How to Reset Your Password on Xiaomi Redmi Phone: All Ways to Unlock (Including New Models 2023–2026)

Introduction

A forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that even experienced users face. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Xiaomi smartphones offer several official and informal ways to reset a password. However, not all methods are equally safe: some can lead to data loss, others to lock your Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to unlock Redmi (including Redmi Note models) 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and others, taking into account the features of the latest versions MIUI 14/15. We will pay special attention to the nuances that are not written on other sites: for example, why resetting via Recovery does not work on phones with a blocked bootloader after the first day of the day. 2021 Years of the year and how to get around this limitation.

Before you start, answer the key question: Is your phone tied to your Mi Account? This is what you choose to do. If you don't remember, try to remember the email or phone number you used to set up.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the most reliable and recommended way for Xiaomi, but it only works if:

  • πŸ“§ The phone is linked to your Mi Account (you have previously logged in).
  • 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ“± There is a button on the lock screen: Forgot your password? MIUI 12+ She can hide after 5 failed attempts).

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
  2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
  3. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
  4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Warning: If you try to log in from another device and see a message saying β€œThis device is not recognized,” use your browser in incognito mode or disable it. VPN. Xiaomi blocks suspicious logins.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/10/11
POCO X3/X4/X5
Redmi K50/K60
Other

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (without data loss?)

The method is suitable for Xiaomi, Released phones until 2021 or with an unlocked bootloader. On new models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, etc.), this method will not work due to the protection of Anti-Rollback.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (release the buttons when you see Recovery Mode).
  3. Select the language (English/Chinese) and tap Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action, wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
  5. Reboot your phone with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13/14 After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked (FRP-If you don't remember your login/password, this method won't work!

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4
Model phoneDoes the reset through Recovery work?Is a Mi Account Required After a Reset?
Redmi Note 8/9/10βœ… Yes.❌ Not (unless the account is linked)
Redmi Note 11/12❌ No (locking the loader)βœ… Yes (FRP-defence)
POCO X3/X4⚠️ Partially (depending on version) MIUI)βœ… Yes.
Redmi K40/K50❌ No.βœ… Yes.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for phones that don’t run Recovery Mode.You’ll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Instructions:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
  3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
  4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. In the program, select the firmware folder, press Refresh (device ID should appear), then Flash.
  6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ If you see the error "Couldn't load device", check it out:

  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (Use the original from Xiaomi).
  • πŸ–₯️ Drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or Xiaomi USB Drivers).
  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader (if not, read the section below).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is an β€œAnti 4” error
This error means that you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one on your phone. Solution: download the same or newer version of the firmware. Check the current version in Recovery Mode ("Version info").

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (if the phone is not activated)

If you bought a Xiaomi Redmi hand-held and it requires a password from the previous owner, and the methods above did not help, you will have to unlock the bootloader. This is an official procedure, but it erases all data and requires waiting.

Step-by-step:

  1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
  2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
  3. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on your phone (if the phone is new, use your account).
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock.
  5. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (may be in 3-7 days!).
  6. Once unlocked, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 3).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks per account to no more than 1 device in 30 days.If you see a message saying "Couldn't unlock. Try again after 168 hours," wait a week or use another account.

πŸ’‘

If you are buying a used Xiaomi Redmi, always check if the phone is untied from the previous Mi Account. To do this, go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Devices and make sure that the current phone is not tied to someone else’s account.

Method 5: Bypass FRP (if the phone requires an old Mi Account)

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is Google’s protection that locks the phone after a reset if it was tied to a Mi Account.If you bought the phone with your hands and can’t log in to an old account, try the following methods:

Option 1: Through Xiaomi Service Center

  • πŸ“„ Prepare a check or a contract of sale (proof of ownership).
  • πŸ“ž Contact the official Xiaomi service with a request to unlock FRP.
  • πŸ’³ Payment for services β€” ~1500–3000β‚½ (model).

Option 2: Use of MIUI bugs (informal)

On some versions of MIUI 12-14, you can bypass FRP by calling:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Emergency Call.
  2. Enter #4636## (test menu opens).
  3. Go to Usage statistics β†’ Settings (cog icon).
  4. Turn it on. USB-Debugging and connecting the phone to the PC.
  5. Use it. ADB-drop-off FRP (knowledge).

⚠️ Attention: Informal methods of circumvention FRP This can lead to loss of warranty or blocking. IMEI. We do not recommend using them without experience.

πŸ’‘

If the phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase or wait for the bootloader to unlock (up to 7 days).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience the same problems when trying to reset their password, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
"This device is locked" on Fastbootbootloader lockedUnlock the device with the Mi Unlock Tool (see Method 4)
"Couldn't Verify Device" in Mi FlashFirmware inconsistencyDownload firmware for your model and region (e.g, ingress_global For the Redmi Note 11)
The phone will not turn on after resettingFirmware process interruptedRepeat the firmware via Fastboot or contact the service
"Mi Account locked"Many failed attempts to enterWait 24 hours or restore access via account.xiaomi.com

πŸ”Ή Tip: Before any manipulation of the phone save IMEI (You can find it on the box or via the *#06# command, which will help you recover the phone if it locks.

Can I reset my Xiaomi Redmi password without losing data?
No, all official password resets (Recovery, Fastboot, Mi Account) delete user data. The only way to save files is to unlock the phone through Mi Account (if you remember the username/password).
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restore access through the recovery page. If you have a phone number attached, request it. SMS-If only email, check the Spam folder. In the extreme, go to Method 4).
Does Recovery work on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+?
No, on newer models (Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 and newer) reset via Recovery is blocked due to Anti-Rollback protection.Use Fastboot or Mi Account.
Can I unlock Xiaomi using service codes (like ##)?
No, service codes (e.g. #7780##) on Xiaomi don’t work to reset passwords, they’re designed to test the device and don’t affect the locking of the screen.