How to remove a password from a Xiaomi smartphone: official and alternative methods

Forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter, and according to statistics from service centers, 18% of requests are related to unlocking devices after unsuccessful attempts to enter. PIN-The problem is compounded by the fact that modern Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi and use hardware encryption: after 5 wrong attempts, the system can block access for 24 hours or completely erase all files when reset via Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of password removal – from official (via Xiaomi account and Find Device) to technical (via Fastboot and ADB). Particular attention will be paid to the nuances: why some methods work only on older models (up to MIUI 12), how to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock and what to do if a smartphone requires confirmation after a reset, and you will find a unique table of compatibility methods with popular models from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We warn you right away that some of the methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., USB debugging enabled or a tied Mi Account). If you haven't done this beforehand, the choice of methods narrows to a hard reset, with the loss of all data, but even then we'll show you how to minimize the risks and restore access to files after unlocking.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔗 Mi Account was tied to device prior to lockdown.
• 📧 You remember the login (email or phone) and password from the account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (on some models - Forgot password).
2. Select the option to Sign in to Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or Mi Security.
4. Follow the system prompts to create a new lock password.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ After unlocking through Mi Account, you may need to verify your identity through a face scan or fingerprint (if you have previously configured them). PIN-code (which you probably forgot too) in which case, move to hard reset method.

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If you don't remember the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official account.xiaomi.com.Use a linked email or phone.Recovery via backup email takes up to 24 hours due to security checks.

2 Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

Hard Reset is a universal way to remove a password, but with complete loss of data.

• 🔄 You don’t remember the data from your Mi Account.
• 📵 Find Device is disabled on your smartphone (or it is not connected to the Internet).
• 🛠️ You don't have access to PC for methods ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13/14 series: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Reboot

After resetting, the smartphone will turn on as new, but:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ A Mi Account After Hard Reset Can Work FRP-The system will require you to enter the account data that was tied before the reset. If you do not remember them, you can unlock the smartphone only through the official Xiaomi service (with proof of ownership).

3. Unlocking through Find Device (remote reset)

If your Xiaomi has Find Device enabled, you can remotely reset your password via the web interface, which works even if your smartphone is turned off, but:

• 🌐 The device must be connected to the Internet (in the last 24 hours).
• 🔋 Battery level - at least 15%.
• 📍 Find Device must be activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the list of devices, select a locked smartphone.
3. Press Erase Device (Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the remote reset:

• ✅ The lock password will be deleted.
• ❌ All data (photos, messages, applications) will be erased.
• ⚠️ The next time you turn on, you may need to re-authorize to your Mi Account (but without it). FRP-Blocking if the account was tied before reset).

Make sure Find Device is enabled in the settings|Check the smartphone connection to the Internet|Battery charge of at least 20%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Save important data (it will be deleted)-->

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable if USB debugging was enabled on your smartphone in advance. This is rare, but if you have set up a device for development or custom firmware, chances are there. The method works on MIUI 11-14, but may not work on new models with enhanced protection (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, for stable connection).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), go further. If not, check the drivers or cable.
4. Enter the command to delete the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key For the pattern lock or: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key For PIN-code.
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ This method may not work because of the changed structure of the system files:

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

It runs a password change menu where you can sometimes set a new PIN without entering the old one.

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ADB-The method only works if the debugging USB It was turned on before the lock, and if you didn't activate it beforehand, it's useless -- go to Hard Reset or go to the service.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

The Fastboot method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. This is rare for ordinary users, but if you previously unlocked the bootloader (for example, for installing custom firmware), you can try to reset the password without losing data.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

ADB

fastboot devices

fastboot oem unlock

The new MIUI 13+ models will require a tied Mi Account.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

(file recovery.img You need to download for your model).

Recovery

fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ WARNING: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your smartphone into a brick.If you're not sure what you're doing, you better contact the service center. Also note that on devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader), this method will not work without official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

6.Official Unlocking Through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, you can contact a Xiaomi authorized service center, which is the only legal way to unlock your device without losing data if:

• 📄 You have a check or a box of IMEI (proof of property).
• 🔒 Smartphone locked after buying from hands and the previous owner did not untie Mi Account.
• 🛠️ You are not willing to risk data or “brick” your device.

How the procedure goes:

1. Find the nearest service center at mi.com/global/service.
2. Provide documents confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card, box with IMEI).
3. Pay for the service (cost - from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model).
4. Wait until unlocked (usually takes 1-3 days).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi service centers in Russia may refuse to unlock if the device was brought from abroad (for example, the global version of the Redmi Note 12 for Europe). In this case, only the use of informal methods (but with the risk of loss of warranty) will help).

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Before visiting the service center, take photos of IMEI (on the box or under the battery) and the serial number (in the About phone settings), which will speed up the process of verifying the property.

Unlocking methods comparison: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with pros, cons and conditions for each method:

If your model doesn’t support ADB or Fastboot, and the data on your smartphone is critical, try extracting it through TWRP.

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on twrp.me).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC in MTP mode via TWRP.
3. Copy files from internal memory to the computer.
4. Run Wipe Data to remove your password.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)