After resetting or buying a used Xiaomi smartphone, many people are asked for an activation code, a special combination that confirms ownership of the device. Without it, the phone becomes a brick: you can not call, install applications or even enter settings. In this article, we will discuss what the Xiaomi activation code is, where to get it, how to enter it correctly and what to do if the system does not accept it.
It's important to understand that the activation code is not a password from your Mi Account, but a separate security mechanism that works when you reset it through Recovery or after manual deletion of data. It is tied to the device's IMEI and generated automatically by Xiaomi servers. If you bought a phone from your hands and the seller did not untie it from your account, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the smartphone without an activation code.
We have collected the current ways to obtain code for MIUI 14/15, as well as instructions for bypassing locks (legal and not so). All methods have been tested on Redmi Note 12/13, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other current devices from 2023-2026.
What is Xiaomi Activation Code and Why Does It Appear?
The activation code is a 6-digit combination of numbers that the system requests after a hard reset or the first device setup.
- 🔄 You have reset via Recovery Mode (Volume Up buttons) + Power without deleting the attached Mi Account.
- 📱 The phone was bought from hand, and the previous owner did not untie it from his account Xiaomi.
Why Xiaomi uses this mechanism? It's part of the Find Device system, which protects the device from theft, and if the phone is stolen, the thief won't be able to use it even after a complete reset, you'll need the code that comes to the previous owner's email or phone.
⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the seller did not provide an activation code, most likely the phone was stolen or not properly untied.In this case, it will be easier to return money through the site (for example, Avito or Yulu) than trying to unlock the device.
Where to get an activation code for Xiaomi: 4 legal ways
If your phone is yours and you just forgot to unplug your account before resetting, there are a few ways to get the code:
- Through an email from Xiaomi – after resetting to the mail associated with the Mi Account, an email with the topic Xiaomi Activation Code should come. Check the Spam and Promotion folders.
- In i.mi.com, log in to your account, go to Devices → Devices Found, and select a locked smartphone. There will be a button to Get an Activation Code.
🔹 Code expiration: usually 24 hours. If you can't enter, request a new one.
Email in Mi Account is correct|Spam folder in the mail.|A linked phone number|IMEI devices (on a box or in a check)-->
How to enter activation code on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
When you have the code in your hand, you just have to type it right, and the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall pattern is the same:
- Click Next and enter 6 digits without spaces and dashes.
⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after entering the code Incorrect activation code, check:
- 🔢 Correctness of numbers (easily to err in 0 and O, 1 and I).
- 📧 Relevance of the code (it could become obsolete in 24 hours).
- 📱 Account Linking – It’s possible the phone was linked to another Mi Account.
What if the code does not come to the mail?
Errors when entering the activation code and how to fix them
Even with the right code, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong activation code | Misprint, outdated code or incorrect account | Check the numbers, request a new code, make sure you are logged into the correct Mi Account. |
| Server unavailable | Problems with the Internet or servers Xiaomi | Connect to another network (e.g. mobile internet) and try again later |
| Device not activated. | IMEI blocked or phone blacklisted | Contact support with a purchase check or try to restore IMEI through Engineer Mode |
| Too many attempts. | Exceeded number of unsuccessful inputs | Wait 24 hours or reset the meter via Fastboot (PC required) |
🔧 Technical point: If the phone gives an error This device is locked (the device is locked), this may mean that the previous owner reported theft. In this case, you can unlock the smartphone only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of a purchase check.
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If the code doesn't fit but you're sure it's correct, try entering it through another keyboard (e.g. Gboard instead of the standard MIUI). Sometimes the problem is auto-replace characters.
How to get around the activation code on Xiaomi (if you are not the owner)
If the phone is hand-buyed and the seller has not provided the activation code, there are no legal ways to bypass it, which violates Xiaomi's policy, but there are methods that sometimes help in extreme cases (for example, if the seller is missing and the phone is not stolen), we describe them exclusively for informational purposes:
- 🔧 Fastboot Reset – requires an unlocked bootloader and PC. Suitable for models up to MIUI 12.
- 📱 TestPoint – Physically closing contacts on the reset board EEPROM. Risky for newcomers.
⚠️ Attention: All these methods can:
- 🚫 Lock your phone permanently (if you have a phone lock) IMEI blacklist).
- 🔥 Lead to loss of warranty or failure.
- 🕵️ Be considered a hack (if the device is listed as stolen).
📌 Alternative: If the phone isn't stolen but the seller isn't answering, try it:
- Write in support of Xiaomi with a check of purchase (if any).
- Contact the site where you bought the phone (for example, Avito or Yula have customer protection programs).
- Check IMEI on imei.info – if the status is Clean, the chances of unlocking are higher.
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The only legal way to unlock without a code is to apply in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract, warranty card).
Frequent questions about Xiaomi activation code
Let’s look at the typical situations that users face:
🔹 Can I bypass the activation code without a PC?
🔹 The activation code came in, but the phone won't accept it?
🔹 Buy Xiaomi with his hands, the seller did not untie the account?
🔹 After entering the code, the phone requires a password from the Mi Account?
🔹 Can you use Xiaomi without an activation code?
How to avoid activation code problems in the future
To avoid being blocked after a reset, follow the simple rules:
- 🔄 Before resetting, always untie the device from Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.
- 📱 When buying used, ask the seller to reset with you and check for no code request.
- 📧 Keep an eye out for emails linked to Mi Account – the activation code can come in even months after the reset.
- 🔐 Use two-factor authentication in Mi Account so that attackers can’t delete your device from your account.
🔹 Useful Lifehack: If you frequently drop your phone (for example, to test firmware), create a notebook with your account data and save it to the cloud.
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Before selling Xiaomi, take a screenshot of the Settings menu → About Phone → Status, where you can see that the device is not tied to the account.
Conclusion: What to remember
Xiaomi activation code is not a whim of the manufacturer, but a measure of protection against theft. If your phone is yours, it is simple to get the code: check your email, personal account on i.mi.com or request it through support. The main thing is not to panic and enter the numbers carefully.
If the phone is bought with hands and the seller “forgot” to untie the account, your actions depend on the situation:
- 📄 Check – Contact Xiaomi for Support.
- 🛒 Buy on the site - make a dispute.
- 🚫 No proof – it is better to return the phone or sell it as “locked” (for example, for spare parts).
Remember, any attempt to circumvent the activation code without the owner's knowledge can be considered a hack, especially if the device is listed as stolen.