How to Unlock Your Xiaomi Phone: 7 Verified Ways (2026)

A forgotten password, a broken fingerprint sensor, or a child’s randomly installed pattern lock are situations where unlocking a Xiaomi phone becomes a critical task. The manufacturer has envisaged several official and informal methods for restoring access, but each has nuances, from data loss to the risk of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will examine all the current ways for models of 2018-2026, including Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship series 13/14.

It's important to understand that since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has tightened security policies — now unlocking through Fastboot requires authorization of Mi Account even on an unlocked bootloader — which means that "universal" methods like Recovery reset don't work on all devices, and we've tested each method on real devices and identified which firmware and models it's suitable for.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest way is if you have a Xiaomi account attached and confirmed, suitable for all models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Algorithm of action:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click “Forgot Password?” (or “Forgot Password?” on English firmware).
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 🔑 Confirm your identity through SMS-code.
• 📱 Create a new password or pattern lock.

If the “Forgot Password” button is not active:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge and wait for the notification of the connection to the network.
• 🌐 Switch to mobile internet if Wi-Fi is turned off.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes this activates the restore button.

⚠️ Note: If Mi Account is not confirmed (no linked number)/email), This method won't work. In that case, move on to the method. №2 or №3.

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If you don’t remember Mi Account details, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. Use backup email or answering check questions.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

It works on all models, but newer firmware (MIUI 14+) may require additional authorization.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by Confirm selection.
5. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Note: Devices with a locked bootloader may be asked to enter Mi Account data after resetting via Recovery. If the account is not tied or forgotten, the phone will turn into a brick».

Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)

Backup important files (if you have access)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare your Mi Account information (if required)-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method requires a computer and knowledge of ADB/Fastboot commands. Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if you are ready to unlock it (data loss is guaranteed). Works on all models, but new firmware (MIUI 14+) may require authorization of Mi Account even in Fastboot.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the section) №4).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Run the reset to factory settings: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you have a Mi Account request after the reboot:

• 🔄 Try to log in through a linked account.
• 🔧 If your account is forgotten, go to the method. №5 (EDL).

4. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked, most screen unlocking methods won't work. Xiaomi lets you officially unlock Bootloader, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new accounts. For older accounts (created before 2022), the wait can be shorter.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your phone to Mi Account in the settings: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging via USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and log in to the Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
4. Follow the instructions of the program. Once you send the request, the countdown will begin.

Important nuances:

• ⏳ New accounts (created after 2022) have a waiting time of 720 hours.
• 🔒 After unlocking all data will be erased.
• 📱 On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking can lead to a loss of warranty.

Up to 7 days |1-2 weeks |3-4 weeks |More than a month |Not ready to wait-->

5. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - extreme method

EDL mode allows you to flash your phone directly without locking, which is the most reliable way, but requires special equipment (EDL cable or testpoint) and risks building the device if you make a mistake. It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO X5 Pro.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 EDL cable or testpoint access (contacts on the motherboard).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (download at xiaomiflash.com).
• 🔧 Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Instructions:

1. Put your phone in EDL mode: Using the EDL cable (close contacts when connecting to USB) or through testpoint (requires disassembly of the phone).

Qualcomm

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL It can lead to total loss. IMEI or the communication module is inoperable. Use only official firmware for your model!

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EDL mode is the only way to get around Mi Account locking on new firmware (MIUI 14+), but requires technical skills and risks building a brick on the device.

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

If USB debugging is enabled on your phone and you have previously authorized your computer, you can delete the lock files via ADB. The method works without data loss, but is only suitable for prepared devices.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Check the connection: Adb devices
3. Delete the lock files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

In all other cases, the data will be deleted.