How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your Mi Account: the full guide 2026

Forgot the Mi Account password and can't unlock Xiaomi's smartphone after a reset? This problem is familiar to thousands of users, especially after buying a used device or a long break in use. Mi Cloud security locks the phone even after a hard reset, requiring you to enter account details. But there is a way out!

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to bypass the lock Mi Account and bring your smartphone back to life – from official methods to technical workarounds. We will analyze the risks of each option, the necessary tools and give step-by-step instructions based on the latest security updates Xiaomi in 2026. ADB, Fastboot or soldering iron – assess your strength in advance.

If you're not sure about your technical knowledge, you should go to the service center, because the wrong actions can turn your smartphone into a brick or lead to a loss of warranty, but if you're willing to take a risk, let's go!

Why Xiaomi is blocked after resetting settings

Xiaomi's Mi Account protection system was introduced to combat smartphone theft, and once reset to the factory settings, the device checks the attachment to the account, and if the data doesn't match or the account isn't confirmed, the phone gets locked, which is called FRP-locking (Factory Reset Protection).

Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened security measures.

  • πŸ”’ New models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and newer lock works even when reset via Recovery.
  • πŸ“± Older devices (before Redmi Note 10) could be unlocked via the EDL-Registration, but now requires an authorized developer account.
  • ⚠️ After 3 failed attempts to enter a password, the account is blocked for 24 hours.

A critical feature of 2026: on devices with MIUI 14+ reset via Fastboot without authorization leads to a full lock bootloader (bootloader), which means that the smartphone will be able to restore the health of the smartphone only in the official service Xiaomi with confirmation of purchase.

Method 1: Official Recovery via Mi Cloud (if you have access to mail/phone)

If you remember an email or phone number associated with your Mi Account but you forgot your password, use the recovery function. This is the safest method, and it doesn't require any technical skills.

Instructions:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Click on β€œForgot your password?” and select the recovery method: via email or SMS.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you use email, check the Spam folder, and a letter from Xiaomi can get there.
  4. After changing the password, unlock the phone by entering new data.

Check email |Refresh page in 5-10 minutes |Try another browser (Chrome, Firefox) |Turn off VPN/proxy if you use-->

If the recovery via email or SMS does not work:

  • πŸ“ž Try to contact Xiaomi support via chat on the site. You will need to confirm ownership of the device (checks, box with a box). IMEI).
  • πŸ“„ If the phone was purchased officially, provide details of the purchase (date, store, IMEI) β€” It'll speed up the unlock.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party services to hack Mi accounts. Fraudsters often ask for payment for "unlocking", but in fact just steal your card details.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices until 2020 (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9, POCO F1, etc.) you can try resetting via Recovery. This method does not work on all firmware, but it is worth trying.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your phone. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
  2. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
  3. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  5. Choose Reboot. β†’ Reboot to System.

If after restarting the phone again requires to enter the Mi Account:

  • πŸ”„ Try repeating the reset. 2-3 once, sometimes it helps.
  • πŸ“± On some models (Redmi) 5/6) Works bypassing by creating a new account in the Recovery menu (Mi Assistant item).
Why does Recovery not always work?
Since 2021, Xiaomi has implemented firmware signature verification in Recovery, where if the MIUI version is newer than the one that was attached to the account, the reset will not remove the lock, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11), the Recovery menu is blocked without authorization.

Xiaomi modelProbability of resetting through RecoveryAlternative method
Redmi Note 7/870%Fastboot or EDL
Mi 9/9T50%ADB-team
POCO X330%Official restoration
Xiaomi 12/130%Only the service center.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you will first need to unlock it (this erases all data!).

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities: ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for your model (download only from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and pinch Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.


2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command:


   fastboot devices


(Serial number should be displayed).




3. Unlock the bootloader (if blocked):


   fastboot oem unlock
   On new models, you will need to link the developer account to the device in advance!


4. Squeeze the stock firmware:


   fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]


5.Reset the phone:


   fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 Fastboot Oem unlock command can lead to full lock IMEI. Before executing, check the model compatibility on forums (e.g, 4PDA).

Reset via Recovery|Fastboot|Official restoration|EDL-regime|I've tried nothing.-->

Method 4: EDL-Extreme Deep Flash – Last Chance

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.The method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but requires soldering skills or a special adapter (EDL cable).

How it works:

  1. The phone is connected to the PC in EDL mode (via test points on the board or a special cable).
  2. With the help of the Mi Flash Tool utility, a stock firmware is sewn, which resets all locks.
  3. After firmware, the phone is turned on as new, without being tied to the Mi Account.

Risks and nuances:

  • πŸ”₯ Loss of warranty - opening the hull will cancel the warranty obligations.
  • ⚑ Possibility of damage to the fee if the wrong ration.
  • πŸ’° Cost of service: from 1500 to 5000 rubles (depending on the model).

If you decide to do it yourself:

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Find a test point diagram for your model|Buy EDL-solder-iron|Backup important data (if the phone is turned on somehow)|Prepare the stock firmware-->

πŸ’‘

The 4PDA forum has a database of test points for popular Xiaomi models, and look for the theme of your model + keywords "EDL points" or "TestPoint".

Method 5: Bypassing the Xiaomi Service Center

If all previous methods fail, the official service remains, Xiaomi unlocks the device when it proves ownership, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

What will be required:

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (if the phone was officially purchased).
  • πŸ“¦ Box from the device with a sticker IMEI.
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner (if the phone was bought for an individual).
  • ⏳ Unblocking time: 3 days to 2 weeks.

How to apply:

  1. Find the nearest Xiaomi service center on the official website.
  2. Contact the manager by phone or through the feedback form.
  3. Provide scans of documents and IMEI devices.
  4. After confirmation of ownership, you will be sent instructions for unlocking or offered to bring the phone to the service.

Cost of service:

Type of unlockTermPrice (ruble)
Remote unlocking (according to documents)3-7 daysFree of charge.
Unblocking in the service (without documents)1-2 days2000-4000
IMEI recovery after failed EDL5-10 days5000-8000

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought by hand without a check, the chances of official unlocking are minimal. EDL-firmware or purchase of a new device.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset Xiaomi without Mi Account users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Error 1: The phone is not included in Fastboot or Recovery.

  • πŸ”‹ Check battery power – if less than 30%, the device may not respond to the buttons.
  • πŸ”Œ Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
  • πŸ–₯️ In some models (POCO X3 Pro) to log into the Fastboot you need to pinch the power supply + Volume down on the phone turned off, then release the power button after 3 seconds, holding the volume.

Error 2: After the firmware is flashed, the phone does not turn on (black screen).

  • πŸ“₯ Download the firmware again - the file could have downloaded with errors.
  • πŸ”§ Try flashing only the system partition instead of the full firmware: fastboot flash system system.img
  • πŸ”„ If the screen is black but the phone vibrates, try recovery and make Wipe Data.

Error 3: Mi Flash Tool is an Invalid image format error.

  • πŸ“ Make sure you download the firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model.
  • πŸ”„ Rename the firmware file to flash_all.bat and launch it (for Windows).
  • πŸ› οΈ Use the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool (you can download it on the official website).

πŸ’‘

If the phone has been manipulated into a brick (it doesn't turn on, doesn't respond to buttons), don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, it can be recovered through a computer. EDL-Mode or TestPoint. Contact the service or explore thematic forums.

Can I reset Xiaomi without losing data if I forget my Mi Account?
No. Any method of resetting a Mi Account results in a complete deletion of the device data, so if the phone turns on but asks for a password from the account, try to restore access first via account.xiaomi.com. If this is not possible, the data will be lost.
Does it work bypassing Mi accounts by creating a new Recovery account?
On older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2), it sometimes helps to create a new account through the Mi Assistant item in Recovery. On new devices (with MIUI 12+), this method does not work - the system requires confirmation via SMS or email.
What if after a reset, the phone asks for an old Mi Account, even though I sold it?
This is a typical situation when buying a used phone: Decision options: Contact a seller and ask them to delete the device from their Mi Account (via i.mi.com). EDL-You can use your phone as a media player, or you can use it as a service. SIM-Important: When buying used Xiaomi always check whether the previous owner’s Mi Account is untied!
Can I unlock Xiaomi through the Engineering Menu (##...)?
No. Engineering menu codes (e.g. ##4636##) do not affect Mi Account locking. These commands are designed to diagnose network, battery and sensors, but not to reset security.
How to protect your Xiaomi from blocking your Mi Account in the future?
To avoid problems: πŸ“ Write down the username/password from your Mi Account in a secure location (for example, in the password manager). πŸ“§ Link backup email and phone number to your account. πŸ”„ Regularly update the firmware on new versions MIUI Fewer vulnerabilities to bypass the lock. 🚫 Don’t buy Xiaomi with your hands without checking your Mi Account status (ask the seller to show you Settings menu). β†’ Mi Account).