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

A forgotten Mi Account password can become a serious problem if you urgently need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings. MIUI security blocks access to the Wipe Data feature in Recovery mode, requiring authorization - even if you are the owner of the device. This anti-theft measure simultaneously becomes a headache for users who have lost data from the account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to bypass locks, including official methods (with proof of ownership) and alternative solutions for emergencies. It is important to understand that some options can lead to loss of warranty or complete failure of the device if performed incorrectly. We will describe in detail the risks and nuances of each approach so that you can choose the best path.

Why Xiaomi is blocking a reset without a Mi Account

Xiaomi introduced the Mi Account reset feature in 2016 as a response to a wave of smartphone thefts in Asia.

• 🔒 When you first turn on your phone, the system requires you to create or link a Mi Account (even if you miss this step, an account is created automatically with temporary data).
• 📱 In the Recovery menu, the Wipe Data function becomes unavailable without entering a login / password from the associated account.
• 🛡️ When trying to reset via Fastboot, the system checks the status of the device on Xiaomi servers and blocks the operation if the phone is listed as stolen.

The system, dubbed Mi Cloud Activation Lock (similar to Apple's iCloud Lock), is designed to protect user data when stolen, but in practice it often creates problems for legitimate owners who:

• 📝 Forgot the password from the account (especially if the phone was bought “with hands” and the previous owner did not untie the device).
• 🔄 Buy a smartphone with a tied someone else’s account (a common problem when buying used devices).
• 🌍 Moved to another country and cannot confirm the phone number linked to the account.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi from hand, always check the status of your account binding through the Settings menu. → Mi Account → The seller must untie the phone from his profile!

Official method: Unblocking through proof of ownership

The safest and most legal method is to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase, and the company can remove the lock if you confirm that you are the rightful owner.

1. Gather the documents: 📄 Check or purchase invoice (if the phone is new). 📱 Photo of the box with the serial number (should match the number in the phone settings). 💳 Bank card statement (if payment was non-cash). 📋 For used devices - a purchase and sale agreement with the passport data of the previous owner.
2. Contact support: 🌐 Go to the official support site of Xiaomi. 📧 Select the "Unlock Device" or "Mi Account Issues" section". 📎 Attach scans of documents and indicate IMEI phone number (can be found via *#06#).

Wait for the answer:

The timeframe for the request is 3 to 10 working days, and if you decide positively, you will be sent an unblocking instruction or removed from the account remotely.

This method works 90 percent of the time if you have supporting documents, but it has downsides:

Reset via Recovery and Fastboot modes (for tech-savvy)

If the official path doesn’t work, you can try to bypass the lock through service modes, note that these methods require experience with ADB and Fastboot and can lead to a “brick” (breakdown) of the device.

Method 1: Bypassing EDL-mode (for older models)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device without any locks, and works on models up to the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019).

Turn off your phone | Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website |Install Qualcomm |Install Qualcomm drivers | Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (click volume buttons when you connect the cable)

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1. Activate. EDL: Turn off the phone. Press the volume up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-The device should be identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
2. Squeeze stock firmware: In the Mi Flash Tool, select a firmware file for your model (download from the official website). Click Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
3. Reset: Once firmware is up, the phone will boot in its clean state without being tied to your account. + Power) and select Wipe Data.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Redmi Note 9 and newer) Xiaomi blocked access to the new model EDL Attempting to use this method can result in permanent blocking. IMEI!

Method 2: Mi Account vulnerability (only for MIUI 12 and below)

In older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), there was a vulnerability that allows you to reset your account password through ADB.

• 📱 Phone unlocked (you can go to the main screen).
• 🔧 Debugging is on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🖥️ There is access to a PC with installed ADB and drivers.

Instructions:

adb shell


su




pm clear com.xiaomi.account




rm /data/system/mi_account.xml




reboot

After the reboot, the system will request a reauthorization to the Mi Account, but the reset lock will be removed. MIUI 13/14 This method does not work – Xiaomi has closed the vulnerability.

💡

If USB debugging is disabled, try activating it via the Emergency Call menu. Enter ##4636## and select Testing → USB debugging.

Alternative methods: risks and limitations

If the official and technical methods have failed, some users resort to "grey" methods, and we describe them only for informational purposes - use at our own risk.

1.Unblocking services through third parties

There are many services on the Internet that offer unlocking Mi Account for a fee (from 500 to 3000 rubles).

• 🔐 You're sending. IMEI phone and proof of purchase (if any).
• 💻 The service “hacks” the account link through data leaks or vulnerabilities in the Xiaomi system.
• 📱 You will be sent a firmware file or instructions to unlock.

Risks:

• 🚨 40% of these services are scams, they take money and disappear.
• 🔒 Data breach: Yours IMEI It can be used for illegal transactions.
• 📵 Device locking: Xiaomi may ban IMEI evading.

2. Flashing through informal ROMs

Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) allows you to bypass the Mi Account lock.

• ⚠️ The phone will lose official support and warranty.
• ⚠️ Camera modules, fingerprint sensor or wireless charging may stop working.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi can remotely lock the device for using uncertified software.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (it will require a tied Mi Account – paradox, but sometimes old accounts pass).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Sweat the custom firmware through TWRP.

How to avoid Mi Account problems in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these rules:

• 📝 Save your account details: Write down your login and password in a password manager (like Bitwarden or KeePass) or on paper. Link backup email and phone number.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: In new firmware versions, Xiaomi adds alternative ways to restore access (for example, through the use of a new firmware). SMS backup).
• 📱 Check the status of the device: periodically go to Settings → Mi Account → Devices and remove unused gadgets.
• 🛒 Beware of used purchases: Buy Xiaomi only from trusted sellers with the ability to check your account status before paying.

If you plan to sell or transfer your Xiaomi, be sure to:

1. Untie the device from Mi Account in the settings.
2. Reset via Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset (not via Recovery!).
3. Check that the new owner can activate the phone without asking for a password.

💡

Even if you untie your account, Xiaomi can keep the IMEI binding to the previous owner on the servers for up to 30 days.Always check the status of the device through ##4636## before buying.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset Xiaomi without a password from Mi Account, users often make critical mistakes.

If you have already made one of these mistakes, don’t try to fix the situation yourself – contact the Xiaomi service center. Some problems (for example, anti-rollback) can only be solved with special equipment.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions