How to erase Xiaomi if you forget your password: expert guide

The situation when the owner of the Xiaomi smartphone can not get into the system because of the forgotten password, PIN-It's a very common code or pattern lock, and it's a very common security standard for Android and shells. MIUI HyperOS locks the device after several failed input attempts, requiring either a repeat input after a certain time or a complete reset. This creates a sense of hopelessness, especially if the device stores important data, but technically the solution exists and it is standard for the entire ecosystem.

You should immediately tune in to the fact that the complete deletion of data (Hard Reset) is the main and often the only way to return access to the phone if you do not remember the unlock code. Gadget manufacturers specifically make bypassing the locking screen difficult or impossible without erasing information to protect your personal data in the event of theft. In this article, we will detail all the current methods, from standard to advanced, that will help you revive your Xiaomi or Redmi.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand what type of lock you're facing, which could be a simple pattern lock, a digital key. PIN-code, a complex password or lock through your Mi Account and Google Account. The type of protection and available tools (computer, second phone, Internet access) will depend on the choice of a specific unlock method, which we will discuss below.

Preparation of the device and risk assessment before discharge

The first step before any interference with the operating system is to soberly assess the situation and prepare. If your phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and it is synchronized, there is a small chance that some of the data (contacts, photos) is already stored in the cloud. You can check this by logging into your account from another device. It is also important to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60% charged, since the reset and subsequent setup requires energy.

⚠️ Warning: The factory reset process permanently deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and files in internal memory. If you didn't have cloud backup enabled, it won't be possible to restore the information.

You also need to know the details of your Mi Account and Google Account, and once reset, the phone will start in its original settings and require authorization to accounts that were previously associated with the device (FRP — Factory Reset Protection: If you don’t remember your account passwords, retrieving your phone can be a much more difficult task, requiring you to contact the service.

It is not superfluous to remove the microSD card if installed. Although modern versions of Android rarely affect external drives when reset, it is better to be safe to avoid accidentally formatting important information on the flash drive. In addition, the presence of a third-party memory card can sometimes cause errors when writing system logs during the recovery procedure.

Reset password via the Recovery (Hard Reset) menu

The most common and effective method of forgetting the screen unlock password is using Recovery Mode. This is a special recovery environment built into every Xiaomi smartphone that allows you to perform system operations regardless of the main interface.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button until the Main Menu menu appears. Navigation in this menu is carried out by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by the power button.

In the menu that opens, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will alert you to data loss — that's OK, because that's what we're going to do. Once the cleanup process is complete, which will take a few seconds, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The phone will reboot as new, and you can set a new password.

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Hard Reset is a standard reset method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, regardless of the MIUI version, but it is guaranteed to delete all user data.

Remote Unlocking through Find Device

If physical access to buttons is difficult or you prefer software methods, you can use the cloud service Find Device from Xiaomi. This method works only if a few critical conditions are met: the phone must be turned on, connected to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi), and it must be activated Mi Account with enabled device search function.

To do this, go to the official website id.mi.com or i.mi.com from any other device (computer or smartphone). Log in using the same Mi Account that is entered on the locked phone. In the service interface, select your device from the list and find the Wipe Data button or Unlock button if it is available for your model and region.

The system will send a command to the smartphone, and if you have a connection to the network, you will reset, which is convenient because it does not require physical contact with the buttons, but it is useless if the phone is turned off or in an area without network coverage.

Reset via Fastboot mode and computer

Fastboot mode is a deeper level of system access designed to flash and debug the device. Unlike Recovery, Fastboot allows you to interact with the phone via a computer. This method is often used when the standard recovery menu is not working or locked, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.

To put Xiaomi into Fastboot mode, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down button and the power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android that says FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your computer. If you have Platform Tools installed, open the command line in the tool folder and type in a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified, you will see its serial number. However, the standard Fastboot erase userdata command on modern Xiaomi devices is often blocked by security requirements and the presence of an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked (which is the default on all new phones), this method may not work for data reset without official unlocking, which takes 7 days to wait.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to unlock the Unlock Bootloader through Xiaomi’s official website will result in the complete deletion of all data on the device anyway. Don’t try to use third-party unlocking utilities unless you’re sure they’re reliable – it can turn your phone into a brick».

Features of reset on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The reset procedure may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system installed. In older versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 10-12), the Recovery menu was simpler and often did not require confirmation through a Xiaomi account immediately after the reset. In newer versions, especially with the transition to HyperOS and MIUI 14/15, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has become significantly stricter.

Now, once you've done Hard Reset, the phone will require you to connect to Wi-Fi and enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before the reset, which is designed to protect against theft: if a thief steals the phone and dumps it, he still can't use it without the owner's data.

It’s important to understand that Google’s protection plays a major role on Global ROM, while Xiaomi’s protection of China ROM (the Chinese version) is dominant. If you bought a phone imported from China but reflashed it to a global version, the nuances can mix and the phone can request both accounts.

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If the phone requires a password from an account you don’t remember after reset, try to restore access to your account through a Google or Mi site on your computer using the Forgot Password feature before trying to look for workarounds.

Google account problems (FRP Lock) after reset

The most common problem after a successful screen password reset is FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection) locking. The phone writes a message like, "Device protected. Sign in to the Google account that was previously used on this device," which is normal Android security behavior designed to prevent the use of stolen gadgets.

If you remember your username and password, just enter them, and the phone unlocks. If you don't remember the data or you bought the phone from your hands and don't know the previous owner's data, the situation gets complicated. It's impossible to legally circumvent this protection without the previous owner's data, you have to prove ownership of the device at an authorized service center by presenting a box and a check.

There are various software methods to bypass FRP, which often vary depending on Android security patches. These can include the use of special applications, adapter cables (OTG) or vulnerabilities in the browser. However, using such methods requires high skill and carries the risk of installing malware. For the average user, a safest path is to restore access to an account through standard password recovery procedures.

⚠️ Be careful with hacking programs» FRP, Many of them contain viruses or require payment that will not result.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)