How to reset Xiaomi if you forget your Mi Account password: official and unofficial methods

A forgotten Mi Account password can become a serious problem if you decide to reset Xiaomi to factory settings, because after a hard reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the account associated with the device - this is part of the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection. Without this data, the phone becomes a "brick": you can neither use, reflash, nor sell.

Complicating matters, Xiaomi has tightened security policies: from 2021, even after a Fastboot or EDL reset, authorization may be required. However, there are — and there are several — ways to unlock. In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to unlock, including official (through support) and informal (through engineering menus, firmware and FRP bypass).

Before you start, consider that a reset via Mi Account without a password always leads to data loss - it will be impossible to recover photos, contacts or messages after unlocking. If encryption is enabled on the phone, the chances of saving files tend to zero. Also remember that informal methods can violate the warranty terms and license agreements of Xiaomi.

1.Official way: Unlocking through Xiaomi support

The most legal and safe method is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership of the device, which can be removed remotely, but this will require:

• 📄 Check or purchase invoice (with serial phone number).
• 📱 Box from the device (it is indicated on it) IMEI and S/N).
• 🔐 Access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.
• 📸 Passport photo (to confirm identity).

It takes 3 to 7 days, and if the documents are in order, support will send you an unlock instruction or reset the account itself, and the downside is that it doesn't always work for hand-held or unchecked devices.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if the phone is listed in the database of stolen devices or was activated in another country (for example, brought from China.

To speed up the process, contact support via:

• 🌐 Official website: mi.com/support (select a region).
• 📧 Email: support@xiaomi.com (English-Chinese).
• 💬 Chat in Mi Community: c.mi.com (registration required).

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If the phone is purchased in Russia, indicate in the request that the device is tied to the Russian region - this will increase the chances of a positive response.

2. Fastboot reset (without deleting Mi Account)

If you forgot the Mi Account password, but remember the data to unlock the bootloader, you can try resetting your phone via Fastboot.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models released before 2023.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Platform Tools.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, this method will not work).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to a PC. In the command line, execute: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue.
3. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
4. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Press Refresh, then Flash. Select the Clean all option.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13) this method may not work due to the enhanced protection of Anti-Rollback, in which case, after firmware, the phone will require you to enter the password from Mi Account.

bootloader unlocked (Unlocked status in Fastboot)

The battery is charged 50% or more

Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC

Downloaded firmware for your model (check the number in Settings → About the phone)

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FRP bypass through the engineering menu (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices until 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 8, POCO F1), you can bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) through a hidden engineering menu.

• 🔄 The phone has not been updated to the latest version. MIUI.
• 🔓 No lock screen (PIN, graphical).
• 📶 Have access to Wi-Fi or mobile network.

Instructions:

1. Turn on your phone and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. On the welcome screen, click Add Account, then select Can't Connect.
3. Enter any email and password, then press Login. You'll see an error.
4. Click on the email input field and hold until the menu appears. Select Help.
5. In your browser, go to https://bit.ly/3xYZ1pQ (or any other short APK download link to bypass FRP).
6. Download and install a utility (e.g. FRP Bypass APK).
7. Follow the instructions in the application for resetting settings.

After a successful bypass, you can go to the settings and reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset. Less method – on new MIUI 13/14 firmware, this method does not work.

4. Firmware via EDL (for advanced users)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a flashing mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.The method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
• 🔌 Cable with support EDL (Sometimes you need a special testpoint").

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. Close the Test Point contacts (location depends on the model, look for diagrams for your device).
2. Connect your phone to your PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect connection in mode EDL If you're not sure about your skills, you can go to the service center, and you can also check that after you've run the firmware through the motherboard. EDL Anti-Rollback could work, and the phone would turn into a brick".

5. Alternative methods: Delete Mi Account via ADB

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging: You can try to delete Mi Account via Debugging ADB. The method works on devices with MIUI 12 and below if:

• 🔌 Debugging was enabled before blocking.
• 🖥️ There is access to a PC with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 The phone is connected to the computer in mode MTP.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account If an error occurs, try: pm clear com.xiaomi.account rm -rf /data/system/users/0/account.db
3. Reboot the phone.

If the commands are successful, the Mi Account binding will be removed, and you can reset the phone without a password. On newer versions of MIUI, this method is blocked by the security system.

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ADB-It only works if the debugging was enabled before you forgot your password and never activated it. USB Debugging, this method is useless.

6. What should I do if nothing has worked?

If all of these methods fail, there are three options:

1. Many workshops offer services to delete Mi Account through specialized equipment (for example, UFi Box or Z3X), the cost is from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model.
2. Sell the phone for parts. At sites like Avito or Yula, you can find customers who need a display, battery or motherboard, and it's 2-3 times lower than the market price, but it's better than leaving the device to dust.
3. Use it as a media player. If the phone turns on but asks for a Mi Account password, it can be connected to the TV via USB-C → HDMI and used to watch movies (without access to the network).

Also worth keeping an eye out for updates: sometimes Xiaomi holds unlock promotions (for example, for owners of older models), information can be found on the 4PDA or Xiaomi.EU forums.

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Before selling the phone "in spare parts" remove SIM-card and memory card – even in a locked state, they may contain personal data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting without Mi Account password