How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi If You Forgot: Official and Alternative Methods

Unlike iPhones, where unlocking requires contacting a service center, Xiaomi devices offer several ways to restore access, from official solutions through Mi Account to technical methods like Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to panic and not try to guess the password an infinite number of times: after 5-10 failed attempts, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or even erase all data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to reset your password to Xiaomi, including the Redmi, POCO and the flagship Mi/Xiaomi 13/14 series. Each method is suitable for different situations: for example, if you have a Mi Account but no access to mail, or if the phone is dead at the time of locking. Particular attention is paid to the risks of data loss - some methods require a full reset (hard reset), so prepare backups in advance if possible.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30% - otherwise the risk of "bricking" the device during the procedure).
• 📡 Stable Internet connection (for methods with authorization via Mi Account).
• 🔧 Presence USB-cable and computer (for methods with Fastboot or EDL).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📧 You remember the login (email or phone) and password from the account.
• 🔗 The device was tied to the account before being blocked.
• 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the login (email/phone) from Mi Account and password. If you don't remember your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (depending on your security settings).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset the lock password.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or bought your phone hand-held, this method won't work.

Check the account binding in the settings (if the phone is unlocked)

Make sure you remember the username/password from your Mi Account.

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet

Charge your phone to at least 30%

-->

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

Recovery mode allows you to reset the lock password, but does not guarantee the safety of data - it all depends on the version of the MIUI firmware. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), this method often leads to a complete reset (wipe), and on older models (up to MIUI 12) can do without losses.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then go to Wipe & Reset.
4. Select Wipe Lock Settings (Erase Lock Password on some firmware).
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If you don't have Wipe Lock Settings in the Recovery menu, your firmware doesn't support partial password resetting, and you'll have to choose Wipe All Data, which will erase all files, photos and apps!

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode is a "service menu" of a smartphone that allows you to control firmware through a computer.

• 🔧 You have a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool tool.
• 📥 You are ready to download the official firmware for your model.
• ⚠️ You understand the risks (if you make a mistake, your phone can turn into a brick").

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit labeled Fastboot will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. At the bottom, choose Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always works).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, the lock password will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will most likely be deleted. If you need to save files, try the ADB method first (described below).

💡

Before you run your firmware through Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block MIUI files as “suspicious.”

4.Use ADB to reset password (without data loss)

Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to control your smartphone through the command line of your computer, which only works if you have debugging on your phone beforehand. USB (USB If you haven't activated it before locking it, it won't work.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
4. 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

After rebooting, the lock password will be reset and all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place. If the commands do not work, try replacing rm with del (for some firmware).

💡

ADB is the only way to reset a password without losing data, but it requires pre-setting the debugging over USB.

5. EDL mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to unlock if other methods have failed. It allows you to flash the phone at a low level, bypassing all locks.

• ⚠️ High risk of “bricking” in case of error.
• 🔧 Special cable is required (EDL cable) or short circuit of contacts on the board.
• 📥 I need an official firmware in.mbn format.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (the instructions for each model are different – look for forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers).
3. Connect. USB-cable to PC – the device is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware (select Clean All).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL The bootloader can be damaged, and the phone will not turn on even in the service center, a method recommended only for experienced users or specialists.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center. 📍 Find the official service on the website mi.com. 💰 The cost of unlocking: from 1000 to 3 000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for blocking). ⏳ Timeline: 1-3 days.

UFi Box

Octoplus

• 🔧 Suitable for masters or users who often encounter locks.
• 💻 Requires soldering iron skills (to connect to Test Point).
• 💸 Boxing price: from 10 000 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid handicraft services that promise to unlock your phone in 5 minutes without losing data. Often, these wizards use illegal firmware or damage the bootloader, after which the device becomes unfit for official repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi