Why Xiaomi Phone is Locked and What to Do
A forgotten password, pattern lock or fingerprint that is no longer recognized is a problem faced by one in five Xiaomi smartphone owners. Especially often blocking occurs after a MIUI update, reset or prolonged device downtime. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, Redmi, POCO and Mi phones have a unique security system tied to a Mi Account, which makes unlocking difficult.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to remove a password from Xiaomi, from simple (through access restoration) to radical (full reset). Importantly, not all methods will save your data. For example, Hard Reset will delete all information from internal memory, and unlocking through Mi Account will require confirmation by SMS or email. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact a service center - especially if the Find Device feature is enabled on the phone.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery charge (at least 30% β when resetting the phone should not turn off).
- π‘ A stable Internet connection (for Mi Account or Mi Account methods) ADB).
- π Access to email/SMS, associated with the Mi Account (if used).
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
The safest way to do this is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or have access to the associated account). email/SMS).
- π More than 5 failed attempts to enter a password were not made on the device (otherwise the account will be blocked for 24 hours).
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap the Forgot Password button (or Forgot Password?).
- Choose the method of recovery: by SMS or by email.
- Enter the confirmation code received on the linked number or mail.
- Create a new password or pattern lock.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously untie your Mi Account from your phone (for example, before selling), this method will not work, and it is not available on custom firmware devices (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
π‘
If the βForgot Password?β button doesnβt appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or restarting your phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
Method 2: Reset password via Fastboot (without data loss)
This method is suitable for Xiaomi phones on the MIUI 12/13/14 It allows you to delete the password without resetting, but requires a computer and drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π Cable USB (original or high-quality).
- π οΈ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
- Connect your phone to your computer. In the terminal (or cmd), run the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Enter the command to delete the password: fastboot erase userdata Attention! This command will only delete the data from the security settings section, but will not affect photos or apps.
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
Install ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download drivers for Xiaomi|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Disable antivirus (can block commands)
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β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO F3) After this procedure, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account. If the bootloader is blocked, the method will not work - you will need an official unlock through the Xiaomi website (it will take 7-14 days).
Method 3: Hard Reset (complete reset)
Hard Reset is an extreme measure that removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only if other methods have failed.The method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro and Mi 11 Lite.
How to make a Hard Reset:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Power + Volume up + Volume down.
Mi
Recovery Mode
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Reboot
Reboot to System
β οΈ Warning: If the phone has enabled Find Device, Hard Reset will require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied, without which the phone will turn into a brick)!
What if your phone requires an old Mi Account after Hard Reset?
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Does it support unlocking through Mi Account? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Yes. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Food + Volume up | Yes (requires SMS confirmation) |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Food + Volume up | Yes (24-hour lockdown possible) |
| Redmi 9A/9C | Food + Volume up + Volume down | No (only Hard Reset) |
Method 4: Unlocking through ADB (for power users)
The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. That's rare, but if you've previously configured ADB (For example, for custom firmware installation, there is a chance to unlock the phone without losing data.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the terminal and check the connection: Adb devices If the device is not defined, install drivers or reconnect the cable.
- Enter the commands in turn: 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
β οΈ Note: This method only works on rooted devices or phones with unlocked Bootloader. On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) it may not work due to enhanced protection. MIUI 14.
π‘
ADB-Unlocking is the only way to save data if debugging is done USB It was pre-installed, otherwise it's useless.
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods work, you have to go to an authorized service center, and this is true for:
- π Phones with a blocked Mi Account (purchase confirmation required).
- π‘οΈ Devices with Find Device enabled (device search).
- π± Models with damaged firmware after a failed update.
What will be required:
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π¦ Phone box (it is indicated on it) IMEI).
- π Passport (for proof of identity).
The cost of unlocking official Xiaomi services varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock. In informal workshops, the price may be lower, but the risk of damaging the phone is higher.
π‘
Before visiting the service, check the warranty status on the Mi Verify website. If the warranty is valid, unlocking can be free.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove a password, users often make critical mistakes that can turn a phone into a brick.
- Interrupting the reset process: If your phone turns off during Hard Reset or Fastboot, for example, due to battery drain, it can damage system files. Always check the charge (>50%) and use the original cable.
- Using unofficial firmware: Installing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) without unlocking Bootloader results in a phone lock. Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all models released after 2018 - unlocking takes at least 7 days through the official website.
- Incorrectly entering ADB/Fastboot commands. A typo in the command (e.g., fastboot erase data instead of fastboot erase userdata) can erase the wrong partitions. Always copy commands from trusted sources.
β οΈ Warning: If you fail to unlock your phone (black screen, flashing red light), don't try to flash it yourself. 90% of the time, it causes the motherboard to fail completely".