effectiveness of this method for unlocking.

It is worth noting that attempts to use third-party software to "hack" through ADB often result in the installation of malware on a computer or phone.Use only official tools from Google and verified scripts.

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The problem of FRP and Mi Account: how to get around the lock

Once you reset, Android security can request proof of identity, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. The phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before the reset, and this is done to protect against theft: even after the reflash, the thief will not be able to use the phone.

If you remember your username but have forgotten your password, use the procedure for restoring access to the site Google or Mi. If the device is bought from hand, and the previous owner did not untie the account, you will need his help. Without this, the phone turns into a “brick” with the functionality of a simple call (and then not always).

There are workarounds for older versions MIUI (For example, through TalkBack or special APK-files, but on MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS and most vulnerabilities are closed. FRP This can result in a complete locking of the device. IMEI.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi’s official support service does not remove the lock FRP without a check or a box of stickers IMEI. Save the documents on the device.

Waiting helps in some cases: After several failed attempts to enter a password, the system may suggest unlocking the device in a few hours or days, or through confirmation from a trusted device if it was previously configured.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

During the reset process, users often encounter various errors, one of the most common is an “update error” or endless boot after the reset, which can mean damage to the system partition, in which case you may need to flash the device through Fastboot mode using your computer and the official Mi Flash Tool utility.

If the phone after the reset says "failed to check updates" and requires a Wi-Fi connection, but the Wi-Fi is not on or seeing the network, the problem may be in the drivers or hardware. Try to distribute the Internet from another phone, as some modules may not work correctly immediately after the reset.

• 🔹 Endless logo Mi: Press the power button on 10-15 I'm going to do it for a forced reboot, if it doesn't work, I'm going to do it again.
• 🔹 Requires password after reset: This FRP. Enter the account information that was before the reset.
• 🔹 Touchscreen fails after reset: There may be hardware malfunction or driver conflict. Try resetting again.

Another common problem is asking for a password from your Mi Account right after you turn it on, even if you're not logged in to the recovery menu, which happens if Find Device is active, and you can only turn it off by entering the correct password.

Prevention of blocking and data retention

To avoid such situations in the future, it is recommended to set up automatic synchronization of important data. Google Photos is great at saving photos, and contacts are better stored in Google Contacts, not in the memory of the phone. Regular backups in Mi Cloud or on your computer via Mi PC Suite will save your data in case of any crashes.

Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or face unlock) in conjunction with a simple but reliable PIN-Memorable passwords like "1234" or "0000" are easy to pick up, and complex graphics keys are often forgotten. The best option is a 6-digit numeric code.

Write data from your accounts (Mi and Google) to a secure location or use a password manager. Accessing an account is key not only to your phone, but also to your digital life. Regularly check active sessions and devices in your account security settings.

Remember that a timely security update closes vulnerabilities, but sometimes adds new layers of protection to be aware of. MIUI, to be aware of changes in the unlocking procedure.