How to turn on Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that almost every user has faced, especially when the phone is locked and important data is stored inside: contacts, photos, work correspondence. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and informal ways to unlock, but each of them has its own nuances.

In this article, we will break down all the current unlocking methods (including hidden MIUI features), assess their complexity and risks, and give clear instructions based on the latest Xiaomi 2026 updates. Importantly, some methods lead to data loss, so try the safe options first.

If you are looking for a solution for a particular model (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T), pay attention to the compatibility table at the end of the section on Fastboot reset. And for owners of devices with a locked bootloader, we have prepared a separate block with warnings.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if you have previously linked your device to a Xiaomi account, which works on all models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and does not require a data reset.

• 📱 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the device.
• 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter your account details.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation through another tied device (for example, Mi Band or second smartphone).

If you don't remember the Mi Account, try to restore access through the official website. note that recovery can take up to 24 hours due to security checks.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which removes all the data from internal memory, including photos, apps and settings, but it works on 99% of Xiaomi, Released devices after 2016.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone (press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the Power + Volume Up combination before the Mi logo appears (on some models – Power + Volume Down).
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for selection).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

After the reboot, the phone will be like new – you will need to re-set up, including the binding of the Mi Account.

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare a standby SIM-card (if you need a network after resetting)

Remember the data from Mi Account for re-assignment

-->

⚠️ Note: Devices with a locked bootloader may need to be logged in via Mi Account after a reset, even if you don’t remember it).

If the phone asks you to enter the old password after reset, then Factory Reset Protection (FRP) has been activated, in which case only Mi Account or contacting the service will help.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if Recovery is not available or reset through it did not work. Requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Attention: improper actions can turn the phone into a brick.

Compatibility of the method:

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
2. Download the official firmware for your model (.tgz format) from the Xiaomi website.
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

If the process is 99% frozen or there is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one that was installed, in which case only the firmware through EDL (Emergency Mode) will help, but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

4. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

This works if the phone is debugging on USB and it was previously connected to that computer (i.e., there is a confirmed connection), suitable for Android 8.0+ devices.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed Android SDK Platform-Tools.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Terminal).


2 Enter:




adb devices




(Your device should appear)




3. Delete the password by command:




adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key




or for PIN/koda:




adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




4.Reset the phone:




adb reboot

If the password is still active after the reset, try the alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work due to the increased protection, and Xiaomi is blocking the system. ADB-commands to change system files on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13).

If USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, it's useless, leaving only the Fastboot or service center.

💡

Before using ADB, check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings. If not, unlocking your phone this way will not work.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all previous methods have failed, the official service remains, and this is the most reliable, but also the longest way, Xiaomi provides the unlock service with documents proving ownership of the device.

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport or other identification document.
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if retained).
• 📱 The device itself (even if it is not switched on).
• 💳 Payment for services (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

Process:

1. Find the nearest authorized service center.
2. Leave your application online or come in person.
3. Provide documents and device.
4. Wait until unlocked (usually 1-3 days).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ 100% guarantee of unlocking.
• ✅ Data retention (in most cases).
• ✅ Official job security.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Long wait.
• ❌ Paid service.
• ❌ The risk of failure if the phone is purchased in a “gray” way (for example, brought from China without official localization).

💡

Contacting the service is the only legal way to unlock if the Mi Account password is forgotten and debugging is disabled via USB.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official methods did not help, you can find "gray" methods of unlocking on the Internet, for example:

• 🔓 Use of XiaomiTool V2 (requires an unlocked loader).
• 🔧 Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode, authorized accounts are required).
• 💻 Special boxes (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro).

Risks:

• 🚨 Loss of guarantee.
• 🚨 Turning the phone into a brick".
• 🚨 Data Leakage (when using unofficial services).

We do not recommend these methods, as they violate Xiaomi’s terms of use and can lead to irreversible consequences.If you do decide, look for proven sources and feedback on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

On devices with a Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13) unlock through EDL This is possible only with an authorized Xiaomi account, which is issued to service centers. IMEI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi