How to restore Google account on Android after resetting Xiaomi settings: if you forgot the username and password

Resetting your settings on a Xiaomi smartphone is standard procedure for solving software failures or before selling a device. But what if after a hard reset you can't log in because of a forgotten login or password from your Google account? This situation blocks access to the device completely, turning it into a "brick" that says "This device has been reset. To continue, log in to the Google account that was previously used on this device."

Complicating the problem, Xiaomi (like other Android vendors) links an account to a device through Factory Reset Protection (FRP), a theft protection mechanism. Without the right login data, it seems impossible to restore access. However, there are several proven ways to get around the lock, from standard password recovery to technical workarounds. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including those that work on MIUI 14/15 and new Redmi/POCO models.

Why Xiaomi Requires an Old Google Account After a Reset

The requirement to enter data from a previous Google account after a reset is not a whim of Xiaomi, but a part of the Android security system called FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which was introduced in Android 5.1 Lollipop and is mandatory for all devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS).

How it works for Xiaomi:

• 🔒 When you first turn on your smartphone, you add a Google account (e.g. a user).@gmail.com). The system links it to the hardware identifier of the device.
• 🔄 After resetting through Settings → Reset → Delete all data or button combination (Power) + Volume Up) MIUI Requests the re-entry of this account data.
• 🚫 Without the correct username/password, further configuration is blocked, which protects the device from use after theft.

On Xiaomi with MIUI, FRP locking is immediately apparent after selecting the language at the initial setup stage.A screen asking for email and password can look like this:

Important: If you bought a Xiaomi smartphone with your hands and the seller did not delete your Google account before resetting, it will be extremely difficult to restore access without its data.

Method 1: Google's standard password recovery

If you remember email but you forgot your password, or if you have access to a backup phone/mail, it’s the easiest method, it doesn’t require technical skills and works on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

Instructions:

1. On the FRP lock screen, click “Forgot your password?” (or “Need help?” in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Enter the email that was used on the device. If you don't remember exactly, try all possible options (for example, user@gmail.com and user@mail.ru).
3. The system will redirect you to the Google Recovery page.Select the confirmation method: 📧 Backup email – the code will come to the mail specified during registration. 📱 Phone — SMS coded. 🔐 Confirmation via another device – if you have access to another gadget with that account.

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If you do not have access to any of the confirmation methods, proceed to the next method.

💡

Try to restore backup email access through a support email service (such as Gmail or Mail.ru), which is often easier than bypassing FRP on the smartphone itself.

Method 2: Bypass FRP through Recovery (Mi Recovery)

This method is suitable if you don’t remember email or can’t recover your password in the standard way.It requires access to Mi Recovery and works on most Xiaomi devices up to MIUI 13. On new firmware (MIUI 14/15), it may not work due to enhanced security.

Step-by-step:

Turn off your Xiaomi smartphone

Press the Power + Volume Up buttons before the Mi logo appears

Select the language (if the menu appears)

Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this is not a reset, but a login to an extended menu)

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1. Boot in Mi Recovery: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press the power button + increase the volume for 10-15 seconds. 3. Release after the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.
2. Select a language (if required) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) may have a "FRP Bypass" or "Remove Mi Account" option, and if you don't, move on to the next step.
4. Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi (if the menu allows) and return to the main Recovery menu.
5. Select Reboot → Reboot to System. On some firmware, this will lead to bypassing the FRP screen.

Warning: this method does not guarantee 100% results, and on new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), it may not work due to the updated protection, in which case, try Method 3 or Method 4.

Method 3: Use the Mi Account Unlock Tool (for PC)

If the previous methods did not help, you can use specialized utilities to unlock the Mi-account and bypass. FRP. The most reliable is the Mi Account Unlock Tool (or Xiaomi Tool). V2). This method requires a computer with Windows, USB-cable-debugging USB.

⚠️ Note: using third-party tools may violate Xiaomi’s warranty and pose a risk to data security.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Account Unlock Tool from an official source (e.g. Xiaomi's unlock page).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC (usually they are installed automatically when you connect your phone).
3. Launch the utility and connect the smartphone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press the power button + volume reduction before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot mode) appears.
4. Select the option “Remove FRP” or “Bypass Mi Account”.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. The utility will automatically reset the account binding.
6. Once completed, restart the device.

This method works on most models, including Redmi Note 10, POCO F3, Mi 10T. However, devices with MIUI 14 and later may require authorization through an official Xiaomi account (see Method 5).

Method 4: Bypass FRP through emergency call settings (for MIUI 12–14)

This method exploits an emergency call interface vulnerability that allows you to access system settings without logging in to your account. It works on MIUI 12-14 and some Android 11/12 devices.

Instructions:

1. On the FRP lock screen, click “Emergency Call” (or “Emergency Call”).
2. Enter the combination ##4636## (this is the code to access the test menu).
3. If the combination doesn’t work, try it: 📞 Dial any number (e.g. 112) and click Add Contact». 📇 In the contact window that opens, click on “Share” and select “Message” or “Gmail». 🔧 This will open access to settings where you can disable FRP Add a new account or add a new account.

Settings → Accounts → Google

Return to the device settings and log in under a new account.

⚠️ Note: This method may not work on the latest updates MIUI. If nothing happens after entering the code, try another method.

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On the new MIUI 14+ firmware, the emergency call vulnerabilities are eliminated, in which case only official unlocking (Method 5) or contacting the service center will help.

Method 5: Officially unlock through Xiaomi (for new models)

If your Xiaomi device is released after 2022 (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5), it is almost impossible to bypass FRP without official procedure.

How it works:

1. Go to the official Mi Account website.
2. Select “Unlock Device” (unlock device).
3. Enter the Mi Account that was linked to the phone (if you don’t remember, restore access via email or phone).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system can request: 📄 Documents for the device (check, box with IMEI). 📱 Unlock code that will come to the email. ⏳ Wait 72 hours (on some models).

Once confirmed, the device will be remotely unlocked.

Important: if you bought a smartphone with your hands and can not contact the previous owner, official unlocking will be impossible, in this case, only contacting the service center with proof of purchase (check, contract).

What to do if nothing works: alternative solutions

If all of these methods have not worked, consider the following options:

• 🔧 Contact the service center: Official centers Xiaomi can unlock the device in the presence of documents for the purchase. the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles.
• 📦 Fastboot Firmware Reflash: Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS) bypasses FRP, But it requires an unlocked bootloader and technical skills (MIUI 14+) loader is blocked by default.
• 💰 Buying an unlock code: On some forums (e.g, XDA Developers) are sold paid services for generating an unlock code for a specific IMEI. Risk of fraud is high – use only proven sources.

⚠️ Warning: Flashing or using informal unlocking methods may result in:

• Lose the warranty.
• IMEI lock (if the device is listed as stolen)
• System instability.

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring a Google account on Xiaomi