Why Xiaomi’s smartphone is blocked and what to do
The digital password on Xiaomi is the standard protection that is activated when you turn on the screen lock. But what if you forget the combination of numbers and the phone requires input? The situation becomes more complicated if the device does not sync with Mi Account or the Internet is disabled. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove passwords, from official to technical, and also explain how to avoid complete data loss.
It’s important to understand that unlocking depends on the smartphone model, the MIUI version, and whether security settings have been previously implemented. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 14, the reset algorithm through Fastboot may differ from the actions on the Poco X3 with MIUI 12. We took these nuances into account and collected instructions that work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices from 2018-2026.
Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Is the phone tied to your Mi Account (you remember the username and password)? 2. Is debugging enabled on the device. USB (USB Debugging)?
The answer depends on which method is the fastest and safest.
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
If your Xiaomi is synced to Mi Account, it’s the easiest and most secure way to remove your password, and it works even without an internet connection on your phone — just enough to have the internet on another device (PC, laptop, tablet).
Algorithm: 1. On the locked screen, tap the password button? (or Forgot password?). 2. Select the recovery option using Mi Account. 3. Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from the account. If you do not remember the data, restore them through account.xiaomi.com.
- ✅ Pros: does not require data reset, works on all models, does not need a computer.
- ❌ Cons: if the account is not tied or you forgot the data, the method will not work.
- ⚠️ Restriction: on some firmware MIUI After 5 failed attempts to enter the password button Forgot the password? disappears for 24 hours.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, unlocking through the account will not be possible.
Method 2: Reset password via Fastboot (for advanced users)
This is a good method if USB debugging is disabled and Mi Account is not tied, and this requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Importantly, this will lead to a complete reset on the phone!
Step-by-step: 1. Turn off your smartphone. Press the Volume buttons down. + Power to enter Fastboot mode (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen). 2. Connect the phone to the PC via USB-3. Download the firmware for your model from Xiaomi Firmware (choose the Fastboot version). 4. Unpack the archive with the firmware and launch the Mi Flash Tool. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then click Refresh - the device should be determined. 5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
Download Fastboot firmware for your model
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC
Connect your phone to Fastboot mode
Disable the antivirus (can block the Mi Flash Tool)
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Critical detail: on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50) before the firmware will need to unlock Bootloader through the official tool Mi Unlock Tool. This process takes up to 72 hours of waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi.
| Xiaomi model | Support for Fastboot Unlocking | Is it necessary to unlock the Bootloader? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Yes. | No (on most firmware) |
| Poco F4/F5 | Yes. | Yes (bootloader locked) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Yes. | Yes (requires confirmation via Mi Account) |
| Redmi 10A | Limitedly. | No (but there may be some errors in the scaling) |
Method 3: Delete password via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been activated debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can delete your password without losing your data. MIUI until version 13 inclusive. MIUI 14 and newer requires additional adjustment ADB-access.
Instructions: 1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd.). 2. Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed, move on to the next step.
3.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db4.
adb rebootAfter resetting, the password will be reset.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 Xiaomi has changed the structure of the password storage, and if the team didn’t work, try an alternative method: adb shell am start. -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric This will open the password reset menu directly.
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If the adb device command doesn’t show your phone, try reinstalling the driver or using another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
Method 4: Hard Recovery Reset (Loss of All Data)
If other methods didn't work, the last option is factory resets via Recovery mode, which erases all data on your phone, including photos, contacts, and apps, and only uses it if you don't have important information on your device or have backed up.
How to reset: 1. Turn off your phone. Click Volume up + Power (on some models – Volume up + Volume down + Power). 2. From the Recovery menu (manage volume and power buttons), select Wipe Data or Factory Reset. 3. Confirm and wait for the process to complete. 4. Reboot System Now.
- 🔄 For models with MIUI 12 and newer: After a reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account if it was tied.
What if the phone needs an old password after resetting?
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods worked, you have to contact an authorized service center.
- 🔒 Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account (hand-held purchase).
- 🛠️ The device has a broken screen or buttons are not working (you can not log in to Recovery).
- 📱 Model with blocked Bootloader and disabled debugging USB.
- 🚫 After self-manipulation, the phone stopped turning on ("brick").
What you will need to unlock in the service: 1. Passport or other identity document. 2. Check or sales contract (if the phone was bought with hands). 3. Data from Mi Account, if the account is yours.
The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the complexity.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid handicraft services that promise to unlock your phone in 5 minutes without documents. IMEI loss of warranty.
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An official service center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account or has hardware damage.
How to avoid blocking in the future: 5 tips
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these guidelines:
- 🔐 Use biometrics: set up a fingerprint or facial recognition in Settings → Password and security.
- 📧 Link Mi Account: Even if you don’t plan to use Xiaomi services, your account will help you restore access.
- 🔄 Enable backup: in Settings → System and device → Backup save data to the cloud or PC.
- 🔌 Activate debugging by USB: This will open up access to ADB-To unlock commands. Pathway: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to activate the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB.
- 📝 Write down your password: Store it in a password manager (like Google Password Manager or KeePass) or on paper in a safe place.
If you often forget passwords, consider alternative ways to lock: • pattern lock – easier to remember visual pattern. • Pin code – shorter than a digital password, but no less reliable when using 6+ characters. • Smart Lock – automatic unlock in trusted places (for example, at home). Setup: Settings → Password and security → Smart Lock.