A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking often requires contacting Apple Support, Android devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) offer several ways to solve the problem.
In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to reset a password - from official (via Find Device) to technical (using the use of the password). ADB We will pay special attention to the nuances for new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro).+), If you're looking for a way to get around the lock without losing data, go straight to the Recovery Mode section.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended Xiaomi method is to use a tied Mi Account. It works even if you forget the pattern lock or the userβs key. PIN-code, but requires pre-binding the device to the account and the Internet enabled.
How to do this:
- π Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- π Sign in with the same account that was used on the locked device.
- π± Select the Find Device tab (or Device Management in the Russian version).
- π Click Unlock the device and confirm the action through SMS email.
β οΈ Note: If your phone has a mobile internet or Wi-Fi disconnect, this will not work, and Xiaomi may request additional verification (such as a linked phone number) if your account was created less than 30 days ago.
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)
If the Mi Account is not tied or the phone is not connected to the network, you can try resetting the password through recovery mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models released before 2023. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), it may not work due to the updated security system MIUI 14+.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the combination Volume up + Power button and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (some firmware may call it Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after reset via Recovery, you may need to enter the data of the associated Mi Account. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will turn into a brickΒ»!
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
3. Use of ADB (for advanced users)
The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It is suitable if the phone has previously been enabled debugging USB. It's rare, but if you've set up a phone to develop or connected it to a computer to transfer files, there's a chance. MIUI, last.
Instructions:
- Connect the locked phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rebootAfter the reboot, the password will be reset. If the su command does not work, root rights are required, which on the new Xiaomi it is almost impossible to obtain without unlocking the bootloader.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
4. Reset via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If your Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked, you can reset your password through Fastboot. This method will lead to a complete data cleanup, but it is guaranteed to work even on new models. Importantly, unlocking the bootloader is officially supported by Xiaomi, but requires an account binding and waiting 7-14 days (on new devices).
Algorithm of action:
- Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power button to log into Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your computer and open the Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder (part of the Android SDK).
- Enter the command for a complete reset:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase frp
fastboot rebootβ οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After this procedure, you may need to enter Mi Account data, if the account is not tied or you do not remember the data, the phone will be locked forever!
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of the above methods worked, the last option is to contact an authorized service center. Xiaomi provides an official unlock service, but only if the conditions are met:
- π Availability of a cheque or warranty card (proof of possession).
- π Linking the device to Mi Account with a confirmed phone number.
- π³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).
Service centers use a special software (Mi Authorized Tool) that allows you to reset your password without losing data on some models, but new smartphones (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13) even in the service may require a complete reset.
π‘
Before visiting the service center, take a screenshot of your Mi Account page with your device tied β this will speed up the verification process.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Suitable for models | Internet is required | Loss of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account (Find Device) | All models. | Yes. | No. | β |
| Recovery Mode | Until 2022. | No. | Yes. | ββ |
| ADB | All models (with debugging enabled) | No. | No. | βββ |
| Fastboot | All models (with unlocked bootloader) | No. | Yes. | ββββ |
| Service centre | All models. | No. | Depends on the model. | βββ (timelessly) |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make critical errors when trying to unlock, resulting in complete data loss or device lockdown.
- π Use of non-original cables - can cause failures when connecting to the ADB or Fastboot.
- π Interrupting the reset process β if you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during Wipe Data, there is a high risk of damage to the firmware.
- π± Attempting to unlock through third-party programs (such as Dr.Fone or iMyFone) β on new Xiaomi, this often leads to activation of anti-theft protection.
β οΈ Note: Forums are often advised to use EDL-Emergency Download Mode for firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. This method works, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account (available only to service centers). IMEI!
π‘
If the phone has Find My Device enabled, any reset via Recovery or Fastboot will result in a request for Mi Account data after the reboot, a measure of protection against theft, and it is officially impossible to circumvent it.