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

Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to statistics from service centers, 32% of requests for blocking devices are associated with loss of access due to loss of access due to a loss of access. PIN-Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official ways to reset to factory settings even without knowing the password. However, it is important to understand that the hard reset deletes all data from the device — photos, contacts, messages and installed applications.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all of Xiaomi’s current unlocking methods (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), from the simplest to the most technically challenging. You’ll learn how to bypass locking through Recovery Mode, Mi Flash Tool, Mi Account, and even physical PC connection. Each method is tested on MIUI 12-14 firmware and is relevant for devices released after 2018. If your smartphone is older, use the Fastboot method, as older versions of Recovery do not support reset without password confirmation.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise the risk of "bricking" the device)
• 📱 Smartphone model (written on a box or under a battery)
• 💻 Presence of a Windows PC (for Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool methods)
• 🔑 Access to the Mi Account linked to the phone (if sync is enabled)

1.Reset via Recovery Mode is the fastest way

The method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2019. The main advantage is that it does not require a connection to a PC and works even without a tied Mi Account. However, on some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), Recovery Mode can request a password - in this case, move to the next method.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The process will take 3-7 If after the phone restarts, again requests a password, then the device has activated the post-reset protection function (FRP). In this case, you will need authorization through Mi Account (mode) №3).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) After resetting via Recovery, the error "This device is locked" may appear, which means that the bootloader is locked, and further actions will require unlocking via Fastboot. №4).

2 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If you have Mi Account sync enabled on your smartphone, you can reset your password remotely via Xiaomi’s website, which works even if your phone is turned off, but requires:

• 📧 Access to an email or phone number linked to an account
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection on PC/smartphone
• 🔒 No two-factor authentication (if enabled, code from the SMS)

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find a locked smartphone.
3. Press Find the device. → Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via email or SMS.
5. The device will be unlocked within 5-10 minutes (internet connection required).

If the device is not displayed in the list or the Unlock button is inactive, then:

• 🔌 The phone has disabled data transfer or Wi-Fi
• 🔄 The device did not sync with the account for more than 30 days
• 🚫 The account is not the owner of the phone (for example, the device is purchased with hands)

3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode asks for a password and Mi Account is not tied, the method remains via Fastboot. It requires a connection to a PC and installing special drivers, but works on 99% of Xiaomi models.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged)
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and drivers (download from the official website)
• 🔧 Programme ADB & Fastboot Tools (e.g. Minimal) ADB)

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power before the screensaver Fastboot (robot with an open stomach) appears.
2. Connect the device to the PC.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears) - continue. If not, manually install the drivers through Device Manager.
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data is deleted. If there is an error "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')" - then the bootloader is blocked, and it must be unlocked through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

fastboot erase metadata


fastboot erase persist

It'll delete the data. FRP-firmware MIUI 13+.-->

4.Use of Mi Flash Tool (full reset with firmware)

This is a good method for brick-and-brick devices or if previous methods have failed. The Mi Flash Tool completely reflashes the smartphone, returning it to a "clean" state. Importantly, choose the correct firmware version for your model, otherwise the phone may stop turning on.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. Once it's done, the phone will reboot in a factory state. If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't load device" error, try:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager
• 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator

💡

Use the Mi Flash Tool only as a last resort, this method erases not only user data, but also service sections (for example, IMEI). On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) after such firmware, you may need to restore the serial number through the engineering menu.

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

If your Xiaomi was released before 2018 (like the Redmi 4X, Mi A1, or Mi Max 2), the standard methods may not work because of the outdated version of Recovery.

Method A: Unlock codes (only for MIUI 8-9)

Dial on the lock screen:

##7378423##

If the code works, you'll be taken to a service menu where you can reset your settings. On new firmware, this method doesn't work.

Method B: ADB-Teams (requires debugging by USB)

If USB debugging was previously enabled on the phone, connect it to your PC and type:

adb shell


rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but on MIUI 12+, this method is blocked by the security system.

Method C: Contacting a Service Center

If none of the methods worked, and the phone stores critical data, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. the cost of unlocking without loss of data — from 1500 to 5000 rubles (depending on the model).

⚠️ Note: Do not trust the "handicraft" workshops that offer unlocking for the first time. 500 Often such "specialists" use informal firmware, which leads to loss of IMEI, Network problems or module breakdown NFC. Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website: mi.com/ru/service.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to PIN-code.
• 📝 Write your password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
• 🔄 Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 📱 Enable Smart Lock (in security settings) to unlock your phone in trusted locations (such as at home).
• 🔧 Turn it off. FRP-Protection if you do not plan to sell the device (in the developer settings).

It's also useful to set up the emergency information on the lock screen.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Emergency information.
2. Please provide an alternative phone number or email to contact.
3. Activate the option to Show information on the lock screen.

This will help you get your device back if you lose it, or unlock your smartphone through a trusted contact.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset