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

Forgot the password from Xiaomi smartphone and do not know how to return access to the device? This situation is familiar to many: you put a complex pattern lock or PIN-The code is for security, and after a couple of months you just can't remember it, POCO Mi is possible even without data loss – if you do the right thing.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to unblock Xiaomi phones (including models from 2023-2026), from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions through Fastboot and Recovery.

Important: the methods vary in complexity and consequences. For example, a Recovery reset will delete all data, and Find Device unlocking can only work when the Internet is active. We will explain in detail the pros and cons of each option so that you choose the best one for your situation.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi phone is you?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Mi 11/12/13
Redmi 10/9
Another model

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:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from your Mi Account (or you can restore them).
  • πŸ”„ Find Device has been activated in the settings.

To unlock the phone:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from another device.
  2. Sign in under your account.
  3. Select the Find Device tab (Find the device).
  4. On the map, find your locked phone and press Unlock.
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has an internet connection, this will not work, and Xiaomi may also request proof of identity (such as a linked phone number) to protect against hacking.

πŸ’‘

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it via email or SMS. To do this, click on the login page Forgot the password? and follow the instructions.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If Mi Account is not tied or the internet is off, you can try resetting your password through Recovery Mode, which does not delete user data, but it does not work on all Xiaomi models (especially the new ones with MIUI 14+).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe All Data (on some Reset Lock Screen models).
  6. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once you restart, the phone will suggest you enter a new password, and if you don't have a Reset Lock Screen, then your model doesn't support this method, and you'll have to use Fastboot or a full reset.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the Recovery menu is displayed in Chinese, look for characters (clean data) or (reset).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
  • πŸ“₯ You can download the official firmware for your model.
  • ⚑ The phone is determined in Fastboot Mode (checked by the team of fastboot devices).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type: fastboot oem unlock Note: New models may require unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
  5. After unlocking, run the phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: This method deletes all data on the phone and requires unlocking the bootloader, which can void the warranty (POCO F5, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) After firmware may require authorization in Mi Account.

Download the firmware for your model|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Allow debugging by USB developer-setting|Backup of important data (if possible)-->

4. Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If other methods fail, the last resort is a full reset via Recovery, which removes:

  • πŸ“Έ All photos, videos and documents.
  • πŸ“± Installed applications and their data.
  • πŸ”‘ Wi-Fi passwords, accounts and settings.

How to make a Hard Reset:

  1. Enter Recovery Mode (see Section 2).
  2. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  4. Reboot your phone (Reboot System Now)

After the reset, the phone will be like a new one – you will need to reconfigure MIUI, log into your Google and Mi Account. If Find My Device was enabled before the lock, the system can request confirmation of your Xiaomi account after the reset.

πŸ’‘

Before Hard Reset, you must remove it. SIM-If you have a card and a memory card, it will save them from random formatting.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If you have not tried it yourself, please contact the official Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ” Phone requires Mi Account confirmation after reset, but you don't remember account details.

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Passport or other identity document.
  • πŸ›’ Check of purchase or box from the phone (preferably).
  • πŸ’³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles).

Xiaomi service centers can unlock the phone even without a data reset, as long as they have access to the company's internal tools.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Couldn't verify device in FastbootDrivers not installed or phone not recognizedInstall Mi PC Suite or drivers manually through Device Manager
After reset, requires an old passwordThe phone has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection enabled.Log in to the Google account that was linked before the reset
This device is locked in Fastbootbootloader lockedUnblock the bootloader through the official website (can take up to 72 hours)
The sensor is not working in Recovery.Screen or firmware damagedUse volume and power buttons for navigation

⚠️ Note: If the phone gives an error This device is bound to a Mi Account after a reset, it means that the device is tied to a Xiaomi account. Without the data from this account, you can not unlock the phone - you will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

7. How to protect your phone from locking in the future

To avoid having to deal with a forgotten password, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
  • πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., Google Password Manager or KeePass password manager).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up your data through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“± Link your phone to your Mi Account and enable Find Device.

Critical: If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check if the phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account and make sure you can log out without a password. Otherwise, after reset, the phone will require the data of the previous owner!

πŸ’‘

Enable Smart Lock in your security settings, which will allow you to automatically unlock your phone in trusted places (such as at home or work) without entering a password.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from Mi Account (unlocking through Find Device). πŸ“± The phone's debugging on. USB, and you can use it ADB (power-user). πŸ”§ Recovery menu includes the option of Reset Lock Screen (not working on all models.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. To unlock your phone: Enter the email and password from the Google account that was tied to the phone before the reset. If you don't remember the data, try to restore the password through Google Account Recovery. If your Google account is not tied, contact the service center with proof of purchase.
Does the ADB unlock work?
Yes, but only if the phone pre-debugs USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 once press to activate the developer mode, then turn on debugging USB). Password reset commands: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot ⚠️ On the new versions MIUI (13+) This method may not work due to increased protection.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The cost depends on the model and the reason for the lock: πŸ’° Reset password without data loss: 800-1500 rubles. πŸ’° Unlocking Mi Account (if you forget your password): 1500-3,000 rubles. πŸ’° Firmware via Fastboot (if the phone is a β€œbrick”): 2000-4000 rubles. In official service centers Xiaomi prices are usually lower than in third-party workshops.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through the Engineering Menu?
No, the engineering menu (#4636###) does not contain password reset options, but is designed to diagnose the network and hardware components, and attempts to change settings through the engineering menu can result in the loss of IMEI or the inoperability of the communication module.