A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have unique security mechanisms associated with binding to a Mi Account, which complicates the unlocking process, but makes it possible even without losing data - with the right approach.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to reset a password to Xiaomi in 2026: from official methods through Find Device to technical solutions using Fastboot and EDL modes. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of blocking an account with incorrect actions - this is the most common user error leading to a complete loss of access to the device.
Important: If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, most of the methods in this article won't work - you'll need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.
1.Official method: reset password through Mi Account (Find Device)
The safest and most recommended method by Xiaomi is to use the “Find Device” function, which works only if you meet three conditions:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi)
- 🔗 The device is tied to your Mi Account (you remember the username/password)
- 🔋 Account not blocked for suspicious activity
If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- Select the "Find Device" tab (may be called "Find Phone").
- In the list of devices, find a locked smartphone and click on it.
- Click "Unlock Device" and confirm the action.
After 5-10 minutes, the phone unlocks automatically, the data will not be deleted, but you may need to re-enter the password from Mi Account the next time you turn on.
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If the "Find Device" feature is disabled in the phone's settings, this method will not work. Check to enable the option in advance in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone isn't connected to the Internet, you'll have a hard reset through the recovery mode, which will delete all the data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps.
The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for devices with a locked bootloader and binding to the Mi Account):
Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)
Keep your battery at least 30% charged
Prepare. SIM-Card or Wi-Fi password to set up after resetting
Make sure there are no important unsaved data on your phone.
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- Turn off the phone (if it is on, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power For Xiaomi Mi 11/12: Volume up + Volume down + Power
Mi
Recovery Mode
"Wipe Data"
"Wipe All Data"
"Reboot"
The phone will turn on in the "as after purchase" state. During the setup stage, the system may require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked, and if you do not remember it, move to the next section.
What to do if you need an old Mi Account after a reset?
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable for bootloader devices. If you have never officially unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool, it won't work -- the phone just won't accept commands.
The advantage of the method is that data is saved (if you do not use the command fastboot erase userdata).
- ⚠️ The wrong team can lead to a loss. IMEI orb.
- ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Mi Account authorization is required even in Fastboot.
- ⚠️ Warranty is cancelled when using unofficial firmware.
If you are prepared for the risks, follow the instructions:
- Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install the drivers from here.
- To reset your password, type fastboot erase frp or (for older models): fastboot erase config
- Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
If you reset your password after the reset, but your phone requires you to enter Mi Account, it means that the device is tied to your account at the hardware level. EDL-(Section 4) or the use of the service.
Yes, officially via Mi Unlock Tool
Yes, by informal means.
No, but I want to try.
No, I don't plan on.-->
4. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL (Emergency Booting) is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous, unlocking method, allowing you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing all protections, including the Mi Account.
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without an authorized developer account, Xiaomi may result in a lock IMEI (This method is recommended only for devices that are already locked at the hardware level (for example, after a failed reset).
The work will require:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (driver EDL not working macOS/Linux).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 📦 Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- 🔑 Authorized Developer Account (for new models).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the combination to enter EDL: For most models: Volume up + Volume down + Power (hold 10-15 seconds). For POCO X3/X4: plug the phone off to the PC, then press Volume up + Volume down for 5 seconds.
The screen will remain black, that’s normal.
Device Manager
"Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008"
EDL
QFil
Mi Flash Tool
Xiaomi
"Flash"
It takes 5-10 minutes, and after you restart, the phone will be in a post-purchase state, but:
- ✅ The Mi Account Related Link will be deleted.
- ❌ All data will be erased.
- ❌ Possible loss IMEI (Recovery is required through the Engineering Menu).
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EDL-The mode is the last chance to unlock the phone if other methods have not worked. Use it only with full confidence or under the guidance of a specialist.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods have failed or you are afraid to take risks, contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- 🔒 The device is tied to someone else’s Mi Account (for example, bought with hands).
- 📱 The model was released after 2020 (they are strengthened protection against unauthorized discharge).
- ⚠️ You see a message that says "This device is locked" or "Mi Account locked".
What will be required for the application:
| Document/conditionality | What do you need? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check or sales contract | Proof of possession | If the phone is bought from hand, ask the seller for a receipt |
| Passport of the owner | Confirmation of identity | The copy is not suitable – you need the original |
| Phone box. | Model and IMEI Confirmation | The IMEI sticker must match the phone data |
| Warranty card (if any) | Acceleration of the process | Not required, but reduces the time of inspection |
The cost of unlocking in the official service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock.
⚠️ Note: Don't go to unofficial services that promise to "reset Mi Account in 5 minutes." EDL without authorization, which leads to blocking IMEI. After that, the phone will lose communication with the networks of operators forever.
Alternative methods (with limitations)
If the official methods have not worked and the service center is not available, you can try alternative solutions, which are not suitable for all models and require technical skills.
6.1. bypass ADB (only for Android 7.0 and below)
On older versions of Android (up to 7.0), you can reset your password through ADB if USB debugging is enabled on your phone.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
- Enter adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot
Once you reboot, the password will be reset. It only works on firmware up to MIUI 8.
6.2 Use of Mi Account Bypass Tool
There are informal utilities (such as Xiaomi Tool V2) that automate the unlock process via Fastboot or EDL.
- ⚠️ 80% of these tools contain malware.
- ⚠️ Xiaomi blocks accounts that use unofficial methods.
- ⚠️ The risk of a device's "brick — 50/50.
If you do decide, download utilities only from trusted forums such as XDA Developers.
Reset via engineering menu (for some models)
On some models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5) you can reset your password through the engineering menu:
- Enter the dial keyboard: ##3646633##
- Go to Connectivity → USB Port Settings.
- Select "Manufacture mode" and connect your phone to your PC.
- Use ADB to reset (commands in Section 6.1).
On new models, this method does not work – the engineering menu is blocked.