A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking requires contacting a service center, Android devices (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) offer several ways to reset protection. However, not all methods are equally safe: some lead to data loss, others require confirmation of a Mi Account account, and others work only when debugging is enabled over USB.
In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to remove a password on Xiaomi in 2026 β from official (via Find Device) to technical (using fastboot and ADB). Particular attention will be paid to the nuances: what to do if you forget the username from Mi Account, how to bypass the lock after reset, and why some methods stopped working on the new firmware MIUI 14/15. For each method, we will give step-by-step instructions taking into account the models of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other popular devices.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your computer. PIN-code, but remember email and profile password. Important: the method is only available when you connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
Algorithm of action:
- π± On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- π Select Restore via Mi Account and enter email/phone-bound.
- π§ A letter will be sent to the specified address with a confirmation code (or SMS, if the number is attached).
- π Enter the code on your phone and set a new password.
β οΈ Note: If the device is enabled with the function Data Protection Mi Cloud (meeted on the device) MIUI 13+), After resetting the password, you may need to enter the old PIN-In this case, you can't do without a factory reset.
2. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If Mi Account is lost, the radical method is a complete reset via Recovery mode, which will delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and applications. New models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5) may require authorization to the previously associated Mi Account (FRP protection) after reset.
Instructions for discharge:
- Turn off the phone by pressing the power button.
- Press the combination Volume up + Nutrition (on some models β Volume down + Nutrition).
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Is a Mi Account Required After a Reset? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Volume up + Nutrition | Yes (if tied up) |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Loudness down + Nutrition | Yes. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Volume up + Nutrition | Yes (on MIUI 14+) |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Volume up + Nutrition | No (on old firmware) |
β οΈ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (e.g, POCO F3) After the reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear, which means that you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool - the process takes up to 72 hours of waiting.
Backup of important data (if available)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Make sure you remember the username/password from Mi Account (if it was linked)
Prepare. SIM-resetting card-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging and unlocked bootloader Unlocked Otherwise, you will need to pre-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to a few hours. 3 It works on most models, but requires a PC and drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Enter the command to reset protection: fastboot erase frp fastboot erase userdata
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
β Pros of the method: does not require a password from Mi Account, works even if the pattern lock is forgotten.
β Cons: deletes all data, requires an unlocked bootloader, on new firmware may not work due to enhanced protection.
What if the fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Use of the Find Device service (remote unlock)
If the phone is enabled with location services and is connected to the Internet, you can try remote unlocking via Xiaomi's Find Device web service, which only works if the device is tied to a Mi Account and has Find Device enabled.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
- Click Delete Data β Erase the device.
- Confirm the action with a code from SMS/email.
β οΈ Note: After cleaning the phones with a remote MIUI 14+ There may be a blockage. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: To remove it, you will need to enter data from the previously linked Mi Account.
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If the phone requires an old password after a remote reset, try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network it was connected to before locking, sometimes bypassing FRP checks.
Password bypass through Safe Mode (Security Mode)
A little-known method that works on some Xiaomi models (mostly on older firmware) MIUI 10-12). The method is to boot the phone in safe mode, where third-party applications, including screen locking, are disabled. PIN-code installed through third-party launchers.
How to turn on Safe Mode:
- On the phone turned off, press the power button.
- When the Xiaomi logo appears, pinch and hold Volume down until the system boots up.
- In the lower right corner, a Safe Mode notification should appear.
- Go to Settings β Applications β All apps and uninstall/disable the screen lock app (e.g. Screen Lock).
- Restart your phone in normal mode.
On models with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi 9A), this method can cause a system failure.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove a password, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- π Phone doesn't turn on after reset: The battery may have gone down. Connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
- π΅ Sensor fails after Hard Reset: This is a known bug on some POCO. The solution is to flash your phone through Fastboot.
- π After reset, the old password is required: So, protection is enabled FRP. You need to enter data from the Mi Account that was linked.
- π₯οΈ Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Check drivers or try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
β οΈ Note: If you buy Xiaomi with your hands and the seller has not untie his Mi Account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone without its data. β Mi Account β Devices.
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On the new MIUI 15 firmware (2026), most password-bypassing methods cannot be used without confirmation via Mi Account, the only reliable option is official unlock through the service center.