How to erase all data from Xiaomi if you forget your password: the full guide

Introduction: Why Standard Resetting Doesn't Work

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that thousands of users face every day, especially when the phone is locked and important data is stored inside, such as photos, correspondence or work documents. The first thought is to reset through the Recovery Mode menu. However, on most Xiaomi models (starting with MIUI 9), this method will not work without confirming the Mi Account.

The manufacturer has increased protection: even after a Wipe Data reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device, which is a measure against theft, but it also creates problems for legitimate owners. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for bypassing the lock and completely clearing the phone - from official to technical (including Fastboot and EDL Mode).

Important: all methods except the first destroy data without the possibility of recovery, if you need to save files, first try unlocking your phone through Mi Account or contact the service center.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most legal way is to use Xiaomi’s Find Device feature, which allows you to remotely unlock your phone if:

  • 🔹 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • 🔹 The phone is synchronized with Mi Account.
  • 🔹 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select the Find Device tab → find your phone in the list.
  3. Click Unlock the device and confirm the action SMS-code.
  4. The phone is unlocked within 5-10 minutes (reboot required).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi may also request additional verification (for example, a tied phone number or backup email).

📊 How often do you forget your passwords?
Often, once a month.
Sometimes, every six months.
Nearby, but I don't remember.
Never forget.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for older models)

Xiaomi devices before 2018 (e.g. Redmi Note 4/5, Mi 5/6) sometimes run a classic reset via Recovery Mode.

  • 🔹 Nana MIUI 8 and below the reset can be without reference to the account.
  • 🔹 Nana MIUI 9-14 after reset, you will need to enter your Mi Account data.
  • 🔹 The method does not work on phones with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption).

How to try it:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
  4. Once reset, the phone will reboot, and if you request Mi Account, that's not the method.

Turn off phone | Press Power + Volume Up| Wait for Recovery | Select Wipe Data

-->

⚠️ Note: On new models (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO X3/X4) This is a way to guarantee that you will get a Mi Account request after you reset. 2019 year-end.

Method 3: Fastboot commands for complete reset (for advanced)

If Recovery Mode didn’t help and Mi Account isn’t tied (or you don’t remember it), then Fastboot, a firmware mode that allows you to erase data bypassing lockdown, will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot: press the Power button + Volume down.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
fastboot oem edl

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands completely erase the user data section, including passwords and settings, and once rebooted, the phone will be like new, but without the Mi Account request (on most models).

What if the Fastboot oem edl command doesn't work?
On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) the command is blocked, in which case you will need to switch to EDL Mode via test points (you need a special cable or soldering iron), this method is risky and recommended only for advanced users.

Xiaomi modelDoes it support Fastboot reset?Do you need a Mi Account after a reset?
Redmi Note 8/9Yes.No (unless there was a tie-in)
POCO X3 NFCYes.Yes (on MIUI 12+)
Mi 10/11Partially.Yes (loader level lock)
Redmi 9A/9CYes.No (on stock firmware)

⚠️ Note: On phones with a locked bootloader (Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 4), fastboot commands may not work. In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

💡

If the phone doesn’t restart after fastboot commands, disconnect it from your PC, press the Power for 20 seconds, then try again.

Method 4: Transition to EDL Mode (Extreme Method)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.The method works on all Xiaomi models, but requires:

  • 🔹 Special cable. EDL (or Testpoint soldering).
  • 🔹 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model.
  • 🔹 Firmware knowledge (an error can turn a phone into a brick").

Instructions:

  1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (via cable or circuit of contacts on the board).
  3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
  4. Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: This method voids the warranty and may result in loss IMEI. Use it only if other methods have not helped and the phone does not contain critical data.

💡

EDL Mode is the only way to get around Mi Account locks on newer models (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12), but requires technical skills.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If independent attempts are unsuccessful, the official way remains to contact the Xiaomi service center.

  • 🔹 Guaranteed deletion of data without the risk of “bricking".
  • 🔹 Ability to unlock Mi Account on documents (passport, check).
  • 🔹 Preservation of warranty (if the phone is guaranteed).

What will be required:

  • 📄 Passport (to confirm possession).
  • 📄 Check or box from the phone (preferably).
  • 📄 The data of the attached Mi Account (if you remember).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. In some cases (for example, if the phone is on credit), unlocking can be free.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often offer “unlock in 5 minutes” through questionable methods (e.g., swapping). IMEI). This is illegal and can cause problems with the law or the operation of the network.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset, users often encounter typical problems.

  1. Fastboot: Solution: Unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi’s official website (requires a wait of 72–168 hours).
  2. Phone is not defined in Mi Flash Tool: Solution: Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Device Manager.
  3. After the reset, the Mi Account request remained: Solution: Use EDL Mode or contact the service.

Another common mistake is using the wrong firmware, such as the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (codename sweet) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).

fastboot getvar product
Can data be recovered after a complete reset?
No. All of the methods described in the article (except for unlocking through Mi Account) permanently delete data. If you need to save files, try connecting your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and using programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey (no guarantee of success).
Does Google Find My Device Reset Work?
No. Google's Find My Device feature allows you to block or erase data on your phone, but does not bypass the Mi Account lock. After resetting through Google, you still need to enter your username and password from Xiaomi.
How do I know if my Mi Account is linked to my phone?
If the phone is turned on, try to enter any password 5 times in a row, you will see a hint from the email account. If the phone is turned off, you can check the link only after reset: if after Wipe Data there is a request to enter a login, then the account is tied.
Can you reset Xiaomi through a computer without a Fastboot?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging. USB And it was previously connected to this PC. ADB-Team: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data However, on a locked phone, debugging is usually disabled.
What to do if you forget your password and Mi Account?
In this case, only EDL Mode or service center remains, if the phone is officially purchased, the service can help with documents, if you bought it with hand, the chances are minimal (proof of ownership is required).