How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi's smartphone is a frustrating but fixable situation. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO and Mi offer several official unlocking methods that don't require a service center. But it's important to understand that not all methods are safe for your data. Some lead to a complete reset, others can lock the device permanently if used incorrectly.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to remove your password on Xiaomi, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to the most radical (unlock via Fastboot or flash). Each method is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, risk warnings and tips on how to minimize data loss. If you’re looking for a way to get around the lock without losing photos and contacts, look at the first three sections. If you’re willing to donate data to access your phone, explore the options with hard reset.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30%, otherwise the phone may turn off during the unlocking process).
• 📶 Backup data (if your phone has previously synced to Mi Cloud or Google Account).
• 📱 Model of your device (methods for Xiaomi Mi 11 may not be suitable for Redmi Note 8 Pro).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📧 The phone was linked to your Mi Account (you were previously logged in).
• 🌐 The device has access to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times in a row. the message will appear: "Forgot your password?".
2. Click on the Forgot Password button? → Select Unblock via Mi Account.
3. Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Mi Account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Set a new password or pattern lock.

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If you do not have access to the email or phone number associated with Mi Account, restore them through the official account.xiaomi.com website before unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work. In this case, you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).

2. Reset password via Find Device (if enabled)

Find Device (similar to Google’s Find Phone) allows you to remotely unlock Xiaomi if it was activated before locking, see if this method works for you:

• 🔍 Find Device must be enabled in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 📡 The phone must be connected to the internet.
• 🔋 The device must be turned on (not discharged).

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. In the menu, select a locked phone → click Delete data.
4. Confirm action. The phone will be reset to factory settings, and the password will be deleted.

Important: This method erases all data from the phone, including photos, messages and installed applications. If the device was enabled sync with Mi Cloud, some data (contacts, notes) can be restored after unlocking.

3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If previous methods failed, it is hard to reset through Recovery Mode, which deletes all data but guarantees password removal, and is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 10/11/12.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (until 2019): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|Download a backup of your data (if you have access to the Mi Cloud)|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card|Check the button combination for your model

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⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO F3) After hard reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was linked to the phone. If you do not remember them, the device will remain locked!

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for your model.
• 🛠️ You are prepared for possible risks (e.g., “bricking” your phone).

This is more complicated than the previous ones, but it allows you to bypass the Mi Account lock after the reset.

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 📎 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔗 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Miui Download website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder on the computer.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
4. Connect the phone to the computer.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (10-15 minutes).

Yeah, I did.|Yes, but with the help of a specialist.|No, but I want to learn.|No, and no planning.-->

Warning: Incorrect firmware can cause the loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module. If you are not sure of your skills, contact the service center.

5. Password bypassing through ADB (only for older versions of MIUI)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method worked on MIUI versions up to 12. For new firmware (MIUI 13/14) it is blocked for security reasons. If your Xiaomi is running on the older version, try:

Conditions:

• 🔌 The phone was on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode).
• 💻 You have a computer with installed ADB-driver.

Instructions:

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

Once you reboot, the password will be reset, and if the commands don't work, your version of MIUI is protected against this method.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, there is an official service, this is true in cases where:

• 🔒 Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account (hand-held purchase).
• 📱 The device is locked after a failed firmware.
• 🚫 The message appears on the screen: “This device is locked).

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (proof of possession).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 💰 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).

Addresses of Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service/center. Average unblocking time — 1–3 day-day.

7. Alternative methods (with caution!)

On the Internet you can find “miracle ways” of unlocking through:

• 🔄 Calling a locked phone (not working on the phone) MIUI post-2018).
• 📱 Safe Mode (removes only third-party apps, does not remove passwords).
• 💻 Special programs (such as Dr.Fone or iMyFone) often require payment and do not guarantee the result).

⚠️ Warning: Most of the "hacks" from YouTube or forums are either outdated or are a scam:

• 🕵️ Personal data leakage (programs may contain viruses).
• 💸 Loss of money (payments for “unblocking” without result).
• 🔧 Phone damage (incorrect commands can knock out communication modules).

If you do decide to experiment, use only official tools from Xiaomi (Mi Unlock Tool, Mi Flash) and follow the instructions from proven sources (for example, the c.mi.com forum).

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

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The most secure methods are through Mi Account and Find Device, methods using Fastboot or ADB require experience and carry risks to the device.

Frequently asked questions