How to remove desktop protection on Xiaomi phones: from PIN-code to Mi Account

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? POCO X5 Is it a password that was linked to the previous owner? MIUI, Desktop protection on Xiaomi devices is not just about PIN-a code or fingerprint, but also a complex multi-level security system that includes a Mi Account, FRP-Factory Reset Protection and hardware encryption, and in this article, we will discuss all legal and technically feasible ways to remove protection, from official methods to engineering workarounds.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi is actively fighting unauthorized access to devices. The consequences of failed attempts to unlock can range from temporary blocking of the account to complete “bricking” of the phone (turning into a “brick”). So if the phone was stolen or found, return it to the owner or the police. Bypassing the security on someone else’s device qualifies as hacking and is prosecuted by law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

We will focus on legitimate scenarios: regaining access to your device, unlocking after buying a used phone (with the consent of the previous owner) and fixing software failures. All instructions are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and models from 2020-2026 (Redmi 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5, Xiaomi 13/14). For older devices (until 2019), additional steps may be required – we have put them in a separate section.

1. Official ways to unlock through Mi Account

If you remember the data from the Mi Account (mail and password) tied to your phone, this is the fastest and safest way. Xiaomi provides several tools to restore access:

• 🔑 Reset password through the site: go to account.xiaomi.com, select "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions. Confirmation is possible via email, SMS or backup email (if listed).
• 📱 Unlocking through Find Device: If the function has been activated, you can remotely reset the lock screen password (but not PIN Mi Account!).
• 📧 Proof of ownership: If the phone is officially purchased, link the check or warranty card to your account through Xiaomi support (Section Lost Access»).

⚠️ Attention: After 5 failed attempts to enter the Mi Account password, the account is blocked for 24 hours. If you are not sure about the data, do not try to guess.

If official methods don’t work (for example, the previous owner didn’t untie the account), move to alternative solutions. But remember: resetting via Recovery or Fastboot will delete all data (photos, messages, apps) without the possibility of recovery!

2 Unlocking through Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Factory reset is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi devices, but with a serious drawback: total loss of user data.

• 🔄 There is no important information on the phone (or it is synced to the cloud).
• 📦 The device is not tied to the Mi Account (otherwise, after the reset, you will need to enter the data of the old account).
• 🔧 You are ready to reset your phone from scratch.

Instructions for modern models (MIUI 12-15):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. Reboot your device with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3) After the reset, you may be asked to enter your Mi Account data, even if you haven't installed it. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, which will require a bypass FRP.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypasses Xiaomi

FRP-Locking is a setting reset protection that is activated if the phone has been tied to Mi Account and then executed Hard Reset. After the reboot, the system requires you to enter the account information that was on the device before the reset. If you bought a used phone and the previous owner did not untie the account – this is a problem.

Xiaomi doesn’t officially provide ways to bypass FRP, but there are a few working methods (relevant to MIUI 14 and later):

The most reliable way for beginners is to use the Mi FRP Tool:

1. Download the program from the official website (for example, GSM Flasher).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
3. Run the Mi FRP Tool and select your device model.
4. Follow the instructions of the program (usually you need to enter the command fastboot oem frp-unlock).

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that lets you execute commands on your phone from a computer.

• 🔌 The phone is enabled by the developer mode and debugging by USB (lock-in!).
• 🖥️ You have access to a PC with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Device is defined in the system (check through adb devices).

Instructions for removing the pattern lock/PIN-code:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

To bypass FRP (if the phone requires Mi Account after reset):

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/


adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (14+) Xiaomi has closed many vulnerabilities ADB. If the commands don't work, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Safe Mode (clip the power supply) → Hold on to "Switch off» → Confirm the transition to safe mode).
• 📥 Install the old firmware version via Fastboot (risky!).

1. Reinstall drivers (use Mi PC Suite).

2. Change. USB-cable (original or high quality cable required).

3. Enable in the phone settings "File transfer" (MTP) instead of "charging".-->

5. Unlock through EDL mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.

• 💻 Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📂 Firmware file (.mbn or.elf) for your model.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 🔌 Specialist EDL-cable (or ability to close test points on the board).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install Qualcomm drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
3. Put the phone in mode. EDL: Turn off the device. Lock the test points on the motherboard (they are different for each model!) or use them. EDL-Connect to a PC, Qualcomm should appear in the Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait for the finish (10-20 minutes) and restart the phone.

💡

Firmware via EDL deletes ALL data, including IMEI and serial number, and may require IMEI recovery through the engineering menu (#4636##) or service center.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware in the EDL-If you're not sure about your skills, you can go to the service center. EDL in the workshops is 1000-3000 rubles (depending on the model).

6. Features of unlocking on older models (until 2019)

Xiaomi devices of 2018 and older (Redmi 5/6, Mi A1/A2, POCO F1) have vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the protection without complex manipulation.

• 📞 Call to locked phone: during incoming call you can open the contact menu and through it access the settings.
• 🔧 Exploit through the camera: on some firmware, the swipe down from the camera icon opened the notification panel.
• 🌐 Browser bypass: If the lock screen has an "Emergency Call" button, you can enter ##4636## and reset your password through the engineering menu.

For models on the MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5A), the method of firmware through the SP Flash Tool is suitable:

1. Download the firmware in.scatter format.
2. Open the SP Flash Tool and upload the scatter file.
3. Connect the phone to the PC (drivers must be installed).
4. Press Download and wait for the process to end.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MediaTek after firmware can fly IMEI. You can restore it through the engineering menu (#3646633##) or the program. MTK Engineering Mode.

7. When to contact the service center?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Official Xiaomi service – unlocked if you have a check or warranty card (free or for free) 500–1500 Addresses of centres: mi.com/ru/service/location.
2. Informal workshops – take on complex cases (bypassing FRP on new firmware, restoring IMEI), but the risk of running into fraudsters is high.

Signs that without the service can not do:

• 🔴 Phone after a failed firmware does not turn on (black screen, flashing red indicator).
• 🔒 The screen says "This device is locked" or "Mi Account locked" even after the reset.
• 📵 The device is not defined by the computer in any modes (Fastboot, EDL).
• 🔧 Test points are required to enter the EDL (For example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro).

1. Photo by IMEI (on the box or under the battery).

2. Screenshot of the error (if the phone is turned on).

3. prepare a check or guarantee (if any).

This will speed up the diagnosis and reduce the cost of repairs.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi