How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forget the password from Mi Account: official and unofficial ways

Why Xiaomi is blocked after reset and what to do

Xiaomi smartphones are protected by the Mi Account binding system, which activates after resetting to factory settings. If you forget your account password, the device becomes a brick, blocking access to the system, and standard recovery methods (via email or SMS) may not work, a security measure designed to combat theft, but often becomes a headache for legitimate owners.

Compounding the problem, Xiaomi has tightened its unlocking policy since 2021, requiring official centers to confirm purchases (checks, IMEI boxes) or passport details, but there are legal and semi-official workarounds, from using Fastboot mode to appealing for evidence of ownership, and in this article, we will examine all working methods, including those that are not publicly disclosed.

Importantly, the methods vary for MIUI and HyperOS devices, and depend on the firmware version and smartphone model, for example, one algorithm will work for the Redmi Note 12, and another algorithm for the POCO X5 Pro, and we will specify the nuances for each situation.

Method 1: Officially Recovery of Mi Account Password

Before you resort to drastic measures, try to restore access to your account through standard channels. Xiaomi provides a few options:

• 📧 Email: The password reset link is sent to the email linked to the account. Check the Spam folder - the email may get there.
• 📱 SMS: The recovery code comes to the phone number you gave when you sign up, and it works even if you're not a good person. SIM-The map is now in another device.
• 🔗 Backup email: If you have provided an additional address, try to recover through it.
• 🆔 Documents: The recovery page (account.xiaomi.com) has the option to download a passport scan to confirm identity.

If these methods do not work, check:

1. Have you been blocked for suspicious activity (e.g. multiple attempts to enter a password)?
2. If you've changed your phone number or your email, you can't recover it.
3. Whether you use a VPN or proxy, this can block access to Xiaomi servers.

⚠️ Note: If an account was created more than 3 years ago and you have never signed in, Xiaomi may delete it for inaction.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot mode (for unlocked bootloader)

If official methods have failed and the bootloader on your Xiaomi is unlocked, you can reset the device via Fastboot.This method is suitable for Redmi, POCO and Mi models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from new.c.mi.com).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a bunny that says Fastboot will appear on the screen).
2. Connect the device to a PC. In the command line, execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device should appear in the list.
5. At the bottom, select Clean all and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is blocked, this method will not work – you will need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool application, which is impossible without authorization in Mi Account.

Method 3: Use EDL mode (for locked devices)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a “emergency” firmware mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader. It works at the Qualcomm processor level and requires special hardware or software utilities.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on devices with a blocked bootloader.
• ✅ No need to enter a password from Mi Account.
• ✅ Supports most models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO Snapdragon chips.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires the purchase of an authorized EDL-account (value) ~$10–$50) or contacting a service centre.
• ❌ The risk of “bricking” with incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13) EDL disabled at the hardware level.

How to flash through EDL:

1. Download firmware in.mbn format for your model (for example, from the forum 4pda.ru).
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found in the firmware archive).
3. Turn off your smartphone. Close the Test Point contacts (their location depends on the model) and connect them. USB-The device will be defined as QHUSB_BULK.
4. Use the Mi Flash Pro or QFil utility for firmware.

Method 4: Bypassing Mi Account through Xiaomi Service Centers

If the independent methods did not work, you have to contact the official service center Xiaomi, which is the most reliable, but also the most bureaucratic way, you will need to prove ownership of the device.

Documents that may be required:

The procedure for unlocking:

1. Find the nearest service center on the site mi.com/ru/service/locator.
2. Make an appointment (in some cities, the queue is 1-2 weeks).
3. Provide the device and documents. The employee will send the request to Xiaomi.
4. Expect a response (3 days to 2 weeks) If the answer is positive, the phone will be unlocked for free.

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased by hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, the service center may refuse to unlock. EDL (see method 3).

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Before visiting the service center, take screenshots from the seller’s website (such as Wildberries or Connected), where you can see the date of purchase and IMEI of your device, which will speed up the verification.

Method 5: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If the official methods don't work, and the firmware through EDL is too complicated, you can try workarounds. They don't guarantee 100% results, but sometimes they work.

Method 1: Recovery Reset with Mi Account Checkout Disabling

On some older models (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), you can disable account verification via modified TWRP Recovery:

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on 4pda.ru).
2. Load into Recovery (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account.xml /data/system/device_policies.xml
5. Restart the device. The account check may be lost.

Method 2: Use of Mi Account Bypass Tool

There are programs on the network that promise to reset Mi Account without a password (for example, Xiaomi Tool V2 or MTK Bypass).

• ⚠️ Most of these tools require payment and do not always work.
• ⚠️ There is a risk of infecting PC viruses (many "cracked" versions contain malware).
• ⚠️ Xiaomi regularly updates the security, so the tools quickly become obsolete.

Method 3: Replacement of the motherboard

The last option is to change the fee to a new one or a used one with an unlocked Mi Account. It is expensive (from 3,000 to 15,000). ₽ It is suitable for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3), where other methods do not work.

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Alternative methods are only suitable for older models (until 2020) or devices running MediaTek processors, and new HyperOS smartphones will not work because of the increased protection.

What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures

If all of these methods have failed, there are a few radical solutions:

• 🔄 Sale of "parts": on Avito or Yula, you can profitably sell a locked smartphone as a component donor (display, battery, camera).
• 🔧 Flashing to custom firmware: LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example. IR Blaster or cameras.
• 📱 Use as a “smart display”: connect your device to your PC via scrcpy and use it as a monitor to watch videos or navigators.
• 🔨 Address to the “gray” masters: on forums like 4pda.ru There are specialists who will unlock Mi Account for a fee (from 1000) ₽). Risk – fraud or damage to the device.

If you decide to sell a locked smartphone, honestly indicate in the ad the reason for the lock.

"Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 8/256GB, locked Mi Account after reset.Perfect condition, sold as a donor or to unlock through EDL.No box."

The price of such a device is usually 30-50% of the market price. POCO F5 You can sell for 8,000 to 12,000. ₽ (conditionally).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions