How to restore Xiaomi Mi-account after resetting to factory settings: 5 working methods

Why Xiaomi locks the device after a reset and how to fix it

Resetting Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to factory settings via Settings → About Phone → Resetting often leads to an unpleasant surprise: after a reboot, the system requires you to enter the data of the Mi Account that was tied to the device before. This lock is not a bug, but part of the protection against theft (Mi Cloud Activation Lock), which Xiaomi implemented by analogy with the Apple ID on the iPhone. The mechanism works even if you just forgot to untie the account before reset or bought a used phone with someone else’s link.

Complicating the problem is that official methods of restoring access require proof of ownership — which is not always possible. For example, if you purchased the device from hand and the seller did not untie your account, or if you forgot the password from the Mi-account to which the backup is not tied. email/In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, including official requests for support, bypassing through the Internet. EDL-Mode and alternative tools like Mi Account Unlock Tool.

It is important to understand: Xiaomi regularly tightens protection, so the methods that worked in the first place. 2022–2023 In the years since, for example, fastboot or TestPoint, new models may be blocked today. 2026 year MIUI 14/15 HyperOS.

Until 2020 |202020–2022|2023|2026|I don't know-->

Method 1: Official Recovery via Mi Cloud (if you remember your account details)

If you remember the usernames (email/phone) from your Mi Account, but forgot the password, it is the most reliable way to return access to the device after a reset.

Steps to recover:

• 📧 Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
• 🔑 Click “Forgot your password?” and select the recovery method: via the linked email or phone number.
• 📲 Enter the confirmation code received by SMS or.
• 🔐 Create a new password and save it to your password manager (like Google Password Manager or KeePass).

Once you change your password, go back to the locked device, enter the updated data, the lock should be removed. If the system asks for additional verification (for example, an old password or backup email), try:

• 📎 Use Recovery via backup email (if it was specified during registration).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi support via the chat on the site (Help section) and confirm ownership by providing a check or box from the device.

Make sure you have access to email/phone linked to Mi-account|Try all possible backup emails|Check the Spam folder for emails from Xiaomi|Prepare documents for the device (if you need support)-->

Method 2: Unblock with Xiaomi support (if your account is not yours)

If the phone was bought by hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the official way is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.This method works for devices released after 2021, where the lock is tied to the IMEI.

What will be required:

• 📄 Check, invoice or contract of sale with indication IMEI device.
• 📦 Photo of the box with serial number (if preserved).
• 📱 IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# or on the sticker under the battery).
• 📧 Email from the previous owner if contact is available).

Instructions for handling:

1. Go to the support page: mi.com/global/support.
2. Select "Mi Account Unlock Request» → «Submit a Request».
3. Fill out the form with scans of documents. In the "Description" field, enter: Device locked after reset. Previous owner's email: [email]. IMEI: [your IMEI]. Attached purchase proof.
4. Wait 3-7 days for a response, and if you decide yes, you will be given an unblocking instruction.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may be denied if documents are in doubt or the device is listed in the database of stolen).

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode of Qualcomm devices that allows you to flash your phone around standard restrictions. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO with Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11), requires:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, QDLoader HS-USB Driver, firmware for your model.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need official permission from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Miui Download website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install the QDLoader driver (instructions in the spoiler below).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC - the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. After the firmware is completed (5-10 minutes), the phone will restart without locking.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It resets all data and can cause hard-brick errors. Don't use firmware from other models, it's guaranteed to kill the device!

Method 4: Use of Mi Account Unlock Tool (alternative tools)

For MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3) or older Xiaomi models, there are third-party utilities that exploit vulnerabilities in the authorization protocol.

• 🔓 Mi Account Unlock Tool (works through the ADB).
• 🔓 Xiaomi Tool V2 (to unlock the bootloader and reset the account).
• 🔓 MTK Bypass Tool (MediaTek chips only).

Use the Mi Account Unlock Tool:

1. Download the utility from a trusted source (e.g. XDA).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Run MiAccountUnlock.exe and select Bypass Mi Account.
4. Follow the instructions of the program (you may need to enter an IMEI or serial number).

Warning: Most of these tools require disabling the antivirus (false positives for "malware") and may contain backdoors. Use only at your own risk by checking the reviews on the forums beforehand.

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Before using third-party utilities, back up your data via ADB backup (if your phone responds to commands even slightly).

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

Method 5: TestPoint reset (for older models)

TestPoint is a physical contact on the device board, the circuit of which puts the phone into firmware mode without authorization.The method worked on Xiaomi until 2019 (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi A1), but today is blocked on new devices.

If your model supports TestPoint, the algorithm is:

1. Take the phone apart (need a mediator and a screwdriver).
2. Find TestPoint points on the motherboard (search for their location according to the scheme for your model).
3. Close the contacts with tweezers or a needle, while connecting the phone to the PC.
4. The device will be defined as Qualcomm 9008 – run it through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect closure of contacts can damage the fee. If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

What to do if nothing helps: alternatives

If all of the above methods fail, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Replacement of the motherboard (expensive, but guaranteed to remove the lock) Cost from 3,000 to 10,000 ₽ model-wise.
• 📱 Buying an unlock code on specialized sites (for example, eBay or AliExpress) Prices 5-20$, but there's a high risk of fraud.
• 🔄 Exchange under warranty (if the device for warranties and locking occurred due to the fault of the manufacturer).

Before you spend money, check:

• 🔍 Is the device stolen (checking for the device) IMEI on imei.info).
• 📅 Mi Account expires (after 90 days without activity, Xiaomi can delete the account automatically).

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If you have your hands on the phone, always check if your Mi Account is untied before you pay. Ask the seller to reset your settings and make sure that no authorization request appears after the reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking your Mi Account