Forgot your password on Xiaomi? How to reset the lock without losing data

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi smartphone is a bad situation, but it is fixable. Even if you have never set up backup unlock methods, there are at least 3 working methods to return access to the device. The main thing is not to panic and not try to guess the combination hundreds of times: after 5-10 failed attempts, the system can lock the phone for 24 hours or completely erase all data.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to reset passwords on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from official Mi Account recovery to hard-core Recovery and Fastboot. Each option is illustrated with screenshots and warnings about possible risks. If you’re afraid of losing photos or contacts, there’s a section at the end of the article on how to save data before reset.

⚠️ Important: Unlocking methods depend on the version MIUI And phone models, like on devices with MIUI 14+ and Snapdragon processor may not work unlocking through Fastboot without the attached Mi Account. Check your version in the settings (About the phone) → Version. MIUI).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to restore access through an attached Mi Account.

  • 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them through the email/SMS).
  • 🔄 Synchronization with the account is enabled on the device (checked in Settings). → Xiaomi account).

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
  2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
  4. Confirm the unlock through SMS-code (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  5. Create a new password or pattern lock for your phone.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously untie your Mi Account from your phone or don't remember the login details, this won't work.

📊 How often do you forget your passwords?
Often, you have to rebuild.
Nearby, but I remember.
Never forget.
I use Face ID/print.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data, you can try resetting your password through Recovery Mode.This method does not delete user data (photos, messages, apps), but requires access to the recovery menu.

The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14:

☑️ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4
  1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press and hold the power button + volume button until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
  4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmware, the path may be different: Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache).
  5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
  6. After the reboot, the phone will prompt you to set it up as new. At the password entry stage, select Skip or enter a new PIN.

🔹 Note: On devices with MIUI 14+ And with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method may not work because of the enhanced protection.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
If the phone vibrates after the buttons are pressed, but does not load the menu, try: 1. Connect the phone to charge for 10-15 minutes (a discharged battery can block access). 2. Use the Power combination + Volume down (on some models). 3. Repeat with the connected USB-PC-cable.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

  • 🖥️ You have a PC with Windows/Linux and USB-cable.
  • 🔧 You're ready to install ADB/Fastboot Tools.
  • 📱 The phone's unlocked. OEM Unlock (if not, the method will not work).

⚠️ Warning: This method erases all data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps. If your device has backups enabled, you can recover some of the information once you unlock it.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
  2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the power button + volume down button for 10 seconds.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with Platform Tools: cd C:\platform-tools
  5. Check that the device is determined: fastboot devices If in response you saw the serial number – you can continue.
  6. Enter the command to reset: fastboot flashing unlock On the phone will appear a warning - confirm unlocking the volume button.
  7. After the process is complete, type in fastboot reboot.

🔹 Important: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After this procedure, you may need to link your Mi Account for the first setup, and if you don't remember the data, the phone will turn into a brick».

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Before using Fastboot, check if OEM Unlock is unlocked in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers). If the option is disabled, the method will not work.

4. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If none of the above methods work, there are radical measures that should be used only as a last resort, as they involve the risk of data loss or damage to the phone.

MethodSuitable modelsRisks.Chances of success
Reset via EDL Mode (Emergency Mode)Xiaomi on Qualcomm (e.g. Redmi 9, POCO X3)Requires an authorized Mi Account for firmware, risk of "brick"70%
Bypassing Test Point (contact soldering)Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1)Damage to fees, loss of warranty50%
Contact the Xiaomi Service CenterAll models.Paid service (from 1500) ₽), Proof of purchase90%

🔹 Dumping through EDL Mode involves connecting the phone to the PC in emergency mode and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. This requires an authorized Mi Account (it can be bought from developers or obtained through official request:

Instructions for EDL Mode
1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model from Xiaomi's site. 2. Turn off the phone and connect it to your PC by clamping Volume up + Loudness down (to enter the EDL). 3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh – the device should be defined as COM-port. 4. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes). 5. After the restart, the phone will be like new.—> ⚠️ Attention: Test Point can cause your phone to fail, and it's only relevant for older devices where other methods don't work. If you're not sure about your soldering skills, you should contact the service. 5. How to save data before resetting your password If your phone has important files, try retrieving them before you completely reset them. Here are a few working ways: 🔌 Connection to PC in mode MTP: In some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10) when connected to a computer USB A request to unlock appears, but files (photos, videos) can be accessed without entering a password. 📁 Backup via Mi Cloud: If sync is enabled, check the web version of Mi Cloud – contacts, notes and some photos can be saved there. 🔄 Extraction SD-Cards: If the data is stored on a removable drive, just take it out and connect it to another device via a card reader. 🔹 Important: On devices with MIUI 13+ and encrypted FBE (File-Based Encryption: It is almost impossible to extract data without a password, in which case you can only reset the phone and restore the information from the backup (if any). 6. Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them When trying to reset a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them: 🚫 «Unable to log in to Mi Account": Make sure you use the correct region (e.g. if the phone is purchased in China, the account must be registered on a Chinese server. ❌ «Recovery Mode won't open": Check that you're clamping the right buttons (on some models) POCO You need to keep your food. + Loudness down. If the phone is discharged, charge it for 10-15 minutes. 🔌 «Fastboot doesn't see the device": Install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the phone's processor).In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface. 📵 «Reset requires old password": "This means that the Mi Account is still tied. Try logging in or contact Xiaomi support to unlock. ⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, you can unlock the device only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of proof of purchase (check or contract). FAQ: Answers to popular questions Can you reset your password to Xiaomi without losing data? Yes, but only if you have a Mi Account linked and confirmed. In this case, use Mi Account recovery on the lock screen. All other methods (Recovery, Fastboot) will delete user files. What to do if you forget your Mi Account password? Go to the Mi Account recovery page and follow the instructions. You will need access to an email or phone number associated with your account. If you do not remember them, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box with a box of cards). IMEI). Why does the phone ask for an old password after a Fastboot reset?This means that the device has Factory Reset Protection enabled (FRP). It's linked to a Mi Account that was tied to the phone. To unlock the device, you need to log in to that account. If you don't remember it, contact the Xiaomi service center. Can you unlock Xiaomi through service codes (##)?summary?> No, service codes (e.g. ##7780##) on Xiaomi smartphones don't work to reset passwords. These combinations are designed to test hardware and don't affect screen locking. How much does it cost to unlock in a Xiaomi service center? Cost depends on model and region. The average price varies from 1500 to 3000 ₽. In official services, Xiaomi may require a check or a box from a phone to confirm ownership. informal workshops charge less (from 800). ₽), The risk of damage to the device is higher.