How to turn on Xiaomi phone if you forgot your password: all working ways (2026)

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi’s smartphone is a frustrating but fixable situation. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking without an Apple ID often requires access to the service, Android devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) offer several alternative ways to restore access. The main thing is not to panic or try to find the code by brute force: after 5-10 failed attempts, the system can lock the device for 24 hours or completely erase all data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 official and semi-official methods of unlocking Xiaomi without a password, from a simple reset via Mi Account to complex manipulations with ADB and Fastboot. Each method is suitable for different scenarios: for example, if you have a Mi Account but no access to email, or if the phone is discharged and does not respond to charging, and we will warn about critical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick” – for example, the improper use of fastboot commands on a locked bootloader.

Important: Before you start, check to see if your Xiaomi is connected to the Internet via mobile network or Wi-Fi. Some methods (such as unlocking through Find Device) require an active connection. If the screen is completely locked, try connecting the phone to charge – sometimes when the battery level is low, the system suggests entering the device. PIN from SIM-card instead of the main password.

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

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your mobile phone. PIN-code, but remember the username and password from the account. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 others.

How does it work: After several failed attempts to enter a password, the system will suggest the option "Forgot your password?" Click on it and follow the instructions:

• 🔑 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 📧 Get the confirmation code by SMS or by post (depending on the settings).
• 🔄 Enter the code in the appropriate field and create a new unlock password.

If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try entering any password 5 times in a row - after that the system should offer a recovery option. Some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) may require an Internet connection.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone without logging out, this method won't work.

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If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled in Mi Account, prepare backup codes or access to an authenticator application (e.g. Google Authenticator) in advance.

2. Reset password via Find Device (remote unlock)

Find Device (similar to Apple’s Find iPhone) not only tracks Xiaomi’s location, but also remotely unlocks it, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔗 The device is tied to the Mi Account.
• 🔄 The “Find device” function is enabled in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a blocked Xiaomi from the list of devices.
3. Click “Unlock the device” and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will restart and you can set a new password. If the device doesn't show up on the site, check if geolocation and internet are enabled on the smartphone.

3. Hard Reset (reset to factory settings)

Hard Reset is a radical method that erases all data from your phone, including your password, and is worth using if other methods have failed or you don't have a Mi Account tied, and the procedure varies depending on the model and version of MIUI.

The common algorithm for most Xiaomis is:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination Volume up + Nutrition (on some models – Volume down + Nutrition).
3. After the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Once reset, the phone will reboot to the box-like state, and you will need to reconfigure it, including the Mi Account binding.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi and POCO After Hard Reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account login and password, even if you don't remember it.

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 times press to activate Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → USB debugging), you can delete the password file via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not erase data, but requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Once you reboot, the password will be reset, and if the su command doesn't work, then there's no root on the phone, in which case the method won't work.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If previous methods have failed and the bootloader on your Xiaomi is locked (which is typical for official firmware), you can try unlocking it through Fastboot. This method is suitable for models with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3). For MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9A), the process is more complicated and requires special tools like the SP Flash Tool.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to the PC.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and click Refresh.
4. In the bottom menu, select “Clean All” (this will erase all data!) and click “Flash”.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Continuous interruption of the firmware process via Fastboot can cause the memory module (eMMC) to break, after which the phone will not turn on even in the service center!

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If after firmware through Fastboot the phone is getting stuck on the Mi logo, try re-stitching it with the option “Clean All and Lock” (locks the bootloader, but restores performance).

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods worked, or you are afraid to damage the phone by self-manipulation, contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📱 Devices with damaged screen (no password interface visible).
• 🔒 Phones with a blocked Mi Account after resetting.
• 🛠️ Models who after a failed firmware appeared "brick" (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the complexity, in some cases, confirmation of purchase (checks, box), especially if the device is warranty.

To find the nearest service center:

1. Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Check the reviews about the center (some informal services may offer "unlock" with the loss of IMEI).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi