How to erase all data from Xiaomi if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. It is especially frustrating when the phone stores important data and access to it is completely blocked. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to completely reset a device even without knowing the password. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from a standard reset via Recovery Mode to the use of service tools like the Mi Flash Tool.

It's important to understand that any reset will permanently delete all data -- photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps. If you've synced with Mi Account or Google, some information (such as contacts or notes) can be recovered after unlocking. But local files are not, so before you start, evaluate how critical the information on your phone is to you.

We have tested all of the methods described below on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite models with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15. The methods will also be suitable for older devices (for example, Redmi 9A or Mi A3), but additional steps may be required - we will warn about this separately.

1.Reset via Recovery Mode (no PC)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in recovery mode, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the model and firmware version, the main condition is that the phone must turn on (even up to the lock screen).

Instructions:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (if it freezes - pinch the power supply). + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Keep the combination of food + Volume upwards before the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
• 🌐 In the Recovery menu, select the language (move volume buttons, confirm the power button).
• 🧹 Find Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions) and confirm the reset.
• ✅ Once complete, select Reboot – the phone will reboot in factory condition.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Recovery menu can ask for a password. If you do, go to the next method.

Make sure that the battery charge is > 30%

Connect the charger (in case of a long process)

Take an IMEI photo (on the box or under the battery) to recover the network after a reset

Shut down. SIM-card if it is blocked PIN-code-->

If the phone requires you to enter Mi Account after reset, this is a protection against theft (activated if you previously had a Xiaomi account attached).

1. Enter the username and password from Mi Account.
2. Alternative methods (described below).

2.Reset via Fastboot (using PC)

If Recovery Mode is unavailable or requests a password, Fastboot mode will help.This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and minimal command-line knowledge. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Step-by-step:

1. Preparation of the PC: 💻 Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google). 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable.
2. Transferring the phone to Fastboot: 🔄 Turn off the phone. 📱 Keep your food on. + Volume down before the appearance of the image of the robot with the inscription Fastboot.

Performance of discharge:

fastboot devices

(Your device’s serial number should be displayed)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After the fastboot erase userdata command, an error may occur. FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'. This means that the bootloader is locked:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you need a Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
• 🛠 Use the Mi Flash Tool (described below).

💡

If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, install the drivers manually via the Mi PC Suite or use the Universal ADB Driver.

3 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you had a Mi Account attached to your phone, and you remember your login and password, it's the fastest way to unlock without losing data. PIN-code.

Instructions:

1. 📱 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. 📧 Select the recovery option via Mi Account and enter the tied one email/phone.
3. 🔑 Enter the password from the account – the phone will be unlocked without resetting.

If you don’t remember the details of the Mi Account, but the phone was officially purchased:

• 📄 Find a box - it may have a sticker with IMEI serial number.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with a check to buy – they can help restore access.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, it is officially impossible to unlock it).

Yeah, I remember the email and password.

I remember the email but I forgot my password.

I don't remember anything.

Not tied up Mi Account.-->

4. Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official firmware and smartphone recovery utility, which allows you to completely reflash your phone by removing all data, including locking.

• 💻 Computer running Windows (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (you can download it on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Preparation: 📥 Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. 📂 Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Transferring the phone to Fastboot: 🔄 Turn off the phone. 📱 Keep your food on. + Volume down before Fastboot arrives.
3. Firmware: 🖥 Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC – the program must identify it. 📁 Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder. 🔄 Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts in the factory state.

5. Alternative methods (EDL and service centers)

If none of the above methods worked, there are emergency measures:

• 🔧 Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This is the deepest level of phone access that allows you to flash a device even with a damaged firmware. EDL Required: Special cable (EDL cable) or circuit of contacts on the board. Mi Flash Pro or QFil. firmware in.mbn format. ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL This method can permanently incapacitate your phone, and only use it if you are confident in your skills or under the guidance of a specialist.
• 🏥 Contact the service center: Official service centers Xiaomi can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card). the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model. Terms – 1-3 days. If there are no documents, some unofficial services offer to unlock through Mi Account for 500-1 500 rubles, but this violates Xiaomi’s policy and may lead to the blocking of the account.

💡

EDL mode is the last chance to bring your phone back to life, but it requires special equipment and knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, you better contact the professionals, so as not to turn your smartphone into a brick.

6. How to avoid future data loss

To avoid this situation next time, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Use backup: Enable automatic sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Cloud (or Google) → Synchronize data
• 📝 Write down passwords: Store unlock codes in a safe place (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass). Do not use obvious combinations like 1234 or date of birth.
• 🔄 Set up a Smart Lock reset: Activate unlock over a Bluetooth device (such as a smartwatch) or location: Settings → Password and security → Smart Lock

It's also useful to know:

• 📱 On Android 10 phones+ can be configured alternatively PIN-emergency code.
• 🔧 Check regularly if your Mi Account is linked to your phone, making it easier to unlock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset without password