How to Recover Xiaomi Mi Account via Computer: All Ways to 2026

Losing access to Mi-accounts on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices can block not only data synchronization, but also the smartphone itself — especially if the Find Device function was previously activated. Unlike recovering through a mobile application, working with a computer provides more opportunities, from bypassing SMS restrictions to using backup codes and even technical support. However, the process has nuances — for example, linking an account to a phone number from another region may require a VPN to confirm.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to restore a Mi Account via a PC, from the standard procedure on the official website to alternative methods for cases when SMS does not come or email is not available. We will focus on typical errors (such as Error 86003 or Too many attempts) and how to get around them. If you use a device with MIUI 14/15 or later, some of the steps may differ - we will note these points.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and browser (recommended by Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge).
• 📱 Access to an email or phone number associated with an account (at least one).
• 🔗 Stable Internet connection (when restored via SMS may be required VPN for certain regions).
• 📝 Backup recovery codes (if previously saved).

1. Standard recovery via Xiaomi official website

The most reliable and recommended way is to use the web version of recovery at account.xiaomi.com, which works for most accounts created after 2018 and supports all regions, including Russia, China and the EU.

Step-by-step:

1. Open your browser and go to the password recovery page.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Chinese numbers (+86) may require a VPN.
3. Select the confirmation method: 📧 Email – a letter will be sent to the mail with a link to reset your password (valid 24 hours). 📱 SMS — 6-digit code to enter on the site (valid for 5 minutes).

• 🔢 Minimum 8 characters.
• 🔤 At least one capital letter and number.
• 🚫 Not matching previous passwords.

If you don’t remember a linked email or number, try:

• 🔍 Check the email archive for Xiaomi or Mi Account.
• 📱 Look at the settings of the smartphone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Personal Information (if the device is not blocked).

Make sure your browser is updated | Disable ad blockers (they may interfere with page loading) | Prepare a backup email/phone in case of errors | Check the Spam folder in the mail

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2. Recovery through backup codes (if previously saved)

When you create a Mi Account, the system offers you to save backup recovery codes — 10 unique 8-character combinations — and if you have written them down, this method will work even without access to email or SMS.

How to use the codes:

1. Go to the recovery page.
2. Instead of email/phone, select the option to Use Backup Code (may be called Backup Code in English).
3. Enter one of the saved codes. Each code can only be used once!
4. Set a new password and confirm the changes.

⚠️ Warning: If you are trying to restore an account linked to a phone number from China (+86) but you are in another region, this service is not available in your region. VPN servers in China (for example, Hong Kong or Shanghai).

Where to look for backup codes if you don’t remember:

• 📄 In a paper notebook or file Mi_Account_Backup_Codes.txt (if you have kept a digital copy).
• 📱 In Notes on Smartphone (check Notes Apps or Google Keep).
• 💾 Xiaomi’s email archive with the topic Your Mi Account Backup Codes.

3. Alternative methods: recovery without email and SMS

If you don't have access to your email or phone number, and your backup codes are lost, there are less reliable, but sometimes workable ways that depend on the date you created your account and the region you create.

Method 1: Using a Google Account Linked (Old Accounts Only)

Until 2020, some Mi accounts allowed you to restore access through a linked Google account.

1. On the Mi Account login page, select Log in via Google.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that was used on Xiaomi’s device.
3. If the system offers to create a new password, follow the instructions.

❌ Limitation: Xiaomi has disabled this feature for new accounts since 2021 due to security concerns.

Method 2: Xiaomi Support (for confirmed users)

If your account is linked to a device purchase (e.g. Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12), you can try to restore access through support:

1. Go to the support page.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Forgot Password.
3. Fill out the form by specifying: IMEI device (can be found on the box or via *#06#). Serial number (on the box or in the About phone settings). Check or confirmation of purchase (if any).

⏳ Review time: 3 to 7 days, success rate of about 60% (according to users on forums) 4PDA XDA-Developers).

💡

If you restore your account to unlock your device after a reset (This device is locked error), try entering any password 5 times in a row first – the system may offer alternative ways to log in.

4. Solving common errors in recovery

When you restore your Mi Account via PC, you often encounter technical errors, most of which are related to regional or security restrictions, and below is a table of error codes and how to fix them:

If you see an error, this service is not available in your region, it means that:

• 🌍 The account was created in another region (for example, in China, and you are recovering from Russia).
• 🔒 Xiaomi has restricted access to services for your IP.

Decision:

1. Connect a VPN (ProtonVPN or NordVPN are recommended with servers in Hong Kong or Singapore).
2. Clear the browser cache or use incognito mode.
3. Try another browser (e.g. Firefox instead of Chrome).

💡

If you use a VPN, disable it immediately after you restore your account – some MIUI features (such as cloud storage) may not work with an “alien” IP.

5. Recovery via Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock devices)

If the goal of retrieving a Mi Account is to unlock the smartphone after a reset (This device is locked), you can try the official Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 12 and later, but requires proof of ownership.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only).
2. Launch the program and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the device.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Unlock

⚠️ WARNING: Using the Mi Unlock Tool will reset all data on the device!If there were important files on the phone, try other account recovery methods first.

Frequent problems and solutions:

• 🔌 Device not defined: Install Mi Phone Manager drivers or use another USB-cable (original).
• ⏳ Mistake "Wait" 72/168 “hours”: Xiaomi blocks unlocking for new accounts. Wait a specified time or use another account.
• 🔒 Confirmation is required through SMS: If SMS Try to restore your account via email (see Section 1).

6 Security: How to Protect Your Account After Recovery

After successfully restoring a Mi Account, it is important to take steps to avoid re-loss of access.

1. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA):

1. Go to the personal account of the Mi-account.
2. Choose Security → Two-step verification.
3. Link an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Authy) or enable SMS confirmation.

2 Update the backup codes:

• Generate new codes in the Security → Backup Codes section.
• Save them in a safe place (for example, in an encrypted file or KeePass password manager).

3. Check the tethered devices:

• In the Devices section, remove unknown gadgets.
• Disable access for applications you don’t trust (such as third-party launchers).

4. Regularly update your password:

• Change your password every 3-6 months.
• Do not use the same password for your Mi Account and other services (such as Google or Apple ID).

💡

If you travel frequently, link an international roaming phone number or an email with VPN access to your Mi Account, making it easier to recover in other countries.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your Mi Account