How to unblock from Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

When Xiaomi refuses to let the owner to the desktop, it can occur at the most inopportune moment: often users forget the complex pattern lock installed to protect personal data, or the device is blocked after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password.

There are several proven ways to restore access to the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, the choice of method depends on the type of security installed and whether you have access to the Internet or a computer, and below we will discuss in detail the algorithms for various lock scenarios.

It is worth noting that most methods of removing restrictions involve a complete cleanup of internal memory, so if you have important information that you need to save, you should first try to remember the access code or use cloud services for backup, if this is technically possible.

Types of locks in the Xiaomi ecosystem

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly identify the type of problem that has arisen. Xiaomi security system offers several layers of protection, and they should not be confused, since the methods of circumvention are radically different.

The most common is local screen locking. It can be digital. PIN-If you forget this particular data, the system will suggest re-entering it or using an alternative method if it was configured in advance, if you have forgotten it.

A more serious obstacle is blocking the Mi Account, which is activated if the device has enabled the "Find Device" function. Once the settings are reset, the phone will require you to enter a username and password from an account that was previously synchronized with the device, which is anti-theft protection, and it is extremely difficult to get around it without the owner's data.

• 🔒 Local screen protection (pattern lock, password, biometrics).
• 🌐 Blocking Mi Account (requires Internet and account data).
• 📡 Lockdown SIM-map (PUK-operator).
• 🏢 Corporate lockdown (MDM-profiles).

The Bootloader lock is particularly noteworthy, preventing users from installing custom firmware or obtaining root rights, but rarely hindering normal phone use, but if the device was bought from hand and has an account on it, it can be a problem.

Resetting settings via Recovery Mode

The most versatile way to unlock the screen if you forget your password is to reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which is available even if the touch screen is partially broken, since the control is carried out by the volume buttons.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. The interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI: in some cases it supports touch control, in others it is navigation is carried out by volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

Once you select the Wipe Data and confirm Wipe All Data, the cleanup process will begin, which will delete all photos, contacts and apps stored in the device's internal memory, and when it's done, the phone will reboot and the screen lock will be removed as the device returns to the "out of the box" state.

💡

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the characters corresponding to the Wipe Data (second menu) and Confirm (lower right corner).

Newer versions of HyperOS firmware and fresh MIUIs may require a Wi-Fi connection and a password from a previously used Google account or Mi Account, a measure of protection against theft known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Using the Mi Cloud service for remote unlocking

If the Internet was turned on on on the locked smartphone and synced with the Mi Cloud was activated, the owner has a unique ability to unlock the device remotely, this method allows not only to find the phone, but also to erase data or change the password of the lock screen.

To do this, go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device (computer or tablet). log in to your account using the same credentials as on the locked phone. In the service interface, select the "Find Device" section.

Once you have selected Lock, you can set a new password. Once the locked phone is logged in, it will receive a command and require you to enter a new code. By entering it, you will gain access to the system. If access to the data is not critical, it is easier to use the Clearing function, which will delete the old password along with all the files.

Unlocking through ADB and Fastboot

For advanced users who previously included debugging USB (USB Debugging) is on the developer menu, and you can unlock it through your computer, USB-cable and installed set of tools ADB and Fastboot.

Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB tool folder. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If the device is determined, you can try to delete the file that stores the access keys. However, on modern versions of Android this rarely works due to the increased security.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key

The more effective method of unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool is to switch the phone to Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume button down). The program on the PC checks the status of the device. If the bootloader is already unlocked, the reset will be successful. If not, you will have to wait 7 or 30 days after the account is attached, according to the company policy.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool will result in the complete removal of all data from the device for security purposes.

Unlocking the Mi Account (Find Device)

The hardest thing is when the phone asks for a password from Mi Account after a reset and you don't remember it, and it's a theft protection, and you can't get around it, and the official way is to restore access through the form on id.mi.com.

If you have access to a linked phone number or email, the recovery process will take a few minutes, the system will send out a confirmation code, after which you can set a new password, enter new data into the locked phone, and it will unlock.

If you lose contact information, you will need to contact Xiaomi Support, and you will need to provide proof of ownership of the device.

• 📄 Original check or invoice from the store.
• 📦 Box from the device with IMAI-code (must match the phone).
• 🆔 Identity document.

💡

Without the original check or box, official unlocking of the Mi Account is virtually impossible, as it is a security hole for stolen devices.

There are paid services to unblock Mi Account, but they are often temporary or require flashing the device at the risk of turning it into a brick.

Unlocking from the operator

Sometimes users are confronted with a message "SIM-The card is blocked or required to enter PUK-This is not locking the Xiaomi phone itself, it's protecting it. SIM-The card operator after several incorrect inputs PIN-code.

To solve the problem, you need to find PUK-It's on the plastic card that came with the SIM card, or in the operator's personal account on the website. PUK-Be careful after 10 failed attempts to enter PUK-code SIM-The card is permanently blocked and will have to be replaced.

If the phone is locked to a specific operator (for example, it says "Locked to Orange" or "SIM Network Unlock PIN"), This means that the device was sold with a contract, and to remove such a lock, you need a special network unlock code that you can get from the operator or purchase from specialized services by providing them with a special network unlock code. IMEI-code.

⚠️ Note: Never enter random codes PUK. It is better to contact the operator’s communication salon with a passport, so as not to destroy the SIM card completely.

Prevention of blocking and safety advice

To avoid such situations in the future, it is recommended to follow several rules of digital hygiene: regularly check if you remember your passwords, and update backups of data.

Configure alternative ways of logging in, for example, if you use a pattern lock, make sure to add a fingerprint or adjust the face unlock, which will allow you to access the device even if the memory fails.

It's also important to link your Mi and Google account to your current phone number and email, which you always have access to. Write down the recovery codes to a secure location, separate from your phone.