How to reset the BIOS password on Xiaomi and Redmi laptops

When access to the basic I/O system is restricted by an unknown code, it often leaves the user at a loss. Xiaomi laptops and Redmi sub-brands, despite their popularity, are no exception to security rules. If you forget the previously installed protection or purchased a device with an active restriction, you will need a clear action plan to regain control.

Unlike desktop computers, where resetting is often trivial, portable devices have a more complex security architecture. Owners of Xiaomi Mi Notebook or RedmiBook need to understand that modern UEFI protection methods can be significantly different from older BIOS Legacy. However, there are proven ways to bypass locking, which we will discuss in detail.

Before you start any manipulation, it's important to be aware of the risks. CMOS-memory can lead to loss of factory settings or, in rare cases, the need to flash the chip. therefore carefully study all the options offered, from software methods to physical access to the motherboard.

Understanding the BIOS/UEFI protection levels

Modern Xiaomi devices use the UEFI interface that replaced the traditional BIOS. It is not just a graphical shell, but a more complex firmware system that allows secure boot. The password can be set at the user level (User Password) or the administrator level (Supervisor Password), and each of them has its own reset features.

The user password is usually requested every time you turn on the laptop, restricting access to the operating system, while the administrative password blocks the entry to the BIOS Setup Utility settings themselves, preventing you from changing the download priority or hardware settings.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models with Secure Boot activated, an attempt to reset a password through a contact closure may trigger a security response that requires a digital signature to continue working.

The differences in security implementations depend on the model year and the processor used. Intel-based devices often have specific hash algorithms for generating master passwords, while AMD models can respond to standard nonvolatile memory cleanup procedures.

Software methods and unlock codes

The first step should always be a software solution that does not require disassembling the case. When you enter the wrong password three times, many Xiaomi systems display a special error code or hash on the screen, this set of characters is the key to generating a master password that can unlock the device.

There are specialized online services and databases where you can enter the resulting code, and the algorithm of such systems is based on reverse engineering of encryption algorithms from BIOS manufacturers, such as American Megatrends or InsydeH2O, which are often used in Xiaomi laptops.

• 🔑 Enter the wrong password three times in a row before the lock code appears.
• 📝 Write down the combination of numbers and letters as accurately as possible.
• 🌐 Use a verified master password generator on another device.
• 💻 Enter the received master code when you re-request the password BIOS.

If standard generators don't work, you can try generic combinations that sometimes run on stock firmware, but you can only count on them if the password hasn't been changed from factory.

In some cases, command-line resetting helps if you have access to an administrator-enabled system, but it only works to reset a user password, not an administrative one. The biospw command in a DOS environment or specialized utilities like!BIOS can be effective for older models.

Hardware reset by shutting down the CMOS battery

The most effective method for most Xiaomi laptops is a physical reset, which requires access to the motherboard and temporarily disconnect the power from the chip that stores the BIOS parameters.

After removing the bottom cover of the laptop, you need to find a round battery like CR2032. In the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air or Pro ultrabooks, it can be not in the form of a classic element, but rather a battery in shrinkage with wires connected to the board through a connector, or be soldered directly.

If the battery is removable, disconnect the connector from the motherboard and wait 10-15 minutes. If the battery is soldered, you need to find a CLRTC jumper or contact areas for resetting. Closing these contacts when the power is on (via the adapter) or off (depending on the circuit) initiates cleaning of the CMOS.

The system will conduct self-testing and restore settings, after which the password must disappear.

Use of jumpers and discharge contacts

Xiaomi engineers often provide special contacts for maintenance on a printed circuit board. CLR_CMOS, JCMOS Or just two dots next to the inscription. RESET. The method of working with them varies depending on the specific revision of the motherboard.

You'll need thin wiring or tweezers to do the procedure, and unlike desktops where the lintel needs to be rearranged, laptops tend to use short-term circuits when power is supplied, avoiding complete disassembly of the device if the contacts are displayed conveniently.

⚠️ Attention: Closing the wrong contacts on the Xiaomi motherboard can lead to a short circuit and irreversible failure of the device.

After successful closure, the laptop should emit an audible signal or immediately switch to BIOS settings. If this does not happen, repeat the procedure, increasing the retention time. Some RedmiBook models require holding the power button at the same time as closing the reset contacts.

Specificity of unlocking Xiaomi and Redmi models

Xiaomi’s line of laptops has its own unique features, such as the Mi Notebook Pro series, which often uses dual protection, where the password is used. BIOS connected TPM-Resetting the password in such cases can lead to blocking TPM, This will require resetting BitLocker encryption keys if they were used.

Entry-level RedmiBook models are often based on standard platforms that use classic reset methods. However, in recent firmware versions, Xiaomi is implementing security updates that can ignore reset attempts through a power outage, storing a password hash in flash memory.

• 🔍 Carefully examine the marking of the motherboard before starting work.
• 🛡️ Check BitLocker status before resetting to avoid losing data.
• 📱 Look for information on a specific fee audit number on forums.
• ⚙️ Be prepared for the need to re-flash BIOS programmer.

It is worth noting that the Chinese versions of Xiaomi laptops may differ in circuitry from the global versions, so the instructions for the international model Mi Notebook Pro may not be suitable for a similar model intended for the domestic market of China.

Programming with a BIOS programmer (CH341A)

If soft and semi-soft methods fail, the radical but guaranteed way is to flash the BIOS chip, requiring a programmer like the popular CH341A, and a pinch clip or soldering iron to connect to a Winbond or Macronix chip.

The method is to read a BIOS dump from a locked laptop, edit a hex code to delete a password, or completely replace the firmware with a clean one, which requires a deep knowledge of microelectronics and a clean dump for a particular model.

Example of actions:


1. Connect the CH341A programmer to the laptop via USB.




2. fix with a pinch the contacts of the BIOS chip (usually 8-pin).




3. count the current firmware in the program.




Replace the password region with zeros or fill a blank dump.

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Before soldering or plugging in the pinch, be sure to turn off the laptop battery to avoid power surges that can burn the programmer or motherboard.

This method bypasses any software protections, as you physically overwrite the contents of the chip, but after this procedure, you may need to re-activate Windows and adjust the system settings from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The safest way is to contact the official service, but if this is not possible, the method of disconnecting the CMOS battery helps in 80% of cases on models without soldered memory.