How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your password or pattern lock: the complete guide

Forgotten password, blocked pattern lock or failed entry attempt PIN-One in five Xiaomi smartphone owners are affected by these problems, which is complicated by the fact that the device is connected to the Mi Account or activated the Find My Device function, POCO X5, Mi 11 Ultra, etc.) and versions MIUI (12–14: Access recovery methods may be radically different.

In this article, we will break down all working methods of unlocking – from standard reset via Recovery to advanced techniques using the use of the Recovery. EDL-We will pay special attention to the nuances: what to do if the phone requires an old password after reset, how to bypass the Mi Account lock without losing data, and why some methods stopped working after the update. MIUI 14 in 2023.

Important: If your Xiaomi has activated the Anti-Rollback feature, some methods can lead to a complete loss of device performance.

πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?
Reset via Recovery
Mi Account
Fastboot
I went to the service center.
I've tried nothing.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
  • πŸ”„ More than 5 failed password attempts were not made on the device (otherwise the account is blocked for 24 hours).

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
  2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
  3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or Google Authenticator.
  4. Follow the system instructions to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but have not updated it on your phone, the system may request the old combination to unlock, in which case try entering previous options or restore access to your account through account.xiaomi.com.

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If the screen does not have a button "Forgot password?", try to enter any pattern lock 5 times in a row - the system itself will offer alternative ways to unlock.

2.Reset to factory settings via Recovery

If Mi Account is lost, it is hard to reset through recovery mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (for example, POCO F3, Redmi K40) process is different from devices on MediaTek (Redmi 9A, POCO M3).

The following is a general guide for MIUI Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Hold the combination: πŸ”§ For Snapdragon: Volume up + Nutrition. πŸ”§ For MediaTek: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Reboot β†’ Reboot to System

Xiaomi modelCombination for RecoveryFeatures
Redmi Note 11 Pro+Volume up + NutritionMenu in Chinese – use a translator or focus on icons.
POCO X4 ProVolume up + NutritionRequires confirmation via Mi Account after reset.
Mi 10TVolume up + NutritionData corrupted error is possible – repeat reset.
Redmi 9C (MediaTek)Volume up + Volume down + NutritionThe menu is in English, but without touch control.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 And when you turn on Find My Device, you may have a request to enter your Mi Account that you previously linked to, and if you don't remember the password, you'll need to delete your account through the reset. EDL.

Make sure your phone is at least 30 times charged%|Download the latest version MIUI For your model (in case of errors)|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card|Check if there is a backup of data in the Mi Cloud-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery is not available or the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot and unlocked bootloader (Bootloader). on new models (Xiaomi) 13, Redmi Note 12) the loader is blocked by default and its unlocking takes up to 72 hours.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
  2. Turn off your phone and transfer it to Fastboot: Volume down + Power
  3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
  4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
  5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) After this command, an error may occur. FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'. This means that the bootloader is locked, in which case you will need official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
1. Check the cable - use the original USB-Type C. 2. Install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Android Bootloader Interface"). 3. Try another USB port (preferably 2.0). 4. Disable the antivirus - it can block fastboot. 5. Reinstall Platform Tools to the root of the C: drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).

4. deletion of Mi Account via EDL-regimen (9008)

If after reset, the phone requires Mi Account data and you do not remember them, the only way to get around the lock is to use it. EDL-The system is called an Emergency Download Mode:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 10/11.
  • πŸ”Œ USB Type C cable (original).
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm).
  • πŸ“„ Firmware for your model (for example, fastboot-ROM or EDL-ROM).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
  3. Turn off the phone and translate to EDL: For Qualcomm: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power on the phone turned off and plug the cable into the PC. For MediaTek: Special cable or soldering work is required (not recommended for beginners).

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

COM-port

Flash

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL on models with anti-Rollback (for example, Redmi Note) 10S, POCO X3 Pro can lead to hard-brick (total loss of performance). MIUI and firmware compatibility!

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EDL-Mode is the only way to delete Mi Account without a password, but it requires precise firmware for your model. An error in choosing a firmware file will cause your phone to fail.

5. Bypassing locking through service codes (for older models)

Xiaomi devices before 2019 (e.g. Redmi 5, Mi A2) sometimes triggered service codes to reset the lock. Today, most of these methods do not work due to tightening security, but you can try:

  • πŸ”’ Enter in the dialer: ##7780## This will perform a soft reset (data is saved, but settings are deleted).
  • πŸ”’ For a complete reset (at your own risk!): *2767*3855# It only works on some models with Exynos or MediaTek processors.

⚠️ Note: Use of service codes on new devices (MIUI 12+) may result in loss IMEI Check the model in the forums before entering (for example, check the model, 4PDA).

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If the independent attempts were unsuccessful, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides the unlock service if there are:

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
  • πŸ†” Passport holder.
  • πŸ“± Phone boxes (with indications) IMEI).

The cost of the service in Russia and the CIS is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. Terms - from 1 to 5 working days. The addresses of the service centers can be found on the website mi.com.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often offer "unlock in 5 minutes" via EDL Or Fastboot, but it's fraught with:

  • 🚨 Loss of guarantee.
  • πŸ”§ Installation of unofficial firmware with bugs.
  • πŸ“΅ Blocking. IMEI (phone will stop catching the network).

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
  • ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud (contacts, photos, notes will be available even after resetting).
  • πŸ“ Write down your Mi Account password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
  • πŸ”„ Update regularly MIUI β€” In new versions, vulnerabilities are fixed that allow you to bypass the lock.

We also recommend you turn off Find My Device if you don’t use it. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Find My Device and deactivate the option.

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Back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup) This will save photos, messages and settings even after you reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

πŸ”“ Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
On newer models (MIUI 12+) it's not. The only way to save data is to remember the password or use the Mi Account attached. On older devices (before 2018), utilities like the Miracle Box sometimes helped, but today they don't work because of the increased security.
πŸ“± Why does the phone ask for an old password after resetting?
This means that Factory Reset Protection is activated on the device (FRP) To remove a request, you need to remember your account information and enter it, or delete your account through the EDL-mode (see section 4) on some models (Redmi 9, POCO M2) Helps connect to Wi-Fi and reset via Recovery.
⚑ The phone died during the unlock?
If the device is turned off during reset or firmware: Charge the phone to at least 50% before trying again. If the phone doesn't turn on, try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. If the screen is black and there is no response to the buttons, it's hard-brick.
πŸ”§ How to find out if Bootloader is unlocked on my Xiaomi?
Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect your device to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked. If false - you will need official unlock through Mi Unlock Tool.
πŸ›‘οΈ Can I get around the Mi Account lock without it? EDL?
Today, no. There were vulnerabilities in MIUI that allowed you to bypass your account through ADB or TestPoint, but after the 2022-2023 updates, all of these methods stopped working. The only working ways are: Remember your account data, delete your account through EDL (requires firmware), contact the service center with proof of purchase.