How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: official and alternative methods

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have an additional layer of protection — binding to a Mi Account, which makes it difficult to unlock. Without the right actions, you risk losing all data or completely locking the device forever.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to reset your password, from official (via Xiaomi account recovery) to technical (using Fastboot and Recovery modes), focus on the nuances for different models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 vs POCO X3 Pro) and warn about typical errors that will turn your phone into a “brick.” If you are looking for a way to get around the lock without losing data, we have a solution for this.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to restore access through the linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📧 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔗 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Find Device is not activated on your phone (otherwise, additional verification will be required).

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose the method of recovery: by SMS or by email.
3. Enter the received confirmation code and create a new password.

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If the button "Forgot your password?" does not appear, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer a recovery option.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously enabled Two-Factor Authentication in Mi Account, you will need access to a backup email or authenticator application (e.g. Google Authenticator.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard reset is a radical method that removes all data from a device, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it if recovery through Mi Account is impossible.

• 🔄 Stock Recovery (standard menu from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox – installed by the user).

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm – power button).
4. After resetting, restart the device (Reboot).

Disable your Google Account (if you remember your password) to avoid FRP-lock-in|Take it down. SIM-memory-card|Charge your phone at least 50%|Prepare a backup copy. IMEI (for models from Mediatek)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ After Hard Reset, it can work. FRP-Factory Reset Protection: To avoid this, unplug your Google account in your settings before resetting (Settings) → Accounts. → If the lock is already activated, you will need to enter a login / password from the last used Google account.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for your model.
• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked on the device (Bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the file flash_all.bat firmware.

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flash all




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it before the firmware through the official Xiaomi tool. the process takes up to 72 hours (requires binding to Mi Account and waiting). SMS-On devices with permits. MIUI 12.5+ Unlocking the bootloader can lead to a data reset.

Password bypass through ADB (without loss of data)

The only way to reset a password without deleting data is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🔌 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer menu).
• 🖥️ You have a PC with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔓 The phone was connected to this PC earlier (confirmed) RSA-key).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. 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 the reset, the password will be reset. If the commands don't work, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

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ADB-The method only works on devices with root rights (root) or unlocked bootloader. New models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) require additional confirmation via Mi Account even after resetting the password.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods do not work, you need to contact an authorized service center.

• 🔐 Devices with activated Anti-Theft Protection).
• 📱 Phones that previously had Mi Account binding with two-factor authentication.
• 🔧 Models with damaged firmware after a failed reset.

What will be required:

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (proof of possession).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📧 Access to email linked to Mi Account.

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. On devices with MIUI 14 and later, additional verification may be required through a video message to a Xiaomi specialist.

Recovery via Mi Account|Hard Reset (Recovery reset)|Fastboot/firmware |ADB (without loss of data)|Talked to the service center |Never tried.

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6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes that lead to complete data loss or device lockdown.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware process through Fastboot! this can cause partition damage EFS, stored IMEI. Recovery IMEI Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor costs from 3,000 rubles, and Mediatek - up to 10,000 rubles.

Top.-5 mistake:

1. Use of informal firmware: Forum firmware (e.g., 4PDA) may contain viruses or incompatible modules, leading to bootloop.
2. Reset via Recovery without detachment of Google account. on Android 9+ It's guaranteed to activate. FRP-lockdown.
3. Attempting to unlock through "miracle programs." Utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool often contain Trojans or don't work on newer versions of MIUI.
4. Ignoring IMEI backup. On models with Mediatek (like the Redmi 9A), a reset can nullify the IMEI, making the phone unsuitable for calls.
5. Unlock the bootloader without waiting. SMS-Xiaomi permissions, account can be blocked for 30 days.

If you're not sure what you're doing, you might want to spend some time looking at the official documentation or talking to a specialist, like the Mi Community website, which has a section with verified instructions for each model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions