How to reset all settings on Xiaomi, if you forgot your password: 5 working methods

Why Standard Resetting through Settings is Unavailable and What to Do

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. The problem is compounded by the fact that the manufacturer is actively implementing protection systems: starting with MIUI 12, the screen lock is tied to the Mi Account account, and with MIUI 14, a firmware originality check is added. This means that a simple reset via Settings → About Phone → Resetting becomes unavailable – the system requires the same forgotten password.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to bypass the lock – from official (via Find Device) to technical (via Fastboot and other devices). EDL-It is important to understand that some methods require prior preparation (for example, a tied Mi Account or an unlocked bootloader), while others may result in a loss of warranty or a “brick” of the device (turning into a “brick”). We will specify the risks for each option and give checklists for safe execution.

If you’re looking for a way to unlock the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T, the instructions below will work for all models on MIUI 13/14/15 (including HyperOS). For devices older than 2019 (such as the Redmi Note 7), additional steps may be needed – these will be covered, too.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use the “Find Device” feature, which works if:

• 📱 The device is linked to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember your password).
• 🌐 The phone has access to a mobile network or Wi-Fi (to communicate with Xiaomi servers).
• 🔋 Battery charge of more than 20% (to avoid interruption).

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (if you forgot your password, restore it via email or SMS).
3. Select the Find Device tab → find the locked phone on the map.
4. Press Erase Device (Erase Device) → confirm.

⏳ Reset time: 5 to 30 minutes (depending on the model and Internet speed) After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted. Importantly, this method does not work if the device is disabled Find Device or it is in airplane mode.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (without Mi Account)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data from it, you can try resetting through Recovery Mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models, but has limitations:

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination to enter Recovery: 🔧 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up (hold) 10-15 sack). 🔧 For POCO F4/F5: Nutrition + Loudness down.

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

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Note: New devices (MIUI 14+) may receive a Mi Account entry request after reset, which was previously linked, and if you don’t remember the username/password, this method won’t work and you’ll need to use Fastboot or EDL.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the previous methods didn't work, then you have Fastboot mode, which is a low-level firmware and reset tool, and it requires a computer, USB-Cable and basic command line knowledge, suitable for all Xiaomi models, but has risks:

• 🚨 Warranty loss is possible (if the bootloader was unblocked unofficially).
• 🔧 An unlocked loader is required (OEM Unlock).
• 💻 Need drivers Mi Flash Tool and utility ADB/Fastboot.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

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Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 and later), before reset, you need to unlock the OEM through the Mi Unlock Tool. This process takes up to 72 hours and requires a Mi Account tied with a confirmed phone number.

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If the phone is not determined after the command fastboot devices, try changing the phone. USB-cable (original or high-end) or port on PC. Also check if Qualcomm drivers are installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for mode) EDL).

Method 4: Firmware through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore a device even when the system is damaged:

• 🔄 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔒 Password is forgotten and Mi Account is not tied.
• 🛠️ Refuse the device from scratch.

To enter the EDL, you need:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + Nutrition (on some models - only Volume up) + Power when connected USB-cable).
3. Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (you can download on the official website).

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Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI and DRM-This can lead to loss of warranty and camera issues (e.g., on Xiaomi 13 Ultra after the launch). EDL The ultra-wide lens stops working).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging the device, the only reliable option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔧 Guaranteed retention of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 📄 Official confirmation of the reset (in useful when selling the phone).
• 🛡️ Minimum risk of data damage.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles, depending on the model).

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Note: Unofficial services may offer a “Mi Account bypass” for a low price, but this often results in the blocking of IMEI or account on all Xiaomi devices associated with your email. Official centers never offer such services - they simply search the phone with the consent of the owner.

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If the phone is bought with hands, and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, the official service will not be able to help - you will need to contact the seller to remove the tether.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

💡 Tip: Before any manipulation of the phone take a picture IMEI (It's under the battery or in the *#06# menu, which will help you reconnect after reset if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions