Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can't unlock your phone? The situation is familiar to many — especially if the device has been idle for a long time or was presented with a code already installed. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to remove the lock without resorting to radical measures like firmware. But it is important to act carefully: the wrong actions can lead to data loss or even "bricking" the device.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods - from simple (entering a backup) PIN-code) to complex (unlock via Mi Account or Fastboot). MIUI (12, 13, 14) and models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, If the phone is locked after resetting or buying from hand, you can find a solution here too.
⚠️ Warning: Methods using ADB On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), the bootloader is blocked by default - it will have to be unblocked through the official website, which takes up to 7 days.
Method: Entering a backup PIN-code (if the pattern lock is forgotten)
The fastest and safest method is if you have ever set up a backup PIN for a pattern lock. Xiaomi suggests entering it after 5 failed attempts to unlock.
How it works:
- 🔢 Enter the pattern lock 5 times in a row (whether it is correct or not).
- 📌 You'll see a message saying, "Forgot your pattern lock? Enter it. PIN-code".
- 🔑 Enter backup. PIN (4-6 digits, which you specified when setting the lock.
- 📱 The phone unlocks and you can delete or change the password in the settings.
⚠️ Note: If you have never set up a backup PIN, This method will not work. In that case, move on to the following methods.
2. Method: Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)
All Xiaomi smartphones are linked to the Mi Account, the manufacturer’s branded account, and if the phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network), you can reset your screen password through a website.
Instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com from your computer or other phone.
- Sign in with the same account as on the locked device.
- Select the Devices tab → find your smartphone in the list.
- Click "Find the device" → "Unlock the screen".
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (confirmation code will come).
- Wait for the notification on the locked phone - the password will be reset.
🔹 Important conditions:
- 🌐 The phone must be connected to the internet (even if the screen is locked, Wi-Fi or mobile data may be working).
- 🔄 The "Find device" function must be activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).
- ⏳ The process can take up to 5 minutes – don’t interrupt it.
What to do if your phone is not connected to the internet?
3. Method: Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If previous methods fail, you’ll have to resort to a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will erase all the data on your phone (photos, contacts, messages) but return access to the system.
Step-by-step:
Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Charge your phone at least 30%
Prepare a computer with Mi Flash (in case the reset doesn’t help)
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- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Mi 10/11: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Recovery
Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
Clear Data
Confirm the action - the phone will start resetting.
After restarting, set your phone as new.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X2) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account, which was previously linked)!
💡
If the phone requires an old Mi Account after reset and you don’t remember it, contact Xiaomi’s customer service with a check to buy it.
Method 4: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. That's rare, but if you've set up your phone before, it's worth a try.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original so that there are no connection problems).
- 📱 Phone with debugging enabled USB.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
- The phone will reset and the password will be reset.
🔹 Notes:
- 🛠️ On the new versions MIUI 13/14 This method may not work due to increased protection.
- 🔐 If the phone requests root (su) rights and they are not, the method will not work.
- 📡 After unlocking, it is recommended to disable debugging by USB developer-setting.
5. Method: Unlock via Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked)
The most technically challenging but effective method is if you have a Bootloader Unlocked, which is suitable for Xiaomi models where other methods have failed.
What needs to be done:
| Step. | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. | You need a Mi Account with a linked phone number. |
| 2 | Put your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power). | The screen should show the hare in a hat-eared. |
| 3 | Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. | The program may request driver updates. |
| 4 | Press Unlock and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). | The phone will reboot with the bootloader unlocked. |
| 5 | Swipe custom Recovery (such as TWRP) and delete password files manually. | It requires knowledge of working with ADB and firmware. |
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone and resets the settings to factory. (Xiaomi) 12/13/14) may require waiting 7–15 Days to Unblock through an Official Tool.
💡
Unlocking through Fastboot is the only way to bypass Mi Cloud Lock if the phone requires an old account after a reset.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To avoid wasting time, use the table below to help you determine which method is right for your situation.
| Method | Conditions | Loss of data | Difficulty | Time. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standby PIN | Configured when creating a pattern lock | ❌ No. | ⭐ Very simple. | 1-2 minutes |
| Mi Account | Phone connected to the Internet, the function "Find the device" is enabled | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Just | 5-10 minutes |
| Recovery Mode | No Mi Account binding or data not important | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ Easy. | 10-15 minutes |
| ADB | USB debugging enabled, there is a computer | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ Middle-Average | 15-20 minutes |
| Fastboot | The bootloader is unlocked, there is firmware experience | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. | 30+ mine |
💡 Tip: If the phone is bought from hand and locked by the previous owner, first try contacting him to untether the Mi Account. otherwise unlocking via Fastboot may be the only way out.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove a password, many users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔌 "Phone Not Computer-Detected: Check the Cable (Best Use the Original), Install Mi Phone Manager Drivers and Restart PC.
- 🔒 "Reset requires old Mi Account": This is Mi Cloud Lock - protection against theft. Solutions: contact the previous owner for account details. Provide a purchase check in support of Xiaomi. Use paid unlock services (risk of fraud!).
- ⚙️ "The debugging doesn't work. USB": On the new versions MIUI The debugging shuts down after you restart. If you didn't turn it on before, the method is ADB It won't work.
- ⏳ "Mi Unlock Tool is hanging on 99%": The typical problem for new models. Solutions: Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). Disable the antivirus on your computer. Use another Windows PC 10/11.
💡
If the phone gives an error "This device is locked" when trying to flash TWRP, then the bootloader is locked. It must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool (with a wait of 7-15 days).