How to remove the lock password on Xiaomi: from simple ways to radical solutions

Why Xiaomi is blocking access and what to do

A forgotten password, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint that is no longer recognized, is a problem that almost every Xiaomi smartphone owner has encountered. The screen lock in MIUI works at the system level, and it is impossible to get around it without knowing the correct code through standard methods. But that does not mean that the phone has turned into a brick. There are several official and informal ways to unlock, and their choice depends on whether your Mi Account is tied, whether debugging is enabled on USB and whether you are ready to lose data.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from the simplest (sign in via Mi Account) to extreme measures like Fastboot reset or flashing. It’s important to understand that some methods require technical skills, while others can lead to the loss of all data on the device, including photos and messages, so before you start, assess the risks and prepare backups if possible.

If you're reading this article on a locked phone through another gadget, don't panic. 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved without going to the service center, and the key is to follow the instructions and not skip the steps.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi to do this, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is linked to your Mi Account (you have previously logged in).
• 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 The device does not include the function "Factory Reset Protection).

If these conditions are met, follow the following steps:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

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If the “Forgot Password?” button doesn’t appear, try entering any password 5 times in a row – the system can offer alternative ways to log in.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the password, the phone requires you to enter the old one PIN-code SIM-This means that the Mi Account was not the primary way to lock the card, in which case move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use Fastboot Mode (for advanced users)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you can try unlocking the phone via Fastboot.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but requires a computer and drivers installed.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot oem unlock

If the command is successful, the phone will unlock, but all data will be erased. If the FAILED error appears, then the device has flashing protection.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Download website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers | Download firmware for your model | Connect your phone in Fastboot | Disable antivirus (can block utilities) | Backup important data (if possible)

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⚠️ Note: Fastboot flashing voids the warranty if the device was officially purchased, and this method does not work on phones with a locked bootloader unless you unlocked it in advance through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If your Xiaomi previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Additional → For developers → USB debugging), you can try to remove the password through ADB without losing data.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line and enter:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reset, the password should be reset. If the commands don't work, try:

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

This will open a password change menu where you can set a new one.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of the increased security, and it's not suitable for encryption devices. FBE (File-Based Encryption, where data is linked to a password.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If no other method has worked, the radical way is to completely reset the device through Recovery Mode, which will erase all the data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the device.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select the language (if there is such a clause).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset (usually you need to enter Yes or press the power button).
6. After the reboot, the phone will look like new.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 8 pro POCO F1) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked. email/Password, the phone will remain locked!

Mi Account|Fastboot|ADB|Hard Reset|Turned to the service.|I haven't tried it yet.

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Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all the self-unblocking attempts fail, you just have to go to the official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 🔧 Guaranteed restoration of access.
• 📄 Preservation of warranty (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🛡️ Without risk of damaging the device.

How to prepare for your visit:

• 📇 Bring a check or a box from your phone (to confirm ownership).
• 📧 If you remember, write down an email from Mi Account – this will speed up the process.
• 💳 Check the cost of the service (on some models, unlocking is paid).

The average cost of unblocking in the service - from 1000 before 3000 depending on the model and complexity. on the new flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60) price may be higher.

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The official service is the only way to unlock a phone with Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled if you don’t remember the Mi Account data.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common problem is that the phone doesn't turn on after a bad firmware.

1. Try going to Fastboot and repeat the firmware.
2. If the screen is black, plug it into charging for 30 minutes, possibly the battery has run out.
3. For models with Qualcomm (e.g., POCO X3), you can try EDL Mode (emergency mode), but it requires special equipment.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Conclusion: which way to choose?

The choice of the unlock method depends on your situation:

• 🔑 Access to Mi Account is available? → Use the official password reset.
• 💻 Debugging is on. USB? → Try unlocking through ADB.
• 🔄 Ready to lose data? → Do Hard Reset or Firmware through Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Nothing helps? → Contact the service center.

Remember, on phones with MIUI 14 and later, some methods (such as deleting files via ADB) may not work due to enhanced security. If your model is released after 2022, the chances of unlocking without losing data are lower.

If you have successfully unlocked your phone, we recommend:

• Immediately back up important data.
• Write your password to a secure location (e.g. Google Password Manager).
• Enable Smart Lock (Settings → Screen Lock → Smart Lock) to automatically unlock in secure places (such as at home).