Why resetting your password over a PC is often the only way out
Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Xiaomi code can become a serious problem, especially if the device is enabled binding to the account Mi Account. Unlike older versions of Android, where it was enough to reset through Recovery, modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the use of the new model). MIUI 12) block this method due to enhanced data protection, which is why connecting to a computer becomes one of the most reliable ways to unlock the device.
In this article, we will look at three working methods for resetting passwords via PC: from the official Mi Unlock Tool to using ADB and Fastboot. It is important to understand that the success of the procedure depends on the version of MIUI, device model and status of the Mi Account. For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 14 and an associated account will require additional authorization, while Poco X3 without binding can do without it.
Before you start, make sure you have:
- π₯οΈ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
- π Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set of the device).
- π± Charge of the smartphone battery at least 50% (to avoid disconnection during the procedure).
- π Login and password from Mi Account if the device is tied.
Method 1: Official reset via Mi Unlock Tool (for linked accounts)
This is a good way to do it if your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the login details. The Mi Unlock Tool is designed by the company specifically to unlock the bootloader and reset passwords, but has limitations: it only works with official firmware and requires waiting 72β168 hours after the first account is linked to the device.
Algorithm of action:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
- Connect the device to the PC. The program will show a message about the detection of the device.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action. If you have not previously unlocked the bootloader, you will need a wait (usually 3-7 days).
An important nuance: once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be erased, including photos and apps. If encryption is enabled on the smartphone, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account after rebooting.
Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool| Check battery power (minimum 50%)| Make sure you have a stable Internet connection | Prepare a username/password from Mi Account| Disable antivirus (can block drivers)
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β οΈ Note: If you haven't previously linked a Mi Account to a device, this method won't work.
Method 2: Reset password through ADB (without data loss)
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool allows you to control your device via the command line if USB debugging was previously enabled. This method is suitable for devices where debugging is activated before locking, and allows you to reset your password without deleting data (unlike Fastboot).
Instructions:
- Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
- Connect the locked smartphone to your computer. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until a lock message appears for 30 seconds.
- At this point, click Forgot your password? β Emergency call β dial ##7378423# (service code for Xiaomi).
- Open the command line on your PC and type in: adb shell 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 reboottings.db-shm
- After resetting, the password will be reset.
This works on most devices with MIUI 10β13, but may not work on newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12) due to enhanced security. If the password is still there after the reboot, try repeating the steps or go to Method 3.
Why is ADB not working on Xiaomiβs new models?
| Xiaomi model | Support ADB-discharge | Mi Account required |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9/10 | β Yes. | β No. |
| Poco X3/X4 | β Yes. MIUI 12β13) | β No. |
| Xiaomi 11/12 | β οΈ Partially (depends on firmware) | β Yes. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | β No. | β Yes. |
Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (universal method)
If previous methods failed, it leaves a hard reset via Fastboot mode, which deletes all data on the device but is guaranteed to unlock it even if USB debugging has been disabled, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including new ones.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (for example, for Redmi Note 11 β here).
- Turn off the phone and translate to Fastboot: Power + Volume down.
- Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The program must identify the device.
- In the Select field, specify the path to the unpacked firmware. At the bottom, select Clean All.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
Once flashed, the device will be as new as it is: all data, including photos, messages and apps, will be deleted. If the smartphone has Mi Account enabled, you will need authorization when you first turn on.
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If the Mi Flash Tool doesnβt see the device, try installing drivers manually through Device Manager (select βUpdate Driverβ β βSearch on this computerβ β specify the folder with the Mi Flash Tool).
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60) After being reset via Fastboot, it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool, even if it was previously unlocked.
What to do if none of the methods worked
If all three methods did not help, the reasons may be as follows:
- π Device linked to Mi Enterprise corporate account (requires support).
- π‘οΈ On the smartphone installed custom firmware with a modified loader.
- π§ Hardware failure (for example, damaged connector) USB-C memory controller).
- π΅ The device is blacklisted by Xiaomi (for example, after theft).
In such cases, two options remain:
- Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents for the device. The cost of unlocking is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model.
- Use paid services like DC-Unlocker or Octoplus that work with Xiaomi through special boxes, priced from $10 to $50.
Before contacting the service, check whether the warranty is valid: if the device is guaranteed, unlocking can be free (but the data will still be erased).
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If the smartphone was bought with hands, there is a high risk that it is tied to someone elseβs Mi Account. In this case, unlocking without the consent of the previous owner is impossible β you will need proof of purchase (check, contract).
How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of blocked Xiaomi again, follow the simple rules:
- π Use a password manager (such as Google Password Manager or KeePass) to store PIN-code.
If you often forget passwords, set up a Smart Lock in Google: it allows you to automatically unlock the device in trusted places (such as at home or at work). β Security β Smart Lock.