How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi Without Losing Data: All the Working Methods

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter. The main problem is that most standard unlock methods (for example, through Mi Account) require a complete reset, which leads to the removal of all data — photos, messages, contacts and installed applications. However, there are legal methods to bypass the lock without losing information, if you act carefully and take into account the features of the firmware of your model.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven password reset methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including current models from 2023-2026) that allow you to save user data. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the version of MIUI, the presence of a Mi Account associated with root rights. Some instructions require preliminary preparation - for example, enabled debugging over USB or backup in the cloud.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have access to it? email/SMS, mi-accounted?
• 🔌 Is the smartphone connected to charging (the battery must be charged at least 30 times%)?
• 💻 Do you have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program?

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest way is to use a tied Mi Account.It works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, but requires access to the email or phone specified during registration.If you previously logged in on a locked smartphone, the system will suggest resetting the screen password after confirming your identity.

Step-by-step:

1. On the locked screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select the confirmation method: SMS or Email.
3. Enter the received code and follow the system prompts.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the device is enabled Find Device (phone search), after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the smartphone can lock for 24 hours.

2.Use of Fastboot Mode (for advanced users)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you can try resetting the password via Fastboot, USB-Xiaomi cable and installed drivers. Important: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with the new model). MIUI 14) this method may result in the loader being blocked if it has not been previously unlocked OEM-unlock.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not contactless!).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot (website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
3. Enter the command to reset the password: fastboot erase frp Then: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ The fastboot erase frp command may not work due to anti-Rollback protection. EDL-The mode (only for experienced users!).

Install Xiaomi drivers|Download the Mi Flash Tool|Check the battery charge >30%|Prepare the original. USB-cable

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3. Password bypass through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If USB debugging was previously enabled on the smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps by build number → For developers → USB debugging), you can delete the file with a password via ADB. This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10-14.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
3. After resetting, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB If you didn't turn on before, this method won't work. MIUI 12+ blocked by the manufacturer.

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If the "Permission denied" error appears after the su command, then there are no root rights on the device, in which case, try skipping this command and running the rest without it.

4. Access Restoration through Mi Cloud Backup

If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled on your smartphone, you can restore access to data after resetting your password through Find Device, which is suitable for devices with a Mi Account tied, but without active FRP blocking.

How it works:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the Find Device section.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
4. Once unlocked, restore data from the Mi Cloud backup.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work if two-factor authentication is enabled on the device.
• ❌ Requires a stable Internet connection on a smartphone.
• ❌ Not all data is recovered (for example, SMS And notes may be missing).

5. Password reset via TWRP (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has custom TWRP recovery installed, you can reset your password through the file manager, which is suitable for users who have previously unlocked the bootloader (OEM Unlock) and installed TWRP.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press the Power button + Volume up to log into TWRP.
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/system and delete files: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through TWRP This can lead to a cyclical reboot if the files are restored automatically.

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Using TWRP is the only way to reset a password on devices with a locked Mi Account, but requires the bootloader to be unlocked beforehand.

6. Alternative methods (for older models)

Xiaomi devices before MIUI 10 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1) had vulnerabilities that allowed them to bypass passwords through emergency call or developer mode, but on modern firmware, these methods are blocked.

• 📞 Through the emergency call screen: Dial ##4636##, then return to the home screen via notifications (works on the main screen). MIUI 8–9).
• 🔧 Through Developer Settings: Enter in emergency call ##7780## to reset settings (data will be saved).

Important: These methods do not work on devices with MIUI 11 and later due to the closure of vulnerabilities.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset a password, users often face typical preventable problems:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the smartphone turns off during the process (e.g. in Fastboot), it can result in a breeze (completely inoperable). >50%.
• 🔌 Unoriginal cable: Cheap USB-cables often do not transmit data to Fastboot/ADB. Use a branded cable from the kit.
• 📱 Blocking Mi Account: If the device requires Mi Account data to be entered after resetting your password and you do not remember it, restore access via account.xiaomi.com before manipulation begins.

What if nothing works? If all the methods are exhausted, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents for the device (the warranty must be active).
2. Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

FAQ: Answers to popular questions