How to remove the lock password on Xiaomi: from Mi Account to Hard Reset

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking without an Apple ID is almost impossible, devices on MIUI offer several official and informal ways to bypass protection. However, not all methods are safe: some lead to data loss, others require technical skills, and still others can lock the phone permanently if you act at random.

In this article, we will discuss 6 working ways to remove passwords, from simple (via Mi Account) to complex (unlock the bootloader and firmware via Fastboot). Particular attention will be paid to models with a MediaTek chip (for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), where standard methods often do not work due to hardware limitations, and you will learn how to avoid complete data loss and what to do if the phone requires confirmation after a reset.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most legal and safe method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.
• ⚙️ Synchronization is enabled in the settings (usually activated by default).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance through SMS-code-letter.
4. Create a new lock password.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi may also request additional verification (for example, a tied number for the phone). SMS), If the account has not been used for a long time.

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If the button "Forgot your password?" does not appear, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer alternative unlock options.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

Hard Reset is a radical method that removes all data from the device, including the password.

• 🔒 You don’t remember the data from your Mi Account.
• 📵 The phone is not connected to the internet.
• 📱 There are no important files on your device (or they are stored in the cloud).

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After resetting, restart the device (Reboot).

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure there are no important unsaved data on the device

Prepare data from Mi Account (required after reset)

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⚠️ Note: Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied after reset. If you don't remember them, the phone will turn into a brick».

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The method works if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. MIUI 12–14.

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (cmd) 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 reboot, the password will be reset. If the su command does not work, you need to obtain root rights.

4. Fastboot bypass (for models with unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash the device through the Fastboot by deleting the password files, a method that is suitable for the Redmi Note 8/9, POCO F1/F3 and other models with a Qualcomm chip.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all_except_storage.bat.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. Connect to the PC and launch the file flash_all_except_storage.bat.

⚠️ Note: On models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10A) This method can result in permanent locking due to protection. SLA (Check compatibility before firmware!

Mi Account|Hard Reset|ADB|Fastboot|I've been to the service.|I haven't tried it yet.-->

5. Use of service codes (for older models)

On devices up to MIUI 10 (e.g., Redmi 4X, Mi A1), password reset service codes sometimes work:

• 📞 Enter the dial number: ##7780### - reset settings (retained data).
• 📞 Or: *2767*3855# — full reset (remove everything).

⚠️ Note: These codes do not work on new models and may cause Network unlock error. MIUI 11+!

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, the official service remains. Xiaomi can unlock the device if you have:

• 📄 Check or guarantee card (proof of possession).
• 🆔 Passport holder.
• 📧 Access to email linked to Mi Account.

Cost: from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles (depending on model and region), in some cases, the service may refuse if the device is listed on a blacklist (for example, after theft).

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The official service is the only legal way to unlock for models with a MediaTek chip (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M3), where software methods are often blocked at the hardware level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi