How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi’s forgotten password is a situation that one in five users face, according to service center statistics. Unlike iPhones or Samsung, Redmi, POCO and Mi phones have unique security mechanisms that make it difficult to restore access. The main problem is that most “advice” on the Internet is either outdated (up to MIUI 12), or offer dangerous methods that lead to data loss or blocking Mi accounts.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to unlock Xiaomi, from official tools to technical workarounds confirmed by the company’s engineers. Importantly, no method guarantees 100% success, since 2023 Xiaomi has tightened security policy by linking unlocking with ID verification through documents.

1. Official Recovery through Mi Account (the safest way)

If your phone is tied to a Mi Account (even if you don’t remember it), the chances of unlocking are maximised, a method that works on all models including the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5, but requires access to the email or phone number you provided when you sign up.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password on English firmware).
• 🔑 Select the method of recovery: SMS (If the number is attached or by email.
• 📧 Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS — The system will generate a temporary code to reset the password.
• 🔄 After entering the code, the phone will prompt you to create a new password or PIN-code.

Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (check on another device via [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com))

Is there access to the email/number specified during registration?

Is the phone connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network (without the Internet, recovery is impossible)

Is the phone at least 30% charged (the process can take up to 10 minutes)-->

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to regain access through an account that is not yours (for example, a phone bought with hands), Xiaomi can lock the device for 72 hours after 3 failed attempts.

2 Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have permission to unlock the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader) from Xiaomi.
• 💻 Access to a computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 The phone supports Fastboot mode (works even if the screen is locked).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
3. Open the command prompt and type: fastboot oem unlock If an error appears, first unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool app.
4. Once unlocked, swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option option (this will delete all data!).

⚠️ Warning: This method erases all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and messages. If the phone is encrypted (by default) MIUI 13+), Data recovery after reset will be impossible.

3.Use of Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

A little-known method that works on some Xiaomi models with MIUI 12.5 firmware and below is to reset only the lock password, saving user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select the language (if there is such a clause).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Password (on some models, the item may be called Erase Lock Screen Password).
5. Confirm the action - the phone will restart without a password.

💡

If Recovery Mode doesn't have a Wipe Password option, try selecting Reboot to Bootloader first and then returning to Recovery. On some firmware, this will activate hidden options.

⚠️ Note: On the newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), this method does not work, instead of it, Factory Reset Protection has appeared (FRP), Requiring to enter Mi Account data after resetting.

4. Password bypass through Xiaomi service centers

If the independent attempts failed, the official way remains to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi, the only legal way to unlock the phone without the risk of losing data or getting a brick.

What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card or bank statement).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 📱 The device itself with a charge of at least 50%.

💡

Since 2026, Xiaomi has made it mandatory to verify identity when unlocked through service centers, and without documents, even official partners will not be able to help.

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region, the average unlock time is 1-3 working days, and it is important that if the phone is bought from hand, you will need to prove that the previous owner is not listed in the database of stolen devices.

5. Alternative methods (risky and illegal)

There are dozens of “magic” ways to bypass your Xiaomi password online, from using bugs in MIUI to paid programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey, which we don’t recommend for three reasons:

⚠️ Note: Using informal methods may lead to blocking IMEI (The phone will become a brick without the ability to call or get blacklisted by Xiaomi, and in 2023 the company tightened the policy: devices with signs of hacking are blocked at the server level, and even flashing it does not help.

Official Recovery through Mi Account

Reset via Recovery Mode

I went to the service center.

I’ve tried programs like 4uKey.

I haven’t tried anything, I’m looking for a safe way.

Another option-->

How to protect Xiaomi from blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as a backup way to unlock.
• 📝 Write your password to your password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions fix vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
• 📱 Link your phone to your Mi Account and make sure you have access to a backup email.

If you often forget passwords, consider using them. PIN-According to Kaspersky, 64% of users forget a pattern lock within 3 months, whereas PIN-code is remembered better.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi