How to reset Xiaomi if you forgot the password from the Mi Account: the full guide

The situation where you can’t unlock your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone because of a forgotten password from a Mi Account is one of the most stressful for the owner.The device turns into a useless brick if you can’t go through the authorization phase after resetting or when you try to log out.This is due to the built-in security system that ties the smartphone to the owner’s account, preventing unauthorized people from using the gadget in the event of theft.

However, if the phone is yours, there are several proven methods of recovering access, which can range from simple password recovery via email to more complex procedures using engineering menus or official service tools. It is important to understand that modern versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS have a high level of protection, so some methods may require a check to buy or contact for support.

In this article, we will discuss all the current algorithms of actions in detail: you will learn how to restore access to an account, how to bypass blocking through standard tools and what to do in the most difficult cases.

Recovery of password through the official website of Xiaomi

The easiest and most secure way to retrieve your device is to retrieve your password through a web interface, and you'll need any computer or smartphone with Internet access. Go to the official i.mi.com portal or Xiaomi account page, which works if you have access to a linked phone number or backup email.

On the login page, select the option "Forgot your password?" and the system will offer multiple verification options. SMS-The code that will come to the linked number, or the email with the link to reset to the backup email. If you change your phone number or lose your SIM card, the process can be complicated, but it is worth trying with this step.

⚠️ Note: If you enter the wrong password several times in a row, the account may be temporarily blocked by the security system.

Once you successfully reset your password and set a new value, you need to go back to the locked device. Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet. Enter a new password in the authorization field. If the data is correct, the Mi Account lock will be removed, and you will have full access to the system.

In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, it may take a wait of 15 minutes to 24 hours after changing your password before entering it on a locked device.This is a security measure to prevent instant access by attackers who could theoretically access your email.

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If you have two-factor authorization enabled, make sure you have access to the code generator app or backup codes you saved when you set up security.

Using the device search function to unlock

There is a lesser-known but effective method that allows you to unlock the screen through a device search service, which is relevant if your smartphone is connected to the Internet and the Find Device feature has been pre-activated in the settings. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.

In the service interface, select your device from a list, and you'll have a set of commands that we're interested in, "Device Lock" or "Erase Data," which is ironic, but sometimes a repeat lock command with a new temporary password can overwrite the old lock data to allow you to log in.

• 🔒 Select the device lock option in the web interface.
• 🆕 Set a new 6-digit PIN-lock-in.
• ⏳ Wait for the team to arrive on the smartphone (Internet is required).
• 📱 Unlock your phone using the code you just installed.

If this method didn't work, you can try the "Clear Data" command, which will result in a complete reset of the smartphone to factory settings. All user data will be deleted, but once turned on, the device will request authorization. If you know the password from the Mi Account (which we restored in the first section), then once you enter the data, the phone will unlock.

Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)

If the software methods don't work through the site, you'll have to resort to hardware reset via Recovery mode, which is a low-level menu built into the phone's firmware. It's usually a combination of buttons on the device that's off, and you'll have to press the volume button and the power button at the same time.

When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep the volume up until the main menu appears. Navigation is done with the volume buttons, and the power button is selected. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data, and then choose Wipe All Data.

Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will take a few minutes. Once completed, the phone will reboot. At this point, if the phone has been protected, you will see an activation screen that requires you to enter a password from the Mi Account. Enter the password you restored earlier.

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Recovery on modern versions of Android and MIUI protect FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Without the right Google or Mi Account you used, you can’t use your phone.

There is also a Fastboot mode, which is triggered by pressing the volume and power button, which allows you to connect to your computer, but it is used less often to directly unlock your account and requires special software and rights, as discussed below.

Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)

One radical but effective way to unblock an account is to unlock the bootloader, a procedure officially supported by Xiaomi but time-consuming and time-consuming, and the method is that the unlocked bootloader allows you to install a clean version of the firmware without being tied to an old account.

First, you need to register on the MIUI forum and get permission to unlock. Then you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer, the phone is converted to Fastboot mode and connects to your PC via the original cable.

After you submit an application in Mi Unlock, you will have to wait from 7 to 168 hours (usually 7 days), which is the time it takes for the company to check the device for theft, and after the deadline you will be able to unlock the bootloader, which will automatically delete all data and account attachments.

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Unlocking the bootloader is the only official way to completely erase your Mi Account binding if you don’t remember the password but are willing to wait a week.

It is worth noting that after this procedure, the software warranty may be lost, and some banking applications may not work properly without additional manipulation (for example, hiding root rights if they appear).

Contacting the service center with a check

If none of the software methods helped, or you do not want to risk data loss and warranty, the most reliable option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. For this, you will definitely need a document proving the ownership of the device, this can be an original check, a purchase agreement or a warranty card with a serial number (IMEI).

The service has access to internal tools to reset the lock, and can reflash the device at the software level bypassing standard checks, and unlike doing it alone, the risk of turning the phone into a brick is minimal because certified tools are used.

It is important to understand the difference between official service and private workshops: Officials will demand a check, but will do everything for free (if it is a guarantee) or for a fixed amount, retaining water protection (if there was one).

• 📄 Find the original check or box with a sticker IMEI.
• 📞 Contact your nearest authorized center to clarify your schedule.
• 📦 Bring your passport (the owner of the device).
• 💰 Be prepared to pay for work if the case is not guaranteed.

If the check is lost, some services may accept the device if you can provide a bank statement about the transaction or a screenshot of the order from the online store where the IMEI is visible.

Prevention and safety advice

To avoid future password problems, it is important to follow a few simple digital hygiene rules: first of all, always link your current phone number and backup email to your Mi Account. Check periodically if your number has changed, especially if you change your SIM cards frequently.

Write passwords in a safe place, whether it's a paper notebook stored at home or using a password manager (like Google Password Manager or Bitwarden), hoping for memory in the long run is a risky strategy given the number of services available today.

⚠️ Warning: Never buy used Xiaomi smartphones without checking the exit from the Mi Account at the seller. If the phone is blocked by someone else's account, it is almost impossible to unlock it legally without the owner's participation.

It is also recommended to back up your sensitive data regularly, use Mi Cloud or Google Photos to sync your contacts and photos, and in the event of a forced reset, you can quickly restore your digital life to a cleaned device.

Remember, Xiaomi's security system is designed to protect your data. Password recovery is the flip side of high security against theft. Treat your Mi Account as a key to your home: losing your key creates problems, but having a lock ensures the security of your property.