How to Reset Your Password on Xiaomi Smartphone: From Mi Account to Hard Reset

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that even power users face. Unlike the iPhone, where the recovery procedure is standardized through Apple ID, MIUI smartphones offer several ways to solve the problem, from official methods using a Mi Account to radical measures like a hard reset. The main difficulty is that the choice of method depends on the firmware version, device model and even the region of purchase.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking for 2026, including little-known techniques for devices with a locked Bootloader and without a tied Mi Account. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not say: why sometimes resetting through Recovery does not work, how to circumvent the requirement to enter an old password when recovering through Google, and what to do if the phone asks for confirmation via SMS to an inaccessible number. All instructions are tested on models Redmi Note 12 Pro +, Poco X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra with MIUI 14/15.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account – the official method

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your account. PIN-code, but requires access to the email or phone number specified during registration).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
• 🔗 Select the recovery option: by email or by email SMS (If the number is confirmed in the account).
• 📧 Enter your email address or phone number, then follow the instructions in the letter/message.
• 🔑 Create a new password – the system will automatically unlock the device.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account. in this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need to contact the seller or use alternative methods (see section 4). Also note that after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system can block the possibility of recovery for 24 hours.

2. Restoration via Google Account (only for older versions of MIUI)

Before MIUI 12 (2020), some Xiaomi models had a Google Account unlock feature, which is now officially disabled, but on devices older than MIUI 11, you can try it, condition: the phone must be connected to the Internet, and you remember the username and password from Gmail, which was tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the pattern lock appears.
2. Slip on the label and select Login via Google.
3. Enter the data from the Gmail account that was used on the phone.
4. Follow the system instructions to create a new password.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Redmi Note) 11/12, Xiaomi 12/13 This method does not work – Xiaomi has removed support for Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection in favor of its own Mi Account. If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the old Google password - this is a sign that the device was reset incorrectly (see section). 5).

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If the lock screen does not have a button "Forgot your password?", try to connect the phone to charge and try again - sometimes the option appears only when you connect to the network.

3.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard reset is a radical method that removes all data from a device, including photos, contacts and installed apps. Use it only if other methods have failed. The procedure is different for devices with Bootloader unlocked and locked.

General instructions for most models:

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 Wipe Data (or Clear Data) using volume buttons, confirm the choice with the power button.
4. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Devices with Bootloader blocked (most official firmware) may receive a request for data entry from Mi Account, which was previously tied, after a reset, and if you don’t know this data, the phone will become a brick. In this case, only unlocking Bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see Section 6) will help).

4. Bypassing the lock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is unavailable or resetting through it leads to a Mi Account request, you can try to delete the password via Fastboot Mode.This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and Bootloader unlocked. Suitable for Poco, Redmi and Xiaomi models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the phone to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) run: fastboot devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. To delete the password, type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After this procedure, an anti-rollback can work, which will lock the device forever. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts failed, the official service center Xiaomi can help unlock the device.The service is paid (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model), but guarantees the safety of data in some cases.

• 📄 You will need to present a purchase document (check, warranty card) or a box from a phone with a serial number.
• 🔐 If the device was purchased by hand, you may need confirmation from the previous owner (via Mi Account).
• ⏳ Unblocking period – from 1 to 7 days (depending on the load of the service).
• 💰 The cost includes diagnostics (about 500 rubles) and the unlocking itself.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial service centers often offer "Mi Account bypass" for the cost of the service. 500-1000 RUB, but such methods can lead to blocking IMEI Xiaomi’s official centers don’t bypass accounts — they either reset the device with the owner’s consent or help restore access to the tied Mi Account.

6. Unlock Bootloader and flashing (expert level)

If all previous methods have failed, the last chance to bring the phone back to life is to unlock the Bootloader and reflash the device, a method that is suitable for users who are willing to risk warranty and potentially lose data. USB Type-C and Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone (if you have access) or via your computer.
3. Attach your device to your account in settings: Settings → About Phone → All settings → Mi Unlock status.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC and follow the program instructions.
5. Once unlocked, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware for your model.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking Bootloader resets all data on the device and can result in feature blocking NFC Widevine L1 (lack of HD On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) After unlocking, you need to wait 720 hours (30 days) before re-assigning your account.

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Unlocking Bootloader is the only way to bypass Mi Account binding on devices with a locked bootloader, but it requires patience and technical skills.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔌 "Phone doesn't turn on after reset - check battery power (minimum 30%) and repeat the procedure. If the Mi logo flashes, run the device through the Fastboot.
• 🔒 "After Hard Reset asks for the old password, which means that the Mi Account has remained tied, you either need to enter data from it or unlock the Bootloader.
• 📵 "Not coming. SMS to restore" - check if the number is blocked by the operator. Try to restore access via email.
• 🖥️ "Computer doesn’t see phone in Fastboot – install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor), try another one USB-port.

If you encounter an error that is not on the list, check the fault code on Xiaomi’s official support page. For example, error 0x80070057 when unlocking Bootloader means a driver problem, and 0x80004005 means that the device is not tied to the account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions