How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: step-by-step guide 2026

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not unlock the phone? This situation is familiar to many — especially if the device has been idle for a long time or the password was entered automatically by fingerprint. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to return access to the smartphone, even if you do not remember either the password or the pattern lock. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting passwords on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices — from simple (via Mi Account) to complex (via Fastboot and ADB).

It's important to understand that not all ways will save your data, like resetting through Recovery or Fastboot will lead to a complete memory cleanup, whereas unlocking through Mi Cloud can do without loss. We'll describe each method in detail, point out its pros and cons, and also warn against the typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a brick. If you're ready to return access to your Xiaomi - read on!

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember the username and password, this is the best option. The method works on most models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and does not require a data reset. The main condition is that the phone must be active mobile network or Wi-Fi, and the Find Device function is enabled.

Instructions:

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Account website from a computer or other phone.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to the locked device.
• 📍 In the Devices section, find your smartphone and select the Find the device option.
• 🔓 Click Unblock and confirm the action through SMS email.

⚠️ Note: If your phone has an internet connection or you don't remember your Mi Account, it won't work.

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If you don't remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it via the linked email or phone number.Recovery link: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)

If Mi Account doesn’t work, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, a recovery mode built into Xiaomi’s firmware, which is guaranteed to work on any device in the brand, but will delete all data (photos, contacts, messages) before you start, make sure that the phone has enough charge (minimum 30%).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
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 and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

Turn off the phone | Charge the battery to 30%+|Remember the button combination for your model |Prepare for all data loss-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50) The Recovery menu can be in Chinese, so look for the hieroglyphics (data cleanup) and (reboot).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if Recovery is not available or the phone is not responsive to buttons.It requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.This method also leads to complete data loss, but can save the device if other methods do not work.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
4. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

4. Password reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable if the phone has previously been enabled to debug via USB. This is rare, but if you've set up a phone for development or connected it to Android Studio, there's a chance.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Delete the password file: 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
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work. Don't try to activate it on a locked phone, it's impossible without unlocking it.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔒 Phone locked after failed firmware.
• 📱 The screen is damaged and you can’t enter the password.
• 🔧 You are afraid to manipulate the Fastboot yourself or ADB.

What will be required:

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Proof of purchase (for example, a box with a IMEI).
• 💳 Willingness to pay for the service (if the guarantee has expired).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the model and complexity of the work. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro, the price may be higher due to the complexity of disassembly.

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The official service is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi without the risk of damaging the device if other methods fail.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having to deal with a forgotten password, follow these simple tips:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the password.
• 📝 Write passwords in a secure location (e.g., Google Password Manager or Google Password Manager) 1Password).
• 🔄 Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 📱 Enable Smart Lock (in security settings) to unlock your phone in trusted locations (such as at home).

We also recommend that you turn off automatic locking after restarting. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Autolock and select Never or 5 minutes later.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi