How to Unlock Xiaomi Screen: From Mi Account to Hard Reset

A forgotten password or pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone can be a real headache – especially if the phone stores important data and there is no backup. Fortunately, there are several ways to unlock the device, and not all of them lead to loss of information. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking for Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including new devices from 2023-2026), and also explain how to avoid re-locking.

It is important to understand that unlock methods depend on the type of protection: it can be a problem. PIN-A code, a pattern lock, a fingerprint, or even a Mi Account (a Xiaomi account), some only work when you connect to the Internet, others require a computer. We'll start with the safest options that will save your data, and end up with radical measures like factory resets.

If you're reading this article on a locked phone with another device, don't panic. Most methods don't require special skills, and we'll describe all the tools you need (such as the Mi Unlock Tool or ADB) in detail, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached, it’s the most reliable way to get back access without losing data, even on newer models like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, but requires a stable Internet connection.

After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot the password?". Click on it and follow the algorithm:

• 🔗 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 📧 Postal or SMS A confirmation code will come in (sometimes a captcha is required).
• 🔓 Enter the code and create a new password to unlock.

If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or using mobile data. Some firmware (MIUI 14+) may require confirmation via a second device (for example, sending the code to a trusted phone).

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone without logging out, this method won't work.

2.Use Find Device (Remote Unlock)

The “Find Device” feature (similar to Google’s “Find Phone”) allows Xiaomi to be remotely unlocked if the device is connected to the Internet, which only works when you actively sync with Mi Account and enable geolocation.

Instructions:

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. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
4. Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.

After that, the phone unlocks, but you may need to restart, and if the "Unlock Device" option is inactive, you can:

• 🔌 The device is not connected to the Internet (check Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Find Device feature has been disabled in settings.
• 🕒 Less than 24 hours have passed since the last activity of the account (protection against hacking).

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If Find Device doesn’t see your phone, try turning on your modem via USB (if you have access to notifications) and connect to the internet via another device.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can remove the lock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge, no data loss, is suitable for models on the MIUI 12–14, but requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (download SDK Platform-Tools).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Go to the ADB folder and type: adb devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install drivers or enable USB Debugging through Restore Mode (see next section).
3. Delete the password file (for the pattern lock): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key Or for PIN/Password: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock will reset, but the application data and files will remain intact. If the command does not work, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ With the latest security updates, this method may not work due to enhanced protection.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Tools|Enable debugging on USB (if there is access)|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the definition of the device by the adb device command-->

4.Reset via Fastboot (without data loss on some models)

If ADB didn’t help or USB debugging is disabled, you can try unlocking your phone via Fastboot mode.This method doesn’t always save data, but on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro) allows you to bypass the lock without completely resetting.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection: fastboot devices
4. Enter the command to unlock the bootloader (Mi Account required): fastboot oem unlock If an error occurs, try: fastboot oem unlock-go
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

Newer models (MIUI 13/14) may require the device to be linked to an account via an official unlock tool, which takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's policy).

5. Hard Reset (full reset)

If all previous methods have failed, the last resort is factory reset, which removes all data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, so only use it if there are no alternatives.

How to make Hard Reset on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Wipe Data (or Factory Reset).
4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

On some models (POCO M5, Redmi A2+) the recovery menu may differ. If the Wipe Data option is blocked, then Mi Account protection is activated, in which case you will need to enter a username and password from your Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Warning: After Hard Reset, your phone may require you to confirm your old Google account (FRP-If you don’t remember the data, restore it through Google Account Recovery.

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Hard Reset is the last chance to unlock the phone, but it erases all data. If the device has backups enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can recover some of the information after the reset.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods didn't work, you can try lesser-known tricks, which don't work on all models, but sometimes they do in desperate situations.

Method 1: Unlocking with Emergency Call (for older MIUIs)

On MIUI 10-12 firmware, sometimes the emergency call screen is bypassed:

1. On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call".
2. Enter #4636## (test menu opens).
3. Return to the home screen via the Back button – sometimes this will unlock the phone.

On newer versions of MIUI, this bug is fixed, but on Redmi 8/9 or POCO X2, it can work.

Method 2: Use of third-party tools (at your own risk)

There are programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Dr.Fone that promise to unblock without losing data.

• 🛡️ Virus risk: Many 'crackers' contain malware.
• 💸 Paid Features: Free versions often don't work.
• 🔧 Unguaranteed result: On MIUI 14 Most tools are useless.

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If the phone is expensive (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or MIX Fold 3), and the data is critical, it is better to contact the official Xiaomi service.

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check or warranty card).
• 🔑 Data from Mi Account (if the phone is tied).
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having a locked phone problem again, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or Face Unlock) in addition to the PIN-code.
• 📱 Set up Smart Lock in Settings → Screen locking → Smart Lock to unlock your phone in secure places (such as at home).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 📧 Link Mi Account and Google Account to make it easier to restore access.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., a password manager).

It is also necessary to disable the automatic lock. SIM-cards if you often forget PUK-To do this, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM-Cards and deactivate the Block option PIN-code.

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Even if you use a pattern lock, set a backup PIN-This will help unlock the phone through Mi Account if the primary method fails.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi