How to reset Xiaomi settings without a password: proven methods

When access to a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone is blocked, it is quite common for users to forget a pattern lock, a digital pin code or a complex password set to protect personal data, in which case the only way out is often to force the system to reset to factory settings, which completely clears the internal memory of the device.

However, the process of removing the lock screen is not always smooth, especially on modern versions of the shell MIUI and HyperOS. the security system of Google and Xiaomi implements additional checks of accounts, which requires the owner of the gadget to strictly follow the instructions.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to unlock your device, learn how to enter recovery mode, which buttons to pinch for different models, and what to do if your phone requires authorization after rebooting. Follow each step carefully to avoid turning your smartphone into a brick.

Preparation of the device for forced discharge

Before you start taking any drastic measures, you need to assess the current state of the gadget, and if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, but you just can't unlock the screen, try to remember data from your Google account or Mi Account, which sometimes saves you from losing photos and contacts completely.

If you can't log in, make sure you have at least 40-50% battery power. The reset and subsequent initial setup requires energy, and suddenly shutting down at a critical moment can damage system files. Connect the device to the original charger.

⚠️ Warning: Hard Reset permanently deletes all user data, and photos, messages, apps and notes will be destroyed without the ability to recover through standard means.

It's also worth checking whether your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, and once reset, the system can request confirmation of the owner over the Internet, and if you know your login and password from Google, having a network will make it easier to activate.

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Before resetting, if you have the slightest chance, try logging into Mi Cloud from your computer at i.mi.com. If Find Device is enabled, there may be a remote unlock option.

Recovery Menu Reset (Hard Reset)

The most common way to retrieve access to a device is through Recovery Mode, a special diagnostic interface built into the phone's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main menu, and logging in is done by a combination of physical buttons.

First, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them together until the Mi or Redmi logo appears. Once the logo appears, release the power button, but keep the volume up until the menu appears.

In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. After choosing, confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data and then Confirm.

The cleaning process takes from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and when it's done, it'll offer reboot, which is a reboot, and when you turn on, you'll be greeted by the screen of the initial setup, just like when you buy a new phone.

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Using volume buttons to navigate in Recovery is the standard for 99% of Xiaomi devices, even if the touch screen is not working in this mode.

Features of unlocking on different versions of MIUI

The recovery interface can vary significantly depending on the firmware version and model year. On older versions of MIUI (up to 10-11), the menu was textual and simpler. The new MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS shells use a graphical menu with support for touch input.

In the Recovery graphics menu, language selection is done by touch. After selecting a language (usually available in English and Chinese), the system can immediately request a password from a Xiaomi account if the protection feature has been enabled, a security measure against theft.

If you have a global firmware version, you don't usually have any language problems. On Chinese versions (CN ROM), the menu can be entirely in Chinese, so you should use icons or buttons: Wipe Data is usually the second or third option on the list.

Google and Mi Account (FRP Lock)

After successfully resetting your settings, you may come across an activation screen where the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account that was previously synced to the device.This is an FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection system designed to make it harder to use stolen smartphones.

If you don’t remember your Google password, unlocking it will be a difficult task, requiring either retrieval of access via your computer or the use of special bypasses that change all the time, a similar situation happens with a Xiaomi account if the Find Device feature was enabled.

If you block Mi Account, the phone can write "This device is locked" and require you to enter a password, without which you can not fully use the device, the only legal way is to restore access through the manufacturer's or seller's website.

⚠️ Warning: Buying a used phone without checking for account unbundling is a huge risk. The seller can remotely lock the device even after resetting if he or she hasn't logged out of his or her profile.

Sometimes it helps to enter data Wi-Fi network to which the phone was previously connected, or use special utilities for PC, but their effectiveness depends on the specific model and version of the Android security patch.

Using Fastboot Mode for Flashing

If standard Recovery doesn’t help or is blocked, you can use Fastboot mode, which is designed for low-level interaction with the device and is often used for flashing or deep cleaning, and is entered by pressing the Volume Down button and the power button.

A computer will be required to work in this mode, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. On a PC, you need to run the command line and type in the cleaning command: fastboot erase userdata.

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fastboot erase userdata




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However, on modern devices with an unlocked bootloader, this method works perfectly, if the bootloader is locked, the command may fail or require unlocking, which again leads to the need to enter an account, so this method is more suitable for advanced users.

It's important not to confuse the buttons: Volume Up leads to Recovery, and Volume Down leads to Fastboot. In Fastboot mode, the screen usually shows a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT in orange.

Third-party utilities for password resetting

There are many PC programs that can unlock the screen on Xiaomi, including Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility for unlocking the bootloader), Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools and various paid service boxes.

The official Mi Unlock utility does not reset the screen password directly, but allows you to unlock the bootloader, after which you can install a clean firmware that will automatically delete the password.

• 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool: Official tool, requires Mi Account and waiting time.
• 💻 Xiaomi ADB Tools: A set of scripts to remove system applications and reset through debugging (if enabled).
• 🛠 Service centers: Professional equipment that can reflash memory directly, bypassing protection.

Using untested software from the internet can lead to malware being installed on your computer or permanently locking your smartphone.Be careful with programs that require payment for "password removal."

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The only guaranteed free and secure method for the average user is Hard Reset via Recovery, despite the risk of data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)