The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that almost every user has faced. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking requires a mandatory connection to iTunes, Xiaomi devices offer several alternative ways to restore access. However, not all methods are equally safe: some save data, others lead to a complete reset, and still others can even lock the phone permanently if you do the wrong thing.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via Mi Account and Find Device) to technical (Fastboot and Recovery mode). Particular attention will be paid to models with a MediaTek processor (Redmi Note 11, Poco M4 Pro, etc.), where standard methods often do not work due to a closed bootloader, and you will learn how to avoid re-locking and what to do if the phone requires the old password to be entered even after reset.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise the risk of "bricking" when resetting)
- π‘ Backup (if your phone is synced to Mi Cloud)
- π Access to the mail or phone number associated with the Mi Account
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure method that works on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, Poco, Black Shark) is if the phone is tied to a Mi Account. It is suitable even for devices with MIUI 14 and later, where data protection is enhanced.
Algorithm of action:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- Enter the username (email or phone) from the Mi Account associated with the device.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
- Create a new password or pattern lock.
π‘
If the button "Forgot your password?" does not appear, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer a recovery option.
β οΈ Note: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Cloud or changed firmware to custom, this method may not work.
| Conditions | Will the method work? | Is the data preserved? |
|---|---|---|
| Phone tied to Mi Account | β Yes. | β All the data remains. |
| Custom firmware device | β No. | β |
| Mi Account not confirmed (no SMS/email) | β No. | β |
| Phone in Lost Mode (Lost) | β οΈ Only after the lock is removed through Find Device | β Yes. |
2.Use Find Device (Remote Unlock)
Find Device (similar to Find iPhone) not only tracks Xiaomiβs location, but also unlocks it remotely, and works even if the phone is turned off (assuming itβs connected to the internet at least once in the past 24 hours).
Instructions:
- π Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- π Select a locked device in the list (if there are several of them).
- π Click Unlock Device (or Unlock Device).
- π± Confirm the action through SMS email.
What if the device is not displayed in Find Device?
β οΈ Warning: After remotely unlocking, the phone may require you to enter your Mi Account password when you first turn it on. If you don't remember it, use the recovery form.
3. Recovery Mode reset (no data loss works!)
If official methods fail, it is hard to reset through recovery mode, which deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages), but returns access to the phone, suitable for Xiaomi models on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of Power + Volume Up.
- Hold the Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears (then let go).
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
- After completion, select Reboot.
π Battery charge > 50%
π Created a backup copy of important data
π Cable's off. USB (if connected)
π± Device turned off before entering Recovery
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β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) After reset, you may be asked to enter an old password because of the function FRP (Factory Reset Protection: This will require authorization through the Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method for power users willing to work with ADB and Fastboot. allows you to bypass the lock without completely resetting on some models, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you will have to first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (the process takes up to 72 hours!).
Tools required:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux
- π USB-cable (original)
- π¦ Established ADB and Fastboot (download here)
- π Firmware file for your model (download only from the official website)
Unlock commands (enter in cmd or terminal):
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootπ‘
Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone, even if you don't do a full reset.This step is a must for working with Fastboot on most Xiaomi models.
β οΈ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (Redmi Note 11, Poco) M4 Pro 5G) Unlocking through Fastboot often leads to a βhard brickβ (complete loss of performance). SP Flash Tool with an authorized Xiaomi account.
5. Features of unlocking on MediaTek (MTK)
Xiaomi smartphones on MediaTek chips (Helio G88, Dimensity 700, etc.) require a separate approach due to the closed architecture of the bootloader. Standard methods (Fastboot, ADB) do not work here - you need specialized tools like the SP Flash Tool or MTK Bypass.
Algorithm for MediaTek:
- π§ Download. SP Flash Tool and firmware for your model (for example, for Redmi Note 11 β here).
- π Connect the phone to the PC (without battery if removable).
- π₯ V SP Flash Tool select scatter.txt file from firmware.
- π Press Download and wait for the process to be completed (the phone will turn on automatically).
β οΈ Attention: Firmware through SP Flash Tool without authorization (Auth File) will lead to an error SLA To avoid this, you will need an official Xiaomi account with service center rights or purchase authorization from trusted sellers (risk of fraud!).
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods do not work, you need to contact the official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way (from 3 to 10 days), the cost of unlocking varies from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock.
What will be required for the application:
- π Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- π Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
- π Mi Account data if the phone is linked to the account.
β οΈ Warning: Unofficial services often offer "unlock in 1 hour" at a low price:
- Installation of unlicensed firmware (loss of warranty).
- Theft of data from the phone (if the master copies the memory).
- "Overfitting" of the device (breakdown after incorrect firmware).
7.How to avoid re-blocking: safety tips
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these guidelines:
- π Use biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) as an additional way to unlock.
- π§ Link Mi Account to your current email and phone number (check that you have a phone number). SMS come).
- π Enable automatic synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) β Mi Account β Mi Cloud β Synchronization).
- π Write your password to a secure location (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
It's also useful to know:
- On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+, you can configure a backup PIN to unlock (Settings β Password and Security β Reserve Password).
- If you often forget passwords, install a Smart Lock β the phone will unlock automatically in trusted places (home, work).