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

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that affects one in five users. According to service center statistics, 18% of device locks are due to loss of screen access. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and informal methods for restoring access without resorting to expensive repairs. It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on the version of MIUI, the phone model and whether previously activated features like Mi Account or Find Device.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking – from the simplest reset via Xiaomi account to complex manipulations with Fastboot and other devices. EDL-We will pay special attention to the nuances for the popular Redmi Note series, POCO And Mi, and also a warning against common mistakes that can turn a phone into a brick. If you're not sure about your technical skills, some of the techniques are better left to the professionals -- but most of the problems are solved by yourself. 10-30 minute.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

This method works if the phone has a Xiaomi account (Mi Account) and sync enabled, the main advantage is that all data is stored on the device. Suitable for most models on MIUI 12-14, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Mi 11/12.

Instructions:

• 🔹 On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
• 🔹 Select Restore via Mi Account and enter the Linked Account email/phone.
• 🔹 Confirm the entrance through SMS or email code.
• 🔹 Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you enter your account information and you have an error, "This device is not linked to your account," then the sync has been disabled.

On some firmware (especially Chinese) the account recovery option may be hidden to activate:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
2. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row - the button Forgot the password will appear.
3. If no button is available, try entering ##7378423## in an emergency call (not working on all models).

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

Hard Reset Recovery Mode is suitable if Mi Account is lost and phone data is not critical.It erases all user files but returns the device to factory settings.It works on 90% of Xiaomi models, except for devices with a locked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Clip the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power For Mi 10/11 Ultra: Volume up + Volume down + Power

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

→

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: Devices with a blocked bootloader may need to log in to the Mi Account that was previously linked after reset. If you don’t remember your account details, your phone will turn into a brick, you’ll need to unlock it via Fastboot or contact the service.

3 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)

Google’s Find Device feature allows you to reset your password remotely if your device is connected to the Internet, which works even if your phone is turned off, but requires:

• 🔹 Active Mi Account with Administrator Rights.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email code.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Important: After a remote reset, the phone may require re-authorization to Mi Account when you first turn on. If you do not remember your account details, use the official re-access form on Xiaomi's website.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if the previous methods did not work and the bootloader is unlocked. ADB/Fastboot original USB-Attention: incorrect actions can lead to complete loss of operation of the device!

Step-by-step:

💡

Before you start, check if the bootloader is unlocked: turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power, connect to the PC and type the command

fastboot oem device-info

Device unlocked: true

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and transfer to Fastboot: Volume down + Power
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection: fastboot devices (serial number should appear).
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most production models), this method will not work without first unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool. FAILED (remote:'Flashing is not allowed').

For Redmi Note 9/10 and later models, an additional command may be required:

fastboot erase metadata

5. Unlock through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader (EDL-A cable or testpoint and firmware that fits your model.Risk: Mistakes can damage the memory module (eMMC) without the ability to recover.

When you need an EDL:

• 🔹 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔹 The bootloader is locked and other methods don’t work.
• 🔹 After a failed reset via Recovery, the device does not boot.

Instructions (simplified):

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume down and plug into the PC. POCO X3 Redmi Note 9: You may need to close testpoint (contacts on the motherboard).

Mi Flash Tool

Clean All

💡

EDL-The mode is the only way to repair a phone with a damaged firmware or a locked bootloader, but it requires technical skills.

6.Official Unlocking through Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, you can contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way (the cost of unlocking is from 1500 to 5000 rubles depending on the model).

• 🔹 Data retention guarantee (in some cases).
• 🔹 Official job security (1-3 month).
• 🔹 The ability to unlock even with a damaged motherboard.

What will be required for the application:

• 🔹 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
• 🔹 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🔹 Mi Account information if the phone is linked to the account.

List of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia:

Average unblocking times:

• 🔹 Simple unlocking (password resetting): 1-2 hour.
• 🔹 Complicated cases (damaged firmware): 1-3 day-day.
• 🔹 Replacement of motherboard: 5-7 Days (requires ordering details).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock yourself, users often make critical mistakes that exacerbate the problem.

1. Ignoring backup. Even if you plan to reset via Recovery, try connecting your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is detected) and copy important files.
2. Use of informal firmware: Fastboot or EDL firmware should only be run with original files from Xiaomi. Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can cause IMEI loss.
3. Interrupting the firmware process: If you turn off the cable or exit EDL during a reset via the Mi Flash Tool, the phone may stop turning on (hard brick).
4. Unblocking through uncertified services: There are many “unblock Xiaomi in 5 minutes” offers online, most of which are fraudulent or exploit vulnerabilities that lead to data theft.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔹 Always check the firmware version before downloading (for example, Redmi Note 11 is only suitable firmware with spes code).
• 🔹 Use Xiaomi’s original cables – cheap analogues can interrupt the connection.
• 🔹 Remove before resetting SIM-Card and memory card (they may be damaged).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions