Forgot the password on the Xiaomi phone: how to unlock without data loss

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi smartphone is a bad situation, but it is not a hopeless one. PIN-code too many times and you see the message "Device locked," there are several official and informal ways to return access, the main thing is not to panic and not try to guess the combination at random: after 30 failed attempts, some Redmi models or even the most popular ones. POCO They can completely block the system load.

In this article, we will discuss all current unlocking methods (including those that work without being linked to Mi Account), assess the risks of data loss and explain how to avoid re-blocking. The instructions are checked on MIUI 14/15 firmware and are relevant for 2020-2026 devices. If your phone is released earlier, methods using Fastboot may not work due to changes in Xiaomi’s security policy.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method, if you remember the data from the Xiaomi account, is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

How it works:

1. After 5 false attempts to enter the password, the button “Forgot password?” will appear on the screen.
2. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).
4. Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account data or you've never created it, it won't work, so move on to the following methods. Also note that once unlocked through your Xiaomi account, you may need to re-authorize some apps (such as Google Play or banking services).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If Mi Account is lost and your phone is not synced to Google Find My Device, it will be hard reset, which will remove all data from your device, including photos, contacts and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for Xiaomi with MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) after Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked. FRP-Factory Reset Protection: If you don't remember your account, your phone will turn into a brick».

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if Hard Reset did not work due to FRP-locking or if you want to save data. You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool. This method does not work on all models - for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 may require unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi website).
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always).
5. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (for example, for POCO F4 – here).
6. Specify the path to the firmware file in the program and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Mistakes in Fastboot can lead to a breeze (completely inoperable) of the phone. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. Also note that Xiaomi may block unlocking the bootloader for some regions (for example, for devices purchased in China).

4.Use Google Find My Device (for devices with Google services)

If your Xiaomi has Google services installed and sync enabled, you can try unlocking your phone using Find My Device, which works even if you don’t remember the Mi Account password, but requires:

• 📱 The phone must be connected to the internet.
• 🔄 Synchronization with Google account is enabled.
• 🔒 Not installed on the device. PIN-code for Find My Device (in some firmware) MIUI It's off by default).

Instructions:

1. Go to Find My Device from your PC or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to a blocked Xiaomi.
3. Select your device from the list (if it is not, check if the geolocator is turned on).
4. Click “Block the device” and enter a new password.
5. Confirm the action. In 5-10 minutes, the phone will unlock.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C55) Find My Device can be limited to the manufacturer.If the phone hasn't unlocked after blocking it via Google, try restarting it.

- Is the phone on mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (even when blocked, some models connect to the network automatically).

- Are geolocation services disabled in the settings of the Google account?

- Have you reset your phone to factory settings before – it can reset the link to your Google account.-->

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods worked, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides a service to unlock the device by documents confirming ownership of the device.

• 📄 Phones from FRP-lockdown after Hard Reset.
• 🔐 Devices that can not log into the Fastboot.
• 📱 Models with damaged firmware (for example, after a failed update).

What will be required:

1. Passport or other identification document.
2. Check or warranty card on the phone (if preserved).
3. Box from the device (it indicates IMEI and model).
4. Data from Mi Account if it was tied (not necessarily, but will speed up the process).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. In some cases, the service may offer to reflash the phone, which also leads to data loss. The full list of authorized Xiaomi centers in Russia and the CIS can be found on the official website.

💡

Contacting the service center is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi without losing data, unless you remember the password from Mi Account and can’t use Fastboot.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

On the Internet you can find “miracle ways” to unlock Xiaomi through the Internet ADB, EDL-Mode or special programs like Miracle Box, we do not recommend using them for several reasons:

If you do decide to experiment, back up your data (if the phone is still partially working) and be prepared for the device to fail. Forums like 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu sometimes publish up-to-date instructions for specific models, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed.

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔑 Use a password manager (such as Google Password Manager or Bitwarden) to store PIN-codes and data from accounts.
• 📱 Link your phone to your Mi Account and Google Account to make it easier to unlock.
• 🔄 Regularly create backup copies through MIUI Backup or Google Drive.
• 📝 Write it down. IMEI Keep your phone in a safe place (useful for recovery through the service).

Alternative ways to unlock are also worth setting up:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Set up a screen lock.
2. Add a fingerprint or facial recognition (if supported).
3. Activate the “Unlock with Smart Watch” option (if you have a Xiaomi smartwatch).

⚠️ Please do not use simple passwords like “1234” or “0000”. MIUI There is protection against selection, but on older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1) You can get around it through Recovery. You can combine numbers, letters and symbols.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi