Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone β a situation faced by every fifth user. WedΕug 18% of requests are related to unlocking devices after unsuccessful attempts to enter PIN-The problem is compounded by the fact that modern Redmi models, POCO Mi and Mi use hardware encryption, which means that an incorrect reset can result in the loss of all files without the ability to recover.
In this article, we will discuss 5 official and informal methods of unlocking Xiaomi, including working with Mi Account, Recovery Mode, ADB and even bypassing locks through Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for models with Qualcomm and Mediatek processors, and explain why some methods stopped working after the MIUI 14 update. If you are looking for a solution for a particular model, use an article search (Ctrl+F) with the name of the device (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro).
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest method that doesnβt require a data reset is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi devices released after 2018, but there are important limitations:
- πΉ The device must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- πΉ Mi Account must be linked to phone before blocking.
- πΉ Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) require confirmation via the SMS email.
- πΉ The method does not work if the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account.
Instructions:
- After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button Forgot password? will appear.
- Select the recovery option through Mi Account and enter the login / password from the account.
- Confirm the unlock via SMS or email (if the system requests it).
- Set a new password or pattern lock.
β οΈ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, this method will not work. In this case, you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Hard Reset is a universal method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but has a critical drawback: all data on the phone will be erased without recovery, including photos, contacts and messages.
- π± You donβt remember the password from your Mi Account.
- π§ The phone is not connected to the internet (no) SIM-maps or wifi).
- π οΈ The device hung on the logo. MI after a failed update.
Step-by-step instructions for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13):
βοΈ Preparation for Hard Reset
- Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For POCO M3/M4/M5: Power button + Volume down.
Recovery
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Factory Reset
Reboot
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9/10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Some of the firmware requires input. PIN-code even in Recovery. |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Food + Volume up | After the reset, authorization to the Mi Account may be required. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Food + Volume up | On MIUI 14, the reset can take up to 10 minutes. |
| Redmi A1/A2 | Food + Volume Down | Budget models without Fastboot. |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 Gaming) after Hard Reset, you may be asked to enter the old password (FRP). In this case, you will have to use Mi Account or contact the service.
3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)
The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Suitable if the phone is on debugging mode USB (USB Debugging. This is rare, as users usually don't activate this feature beforehand, but if you've turned it on (for example, for rooting or firmware), follow the instructions:
Advantages of the method:
- π No data reset (if done correctly).
- π₯οΈ It works on all versions. MIUI.
- π οΈ You can delete password files manually.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
- Open the command prompt (Win + R β enter cmd) and execute the commands: adb devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install drivers for Xiaomi.
- Enter the command to delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
β οΈ Attention: MIUI 14 Xiaomi has added protection against deleting password files through ADB. If the phone still requires a password after rebooting, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric This will open a password change menu where you can set a new one.
4. Bypass locking through Fastboot (for models with unlocked bootloader)
The Fastboot method is suitable for devices that have Bootloader Unlocked, and it is relevant for users who have previously flashed a phone or obtained root rights, and if the bootloader is locked, this method will not work.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot.
- π Original. USB-cable.
- π± Battery charge >50%.
- π Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to your computer and check if it is in the list: fastboot devices
- Download the firmware for your model from the official MIUI Downloads website.
- Unpack the archive with the firmware and execute the command to flash: fastboot flash all name file.zip (replace the name file.zip with the real name of the firmware).
- Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot
fastboot erase cacheThen restart the device.-->
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If none of the above methods worked, the last option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- π The phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account.
- π± The device has a hardware lock (for example, after theft).
- π οΈ All reset attempts result in an error: "This device is locked".
What will be required to unlock:
- π Check or contract of sale (proof of possession).
- π Passport of the owner.
- π± Phone box (preferably, as it is indicated on it) IMEI).
The cost of the service in official Xiaomi services varies from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles, depending on the model and the complexity of the lock. the deadline is from 1 to 3 days.
π‘
Official service is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account. Self-attempts to bypass can lead to a complete loss of performance of the device.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to reset a password to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This device is locked" on Fastboot | A locked bootloader (Bootloader). | Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days). |
| "Mi Account Locked" After Reset | The phone is tied to someone else's account. | Contact the service with proof of purchase. |
| The phone will not turn on after Hard Reset | The firmware is damaged or the battery is drained. | Charge the phone for 30+ minutes, repeat the reset. |
| ADB: device unauthorized | No confirmed debugging access on the phone. | Connect the phone in an unlocked state and confirm access. |
Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after an incorrect reset, which is true for models with a Mediatek processor (Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4). If the network signal is lost after unlocking, check the IMEI command:
*#06#If Null or Invalid is displayed instead of the number, you will need to restore via the SN Writer Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).