Why Xiaomi requires a Google account when it first turns on
Xiaomiβs current Android smartphones use Factory Reset Protection (FRP), a mechanism that locks a device after resetting if it was tied to a Google account. This feature appeared on Android 5.1 Lollipop and has since become mandatory for all manufacturers. The main purpose of FRP is protection against theft: even after resetting to factory settings, the phone cannot be activated without the data of the previous owner.
However, situations where you need to circumvent this protection often arise: buying a used phone without the previous ownerβs data, a forgotten password from the account, breaking the communication module (when you can not confirm the account by SMS). In such cases, users are faced with a welcome screen, where the system insists on entering a username and password from a Google account without offering alternatives. Fortunately, there are legal ways to circumvent this restriction, from standard MIUI functions to technical tricks.
Itβs important to understand that FRP bypassing is not illegal if youβre the rightful owner of the device. But the manufacturer doesnβt provide official tools for this, so all methods are based on the use of firmware or hardware. Below weβll look at the current ways for Xiaomi on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12 models, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12 and others.
Method 1: Using Fastboot Mode to Reset FRP
One of the most reliable methods is to reset FRP protection via Fastboot mode, which works on most Xiaomi models, but requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader, and if the phone hasnβt unlocked before (for example, to install custom firmware), this method may not work.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and press the Power Button + Volume down combination to enter Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and execute the command: fastboot erase frp
- Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
After the reboot, the phone should offer a standard setting without asking for a Google account.If the fastboot erase frp command didn't work, try an alternative one:
fastboot erase persistβ οΈ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After this procedure, it may be lost. IMEI. You can restore it through the engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like Maui. META.
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (download from [developer.android.com](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)
Download the Mi Flash Tool (for models with a blocked bootloader)
Check that the USB cable supports data transfer (not just charging)
Disable the antivirus β it can block fastboot commands-->
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)
If the Fastboot is unavailable or has not worked, try resetting FRP through Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or older versions of MIUI (up to MIUI 12.5).
Instructions:
- π Turn off the phone and press the power button. + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
- π± Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
- π§ Select Wipe All Data (sometimes called Format Data).
- βοΈ After reset, go to Reboot β Reboot to System.
If you donβt have Wipe All Data in the recovery menu, try an alternative path:
- In Recovery Mode, select Advanced β File Manager.
- Go to /data/system/ and delete files: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm
- Reset the device.
β οΈ Warning: Deleting files manually can lead to a download cycle if you get the wrong way. 12T This method is often blocked by the system β only use it on models until 2022.
What to do if Recovery Mode is blocked?
Method 3: Use of alternative accounts (Mi Accounts)
If the phone was previously linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), it can be used to bypass FRP locking.This method works even on newer models with MIUI 14, but requires the previous owner to untie the device from their Google account.
How to do this:
- π± On the lock screen, select Forgot pattern? (or Forgot pattern lock?).
- π The system will prompt you to enter Mi Account data (email or phone) associated with the device.
- π§ After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you can reconfigure it without a Google account.
If you buy a used phone, always ask the seller:
- β Untie the device from the Google account in settings (Settings) β Accounts. β Google β Delete the account).
- β Sign out of Mi Account (Settings) β Xiaomi account β Get out).
- β Make reset to factory settings (Settings) β The phone. β Resetting settings).
π‘
If the seller canβt remember the Mi Account password, ask them to remove the device from the list at [account.xiaomi.com](https://account.xiaomi.com) (Device Management section) and this will remove the binding without having to enter data on the phone.
| Xiaomi model | Does it support unlocking through Mi Account? | Is confirmation required by SMS |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Yes. | No. |
| POCO X3 Pro | Yes. | Yes (if two-factor authentication is enabled) |
| Mi 11 Ultra | Yes. | No. |
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | Yes, but only after resetting through Recovery. | Yes. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | No (Google account only) | β |
Method 4: Firmware via EDL Mode (for power users)
Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a flashing firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.It works at the Qualcomm processor level, so it is suitable for most Xiaomi models (except for devices on Mediatek, such as the Redmi 10A).
This method will require:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- π¦ Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model (you can download it on the Internet). 4PDA Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- π§ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down (on some models you need to close the test points on the board).
- In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
- Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart the device.
β οΈ Attention: Firmware through EDL Resets all data, including IMEI and MAC-Addresses may need to be restored after the procedure. IMEI It's on a menu or service center, on Snapdragon models. 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) this method is unstable - the risk of bricking is higher.
Method 5: Bypassing settings for people with disabilities
On some versions of MIUI (mainly MIUI 11-12), you can bypass FRP locking through the special feature menu, which works if the Emergency Call button is available on the lock screen.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
- Enter the combination ##4636## (the test menu will open).
- Return to the lock screen and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down button for 10 seconds to call TalkBack.
- With TalkBack gestures, swipe two fingers down the screen to open the notification bar.
- Click on Settings (cog icon) and turn off TalkBack in the Special Features section.
- Now you can go into the phone's settings and reset it to factory.
This doesn't work on all models. On the POCO M3 and Redmi 9, it's validated by users, and on the Xiaomi 11 Lite, it might not work because of security updates. If nothing happens after step 3, try entering another code:
##284##π‘
The method through special features is one of the safest, as it does not require a PC connection and does not affect IMEI. However, it only works on firmware older than 2021.
What to do if nothing helps: contact the service
If all of these methods fail, there are two options:
- The official service center of Xiaomi. Provide a check or a purchase agreement - they will be able to unlock the phone by serial number.The service is paid (from 1000 to 3000 rubles), but guaranteed to work.
- Unofficial services. Many workshops offer FRP bypasses for 500-1,500 rubles. Risk: Unscrupulous masters can install malware or damage firmware.
Before you bring your phone to the service, try the last chance:
- π Contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their Google account (Security section). β Your devices").
- π If you bought your phone on Avito or Yula, check your correspondence history β sometimes sellers leave information from your account in messages.
β οΈ Note: Forums often advise using programs such as FRP Bypass APK These tools may contain viruses or spyware. We do not recommend using them - the risk of losing data or "filling" the phone is too high.