How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your password: working ways 2026

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. According to service center statistics, 38% of device locks are due to loss of access due to a password, pattern lock or fingerprint. Fortunately, you can reset settings on any Xiaomi model (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11) yourself – without visiting the workshop and even without losing some data in some cases.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock, from standard resets via Recovery Mode to advanced methods using Fastboot and Mi Account. We’ll focus on the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader, a key point that 90% of instructions on the network miss, and you’ll learn how to minimize data loss and what to do if a smartphone requires you to enter an old password even after a reset.

We warn you right away: some methods require pre-preparedness (for example, Mi Account binding or USB debugging enabled). If you are reading this article after you block, skip these options and move on to universal solutions. And if the device is still working, but you are afraid to forget your password, at the end of this article there are preventive tips that will save your data in the future.

1. Recovery Mode Reset: a universal method for all models

The most reliable and easy way to regain access to Xiaomi is to use Recovery Mode, which works on all devices, including older models like the Redmi 4X and new flagships like the Xiaomi 14, the main advantage of which is that you do not need a PC connection or pre-setting.

How to get into Recovery Mode:

• 🔄 Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
• 🔧 Press the combination Volume up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 On the screen, select the language (usually English or Chinese), then tap Wipe Data. → Wipe All Data.
• ✅ Confirm the action by swipe or click Confirm (depending on the version of the recavery).

Once the process is complete (it takes 2-5 minutes), the smartphone will reboot in a factory state. Importantly, this method completely erases all data — photos, messages, applications. If the device has been enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud, some information (contacts, notes) can be restored after logging in to the account.

Battery reserve at least 30%

Cut. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Know the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)

Original USB cable (in case of problems)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After reset, you may be asked to enter the old Google password (FRP-This is anti-theft protection. If you can't remember the password from the Google account that was linked to the phone, you'll need to unlock it through Fastboot (more on that below).

2 Unlocking with Mi Account: If you have a Xiaomi account tied

If your Xiaomi account is authorized by Mi (even if you don’t remember the password), the chances of getting it back without losing data are much higher.

1. The smartphone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
2. The device has enabled the Find Device function in the account settings.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Go to the Mi Account website from any device.
2. Sign in under the same account as on the blocked smartphone (if you do not remember the password – restore it via email or phone).
3. In the Devices section, select your Xiaomi and click Find the Device.
4. The system will offer to unlock the screen - confirm the action.
5. A notification will appear on your smartphone asking you to reset your password. Follow the instructions on the screen.

The advantage of this method is that data is not erased, but it only works if:

• 📶 The device is connected to the network (otherwise the command will not reach the network).
• 🔓 Find the device was activated before locking.
• 🔄 The smartphone was not reset via Recovery (otherwise, the link to the account is reset).

Yeah, I check the location regularly.

Only to unlock.

Never set up.

I don't know what that is.

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⚠️ Note: If you tried to unlock the device through Mi Account, but you get a "Device not found" error, this means that either: The account was not tied to the phone. The smartphone was reset via Recovery (the binding is removed). In this case, move on to other methods.

3. Fastboot Reset: For Advanced Users

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available (for example, the smartphone hangs on the logo).
• 🔒 After resetting through the recavery, the old Google password request appears (FRP).
• 💻 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.

This method will require:

• USB Type-C cable (original to avoid connection issues)
• A computer running Windows (or Mac/Linux with ADB tools installed).
• Archive with utilities Platform Tools from Google.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number appears), continue. If not, install drivers.
4. For reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the smartphone is rebooted, it will be in factory condition. Importantly, on devices with a locked bootloader, this method may not work – you will need to pre-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (more on this below).

4. bypass FRP (Google-blocking) after reset

If, after resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, the smartphone requires you to enter an old Google account (the message "This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account..."), this means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has worked.

Bypass FRP on Xiaomi can be in several ways:

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If you remember the login and password from your old Google account, just type them in — this is the fastest way to unlock. If not, use the methods below.

Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (for Android 9–11)

1. On the Google account entry screen, click Add Wi-Fi network.
2. In the network name field, enter arbitrary text, highlight it and click Share → Gmail.
3. In the Gmail window that opens, click Add Account → Google and log in under a new account.
4. After entering, go to Settings → Reset and reset and reset again.

Method 2: Access modes (for Android 12+)

On newer versions of Android (such as Xiaomi 13 with MIUI 14), FRP circumvention is complicated.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and use it ADB-file-deletion commands FRP.
2. Or flash a special anti-FRP file through Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of ownership of the device (check, box.

5. Unlocking through EDL Mode: the last case

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash a smartphone even with a completely "killed" system.

• 🔧 Recovery and Fastboot are not available.
• 💀 The device does not turn on (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 We need to get around. FRP loader-free.

To enter EDL Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. The device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for smartphones on Qualcomm processors).

This will be further required:

• 💻 Mi Flash Tool (official firmware program for Xiaomi).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).
• 🔧 Unlocked boot loader (otherwise the firmware will not stand up).

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect the smartphone in EDL mode and press Refresh – the device should be determined.
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

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Firmware through EDL Mode is the most radical method. It's guaranteed to delete all data, including FRP-A mistake in choosing a firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick".

6.Prevention: How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid being in a situation where your smartphone is locked and data is lost, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Set up backup: Enable sync with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization. This will save contacts, notes and photos even after resetting.
• 📝 Write down passwords: Keep your Mi Account and Google password backups in a safe place (such as in Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB: This will allow you to unlock the device through ADB, If you forget your password, you'll find your way. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 📱 Use biometrics: fingerprint or facial recognition is more convenient than password and less likely to be blocked.

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative ways to unlock:

• 🔑 Smart Lock: Set up automatic unlocking in trusted locations (such as home) via Settings → Screen locking → Smart Lock.
• 📍 Find the device: activate the feature in Mi Account to unlock the smartphone remotely.

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If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset.This will remove the binding to Mi Account and Google, avoiding problems for the new owner.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset