Blocking Xiaomi devices is one of the most common problems faced by brand users, and it can occur after resetting, buying a used gadget or failing firmware, PIN-The methods of solution will be different. In this article we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking for Redmi smartphones, POCO, Mi and Mi TVs. TV, including official and alternative options.
It is important to understand that some methods require technical skills or can lead to data loss, for example, unlocking through Fastboot erases all files on the device, and bypassing Mi Account without official permission violates the terms of use, we will describe each method in detail, its pros and cons, and provide security recommendations.
If your device is locked after updating your firmware or resetting to factory settings, first check if it is connected to your Mi Account. In most cases, it is enough to enter the correct login details. But if access is lost or the device is purchased from hand, read on.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most legal and secure method is to use a linked Mi Account. This is suitable if you remember the username and password, but the device requires confirmation after resetting or flashing.
- 📱 Turn on the device and wait for the lock screen to appear with the Mi Account data request.
- 🔑 Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, and then the password.
- 📧 If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS email.
- ✅ After successful authorization, the device is unlocked automatically.
If you have forgotten your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com, which requires access to the email or phone number you provided when you register, and can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to recover, depending on the confirmation method.
⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, official unlocking is possible only with his participation. Xiaomi does not provide services for untie without confirmation from the original owner.
For Mi TVs, the procedure is similar, but instead of a lock screen, you may notice that you need to log in to your account via the Mi Home app or directly to your TV. Use the remote or connected keyboard to enter data.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss guaranteed)
If you don't remember Mi Account data or your device is locked with a graphical key, you can try resetting through Restore Mode, which works on most Xiaomi smartphones, but is not suitable for devices with a locked bootloader. On Mi TVs, this is also available, but requires a remote with a Menu button.
Instructions for smartphones:
- Turn off the device with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After the process is complete, restart the device via Reboot.
For Mi TV:
- 📺 Press the Menu remote. → Settings → All settings → General. → Reset and update → Reset to factory settings.
- 🔐 If TV requests PIN-try the standard combinations: 0000, 1234 or 1111.
- ⚙️ After resetting, the TV will restart and offer to configure it again.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, resetting via Recovery will not remove the Mi Account binding. After rebooting, you will need to enter your account details again.
Turn off the device
Press the volume and power buttons
Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive
Select Wipe Data
Confirm discharge-->
3 Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot
If Xiaomi smartphone is locked at the bootloader level (for example, after a failed firmware), you will need to unlock it through Fastboot. This method erases all data on the device and requires a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Suitable for Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/F3, Mi 11/12 and others.
Steps to unlock:
- Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
- Turn off your smartphone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
- Connect the device to the computer through USB-cable.
- Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock
- Confirm unlocking on the smartphone screen (if a request appears).
- Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot
New Xiaomi devices (released after 2021) may require an account to be linked to the device via an official unlock tool.
- 🖥️ Download and install Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📱 Sign in to the Mi Account linked to the device.
- 🔓 Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions of the program.
| Model of the device | Does Fastboot-unlock support? | Is an official instrument required? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Yes. | Yeah (for new firmware) |
| POCO F3/F4 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Mi TV 4S/5 | No. | No. |
What if the Fastboot doesn’t recognize the device?
4. bypassing the Mi Account lock via EDL (emergency mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a last resort to unlocking the Mi Account when other methods fail, and involves flashing the device through a special cable or testpoints on the board, which can lead to a device breaking if done incorrectly and requires experience with a soldering iron or EDL adapter.
Step-by-step (for experienced users):
- 🛠️ Disassemble the device and find testpoints EDL (their location depends on the model, look for schemes for your device).
- 🔌 Connect test points to EDL-cable or close them with tweezers, simultaneously connecting USB PC.
- 🖥️ Install the Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (you can download it on the forums) 4PDA or XDA).
- 📥 Download the firmware for your model in.mbn or.elf format.
- 🔄 Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil to firmware your device in mode EDL.
For Mi TVs, TV regime EDL Unavailable – instead of using the firmware through USB-However, this method requires unlocking the bootloader, which is impossible on TV without official permission from Xiaomi.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL deletes all data, including IMEI After the procedure, you may need to restore the serial number. IMEI through engineering menus or specialized services.
💡
Before you run through EDL, be sure to check the firmware compatibility with your model. Incorrect firmware can make the device inoperable ("brick").
5. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the standard methods don’t work, you can try to bypass the lock with third-party tools, which are not official and may violate Xiaomi’s terms of use, but sometimes they are the only way out.
Among the popular solutions:
- 🔓 Mi Account Remove Tool – a utility for deletion of account binding via Fastboot (does not work on all models).
- 📱 SP Flash Tool – for firmware devices on MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi) 9A/9C).
- 🖥️ Deep Flash Cable – cable for forced transfer of the device to mode EDL.
- 🔧 Engineering codes – some models are unlocked through the service menu (e.g. #3646633##).
Example of using the SP Flash Tool:
- Download the firmware for your model in Scatter format.
- Start the SP Flash Tool and download Scatter-file.
- Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC (without buttons!).
- Press Download and wait for the firmware to finish.
For Mi TVs, TV Alternative methods are limited. Sometimes firmware helps through OTG-file-line update.zip, But it only works on older models (until now). 2020 year-end).
💡
Using third-party tools can lead to loss of warranty and locking the device by Xiaomi servers. Use them only as a last resort!
6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If you don't succeed, go to Xiaomi's official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way, and service centers can unlock the device even without access to the original account, but they will require proof of purchase.
What it takes to apply:
- 📄 Check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
- 🆔 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
- 📱 The device itself (preferably with the original box).
The cost of unlocking in the service center varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and type of lock. On Mi TVs, the procedure can cost more because of the complexity of the diagnosis.
The service centers can be found on the official website of Xiaomi Russia. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in unlocking Mi Account, as not all centers provide this service.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid problems with blocking, follow the simple rules:
- 🔐 Always untie your Mi Account before selling or resetting your device (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account).
- 📱 Regularly update the firmware through official channels (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 🔧 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
- 📝 Write it down. PIN-codes and graphics keys in a secure location (e.g., in a password manager).
- 🛡️ Enable data backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).
For Mi TVs:
- 📺 Do not reset settings without a tethered remote (use the original or compatible Xiaomi remote).
- 🔄 Update the software only through official sources (Settings) → About the system → Update).
- 🔐 If you use parental control, write down PIN-code.
💡
It is your responsibility to unbundle the Mi Account before selling the device. The new owner will not be able to use a smartphone or TV without your help!