How to unlock Xiaomi without a password: from reset to bypass Mi Account

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to service center statistics, 18% of calls are due to a device lock due to loss of access. The problem is complicated by the fact that modern models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro) use hardware encryption, which means that entering a password 10 times in a row can lead to the complete deletion of all files.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Legal ways to unlock Xiaomi without a password – from a standard reset via Mi Account to bypassing the lock via Fastboot and EDL-Important: The methods are different for devices with MIUI 12/13/14 We will also tell you how to avoid data loss and what to do if your smartphone requires verification through an old phone number that you no longer have access to.

Warning: some methods require technical skills. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center - improper manipulation can turn a smartphone into a "brick".

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.It works on all models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4 and Xiaomi 13, if:

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Mi Account was tied before being blocked.
• 📧 You have access to the email or phone number used when registering.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Choose the recovery method: Email or Phone.
3. Enter your email address or number, then confirm the code from the SMS/letter.
4. Create a new password or PIN-code.

An important nuance: if the device is enabled with two-factor authentication, you will need to enter additional code from the Mi Security or SMS application. If access to the second factor is lost, use the recovery form on the Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 or later, after 5 failed login attempts, the system can block unlocking through Mi Account for 24 hours. №2.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the only official way is to hard-dump through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps.

Suitable for:

• 📱 All models Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (except for devices with a locked loader).
• 🔧 Devices with MIUI 10–14 (older versions may require a Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on Power + Volume up.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Confirm.
5. After reset, select Reboot.

Exception: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11) may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied after a reset.This is part of Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection.

Turn off the smartphone

Press the buttons Power + Volume up

Wait for the Mi logo to appear

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm discharge

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⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the device requires a Mi Account that you do not have access to, you will need to unlock through the device. EDL-mode №4).

3. Password bypass via Fastboot (for advanced)

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (Bootloader Unlocked).
• 💻 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for your model.

The advantage of this is that it can save data if you act carefully, but it requires technical skills and does not work on all models.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (for example, fastboot_ingres_global_images_... For the Redmi Note 11).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Connect the off smartphone to the PC by clamping Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
4. Open the command line in the firmware folder and do: fastboot flash all or for new models: fastboot update name file.zip

Important: On devices with a locked bootloader (Bootloader Locked), this method will not work. To unlock the bootloader, you need to apply through the official Xiaomi website (it takes 7-15 days to wait).

4. Unlock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash through a device even with a locked bootloader.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable) or ability to seal contacts.

When to use EDL:

• 🔒 Device locked after reset (requires Mi Account that is not accessed).
• 📵 Fastboot doesn’t recognize a smartphone.
• 🛠️ You need to flash the device from the “brick” (for example, after a failed update).

Step-by-step:

1. Download firmware in.tgz format for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Install Qualcomm QDLoader and Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the smartphone to EDL-Mode: Method 1: Close the contacts Test Point (requires disassembly). Method 2: Use the command adb reboot edl (if you have to use the command adb reboot edl). ADB included).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL on devices with a blocked bootloader can lead to loss IMEI or network problems. IMEI *#06# and if necessary, restore it to the QCN-file.

💡

Before the firmware through EDL Make a backup of the persist partition (if you have access to it) TWRP). It'll help to restore it. IMEI and MAC-post-fixing.

5. Using TWRP to bypass password (data retention)

If you have a custom TWRP recap on your device, you can try to reset your password without losing data.

• 📱 Devices with unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Models for which there is an official or unofficial version TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reset the device.

Limitations:

• ❌ Nana MIUI 12+ This method may not work due to changes in the encryption system.
• ❌ If data encryption is enabled, after deleting files, the device may be locked during the boot phase.

💡

TWRP is the only way to reset a password without losing data, but it requires pre-installing a custom recap. On new Xiaomi models (from 2021), this method is often blocked at the core level.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of the above methods worked, consider these options:

A. Unlocking through Find My Device (for devices with Google services):

• 🌐 Go to Find My Device.
• 🔍 Select a locked device.
• 🔒 Click Device Lock and set a new password.

It only works if Remote Control and Geolocation are enabled on the device.

B. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center:

• 📄 Provide proof of purchase (check, box).
• 🆔 Passport for identification.
• 💰 The cost of unlocking: from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model).

Use of paid services (at your own risk):

There are services on the Internet that offer Xiaomi unlock for a fee (such as Mi Account Unlock).

• 🚨 Possibility of fraud (payment without result).
• 🔓 Unguaranteed result (depending on model and version) MIUI).
• 📵 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi