How to Unlock Your Screen on Xiaomi If You Forgot Your Password: Full Guide 2026

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, Redmi, POCO or Mi devices offer several alternative solutions. The main thing is not to panic or try to enter combinations at random: after 5-10 failed attempts, the system can lock the phone for 24 hours or completely erase all data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of unlocking the screen, from the simplest (using a Mi Account) to radical (reset via Fastboot or Recovery). Each method is illustrated with step-by-step instructions and accompanied by warnings about possible risks. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the phone model, the MIUI version and the presence of a tied account. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, one algorithm will run, and on Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 – another.

Before you start, answer the key question: Is your phone tied to your Mi Account? If so, the chances of successfully unlocking without losing data are 90%. If not, you will have to sacrifice files or contact a service center. Also check if the device is enabled with Find Device, which will simplify the process.

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi smartphone is tied to your Mi Account?
Yeah, tied up and remembering the data.
Yeah, but I don't remember the password from the account.
No, not tied.
I don't know, I haven't.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi is tied to your Mi Account and you remember your username and password, this method is guaranteed to work on 99% of devices (except models with a MediaTek chip and custom firmware), the algorithm works even after a hard reset, since the account data is stored on Xiaomi servers.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± On the locked screen, tap "Forgot Password?" (or Forgot Password) on some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) This option only appears after 5 failed attempts to enter.
  • πŸ”‘ Enter the email or phone number associated with Mi Account. If you don't remember, try to restore access through the official website.
  • πŸ“§ The email or phone will receive the confirmation code, enter it in the appropriate field.
  • πŸ”“ Create a new password or pattern lock. The phone unlocks automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the system requests the old password after entering the code, it means that two-factor authentication is enabled on the device. In this case, unlocking through Mi Account is impossible without resetting.

πŸ’‘

If you've previously synced your contacts with Mi Account, they'll be automatically restored once you unlock them, and photos and messages, unfortunately, don't, and you'll have to restore them from backup.

2.Use the β€œFind Device” function (Find Device)

Find Device (similar to Find iPhone) not only tracks the location of the smartphone, but also unlocks it remotely.

  • πŸ“ Device connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery level above 10%.
  • πŸ”’ Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as on the locked device.
  3. In the list of devices, select your smartphone. If you don't have one, update the page or check your Internet connection.
  4. Click on β€œUnlock Device” (Unlock Device).
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Warning: Once remotely unlocked, all data on your phone will be erased, and this method is only suitable if you have a backup or important files synced to the cloud.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?
If the device is not displayed on i.mi.com, check: - Is the Internet on the phone (even if the screen is blocked, mobile data can work). - Is the function disabled in the settings (sometimes "optimizers" do this to save battery). - Has the password from Mi Account changed after the last synchronization.

3. Recovery Mode reset (without data loss on some models)

Recovery mode is a built-in recovery menu that allows you to reset your phone to factory settings. On most Xiaomi devices, this method results in complete data loss, but on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro) there is a Wipe Lock option that resets only the password, saving files.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Click the combination: - For most models: Volume up + Power. - For POCO F1/F2: Volume down + Power. - For Xiaomi Mi 11 and newer: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
  3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.

The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

Type RecoveryInstructionsData loss?
Stock (Chinese)Choose Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All DataYes.
Global (MIUI Global)Choose Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe All DataYes.
TWRP (castomic)Select Advanced β†’ File Manager, delete /data/system/gesture.key or password.key filesNo.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Factory Reset Protection function included (FRP) After resetting via Recovery, the phone will require input from the Mi Account, which was previously tied, without them, you will not be able to use the smartphone.

Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%|Download the drivers. ADB for your model|Prepare a backup (if the phone is previously unlocked)|Have your Mi Account information on hand (if enabled) FRP)-->

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode allows you to interact with your phone via a computer using ADB and Fastboot commands. This method is suitable for devices that have FRP protection turned off (or you know the data from Mi Account). For models with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (for example, Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5 Pro), the chances of success are higher than for MediaTek chips.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ“¦ Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked loader (on some models).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power Hold the buttons 5-10 seconds until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.
  2. Connect the phone to the computer.
  3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
  4. For password reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the fastboot erase frp command may not work due to enhanced protection. EDL-The mode that is risky for beginners.

πŸ’‘

If the phone is restarted after commands in Fastboot, but the password remains, then the device is enabled with hardware protection (eFuse), in which case only the official service will help.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (guarantee case)

If all previous methods have failed, the last option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ“± Devices with damaged screen (no password interface visible).
  • πŸ”’ Phones on. FRP Lost data from Mi Account.
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware-locked models (e.g. Xiaomi Black Shark or enterprise devices).

What to bring with you:

  • πŸ“„ Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
  • πŸ†” Passport (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ”‹ Charger (the service may ask to leave the phone for several hours).

The cost of unlocking varies from 500 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock. On devices with MIUI 14+ and MediaTek chip (for example, Redmi Note 12), the price can be higher due to the complexity of the procedure.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often offer β€œunlock in 10 minutes” via firmware in the Internet. EDL-It's dangerous: wrong actions can be permanently blocked. IMEI, Make your phone a brick. Only go to centers with a Xiaomi license.

6. Alternative methods (with limited effectiveness)

If standard methods do not help, you can try less reliable, but sometimes working options:

Method 1: Calling a locked phone

  • πŸ“ž From another phone, call the blocked Xiaomi.
  • πŸ“ž Take the call, then quickly go to Settings. β†’ Lock the screen and change the password.
  • ❌ Minus: On MIUI 12+ This method does not work due to security limitations.

Method 2: Use of emergency call mode

  • 🚨 On the lock screen, tap "Emergency Call" (Emergency Call).
  • πŸ”’ Enter the combination ##4636## (test menu).
  • πŸ”§ Try using the developer menu to disable the lock.
  • ❌ Cons: It only works on older versions. MIUI (till 10th).

Method 3: Connecting a mouse via OTG

  • πŸ–±οΈ Connect. USB-mouse to phone OTG-adapter.
  • πŸ” With the cursor, try to bypass the lock through interface vulnerabilities.
  • ❌ Minus: On MIUI 13/14 all such loopholes are closed.

These methods are cited for reference, but their effectiveness tends to zero on modern devices.Don't waste time if your XiaomiReleased is after 2020.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The phone is tied to Mi Account, and you remember the login details. Custom Recovery is installed (like TWRP) on the device, FRP is disabled (which is unlikely on MIUI 12+).
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restor access via the official website: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click on β€œForgot your password?” Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS. If you do not have access to your email/phone, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (cheques, IMEI).
Why does the phone ask for an old password after reset via Fastboot?
This means that the device has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled to get around it: Enter the Mi Account that was tied to the phone. If you don't remember, contact the service center with documents on the phone. Self-deletion of FRP on new models (MIUI 13+) can lead to blocking IMEI.
Can I unlock Xiaomi with a PC without Fastboot?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging over USB (USB Debugging) and it was previously connected to this PC, in this case you can use the ADB utility: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key If debugging is disabled, this method will not work.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
Cost depends on the model and the reason for the lock: Type of lock (β‚½) Forgotten password (no time) FRP) 500–1500 1-2 hours FRP-lock (with data from Mi Account) 1000–2000 1 day FRP-lock (without data from Mi Account) 2000–5000 2–3 days Hardware lock (eFuse) 3000–10000 3–7 days Prices are relevant for Moscow and St. Petersburg%.