Restore Xiaomi account after resetting phone to factory settings: full guide 2026

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. However, after this procedure, many users are faced with a lock on Mi Account, which requires entering a username and password from the associated profile. If you forget the data or the phone was bought from hand without detaching from the previous owner, the situation becomes more complicated. In this article, we will analyze all official and alternative ways to restore access, including bypassing the lock (where possible), and give recommendations on how to avoid problems in the future.

Compounding the problem, Xiaomi is actively fighting device theft through Find Device, a similar to Find iPhone, which can require not only account details but also SMS/email confirmation and in some cases even proof of ownership, and we analyzed current methods for 2026, including changes in company policy, and compiled them into a single guide.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the phone after resetting the settings

The Mi Account Lock lock (or FRP Lock – Factory Reset Protection) was implemented by Xiaomi to protect users from data theft. After resetting via Settings → Additional → Power + Volume Up or Reset button combination, the phone requires authorization in the linked account.

• 📱 You have formatted your internal memory through TWRP or Fastboot
• 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS)
• 🔧 Reset the settings through EDL Mode (emergency mode)

The reason is simple: the lock is tied to the IMEI of the device and the servers of Xiaomi. Even after a complete flashing, the phone sends a request for checking the status of the account when it first connects to the Internet, except for devices without a communication module (for example, the Xiaomi Pad 6 in the Wi-Fi version), but there can be nuances.

Since 2023, the company has tightened its policy: now unlocking can require not only a password, but also confirmation through a linked phone number or email, even if you remember the login. FRP.

Official ways to restore your Mi Account

If you remember your username (email or phone number) but have forgotten your password, use the standard recovery procedure, which works for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and other devices on MIUI 14/15.

Remember the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account

Have access to mail or SMS for confirmation

Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network)

Charge your phone at least 30% to avoid shutdown

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Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, select Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? in English firmware).
2. Type in an email or phone number linked to your account, and if you don't remember, try options you might have used before.
3. Click Send code. Check your email or SMS, and the 6-digit confirmation code should come in.
4. Enter the code in the appropriate field. If the code does not come, check the Spam folder or request a resubmission in 60 seconds.
5. Create a new password (at least 8 characters, with a capital letter and a number).
6. Log in to the phone with new data.

If you use a Google account to sign in to your Mi Account, try to restore access through Google services. Once you have restored email access, try again to log in to your Mi Account on your phone.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled (2FA) but lost access to the code generator app (like Google Authenticator), contact Xiaomi with a photo of the identity document and a check to purchase the device.

What to do if you do not remember the username or phone purchased with hands

The situation is complicated if you don't know the previous owner's details, and in this case, there are no official ways to bypass the lock, because Xiaomi deliberately complicates the process to protect against theft.

1. Contact the previous owner (if the phone is purchased by hand) and ask them to untie the device via the Mi Account website in Devices → Delete.
2. Provide proof of purchase in support of Xiaomi: 📄 Check or invoice with serial number (IMEI) device 🆔 Passport photo (to confirm identity) 📧 Email to which the account is registered (if you remember)

Contact the service center

If the previous owner is unavailable and there is no documentation, the chances of unlocking are minimal, in which case only an informal FRP bypass (discussed below) remains, but it is not suitable for all models and versions of MIUI.

Unofficial methods of bypassing FRP on Xiaomi (at your own risk)

These methods are suitable for advanced users and may violate the warranty conditions. We do not recommend using them unless absolutely necessary.

Method 1: Through Fastboot and EDL modes

For models running Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), you can try:

1. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when the phone is off).
2. Connect to a PC and execute a command: fastboot oem frp-unlock On some firmware, this will work, but from 2023 Xiaomi blocks this feature.
3. If the command does not work, try to flash persist.img through Fastboot (you need rights and custom recaveri).

Method 2: Through APK bypass (for older versions of MIUI)

On the firmware MIUI 12 and below sometimes works the installation of a special APK-file-through ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (if you have access to settings).
2. Execute the command: adb install frp_bypass.apk (The file must be downloaded in advance from a verified source).
3. Launch the installed application and follow the instructions.

Important: MediaTek is more likely to have a “brick” than Qualcomm because of the features of the downloaders.