A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike the iPhone, where the reset procedure is tied to iCloud, Xiaomi devices offer several alternative ways to unlock. However, not all of them are equally safe: some methods can lead to a loss of warranty, others to a complete failure of the phone if performed incorrectly.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to erase data on Xiaomi without a password – from official (via Mi Account) to technical (via Fastboot and EDL).We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models: Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others.
1. Reset via Mi Account (official method)
The safest method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, if the Find Device option was previously enabled, the main advantage is that you do not need to connect to a PC and the risk of “bricking” the phone is minimal.
How it works:
- 🔗 Go to account.xiaomi.com from any device.
- 📱 Select a locked phone in the Devices section (if it appears there).
- 🔄 Click Erase Data and confirm the action through SMS email.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has two-factor authentication enabled for Mi Account, you will need confirmation via a trusted device.
This method will not work if:
- 🚫 The device is not connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi/mobile).
- 🚫 Mi Account was not linked to the phone.
- 🚫 In the settings disabled function Find the device.
💡
If the phone is dead, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes before resetting.The process of erasing data requires at least 20% battery power.
2.Hard resets via Recovery Mode
If the Mi Account is not tied or the phone is not connected to the network, the next option is to reset via the Recovery menu, which works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but has a limitation: after reset, you may need to enter the old password or Mi Account (if FRP protection was enabled).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
Turn off the phone from charging.
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.
Prepare. SIM-card or Wi-Fi to connect after reset
Remember your Mi Account details (if linked)
-->
What to do if the phone asks for an old password after reset:
- 🔐 Try to enter the last password you use (sometimes it works even after you reset).
- 📧 If you request Mi Account, enter the account details.
- 🛠️ If nothing helps, go to the Fastboot methods or EDL (described below).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After a hard reset, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is tied to your Mi Account, and you can't unlock it without the data.
3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable if:
- 🔓 Recovery Mode is not available (phone does not respond to buttons).
- 🔧 We need to get around. FRP-Blocking (request of account after reset).
- 🖥️ There is access to a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
This method will require:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Team.
Instructions:
- Install Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
- Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
For models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. the official utility requires an account binding and waiting 72-168 hours.
What is FRP-blocking?
| Xiaomi model | Supports Fastboot? | Do you need to unlock the bootloader? | The risk of blocking after reset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (unless you changed the firmware) | Medium (FRP) |
| POCO X4/X5 | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Yes (for custom firmware) | High (if there was a Mi Account) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (required) | Low (if the bootloader is unlocked) |
| Redmi 10A/9A | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | High (frequent FRP-blocking) |
4. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - extreme method
EDL (Emergency Boot) is the deepest level of phone access that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader.
- 🔧 Fastboot is not working (phone is not detected).
- 🚨 Device "bricked" after a failed update.
- 🔒 You need to bypass Mi Account without official unlocking.
⚠️ Warning: This method violates warranty and can result in a complete loss of service of the phone if executed incorrectly.
What you need:
- 💻 Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to the PC.
- If the driver is installed correctly, Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 will appear in Device Manager.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra, Redmi K60) entrance EDL It can be locked at the hardware level, and you need a special authorized cable. EDL (worth ~1000-1500 ₽).
Reset via Mi Account
Hard recovers at Recovery
Fastboot teams
EDL mode
None of the above.-->
5.Blocking bypass through Xiaomi Service Center
If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you just have to contact the official service center Xiaomi. This is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
- ✅ Warranty is maintained (if the phone is guaranteed).
- ✅ No risk of bricking".
- ✅ You can unlock even with a tied Mi Account (if there is proof of ownership).
Cons:
- ❌ You will need to present a check or box to confirm ownership.
How to find the official service:
- Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
- Choose a country and a city.
- Check the reviews about the service center (some informal centers may offer "unlock" with a loss of warranty).
💡
The official service is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi with a tied Mi Account if you forget your account details. IMEI.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to reset data to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This device is locked" after resetting | Mi Account was linked, but no data was entered | Enter the login / password from the account or contact the service |
| Phone is not included in Recovery | Faulty buttons or a discharged battery | Charge your phone for 10-15 minutes, try a different button combination |
| Fastboot doesn't see the device | There are no drivers or faulty cables | Install drivers manually, try another cable/USB port |
| After Firmware through EDL, there is no network | Incorrect firmware or damaged IMEI | Sweat down the correct version of MIUI or restore the IMEI via QCN |
A few more tips to avoid problems:
- 🔋 Always check the battery before resetting (minimum 30%).
- 🔌 Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues can cause connection errors.
- 📥 Download firmware only from official sources (xiaomifirmwareupdater.com or mi.com).
- 🔐 If you plan to sell your phone, untie your Mi Account in advance in the settings.