How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your password: 5 working ways

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that even power users face. Screen locking protects personal data, but if you can't remember the combination, the phone turns into a brick. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to reset to factory settings without losing the functionality of the device.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current unlocking methods, from standard Recovery reset to Mi Account and tools like Mi Unlock Tool. Each method is suitable for different scenarios — for example, if you have an internet connection, your battery is dead or your phone doesn’t respond to touch. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, linking a Mi Account), so read carefully.

Warning: factory reset completely removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If your phone had important files, try first to restore access through Find Device (on this in one of the sections below).

1. Reset via Recovery Mode (without computer)

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models – from the old Redmi 4X to the new Xiaomi 14. This does not require a computer or special programs, but you will need access to the physical buttons of the phone.

• 🔄 You don’t remember the password, but the phone turns on and responds to buttons;
• 📵 You have no access to your Mi Account or internet connection;
• 🔋 Battery charge of more than 20% (otherwise the reset may be interrupted).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (if it freezes, press the button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power; For some older smartphones (like Redmi Note 3): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Yes

Reboot

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T) The Recovery menu can be in Chinese. Look for the characters "" (data cleanup) or "" (fabrication reset).

Turn off phone | Charge battery >200%| Press the correct button combination | Wait for the Recovery menu to appear | Do not interrupt the reset process-->

2 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If you have previously linked your phone to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember it), you can unlock it without losing data.

• 📱 The phone has Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) on it);
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account;
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

How to unlock:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (or “Find the device” in Russian).
3. In the list of devices, find the locked phone and press Unlock (unlock).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Wait 5-10 minutes – the phone should unlock automatically.

If this method does not work, try an alternative:

1. On the locked screen, click Forgot your password? (if there is such a point).
2. Enter the data from Mi Account (login and password).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, unlocking through the account will be impossible - you will need a reset via Fastboot (see next section).

3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, hovers on the logo or Recovery menu unavailable, a Fastboot reset will help.This method requires a computer and installed Xiaomi drivers, but is suitable for 99% of the brand’s models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 and Mi 11.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB);
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming;
• 🔧 Xiaomi drivers (you can download through the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.
4. In the program, click Select and select the firmware folder for your model (you can download it at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you try to flash your phone through Fastboot, you have an Anti Rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on the device.

💡

Before resetting via Fastboot, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your Xiaomi. If not, you will need an additional unlock procedure through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 72 hours).

4. Use of service codes (for older models)

Some older Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi 3S, Mi 4i) can reset through service codes, a method that doesn’t work on all devices, but if other methods aren’t available, it’s worth a try.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter one of the codes: ##7780## - soft reset (removes only settings, does not touch files); *2767*3855# - full reset (removes everything, including firmware).

Confirm the action if a request appears.

If the codes don't work, your model doesn't support them. Don't try random combinations, it can cause the system to crash.

5. Unlock via Find Device (if the phone is online)

If your Xiaomi is connected to the internet and you have access to another device, you can try unlocking it through Find Device, which works even if you don’t remember the Mi Account password but have previously linked the phone to your account.

How to do this:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. In the list of devices, find your phone and press Lock.
4. Set a new password (e.g. 123456).
5. Wait 1-2 minutes and try to unlock your phone with a new password.

If the phone doesn’t appear on the list, check:

• 📶 Is it connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network);
• 🔄 Is Find Device enabled in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device);
• 🔋 Is the battery enough (less than 5% can block remote commands).

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Find Device only works when the phone has an active Internet connection, and if the Wi-Fi and mobile network are disabled, it will not be possible to unlock through the web interface.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the previous owner’s account;
• 🔧 Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot error-producing;
• 📱 The device is physically damaged (for example, the screen is not working).

What needs to be done:

1. Find the nearest service center on the official website.
2. Take with you: Passport (to prove possession); Check or box from the phone (if any); Mi Account details if the phone is tied to it.

Describe the problem to the master. In most cases, the reset to the factory settings takes 10 to 30 minutes.

The cost of the service depends on the model and the reason for the lock. For example, unlocking Mi Account can cost from 500 to 2000 rubles, and hardware reset - about 1000 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops that promise to "hack" your phone in 5 minutes.This can lead to a loss of warranty or device breakdown. Xiaomi's official service centers use legal unlocking methods.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Xiaomi to factory settings, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common problem is that the phone doesn't turn on after reset, and it can be because of:

• 🔋 Fully discharged battery (charge your phone 30 to 60 minutes before turning on);
• 🔧 Incorrectly installed firmware (repeat the process via Fastboot);
• 💥 Hardware failure (requires diagnosis in the service).

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If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after reset, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't help, repeat the reset via Recovery.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions