A forgotten password from a Xiaomi Mi Account or screen lock can become a serious problem, especially if the phone stores important data that is needed urgently. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi smartphones use a two-tiered security system: lock-in (PIN/It's a pattern lock, and it's a tied Mi Account, which is often required even after you reset, which makes it harder to unlock, but doesn't make it impossible.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of password resetting β from official methods through the Xiaomi website to engineering workarounds for older models (for example, Redmi Note). 4/5 or Mi A1). Important: Some methods only work when certain conditions are met (e.g., availability of a SIM-If you try to unlock someone elseβs phone, it violates Xiaomiβs user agreement and can be classified as hacking.
1. Official password reset via the Mi Account website
The most legal and safe way is to use the restore function on the official Xiaomi website.
- π§ You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
- π The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π‘οΈ Find Device mode is not activated on the phone (otherwise, additional verification will be required).
Step-by-step:
- Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/resetPassword.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Select the confirmation method: the code on email or SMS.
- Enter the received code and set a new password.
- Wait 5-10 minutes β changes will apply to all devices associated with the account.
If after resetting the password, the phone still requires an old PIN or a pattern lock, perform a hard reset via Recovery Mode.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds.
- From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
β οΈ Warning: Hard reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and apps. If encryption is enabled on the phone, you may need to enter your Mi Account password even after resetting.
2. Reset password through the linked phone number (SMS)
If a phone number is attached to a Mi Account, you can restore access without accessing an email, which works even if the device is locked, but requires:
- π± SIM-card with the original number specified at registration.
- π Internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
- π The ability to restart the phone in Fastboot mode.
Instructions:
- On the locked screen, click Forgot your password? (if the option is available).
- Select recovery via SMS.
- Enter the phone number and wait for the code.
- After entering the code, the system will prompt you to create a new password.
If you have forgotten your password? is missing (relevant to Redmi 9/Note 10 and later), try an alternative path:
- Reboot your phone in Fastboot Mode (clip Power + Volume Down).
- Connect the device to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool to flash it (an unlocked bootloader is required).
βοΈ Preparation for discharge through SMS
3 Unlocking through the Engineering Menu (EDL Mode)
The method for advanced users, working on devices until 2020 (for example, Mi 8, Redmi Note 7, Poco F1). The essence is to switch to Emergency Download Mode (EDL), which allows you to flash your phone without checking your account. Risks: improper actions can turn the device into a brick.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 7/10/11.
- π Cable USB Type-C (original).
- π οΈ Programs: Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model.
- π Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need official permission from Xiaomi).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Loud Down + Power for 15-20 seconds (Redmi Note 5/6 may require a short circuit test points).
- Connect your phone to your PC β a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear in Device Manager.
- Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.
- After the firmware is completed (5-10 minutes), the phone will restart in its clean state.
β οΈ Note: On new models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 and newer) the transition to the new model EDL without authorization, the Mi Account is blocked. IMEI.
What if the phone is not identified in the EDL?
4.Blocking bypass through Xiaomi Service Center
If the independent attempts failed, the official service center of Xiaomi can help β but only if the conditions are met:
- π Availability of a cheque or warranty card (proof of possession).
- π Passport or other identity document.
- π± Phone not blacklisted (stolen/lost devices will not unlock).
Procedure at the service center:
- The specialist checks the device for theft through the IMEI database.
- If everything is clean, you can reset your Mi Account through Xiaomiβs internal tools (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool).
- In some cases, a replacement motherboard may be required (relevant for hardware-based account-based devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra).
The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and complexity. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are informal services that offer undocumented unlocking, but the risks are high:
- β οΈ Possible malware installation.
- β οΈ The guarantee will be cancelled.
- β οΈ The phone can be locked again in a few days.
| Town | The cost of unlocking (ruble) | Date(days) | Do you need documents? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow | 2 000β4 000 | 1β2 | Yes (passport + check) |
| St. Petersburg | 2 500β4 500 | 1β3 | Yes. |
| ekaterinburg | 1 800β3 500 | 2β4 | Yes. |
| Novosibirsk | 1 500β3 000 | 1β2 | On request. |
π‘
Before contacting the service center, take a photo of the IMEI (dial *#06#) and the serial number (on the box or under the battery) to speed up the checkup.
5. Alternative methods for older models (2016β2019)
Devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi 5, Mi Max 2) have vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the lock without EDL. One of the working methods is the use of the Mi Account Bypass Tool utility.
Instructions:
- Download the archive with a utility (for example, with XDA Developers).
- Unpack and launch. Mi_Bypass_Tool.exe.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- In the utility, select the model and click Bypass Mi Account.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (reboot may be required).
For devices on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 5A, Redmi 6), the SP Flash Tool method is suitable:
- Download the firmware for your model (.scatter format).
- Launch the SP Flash Tool and upload the scatter file.
- Select Format All + Download.
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Wait until the process is completed (green tick).
β οΈ Note: Use of informal tools may result in loss of IMEI On new devices (after 2020), these methods do not work due to the hardware protection of Xiaomi.
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store data from your Mi Account.
- π± Link backup email and phone number to your account.
- π Regularly (every 3 months) back up through Settings β Additionally. β Backup.
- π§ Turn off the Find Device option if you donβt use it (it makes it harder to unlock).
If you often forget passwords, set up biometric authorization:
- Go to Settings. β Password and security.
- Add a fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Enable Unlock without password (available on MIUI 12 and later).
π‘
Even if you use biometrics, donβt delete the primary password or PIN β it will be required after rebooting or resetting settings.