The message “This device is locked. Connect to Mi Account” on the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is one of the most common problems that users face after resetting, firmware or buying a used device. The lock is associated with the Mi Cloud Lock feature, which links the phone to the previous owner’s account. Without the correct username and password, it is impossible to unlock the device using standard methods.
In this article, we have 5 proven ways to get around lockdown, including official and alternative methods: we will discuss how to proceed if you forget your Mi Account, bought your phone with your hands and can not contact the seller, or the device is locked after a failed update. Importantly, not all methods are universal, their effectiveness depends on the model of the smartphone, the version of MIUI and the type of lock.
Before you start unlocking, make sure that the problem is in the Mi Cloud Lock, not hardware damage or operator locking, signs of iron lock: the phone does not respond to charging, does not turn on at all or produces errors like “No command”, in which case repair will be required at the service center.
If you have a screen that says, "This device is locked," and you want to enter your username, you're in the right place, and we'll start with the simplest and most legal way.
1.Official Unblocking through Mi Account
If your phone is yours but you’ve forgotten the Mi Account, the first thing you should do is try to restore access through official Xiaomi channels, a technique that requires no technical skills and is suitable for most models, from the Redmi Note 8 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
To recover your password, go to account.xiaomi.com and select “Forgot your password?” and the system will prompt you to restore access via:
- 📧 Email (if you have registered your mail)
- 📱 SMS (If the account is linked to a phone number)
- 🔗 Backup email (if configured)
After successfully logging in, connect your phone to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and enter data on the lock screen. The device will automatically unlock after 1-2 minutes.
⚠️ Note: If the system requires the account to be restored CAPTCHA, But you don't see it -- try changing your browser or disabling it. VPN. Xiaomi is blocking access to some of the IP-address.
If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner and ask them to:
- Remove the device from the list in Mi Cloud.
- Send you a login and password to unlock.
2 Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)
If the official method didn't work, you can try bypassing the lock via Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) or if you are ready to unlock it, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check its detection by the command: fastboot devices If the list is empty – install the Mi Flash Tool drivers.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official from Xiaomi).
- Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account (yes, access is required!) and follow the instructions on the screen.
If the bootloader is locked, the utility will prompt it to unlock.
- 🔓 Confirm the unlock through SMS (The code will come to the tied number).
- 🕒 Wait 72–168 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
- ⚡ Try again after the time has expired.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device! Also after this procedure, some functions (for example, Mi Pay or Find Device) may not work correctly.
Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Sign in to Mi Account on PC|Backup of data (if possible)-->
3.Use of EDL-The mode (for technically savvy)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash through the device without standard restrictions. The method works even on locked phones, but requires special cable (EDL-cable) or soldering skills to close contacts on the board.
Algorithm of action:
- Put the phone in mode. EDL: 🔌 With help. EDL-Cable (closes the contacts Test Point). 🔧 Or manually close the contacts on the motherboard (disassembly is required).
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Xiaomi Firmware Updater
Mi Flash Pro
Clean All
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will automatically unlock, as the MIUI is reinstalled from scratch.
- 💥 It is possible to have a blitz (complete failure) with incorrect firmware.
- 🔒 On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) Xiaomi is blocking the firmware through EDL login.
What if the PC can’t see the phone in EDL mode?
4. Bypass locking through Test Point (for older models)
On Xiaomi devices until 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 5, Mi 8, POCO F1), you can bypass the Mi Cloud Lock by physically closing the Test Point contacts on the motherboard.This method does not require a password from Mi Account, but you need accurate instructions for your model.
Common algorithm:
- Take the phone apart and find Test Point (usually two metal dots next to the battery).
- Lock them with tweezers or wires.
- Connect the phone to a PC, and it will be called a Qualcomm 9008.
- Swipe your device through Mi Flash with the Clean All and Lock option.
Where to find Test Point for popular models:
| Model | Location of Test Point | Unlocking firmware |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4/4X | Next to the battery connector, two dots labeled TP | MIUI 10.2.2.0 |
| Mi 8 | Under the screen, next to the camera (remove the metal shield) | MIUI 12.0.3.0 |
| POCO F1 | Right of the charging connector, two points without markings | MIUI 11.0.6.0 |
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 2020 and later models (e.g. Redmi Note 9, Mi 10), Test Point is often missing or locked at the firmware level!
💡
If you are not sure about your soldering skills, contact the service center.The cost of unlocking through Test Point usually does not exceed 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the model).
5. Alternative methods (at your own risk)
If all of these things don't work, there are still informal solutions that can help but have high risks, and we don't recommend using them unless absolutely necessary, but we'll talk about them to get the picture.
Method 1: Paid Unblocking Services
- 💰 Cost: from 500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).
- 🔗 Popular services: UnlockBoot, MiUnlock.ru.
- ⚠️ Risks: fraud, malware installation, loss of warranty.
Method 2: Firmware via SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek)
If your Xiaomi is running on a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO C31), you can try flashing it through the SP Flash Tool:
- Download the SP Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
- In the tool settings, select Format All + Download.
- Connect the phone to the PC (without battery if possible).
Method 3: Exploits to bypass Mi Cloud Lock
Some enthusiasts find vulnerabilities in MIUI that allow them to bypass the lock. For example, for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there was an exploit through ADB, but Xiaomi quickly closes such holes.
- 🔗 XDA-Developers (Section of Xiaomi)
- 🔗 4PDA (unlock-the-piece)
Xiaomi
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all methods are exhausted and the phone is still locked, there are two options:
- Contact the Xiaomi Service Center. 📍 Addresses of official SCs: mi.com/service. 💵 The cost of unlocking: from 2 000 before 10 000 RUB (depends on the model and the reason for the lock). ⏳ Term: 3–7 Days (it may be necessary to send the device to Moscow or St. Petersburg).
Before visiting the service center, do not forget to bring:
💡
If the phone is hand-buyed and the seller refuses to help with unlocking, you can file a complaint in support of Xiaomi via the support.xiaomi.com form, attaching proof of purchase (checks, correspondence).