The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have unique security mechanisms that make unlocking difficult. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to remove passwords, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using Fastboot and EDL.
Itβs important to understand that some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., Mi Account binding or USB debugging enabled), while others are only suitable for specific models, and weβll detail the risks of each method so you can choose the best option without losing data or turning your phone into a brick.
If you're looking for a universal solution, there's no one. The manufacturer makes it difficult to unlock to protect user data, but with the right instructions and patience, you can get back access to the device even without knowing the password.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account. It works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13, but requires two conditions:
- π± The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π The device previously had an authorized Mi Account, and you remember the login / password.
If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- Choose Restore through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
Once you have successfully logged in, the phone will be unlocked, but all data on the device will be erased, a security measure from Xiaomi. If backups have been enabled on the phone in Mi Cloud, you can restore contacts, photos and some settings after you log in.
β οΈ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work. In such cases, you need to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, contract).
2. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
Hard reset is a radical method that removes all data from your phone, including your password, and is suitable for cases where:
- π You donβt remember the data from your Mi Account.
- π΅ The phone is not connected to the Internet.
- π§ You donβt care about the data on the device (or itβs stored in advance).
The procedure varies depending on the model and firmware version, and below is a general guide for most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi 10, POCO F4, Mi 11):
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the Power Button + Volume combination upwards for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) item.
- Confirm the reset by choosing Confirm or Yes.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).
| Model phone | Combination for entering Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5 | Food + Volume up | Menu in English, support for sensory input. |
| Mi 10/11/12, Mi Mix 4 | Food + Volume up | Confirmation is required through Mi Account after reset. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up | Chinese menu Recovery, you need knowledge of hieroglyphics. |
| POCO F3/F4 GT | Food + Volume Down | Additional Fastboot option on the menu. |
β οΈ Warning: Phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (most Xiaomi flagships) may need authorization via Mi Account after a reset, even if you don't remember it.This is due to Factory Reset Protection feature (FRP).
Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Save important data (if you have access)|Check the button combination for your model|Prepare. SIM-re-activation card-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
Fastboot is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you previously unlocked it through the official Mi Unlock Tool, you can try resetting your password without losing data. For beginners, this method is not recommended - errors can lead to complete failure of the phone.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π₯ Firmware archive for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
- Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), this step requires a binding to the Mi Account and waiting 72β168 hours.
- Sweep persist.img from the firmware archive: fastboot flash persist persist.img
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
If done correctly, the phone will request settings as new, without the old password, after the reboot, but this method is guaranteed to work only on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro).
What if the fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Using EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL (or 9008) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to restore your phone even when you have a major crash. It works at the hardware level, so it can help you bypass your password.
- π You need an authorized Mi Account to download firmware.
- π οΈ You need skills with Mi Flash Tool and knowledge of the phone model.
- β οΈ The risk of turning your phone into a βbrickβ if you make a firmware error.
Instructions for Xiaomi on the Qualcomm processor:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
- Download the firmware for your model in.tgz format (choose the Fastboot version).
- Turn off the phone and turn it into EDL mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. If it doesn't work, open the back cover and close the EDL contacts (you need a tester or tweezers).
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
Once the firmware is EDL, the phone will be completely reset, including unlocking the bootloader (if it has been locked), a method often used in service centers to restore bricks.
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If you canβt find EDL contacts on the board, look for a diagram for your model on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums. For popular models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3), there are detailed photo instructions.
5 Password bypass via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If the phone has been pre-built with USB debugging (Settings β About Phone β MIUI β 7 times tap β Developers β USB debugging), you can try resetting your password through ADB without losing data. This method works on Android 9-13.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- π USB-cable (requiredly original!).
- π± Phone with debugging enabled and allowed access to this PC.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
- Check the connection: Adb devices If the device is displayed, continue.
- Delete the password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but the biometrics (Face ID) will have to be reconfigured, a method that doesnβt work on MIUI 14 with the latest security updates (since March 2023, Xiaomi has closed this loophole).
β οΈ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work. Don't try to turn it on after you lock it, it's impossible without entering your password.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of the above methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the only reliable option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- π Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account (after buying from hand).
- π± Model with Qualcomm chip and on FRP.
- π οΈ You need to save data on the device.
What will be required to unlock:
- π Documents confirming the purchase (check, contract, warranty card).
- π Passport of the owner.
- π³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).
The service center uses special equipment and official firmware to minimize risks, but the warranty on the phone will be canceled if unlocking requires a security breach (for example, on devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
The addresses of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before visiting, check by phone if they are engaged in unlocking passwords - some centers refuse this service due to risks.
π‘
The official service is the only legal way to unlock the phone from someone elseβs Mi Account without losing the warranty (if you have documents).