The forgotten password from Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike iPhones or devices running pure Android, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have unique security mechanisms associated with Mi Account account and proprietary firmware MIUI. Attempts to find code by brute force are useless here: after 5 incorrect inputs, the system locks the device for 30 minutes, and after 10 - can completely erase all data.
In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of unlocking - from official (via an attached account) to technical (using Fastboot or Fastboot). EDL-Important: not all methods are suitable for your model, it depends on the version. MIUI, Root rights and Mi Account status, so that you do not lose your data, read the warnings carefully before each section.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The easiest and safest method is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
- 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account
- 🔄 Synchronization is enabled on the device (checked in Settings) → Mi Account → Synchronization)
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
- Create a new unlock password.
⚠️ Note: If the phone previously enabled factory reset via Mi Account (Find Device option), then 10 If you fail to enter a password, the device can automatically erase all data. 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12 newer.
2. Reset password via Find Device (remote)
If your phone is lost or you don't have physical access to it, but you have a Mi Account attached, you can reset your password remotely via Find Device.
- 🌐 Phone's connected to the Internet.
- 🔋 Battery level of charge > 15%
- 📍 Find Device is activated in the settings
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the locked device in the list.
- Press Unlock Device (Unlock Device).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
⚠️ Warning: Once remotely unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased, which is not a good method for saving photos or messages, and it doesn't work on custom firmware devices like LineageOS).
☑️ Preparation for remote discharge
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the official methods don't work, you can try resetting your password through Fastboot mode, which requires a computer, a USB-TypeC cable, and basic ADB/Fastboot knowledge.
Supported models:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10/11/12 series (except for Mi) 12 Ultra)
- 📱 Redmi Note 9/10/11 (on Snapdragon processors)
- 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) This method may not work due to the blocking of Anti-Rollback, in which case you will need an authorized Mi Unlock account (see section 5).
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
4. Password bypass through Recovery Mode (without loss of data)
This method is suitable for older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2) and allows you to reset the password without deleting data. However, on new devices (MIUI 13+), it does not work due to enhanced protection.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select a language and go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12/13/14 This method will cause a bootloope (cyclic reboot). Use it only on firmware older than the one you use. 2019 year-end.
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If the phone doesn't start after you delete the files, reset it via Wipe Data in the same Recovery, which will erase all the data, but it will return to work.
5. Unlock through EDL-mode (for technically savvy people)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader.
- 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11
- 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original)
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers
- 📄 Firmware file for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com)
Step-by-step:
- Install Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool drivers.
- Turn off your phone. Close the Test Point contacts (location depends on the model, look for diagrams for your device).
- Connect the phone to a PC, and it will be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly sliding into EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or service centers. 8 Gen 2/3) Xiaomi is blocking EDL login.
| Model phone | Supports EDL? | Do you need authorization? | Risk of a brick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9 | Yes. | No. | Medium. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Yes. | Yes (since 2022) | High-pitched |
| POCO X3 Pro | Yes. | No. | Low. |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Yes. | Yes (for authorized accounts only) | critical |
Alternative methods (with limitations)
If none of the above methods worked, you can try:
- 🔧 Google Account reset (only for Android 9 and older): on the lock screen, type in any password 5 times, then tap Forgot the password? → Restore it through Google. It doesn't work on MIUI 13+.
- 📞 Contact the service center: official Xiaomi centers can unlock the phone on the passport of the owner (paid, ~1500–3000 ₽). List of centres: mi.com/service.
- 🔓 Use of third-party tools (such as Dr.Fone or Tenorshare) 4uKey). Risk: High probability of malware installation or data loss.
⚠️ Attention: Methods using bypasses through ADB (For example, adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key) on MIUI 12+ All data is lost due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the only reliable way to unlock is to officially reset via Mi Account or contact the service center.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:
- 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlock method (configured in Settings) → Password and security).
- 📝 Write your password in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
- 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
- 🔗 Link Mi Account to your phone and enable Find Device.
We also recommend disabling Auto Reset if you try too many times (available in Settings → Password & Security → Screen Lock settings).