How to Reset Your Digital Password on Xiaomi: Step-by-step instructions for all models

Forgot your Xiaomi password and can't unlock your phone? This is a problem that many users are familiar with, especially when it comes to digital. PIN-Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to reset the lock, some of which work even without data loss.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including unlocking through Mi Account, resetting to Recovery Mode, using Fastboot and specialized tools like Mi Flash Tool. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for old and new models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro vs Mi 11 Ultra), and also warn against common errors that can turn the phone into a “brick”.

Important: If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud Data Protection enabled, some methods may not work without an account confirmation.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on most modern devices (starting with MIUI 9), but requires access to the Internet and stored account data.

How does it work?

After 5 If you fail to enter a password, the system will offer the option Forgot the password?. Click on it - the Mi Account login window will open (email/phone) and password, log in - the phone unlocks automatically.

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Warning: If the device previously enabled the option to Link the device to Mi Account (in the security settings), without account confirmation, it is impossible to unlock the phone - even through a reset to Recovery.

• ✅ Pros: Does not require data reset, works without PC.
• ❌ Cons: Need data from Mi Account; some firmware may not work.
• 🔧 Suitable for: Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 newer.

If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it through the official website: https://account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword. note that you may need access to the linked phone number or email to recover it.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If unlocking through your account is not available, the next step is a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from the device, including apps, photos and settings, but will return access to the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

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Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, you may need to log in to Mi Account after a reset, even if you don’t remember it, in which case you’ll have to use Fastboot or contact the service.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔓 The phone has unlocked the bootloader (bootloader).
• 💻 There is access to a PC with installed ADB/Fastboot Tools.
• 📱 The device is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

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Note: Fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase frp will delete all data and reset FRP-However, some models (such as the Redmi Note 11) will still require data entry from the Mi Account.

Critical: If the bootloader is locked, trying to use Fastboot without unlocking will result in a FAILED error (remote:'Flashing is not allowed').

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If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers and check the cable (better use the original one).

4.Using the Mi Flash Tool (firmware from scratch)

If previous methods fail, you can still flash the Mi Flash Tool completely, which is guaranteed to delete the password, but you need to:

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 📥 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (otherwise the firmware will not be installed).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (official website: https://en.miui.com/unlock/download_en.html).
2. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode (Loudness Down + Power).
5. Connect the phone to the PC and press Refresh in the program - the device must be determined.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when you reboot, it's like new, no password, no data.

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

Devices up to MIUI 8 (e.g. Redmi 3S, Mi 4) sometimes run workarounds that don’t require data resets:

Method 1: Calling a locked phone

Ask a friend to call your Xiaomi. During the call, quickly open the notification bar and try to access the settings. On some firmware, this allowed you to bypass the lock screen.

Method 2: Use ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If you previously enabled USB Debugging in the developer settings, you can try to delete the password file via ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

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Note: On newer versions of MIUI (12+), this method doesn’t work due to enhanced protection, and command execution requires root rights, which are not available on all devices.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center Xiaomi. Official SC can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card). The cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model.
2. Use paid online services. There are services on the Internet (for example, DC-Unlocker or Mi Account Unlock) that, for a fee (from $5 to $30), provide unlock codes, the risk of fraud or malware installation.

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Before contacting the service, check whether your device is not covered by a warranty. If so, unlocking can be free upon presentation of documents.

Warning about fraudsters:

There are often suggestions on the web like “unlock Xiaomi in 5 minutes,” which are usually either a scam or methods that will lead to complete data loss or even “bricking” the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Xiaomi