Introduction
Forgotten PIN-The code on Xiaomiβs smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike a pattern lock that you can try to find, a four-digit (or longer) digital code blocks access to the device completely. Manufacturer intentionally does not provide βloopsβ to bypass protection: this is part of the security policy MIUI, Protecting personal data in case of theft or loss of a phone.
Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the firmware version and the presence of a linked Mi Account, you can use one of 5 unlock methods. Importantly, some methods lead to a complete reset of data β without the ability to recover photos, messages or applications. So before you act, assess the risks.
This article presents 2026-relevant instructions based on the latest MIUI 14/15 updates, including FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypassing on new devices, all of which are tested on real smartphones and require no special skills.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π You remember the login and password from the account that was added to the device.
- π Find Device is activated in the settings.
If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
- Select the option to Unblock through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new one. PIN-code or disable the lock completely.
π‘
If the βForgot passwordβ button does not appear, try entering it. PIN-The code is incorrect 5 times in a row - the system itself will offer alternative unlock options.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After 3 failed attempts to enter a password from Mi Account, the system can block the ability to unlock for 24 hours, in which case only hardware methods remain (see sections 3 and 4).
What if you donβt receive an SMS with a confirmation code?
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If your Mi Account is not tied or you donβt remember the login details, the only officially supported way is a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps, but return access to the phone.
The manual is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for devices with a locked bootloader, for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra on Chinese firmware).
Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)
Make sure that the battery charge is > 30%
Prepare. SIM-card or Wi-Fi to set up after resetting
Save your phone's IMEI (written on the box or under the battery)
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Steps for discharge:
- Turn off the phone (if it's on, press the power button and select Turn off).
- Press the button combination: π Power button + Loudness up (for most models). π On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4) β Power button + Loudness down.
Mi
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Reboot
Reboot to System
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ After resetting through Recovery, protection may work FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, you will need to enter data from the previously associated Mi Account. If you do not remember them, go to section 4 (the method through Fastboot).
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Supports FRP? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Yes (MIUI 12+) |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Food + Volume up | Yes (on global firmware) |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 | Food + Volume up | Yeah (requires Mi Account) |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up | No (on older versions of MIUI) |
Redmi Note Series Series Series
POCO (any model)
Xiaomi (Flagship Series)
Redmi (budget series)
Another brand-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)
The method via Fastboot is suitable if:
- π§ You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- π The phone is determined in Fastboot mode (checked by the command of fastboot devices).
- π₯ You are ready to download the official firmware for your model.
This is more difficult than resetting through Recovery, but it allows you to bypass FRP on some models.Warning: wrong actions can turn the phone into a βbrickβ (inoperable device).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi).
- Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive with firmware and launch the script flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
- Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
β οΈ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After you have firmware through Fastboot, you may need to log in via Mi Account, even if you have reset your data, in which case you cannot unlock your phone without accessing your account.
π‘
Fastboot firmware deletes all data, but retains the ability to recover IMEI (unlike Recovery resets on some models).
4. Bypass PIN-code through service codes (limited support)
On older Xiaomi models (before 2019), there was a way to unlock through service codes, which is extremely rare today, but it is worth trying if other methods are not available.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, enter any PIN-code 5 times in a row until the message appears Repeat try in 30 seconds.
- Type the code on the keyboard: ##7378423## or ##3646633#####
- If the code works, you'll be taken to the service menu. Go to Security or Lock Screen and reset the PIN.
β οΈ Attention: MIUI 12 and later, these codes are locked, and entering them can lead to a complete locking of the phone, requiring you to enter a password from Mi Account.
If the service menu is open but the Security section is not available, try the alternative code:
##4636##It will open a testing menu where you can sometimes find the option to reset the lock.
5. use of third-party tools (at your own risk)
On the Internet you can find many programs that promise to unlock Xiaomi without losing data: Miracle Box, UFi Box, Octoplus, etc. These tools work through exploits in firmware and can:
- β Delete PIN-code-free.
- β Go around FRP on some models.
- β Install malware on your phone.
- β Damage the loader by making the device inoperable.
We do not recommend using such programs, but if you decide to follow the rules:
- Download software only from official sites (for example, UFi Box).
- Check your files for viruses through VirusTotal.
- Use only on models that have confirmed reviews of successful unlocking.
- Create a backup (if the phone reacts to the connection to the PC).
β οΈ Note: Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro and later) have protection against such tools. IMEI, What will make your phone unsuitable for calls.
List of models vulnerable to third-party tools (2026)
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of the methods worked, the last option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock without losing data, but it has nuances:
- π You will need to present a purchase document (check, warranty card) or a box from a phone with a serial number.
- π³ Service paid - the cost varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model.
- β³ Unblocking period β from 1 to 5 working days (depending on the load of the service).
- π In some cases, the wizard may refuse if the phone is linked to another Mi Account (e.g., when buying from hand).
How to find the official service:
- Go to the Xiaomi Service Locator website.
- Enter your city or enable geolocation.
- Select a center marked Authorized Service Partner.
- Before visiting, check by phone whether they are unlocking. PIN-Code (not all services provide this service).
β οΈ Warning: Informal service centers may offer a βbypassβ of locking through the firmware with the modified boot.img. This violates the Xiaomi license agreement and may result in a:
- Lose the warranty.
- Incorrect operation of sensors (cameras, GPS, NFC).
- Blocking your Mi Account for suspicious activity.