How to reset a locked Xiaomi smartphone: from Mi Account to engineering menu

A forgotten pattern lock, a mistyped password 10 times in a row, or a software failure after a firmware crash — the reasons for blocking Xiaomi can be different. But the result is the same: the phone turns into a brick that does not respond to touch, and the main mistake users make in this situation is trying to hack into the device through third-party programs or multiple reboots, which not only does not help, but can lead to complete loss of data or damage to system files.

In this article, 5 proven ways to unlock (including official and alternative) relevant to the 2018-2026 models: from Redmi Note 10 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Each method is illustrated with screenshots and accompanied by warnings about risks. If your smartphone is locked after upgrading to MIUI 15, pay special attention to the section about Fastboot - there are nuances for new versions of firmware.

Spoiler: Xiaomi can only be unlocked 2 times out of 5 without data loss, but even if files are not saved, they can often be restored through the Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you had a Mi Account attached to your phone (even if you don't remember the password), this method will work 90% of the time. Condition: the device must have Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network). On models with MIUI 12 and later, the algorithm has changed a little bit, now you need to confirm via SMS or email.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm the entrance through SMS-mail-code.
5. Create a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember the Mi Account, don’t try to guess the password – after 5 wrong attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours).

What to do if you do not have access to the Internet?

• 📶 Connect your phone to another Wi-Fi network (even if the screen is locked, you can sometimes swipe down and turn on Wi-Fi via the notification panel).
• 🔌 Connect the charger - on some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco X3) When charging, mobile Internet is automatically turned on.
• 📱 Put it in. SIM-card with active tariff (if the phone supports 2) SIM, Try both slots).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This is the only way to unlock without a password from Mi Account, but it completely erases data from the phone, suitable for devices that disable Find My Device (otherwise, after reset, you will need to enter the data of the old account).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🔧 Squeeze the power. + Increase the volume before the appearance of the Mi logo.
• 📱 Release the buttons when the recovery menu appears (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware) using volume buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. After completion, press Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ After Hard Reset, you may be asked to enter your previous Mi Account (even if you don't remember it (FRP). In this case, go to the Fastboot method.

3. Restoring access to Mi Account

If you don't remember the password from your Xiaomi account, you can restore it through the official website. Importantly, this requires access to the email or phone number specified during registration. On models older than 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro), additional confirmation via SMS may be required.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account login page.
2. Press Forgot Your Password?
3. Enter your email or phone number.
4. Choose the method of recovery: SMS or mail.
5. Follow the instructions in the message.

What to do if you do not have access to email/phone?

• 📧 Try to restore access to email (for example, through Google Account, if it is Gmail).
• 📞 Contact the mobile operator to restore the number (if you have a phone number). SIM-missing).
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, use Fastboot (Section 4), but be prepared to lose data.

⚠️ Attention: After you restore your account, wait 15-30 minutes before unlocking your phone. Xiaomi servers sometimes delay syncing, and trying to log in immediately after changing your password can lead to a new lock.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔒 Phone locked after failed update.
• 📱 Hard Reset did not work because of the FRP.
• 🔧 You are ready for possible data loss.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📥 Platform Tools (from Google).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to Enter Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. To unlock the bootloader, enter: fastboot oem unlock (new models may require binding to Mi Account).
6. Swipe the stock firmware command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13+ The fastboot oem unlock command may not work without first linking the account to the developer settings. If the phone does not unlock, try first logging into Mi Account through another device and linking it to the phone.

💡

Before you run your Fastboot firmware, check the phone model with the fastboot getvar product command. Using firmware from another model can turn the device into a brick!

5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods didn’t help, try these options:

A. Unlocking via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

• 🔧 Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
• Enter: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key (to delete the pattern lock) or adb shell rm /data/system/password.key (to delete the password).
• Reset the device.

B. Bypassing the lock through the engineering menu (for older models)

1. Enter the dial keyboard: ##4636##
2. Go to Testing. → Reset.
3. Select Wipe App Data.

B. Contacting the service centre

• 🏢 If the phone is warranty, contact the official service Xiaomi.
• 💰 The cost of unlocking without warranty: 1,500–3,000 rubles (depending on the model).
• ⏳ Timeline: 1-3 days.

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust "masters" who promise to unlock a phone in 5 minutes through "secret software" -- often scammers who either steal data or permanently damage the device.

💡

If the phone is locked after falling or getting water, DO NOT try to unlock it software. First check the motherboard at the service center!

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Error 1: Phone is not included in Recovery Mode

🔹 Reason: Faulty volume buttons or damaged software.

🔧 Decision:

• Try to press the buttons with force (sometimes the contacts are oxidized).
• Use ADB to upgrade to Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery

Error 2: After Hard Reset asks for old Mi Account

🔹 Reason: Factory Reset Protection is activated (FRP).

🔧 Decision:

• Enter your old account details (if you remember).
• Use Fastboot to run the stock version of MIUI.
• Contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Error 3: Fastboot doesn't see the device

🔹 Reason: There are no drivers or faulty cables.

🔧 Decision:

• Install Google USB Driver drivers.
• Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• Disable the antivirus (it can block adb).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions