Locking a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most common problems faced by brand users, which can manifest itself in the form of requesting a password from a Mi Account after resetting, banning custom firmware installation due to a locked bootloader, or even the complete inability to turn on the device after a failed update. Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi uses a multi-level security system that often works even when you buy a used phone or try to reflash the gadget.
In this article, we will analyze all types of locks on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic lock screen protection to complex cases with a Mi Cloud account binding, you will learn how to bypass lock without losing data (if possible), what official and informal tools exist for this, and when to contact the service center. Special attention will be paid to the new models of 2023-2026 (series Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6), where the manufacturer has tightened security measures.
We warn you right away that some techniques require technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty or a device brilliance. If you are not sure about your actions, consult a specialist. Let's start with the simplest.
1. unlock the screen (PIN, pattern lock, password)
If your Xiaomi is locked at screen level (forgotten) PIN-There are several ways to retrieve access, including code, pattern lock, or password, and it's important that these methods don't work if the device is tied to a Mi Account and requires you to enter it after you reset it.
The most reliable option is to use a Google account if it was added to your phone before locking. On the password entry screen, type the wrong code 5 times in a row until the message "Forgot your password?" appears. Click on it and follow the instructions for recovery via Gmail. This method works on Android 9 and below; on new versions (for example, HyperOS), it can be disabled.
- 🔑 Recovery Reset: Suitable for devices without a Mi Account binding.Switch off phone, pinch Power + Volume Up, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Warning: All data will be deleted!
- 📱 ADB-unlocking: If USB-debugging has been enabled, you can delete gesture.key or password.key file via the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key After restarting, the lock will reset.
- 🔧 Special Utilities: Programs like Miracle Box or UFi Box can reset the screen lock, but require a PC connection and are often paid for.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Recovery resets can activate Mi Account protection even if it wasn't there before!
2. bypassing the blocking of Mi-account (Mi Cloud Lock)
Mi Account locking is the hardest to bypass, and it works when you reset your settings if your phone was linked to your Xiaomi account, and requires you to enter the original owner's login/password, which the manufacturer has introduced to combat theft, but it often interferes with legitimate users (for example, when buying a used phone).
Officially, you can only get around it by knowing your account details or having access to an email/phone attached to it. If you bought a phone with your hands and the seller didn't untie your account, try contacting it. Otherwise, there are informal methods that remain - but they don't work on all models and can violate warranty conditions.
| Method | Suitable models | Risks. | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official request to Xiaomi | All models. | Requires proof of purchase | Free of charge. |
| Passage EDL-mode) | Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3/F3 | Possible Brick, Loss of IMEI | 500. ₽ (craftsmanship) |
| Use of Mi Account Unlock Tool | Xiaomi Mi 8/9/10, Redmi 7/8 | It doesn’t work on all versions of the software. | 300. ₽ (paid-for) |
| Fastboot flashing through Fastboot | Models with unlocked loader | Deletes all data, can block the bootloader | Free of charge. |
For new models (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12), most of these methods can not bypass the lock — the manufacturer has increased protection.
What to do if the seller does not respond?
3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
A blocked bootloader on Xiaomi prevents you from installing custom firmware, getting root rights or restoring the device via Fastboot.The manufacturer locks it by default on all new models.Unlocking requires official permission from Xiaomi and can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new devices.
The unlocking process consists of several stages:
- Link Mi-account to the device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Unlock status and link the phone to the account.
- Unlock Request: Download the Mi Unlock Tool utility from the official website, log in and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).
- Expectation: Newer models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12/13) require waiting (72 to 720 hours) and older models (until 2020) unlock immediately.
Once successfully unlocked, you can flash the device through Fastboot or TWRP.
- 🚨 Unlocking resets all data on the phone.
- 🔄 In some models (for example, POCO F5) After unlocking, you can not block the loader again.
- 📵 The phone may lose support. OTA-Google updates and services Pay/Mi Pay.
Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Link Mi-account to the device|Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode-->
4. Unlocking after a failed update (Brick)
If Xiaomi stopped turning on after the firmware update ("bricked"), this may be due to an interrupted installation of software, an incompatible firmware version or an error in Recovery. In most cases, the device can be restored, but you will need a PC and special tools.
The first step is to determine the type of "brick":
- Soft-brick: The phone vibrates, the Mi/Redmi logo lights up, but doesn't load any further.Solution: firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.
- Hard-brick: Phone unresponsive to buttons, undetected by PC.Solution: firmware through EDL-mode (requires an authorized account or boxing).
To recover via Fastboot:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Download website.
- Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (For Windows, use the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot reboot
- If the process is interrupted with an "anti-rollback" error, you are trying to install an older version of the software than the one on your phone, in which case only the firmware through EDL will help.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) requires authorization through the official Xiaomi account. IMEI!
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If the phone is not detected in Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds, then plugging it into charging for 10 minutes, sometimes helping to "reanimate" the device for further firmware.
5. Unlocking SIM-map (PIN/PUK)
If your Xiaomi needs PIN-code SIM-card or blocked after three incorrect attempts (requests) PUK-The problem is not the phone, but the SIM-These codes are set by the operator and are not related to the system. MIUI or hyperos.
To unlock:
- 📞 PIN-Code: Enter the code that comes with SIM-If you forget, contact the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Megaphone).
- 🔢 PUK-Code: Find it on a plastic carrier SIM-card or request from the operator. Entered via the phone menu: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Unlock. PUK.
- 🆘 10 attempts at trying PUK: If you exceed the limit, SIM-The card will be locked forever.
If the phone asks for "Network." PIN" (not PIN SIM-This may be due to the operator locking (for example, if the device is tied to a specific tariff), in this case only a call in support of the mobile operator will help.
6.Removal of blocking through service centers
If independent attempts to unlock Xiaomi were unsuccessful, it remains to contact the service center. Xiaomi official centers in Russia and the CIS provide services for removing the lock, but require proof of ownership.
What will be required for the application:
- 📄 Check or sales contract (if the phone was purchased with a new one).
- 📱 Box and components (charging, cable).
- 🆔 Passport of the owner.
- 🔑 Mi Account details (if the blocking is related to it).
Cost of services in official services:
| Type of lockdown | Time limit for implementation | Cost (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting of the pattern lock/PIN | 1 day | 500–1000 |
| Deletion of Mi Account (with Proof of Purchase) | 3-5 days | 1500–3000 |
| Recovery after brick (firmware) | 1-2 days | 2000–5000 |
| Unlocking the bootloader (officially) | 30 days | Free of charge. |
Unofficial service centers may offer undocumented unlocking, but the risks are high:
- 🚫 Possible loss IMEI (The phone will be a brick without a network).
- 🔄 They can install pirate firmware with viruses.
- 📵 Xiaomi’s warranty will be cancelled.
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Official service centers are the only legal way to unlock a Mi Account on new models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13).
7.Blocking prevention: how to avoid problems in the future
The best way to fight blocking is to prevent it. Follow these guidelines to avoid problems with Xiaomi:
- 🔐 Untie your Mi Account before selling your phone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out and reset the settings.
- 📱 Update your software regularly, but don’t install beta unless you’re sure you’re stable.
- 🔄 Backup important data in Mi Cloud or on PC.
- 🛠️ Do not unlock the bootloader unnecessarily - it reduces security.
- 📌 Write it down. PIN/PUK-code SIM-safe-desk.
If you are buying Xiaomi from hand, be sure to check:
- Is your Mi Account untied (ask the seller to reset the settings with you).
- Whether the bootloader is unlocked (in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 5 times on the "Core" - if the "State of the bootloader" item appears, it is blocked).
- Is there a link to the operator (check two) SIM-card operators).
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Before buying a used Xiaomi, ask the seller to go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and show that the device is not tied to the account. If he refuses, this is a reason to be wary.