How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your password: all the working ways

Forgot the password from Xiaomi smartphone and can not log in? This situation is familiar to many — especially if the device was long idle or password was rarely entered. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to reset the lock without resorting to the services of service centers. In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for modern models of Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark, including bypassing through Mi Account, Recovery mode, ADB and even hardware solutions for extreme cases.

It is important to understand that password resets always delete user data (photos, messages, apps) if backup encryption is not enabled. However, in some cases, such as when linking to a Xiaomi account, you can restore access without losing files. We will explain in detail which methods save data and which ones do not, so you can choose the best option.

This article is relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 firmware and Android 10-14 devices. If your model is older than 2018 (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Mi A1), some methods may not work, as we will also mention in the relevant sections.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended Xiaomi method is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📱 The device was tied to Xiaomi account before being blocked.
• 🔄 Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is enabled on the smartphone (to check account data).
• 🔐 You remember the login (email/phone) and password from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
4. Follow the system’s prompts to create a new unlock password.

✅ Pros of the method: does not require data reset, works on all Xiaomi models (including: POCO F5, Redmi Note 12, Mi 13).

❌ Cons: If the account is not tied or you do not remember the login details, the method will not work.

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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com.Use the linked email or phone number.

2. Recovery Mode reset (hard reset)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, then you can still reset hardware through Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the phone.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (2019-2026):

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination: 🔧 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO X3/X4 And some Redmi Notes: Volume down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Disable your Google Account (if you remember your password) to avoid FRP-lock-in

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare a backup (if you have access to the PC)

Make sure you have access to SIM-card (for recovery) SMS)

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Note: Some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may have FRP-locking (Google reset protection) after a hard reset. To avoid this, unplug your Google account in the settings before reset (if you have access to your phone).

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password through your computer using a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge – This method is suitable for devices that previously had a development menu activated.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (If not, the way won't work).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your device) 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
4. After resetting, the password will be reset.

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Note: The newer versions of MIUI 14 and Android 13/14 may not work due to enhanced security, and require root rights that are not available on most Xiaomi stock firmware.

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4 Password bypass via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

If Recovery Mode is blocked (for example, on some POCOs with custom firmware), you can try resetting your password through Fastboot mode.This method requires an unlocked bootloader, otherwise it will not work.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder from fastboot.exe.
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

✅ Pros: Works even if the Recovery is damaged.

❌ Cons: Requires an unlocked bootloader (on new Xiaomi models, unlocking takes up to 7 days via Mi Unlock Tool).

5. Hardware methods (for extreme cases)

If the software methods didn’t work, hardware solutions remain, such as flashing through EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) or using specialized boxes (UFi Box, Medusa Pro), which require:

• 🔧 Skills with soldering iron (for some models).
• 💻 Access to PCs and programs like the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📄 Original Firmware for Your Model.

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Warning: Incorrect firmware through EDL can turn a phone into a brick, a method only recommended for advanced users or service centers.

A brief guide to EDL Mode:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
2. Install the Qualcomm 9008 drivers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (usually you need to close the contacts on the board).
4. Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Hardware is the last chance to unlock your phone if all other methods fail, and the risk of damaging your device is very high, so you should contact a service center.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔑 Link Mi Account to your phone and enable synchronization.
• 📱 Set up a fingerprint or facial recognition as a backup way to unlock.
• 📝 Write down your password in a secure location (for example, in Bitwarden’s password manager or in a secure location). 1Password).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

It’s also useful to enable Smart Lock in your security settings, which automatically unlocks your phone in trusted places (such as at home or work) if you’re connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi