How to reset your settings on Xiaomi if you forget your password: the full guide

The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that thousands of users face every day. It is especially frustrating when important data is stored on the device and access to it is suddenly blocked. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official ways to unlock it that do not require contacting the service center. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting passwords on Xiaomi in 2026, from simple to technically complex, taking into account the features of different models and versions of MIUI.

It is important to understand that any reset will result in complete deletion of data from the device, if there was no prior backup. So before starting the procedure, assess how critical the information on the phone is. Also consider that some methods require a Mi Account or computer access tied, and we will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

1. Reset via Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied account Mi Account, which works on most modern devices (from Redmi Note 7 to Xiaomi 14) and does not require technical skills. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), and you must remember the username and password from your account.

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
• 📱 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔐 Confirm the entrance through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 📲 After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new password or PIN-code.

This method works even if the phone is not connected to the Internet at the time of locking – just connect to the Wi-Fi network through the notification panel (if it is available on the lock screen), however, on some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) additional confirmation via SMS may be required.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously untied your Mi Account from your device or bought your phone with no reset, this method won't work.

2.Right reset via Recovery Mode

When Mi Account is not available, the option remains with a full reset via Recovery Mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the old (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new (Xiaomi 13T, POCO X5 Pro), but it has a critical disadvantage: all data on the phone will be irretrievably deleted, including photos, contacts and messaging in instant messengers.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of 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 the language (usually English and Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or → in Chinese firmware).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.

Once the process is complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes), the phone will automatically reboot and prompt it to be set up as new, at which point you can create a new password or opt out of locking the screen altogether.

Turn off the phone.

Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Mi logo to appear

Select Wipe Data from the menu

Confirmation of discharge (Confirm)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 with) MIUI 14) after the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously associated with the device, this is Factory Reset Protection. If you do not remember the account, the phone will become a brick — it can only be unlocked through the official service.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is the most technically challenging, but sometimes the only way to go if other methods don’t work, and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for devices with the bootloader unlocked or if you’re ready to unlock it (which will result in a reset of all data).

Step-by-step:

• 🖥️ Install on PC Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your Xiaomi model.
• 📱 Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping Volume down + Nutrition.
• 🔌 Connect the device to the computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📂 In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and specify the path to the official firmware for your model.
• 🔄 Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

Once flashed, the phone will boot with factory settings, a method that is guaranteed to bypass Factory Reset Protection, but requires caution: an incorrectly selected firmware can turn the device into a brick.

4. Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

The reset procedure may vary depending on the model and firmware version. For example, on devices with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 10A or POCO C40), the combination of buttons for entering Recovery Mode may be different. And on flagships of the Xiaomi 13 series with MIUI 14, after the reset, you will necessarily need to enter data from Mi Account.

Here are the key differences for popular lines:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12: To enter Recovery, keep Volume up + Nutrition 15+ seconds.
• 📱 POCO F4/F5: After resetting via Recovery, confirmation may be required through SMS.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12T/13: Bypass FRP It is possible only through the official service or Fastboot.
• 📱 Redmi A1/A2: On budget models, resetting through Mi Account works unstable - Recovery often helps.

If your model is not listed, check the Recovery Mode button combination on Xiaomi’s official website or device manual. For new devices (released after 2023), try Mi Account first, as other methods may be blocked by FRP protection.

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Before reset, check if the phone is connected to a Google account. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi A3 with Android One) will require data entry from a Google account that has been synced to the device after the reset.

5. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the official service center Xiaomi, you will need a passport and a check (or box) for the phone, in some cases, you may request proof of purchase (for example, a bank statement), the cost of unlocking from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model.
2. Using unofficial unlocking services is a risky option, because you can run into scammers or get a phone with a damaged firmware, the average price on the black market is 500-1500 rubles, but there are no guarantees.

Before you bring your phone to the service, try to follow the reset instructions carefully through Recovery Mode or Fastboot. Often errors occur due to incorrect firmware or missed steps. For example, on POCO X3 Pro, many users forget that to log into Fastboot you first need to pin the Volume down, and only then connect the USB cable.

⚠️ Note: Some "masters" offer to unlock the phone through firmware exploits (for example, using the Mi Account Unlock Tool). IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against such vulnerabilities, and their use can turn the phone into a useless "brick".

6. How can we avoid problems in the future?

To avoid getting blocked again, follow the simple rules:

• 🔑 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlocking method.Tune it to Settings → Password and security → Fingerprint.
• 📝 Write your password to a secure location (for example, Mi Password Manager or Google Passwords).
• ☁️ Regularly back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup. This will save contacts, messages and photos even after resetting.
• 🔄 Link Mi Account to your phone and enable data synchronization, which will make it easier to restore access.

We also recommend you disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP) if it interferes. Go to Settings → Google Accounts → Delete your account (but remember, this will reduce device security). On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), you can only turn off FRP through a developer or service center.

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The most reliable way to avoid data loss is to back up your Mi Cloud or your computer regularly, and even if you forget your password, important files will remain safe.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset