A forgotten Mi Account password can become a serious problem: without it, you will not be able to activate your smartphone after a reset, use Mi Cloud cloud storage or synchronize data between Xiaomi devices. Worse, some features (such as unlocking the bootloader) require authorization in your account at all. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, and in extreme cases, workarounds will help.
In this article, weβll look at all the current methods, from standard recovery via email/SMS to little-known techniques for devices with blocked access. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, linking backup email), so if you read this beforehand, save the article in bookmarks. For owners of Redmi, POCO or Black Shark smartphones, the instructions are universal, because they all work on the basis of MIUI.
Warning: Attempts to hack someone else's account are illegal, and this article is only intended to restore access to your device. If you bought a used smartphone with someone else's Mi Account tied, the only legal way to do so is to contact the previous owner.
1. Standard password recovery via email or phone
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the official reset procedure on Xiaomi's website, which is suitable if you have access to a linked email or phone number.
- Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
- Enter your login (email, phone or Mi ID) and captcha.
- Choose the method of receiving the code: Email or SMS.
- Enter the 6-digit code in the appropriate field.
- Create and confirm a new password (minimum 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers).
β οΈ Note: If you donβt remember the attached email/If you're not using the phone, this method won't work, then move on to the next section. SMS only acts 5 minutes - do not delay the input.
Make sure you have access to your linked email/phone |
Check the Spam folder in the mail - the code can get there |
Disable VPN β Xiaomi site can block suspicious IP|
Use your browser in incognito mode to avoid cookie conflict |
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If you see an error when you restore, "This account does not exist," you may be entering the wrong login.
- π§ Email in different registers (for example, Ivan)@mail.ru ivan@mail.ru β These are different addresses for the system).
- π± Phone number in international format: +79123456789, not 89123456789.
- π Mi ID β This is a digital identifier of the type 1234567890, which can be found in the account settings on the working device.
2. Recovery via backup email (if the main one is not available)
If you do not have access to the main email or phone, but you provided a backup address when registering, you can use it. This method works even if the main email is deleted or blocked.
Instructions:
- On the password recovery page, select the option "Forgot login email/phone?" (usually in small print below the input field).
- Enter the backup email you provided when registering.
- Confirm sending a letter with a link to reset.
- Click on the link in the letter and set a new password.
π How do you find a backup email? If you don't remember what address you gave, check it:
- π§ Old letters from the service@xiaomi.com β They may include a backup email.
- π± On another Xiaomi device where you are logged in: go to Settings β Mi Account β Security.
- π₯οΈ If you used Mi Cloud on PC, backup email could be saved in your browser (check autocomplete).
What if the backup email is not available?
3. Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader)
This method is suitable if you need to unlock the bootloader for custom software firmware, but you forgot the password from Mi Account. The method works only for devices that have already been unlocked before (i.e., tied to an account in Mi Unlock Tool).
Step-by-step:
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and install it on PC.
- Run the program and log in to your Mi Account (if you remember the password). If not, go to item 4.
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
- If the utility shows the message βAccount is not bound to this deviceβ, then the device is not tied to the Mi Unlock account, and this method will not work.
β οΈ Note: Using the Mi Unlock Tool without linking the device to the account can result in a lock for 720 hours (30 days.
| Situation | Does the method work? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| The device was previously unlocked via Mi Unlock | β Yes. | There are no risks if you remember the password. |
| New device (never unlocked) | β No. | 720-hour lockdown |
| Account is tied, but password is forgotten | β οΈ Partially. | Reset password via email/SMS |
| A used device with someone else's account | β No. | Requires a link with the previous owner |
Yes, for custom software firmware |
Yeah, but got a 720-hour lockdown.|
No, I'm afraid to block the device.|
No, I don't need that.|
4. bypassing the blocking of Mi Account through EDL-mode (for advanced)
If standard methods do not help and the device is locked (for example, after resetting settings), you can try hardware reset via the device. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers.
- π§ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- π¦ Firmware for your model (it is important to choose the right version!).
- π Cable. USB (preferably original).
π΄ Warning: Misconduct in the EDL-This method can turn a smartphone into a βbrickβ (completely inoperable), which is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.
Instructions:
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
- Turn off your smartphone and transfer it to EDL-Mode: Press the Volume buttons up + Loud down and plug in. USB-The screen should stay black, that's okay.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
fastboot getvar productThis will help to avoid incompatible firmware installation.
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5. Alternative ways: appeal for support and legal nuances
If all of the above methods fail, the official path remains to appeal to Xiaomi.
- π± Purchases of a used smartphone with a tied someone elseβs account.
- π Loss of access to all email/Phones linked to Mi Account.
- π Need to prove ownership (for example, to unlock after theft).
How to make a request correctly:
- Go to the support page: mi.com/global/support.
- Select the category "Mi Account".
- Attach proof of possession of the device: π Check or consignment note IMEI. πΈ Photo of a box with a serial number. π³ Bank card statement (if you bought online).
Describe the situation in as much detail as possible (when you bought it, why you lost access, etc.).
β³ Timeline: Usually the answer comes within 3-7 In difficult cases (e.g., in controversial situations with used devices), the process can take months. If the smartphone is purchased abroad, contact the region where it was activated.
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6. How to avoid Mi Account problems in the future
To avoid getting blocked again, follow these guidelines:
- π Link backup email: go to Settings β Mi Account β Security β Backup email.
- π± Add a second phone number: This will make it easier to recover if the main number is SIM will be unavailable.
- π Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store your login and password.
- π Save Mi. ID: write down your digital account ID (can be found in your profile) on paper or in a secure note.
- π« Do not buy used Xiaomi without detachment of the account: before the transaction, ask the seller to exit the Mi Account and reset settings.
π‘ Useful Life Hack: Create a screenshot of the Settings page β Mi Account β Security and save it to the cloud (like Google Drive) and you'll see the attached ones. email/Phones that will make recovery easier.
If you often sell or buy Xiaomi smartphones, check out Mi Verify, which allows you to check your account status before buying a used device.