How to Unlock the Screen on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete 2026 Guide

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi 11? Phone locked after failed attempts to enter the pattern lock? Don't panic - in 90% of cases, the screen can be unlocked without losing data. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unblock on Xiaomi smartphones, including official methods through Mi Account, hidden features Fastboot, as well as emergency measures like hard reset.

It's important to understand that the choice of method depends on three factors: whether the phone is tied to a Mi Account, whether debugging is enabled over USB, and whether you are ready to lose data. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with the latest version of MIUI 15, some old vulnerabilities are already closed, so there are no universal solutions. We tested all methods on models from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra β€” the results are summarized in the table below.

If you have never set up a Mi Account or activated Find Device, the chances of unlocking without a data reset are reduced to 30%. But even then there are workarounds - for example, through ADB (if debugging was enabled) or special firmware for Fastboot. The main thing is not to try to pick up a password at random: after 5 failed attempts, Xiaomi can lock the device for 24-72 hours.

We warn you beforehand: methods like bypassing locks through the engineering menu (#4636##) on modern Xiaomi WON'T work - this is a myth from 2018. But we found 4 working ways for new models and 3 additional ones for older devices (up to MIUI 12).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Xiaomi is tied to a Mi Account, it is the fastest and safest way to unlock, and works even after resetting, because your account data is stored in the cloud, and it is important that your phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
  2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
  3. Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (the same as used in Mi Cloud).
  4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember Mi Account data, don’t try to restore access through third-party services. Xiaomi blocks accounts if you suspect a hack, and unlocking can take up to 30 days through support.

This method works on all models, including:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 14 / 13 / 12 Series (including Pro and Ultra)
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 12 / 11 / 10 and POCO F5 / X5
  • πŸ“± Mi 11 Lite, Redmi K50 older devices
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account?
Yeah, tied up and remembering the data.
Yeah, but I don't remember the password.
No, I never did.
I don't know, I need to check.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (remotely)

If your phone is connected to the Internet and you have access to the Mi Cloud, you can unlock it remotely through Find Device, which doesn't require a data reset, but only works with an active Internet connection.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select the Find Device tab (or Find the Device).
  3. On the map, find your Xiaomi and click Unlock.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If your phone has Mobile Data and Wi-Fi disabled, this method will not work, and Xiaomi may request additional confirmation via Google Account if the device has been added to Android Device Manager.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… No need for physical access to the phone
  • βœ… Stores all data (photos, messages, applications)
  • βœ… It works even when you're forgotten. PIN-code

πŸ’‘

If Find Device is disabled, turn it on in advance in the settings: Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Find the device. This will help in the future to unlock the phone remotely.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Mi Account is not tied or Find Device is disabled, you can try unlocking Xiaomi via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer, USB-Type C cable and basic knowledge of working with the device. ADB/Fastboot. Attention: on new models (MIUI 14+) This method may not work due to increased protection.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (not cheap charging!)
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site)
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi)

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device)
  3. Download the firmware for your model (for example, fastboot-rom for Redmi Note 11) and unpack it.
  4. In the firmware folder, find the file flash_all_lock.bat (for Windows and run it.

⚠️ Note: This method removes all data from the phone! also on some models (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4 GT) You may need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.

What if Fastboot doesn’t see the device?
1. Check the drivers (download the Mi Flash Tool for automatic installation). 2. Try another one USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi). 3. Reboot your computer and phone. 4. On Windows, disable driver signatures (in Test Mode mode).

4. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the phone has been pre-enabled debugging via USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times press to unlock the developer mode), you can delete the file with the password via ADB. This method saves all data, but only works with active debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd).
  3. Enter the commands in order: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

After the reboot, the phone unlocks, but you may need to reconfigure the pattern lock or PIN.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ This method works unstable, sometimes after deleting files, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account. USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work.

Make sure the debugging is done USB included|Download ADB and Fastboot Tools|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the connection with the adb device command|Backup of data (if possible)-->

5. Hard Reset (full reset)

If nothing works, the last resort is a hard reset, which deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages) but is guaranteed to unlock the phone, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi and POCO.

How to make a hard reset:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After a reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account if the phone was tied.

Comparison of unlocking methods:

MethodSaving data?Wants a PC?Does it work without a Mi Account?Difficulty
Mi Accountβœ… Yes.❌ No.❌ No.⭐
Find Deviceβœ… Yes.❌ No.❌ No.⭐
Fastboot❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐
ADBβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes (if debugging is on)⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hard Reset❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐

πŸ’‘

If the phone is locked after buying from hands, there is a high risk that it is tied to someone else’s Mi Account, in which case unlocking is possible only through official support Xiaomi (can take up to 30 days).

6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

    What will be required to unlock:

    • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed)
    • πŸ†” Passport of the owner (to confirm the purchase)
    • πŸ“± Phone box (with serial number)

    Cost and timing:

    • πŸ’° Unlocking Mi Account: 1,500–3,000 β‚½ (model-wise)
    • ⏳ Period: 3 to 30 days (if you need confirmation from the previous owner)

    ⚠️ Warning: Don't go to unofficial services that promise "instant unlocking"; often these "masters" use illegal firmware, which leads to the use of "instant unlocking" services:

    • 🚫 Poose. IMEI (phone doesn't catch the net)
    • πŸ”΄ Mi Account Block for Suspicious Activity
    • πŸ’₯ Breakdown of the loader (the phone turns into a β€œbrick")

    7.How to avoid blocking in the future

    To avoid having a locked screen problem, follow these tips:

    • πŸ” Link your phone to your Mi Account and enable Find Device.
    • πŸ“± Put the debugging on. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ press 7 times, then additionally β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
    • πŸ”„ Make regular backups via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
    • πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).

    If you often forget passwords, use biometric unlocking:

    • πŸ‘† Fingerprint (works even after rebooting)
    • πŸ‘€ Facial recognition (fast but less safe)

    πŸ’‘

    Set up Smart Lock in Android: It will automatically unlock your phone in safe places (like at home or work). β†’ Screen locking β†’ Smart Lock.

    FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

    πŸ”Ή Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
    Yes, if: The phone is tied to Mi Account and has Internet access, USB debugging enabled (ADB will help), Find Device in Mi Cloud, otherwise the data will be lost.
    πŸ”Ή Why Xiaomi Asks for Old Mi Account After Reset?
    This is Mi Account Lock, which is activated if: The phone was linked to the Mi Account. Hard reset. The device was not untied before the sale. Solution: contact the previous owner or service center with the purchase documents.
    πŸ”Ή Does unlocking work through the engineering menu (#4636##)?
    No, on modern Xiaomi (MIUI 12+), this method does not work. The engineering menu has no password reset features - this is a myth from the old instructions for Android 7-8. The only thing you can do using ##4636## is check network or battery information, but it will not help unlock the screen.
    πŸ”Ή How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your Mi Account password?
    Restor access via the official website: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot your password?. Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS. ⚠️ If the account was created long ago and was not used, Xiaomi can block the recovery for 7-30 days for security reasons.
    πŸ”Ή Can you unlock Xiaomi through Google Account?
    On new models (MIUI 13+) β€” no. There used to be a way through Google Find My Device (before MIUI 12), but now Xiaomi has blocked this option. Alternatively, if the phone synced with Google, you can reset contacts and some data through Google Account, but the screen itself will not unlock this.