Forgot the WhatsApp password on Xiaomi's smartphone and can't log in? This problem is familiar to many users, especially after app updates or resetting phone settings. Unlike locking the screen, WhatsApp's password is tied to your account, not your device, making it harder to get around. But there are several official and alternative ways to regain access - from standard SMS recovery to technical workarounds for advanced users.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for removing WhatsApp passwords on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 11, and others). Each method is illustrated with screenshots and detailed instructions, as well as the risks and limitations. Importantly, some methods can lead to loss of chats if you did not back up your Google Drive.
1. Standard password recovery via SMS/email
If you have forgotten your WhatsApp password but remember the phone number associated with your account, use the built-in recovery feature, which works on all Xiaomi devices and does not require root rights or technical skills.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open WhatsApp on a locked device.
- 🔑 On the password entry screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? in English version).
- 📞 Enter the phone number to which the account is linked and confirm it.
- 💬 Wait. SMS with a 6-digit code or request a call with a code (if SMS doesn't come).
- 🔓 Enter the received code in the appropriate field.
If the SMS does not arrive within 5 minutes:
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
- 📶 Check your connection to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
- 📧 Use an alternative method – recovery via email (if it was previously linked).
⚠️ Warning: If you changed your phone number and didn't update it in WhatsApp's settings, this method won't work.
2. Password reset via two-step verification
If you have previously set up two-step verification (additional) PIN-If you forget the code, you can try to reset the password through the attached email:
- 📧 An existing email is linked to the account.
- 🔢 You remember your phone number, but you don’t remember it. PIN-code.
- ⏳ No more than 7 days have passed since the last login (otherwise the account may be temporarily blocked).
Instructions:
- Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number.
- On the input screen PIN-Two-step verification code click Forgotten PIN?.
- Select the option to send a link to an email.
- Click on the link in the letter and follow the instructions for resetting the PIN.
If the email is not linked or the email does not arrive:
- 🔍 Check the spam folder in the mail.
- 📥 Make sure that the email is listed without typos (you can check in your Google account settings if your phone is synced).
- ⏳ Wait 24 hours and try again – sometimes WhatsApp servers delay sending emails.
💡
If you don’t remember which email was linked, try to restore access through the official WhatsApp website – there you can request a list of associated addresses.
3. Delete and reinstall WhatsApp (with data saved)
If previous methods have not worked, you can try reinstalling the app, but with a chat backup.This method is suitable for Xiaomi devices with access to Settings → Google → Backup.
Step-by-step:
☑️ Preparing for WhatsApp reinstallation
Detailed steps:
- Create a backup: Open Settings → Google → Backup. Make sure WhatsApp Data Backup option is enabled. Run manual copying via WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
- Delete the app: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management. Find WhatsApp and select Delete.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download the app from Google Play. When you first start, enter your phone number and confirm it via SMS. On the recovery screen, select Restore from Google Drive backup.
⚠️ Note: If the backup was not created in advance, all chats and media files will be lost after the application is removed. MIUI 14+ Backup in Google Drive may not work due to system limitations – in this case, use local copying on the disk. SD-map.
| Conditions | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| There's a backup on Google Drive. | Chats will recover after reinstallation | No. |
| There's no backup, but there's access to the phone files. | Try to extract the database manually. | Root or ADB is required |
| No backup and no root rights. | Chats will be lost. | Loss of data |
| Device with MIUI 14+ | Google Drive may not work | Use the local backup. |
4. Password bypass through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods didn’t help and USB debugging is enabled on the phone, you can try removing the password file via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for Xiaomi devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.
Conditions required:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 The phone's on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-plug-in.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Execute the command to access shell: adb shell
- Go to the folder with the data WhatsApp: cd /data/data/com.whatsapp/shared_prefs
- Delete the file with the password settings: rm com.whatsapp_preferences.xml
- Restart your phone and try to log in to WhatsApp again.
⚠️ Note: This method may cause data loss if the file is com.whatsapp_preferences.xml It contains not only password settings, but also other critical settings. /data/data/com.whatsapp/ through ADB pull.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Resetting the phone to factory settings (last resort)
If none of the previous methods worked, then hard reset is left, which will delete all data from your phone, including WhatsApp password, but all chats, photos and settings will be erased. Use it only as a last resort.
How to make a reset on Xiaomi:
- 🔄 Through the settings menu: Go to Settings → The phone. → Setting reset. Select Reset all settings. Confirm and wait for the reset.
- 🛠️ Using Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked): Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume up before the Mi logo appears. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons). Confirm reset and restart the phone.
After discharge:
- 📱 Install WhatsApp from Google Play.
- 📞 Enter the phone number and confirm it through SMS.
- 🔄 If the backup was created earlier, restore the chats at the setup stage.
💡
Resetting to factory settings is the last chance to get WhatsApp back, but it erases ALL data from your phone. If the device had important files, try extracting them first through ADB pull or connecting to your PC in MTP mode.
6. Alternative ways: Recovery through WhatsApp support
If none of the technical methods worked, contact WhatsApp Support.This can take up to 7 days, but sometimes it's the only way to get your account back without losing data.
How to contact support:
- Open the official WhatsApp website.
- Go to Contact Us (or Contact Us) section.
- Select the problem: I can’t log in to the account.
- Fill out the form by specifying: Phone number associated with the account. Device model (Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 Pro, etc.) Description of the problem (for example, "forgot the password, SMS do not come").
Please include screenshots of errors (if any).
What to do while you wait for an answer:
- 📧 Check the email linked to your WhatsApp account (the answer may come there).
- 📵 Do not try to enter a password repeatedly – this can lead to a temporary blocking of your account.
- 🔄 If you have a second phone, install WhatsApp with the same number on it – sometimes it helps unlock your account.