How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your password: all working ways

Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day, PIN-A code or fingerprint that is no longer recognized can be a real problem, especially if your phone has important data, photos or work correspondence.

Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to reset to factory settings even without knowing the password. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard reset via Recovery Mode to using Mi Account and tools like Fastboot or ADB. It is important to understand that any reset will lead to complete deletion of data from the device, so if you have backups, this will greatly simplify the recovery of information after the procedure.

Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi is at least 30-40% charged. Interrupting the reset process due to a discharged battery can make it impossible to turn the device on without service intervention. Also prepare a USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models) and a computer if you plan to use methods with a connection to a PC.

1. Reset via Recovery Mode (the easiest way)

The Recovery Mode method works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others. This method does not require a computer and is suitable if you have physical access to the device.

Instructions:

• 🔄 Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button (if it does not respond - press the power button). + volume up 10-15 seconds).
• 📱 Hold the Power Button Combination + Loudness upwards before the Mi logo appears (usually) 5-10 seconds).
• 🌐 From the Recovery menu, select a language (if there is one), then search for the Wipe Data option (or Clear Data).
• 🔧 Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
• 🔄 After the process is complete, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The Recovery menu can be in Chinese, and in this case, look for characters like "" (clean data) or "" (restore factory settings).

Charge your phone at least 30%

Prepare button clips (if the buttons are not pressed well)

Make sure there are no important unsaved data on your phone

Have it on hand SIM-activation card after reset (if linked to an account)

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, go to the section about unlocking through the Xiaomi account. This means that the device activated the function Find Device.

2. reset via Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached, you can unlock the device through the official Find Device service, which works even if you forget the lock screen password, but remember the account data.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. From the menu, select Find Device (or Find Device in the Russian version).
3. The map will show your smartphone. Click on it and select the Unlock Device option.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
5. Wait for a notification of successful unlocking (can take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Find Device must be activated before locking your phone. If you never enabled it in your settings, this method will not work. Also note that once unlocked through Mi Account, you may need to re-assign your account when you first turn on.

If unlocking through Mi Account didn’t work, try alternative methods in the following sections, perhaps your device has been disabled from sync with the cloud or your account has not been confirmed by email/SMS.

Recovery Mode

Mi Account (Find Device)

Fastboot

ADB

Never dropped it.

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3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable for cases where the Recovery menu is not available or the smartphone does not respond to standard button combinations. ADB/Fastboot cable USB.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, holding the Power Button + Volume down.
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After the fastboot erase userdata command, you may need to further unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock), which will result in a complete reset of all partitions, including internal memory.

If the phone needs a password again after the reboot, it will activate FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, in which case you will need to enter data from a previously linked Mi Account or Google account.

4. Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If your Xiaomi has previously been activated debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password through ADB This method is suitable for users who have at least once connected the phone to a PC in developer mode.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the adb folder.
• 🔍 Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, continue.
• 🔧 Delete the password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
• 🔄 Reboot the device: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: This method only works on MIUI version 12.5. On new firmware (e.g, MIUI 13/14) Password files are stored encrypted and deleting them will not help, and after rebooting, you may need to re-configure your fingerprints or face.

If USB debugging wasn't enabled, it wouldn't work, so use alternative methods from other sections.

5.Reset via Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 Phone locked after failed reset via Fastboot.
• 📱 The screen displays the error "This device is locked" (device locked).
• 🔧 You don’t remember Mi Account data and it’s impossible to unlock through Find Device.
• 📄 You have a check or a warranty card (this will speed up the process).

What you need to unlock in the service:

1. Document confirming the purchase (check, invoice, warranty card).
2. Passport of the owner (if the phone was purchased by an individual).
3. The box from the device (preferably, but not necessarily).
4. Data from Mi Account if the phone is linked to the account.

⚠️ Attention: In informal service centers may offer a “bypass” of the lock through the firmware custom Recovery (for example, TWRP). This violates the warranty and may result in loss of IMEI Xiaomi’s official service never uses such methods.

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of the case. Some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) may have an extended warranty to cover such cases.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup method.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., in the Mi Password Manager password manager).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🌐 Link Mi Account and activate Find Device – this will help unlock your phone remotely.
• 📱 Enable Smart Lock in your security settings so that your phone unlocks in trusted places (such as at home).

We also recommend setting up emergency information on the lock screen. To do this, go to Settings → Lock screen → Emergency information and specify contact for communication in case of loss of the phone.

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If you often forget passwords, set up a recovery in Mi Account via a backup email or phone number, which will help you quickly restore access to your account and, accordingly, to your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset