Forgot the password from Xiaomi and canβt unlock the phone? This situation is familiar to many β according to statistics, one in five users has experienced at least one loss of access to a smartphone. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal recovery methods that work even without access to a Mi Account or backup.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking β from the simplest reset via Find My Device to complex manipulations in the Fastboot and EDL modes. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), and also warn against common errors that can turn your phone into a βbrick.β If you are looking for a 100% working way without losing data, immediately go to the section about unlocking through Mi Account (if the account was tied).
1. Password recovery via Mi Account (if the phone is tied)
Xiaomiβs safest and most recommended method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all models released after 2018, and allows you to unlock the device without resetting data, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
Instructions:
- πΉ On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password on English firmware).
- π± Select Restore via Mi Account.
- π Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from the Mi Account. If you do not remember - restore access through the official website.
- π² Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
β οΈ Warning: If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your phone, you'll need to enter a code from the Mi Security app or backup code. Without it, unlocking is impossible, you'll have to use other methods.
βοΈ What to do if you donβt remember your Mi Account
2 Unlocking through Find My Device (Google)
If Xiaomi has Google's Find My Device enabled, you can reset your password remotely, and this method only works if you meet three conditions:
- The phone is connected to the Internet.
- Geolocation and remote control permission are included.
- You remember the Google account details that were added to the device.
How to do this:
- Go to Find My Device from another device.
- Sign in with the same Google account as you do with a blocked Xiaomi.
- Select your phone from the list of devices.
- Click Lock Device β Enter a new password (e.g., 123456) β Confirm.
- After 5-10 minutes, a field will appear on the phone to enter a new password.
π Important: Once unlocked in this way, all data on the phone will be saved, but some applications (e.g., banking) may need to be re-authorized).
3. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If previous methods failed, a hard reset remains β the complete deletion of all data from the phone, including the password β which is suitable for any Xiaomi model, but has a critical disadvantage: you will lose all files, photos and settings. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (for example, Xiaomi 13) after reset, you may need to log in to Mi Account to activate.
Instructions for phones with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3):
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data β Confirm the action.
- After the reset, the phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up as new.
For models without physical buttons (e.g. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3):
- π Connect your phone to charge.
- π Press the power button. + Volume up 20.+ A few seconds before the menu appears.
- π± Use touch buttons on the screen to navigate.
What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset?
4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
Fastboot is a method that is suitable for users who are willing to work with the command line. It allows you to reset the password without losing data on some models, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, this method will not work.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π₯ Archive with firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).
Step-by-step:
1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode:
Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Check the connection by the command:
fastboot devices
(Serial number of the device must be displayed).
4. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked):
fastboot oem unlock
* Newer models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require Mi Account to be linked to the device in advance.
5. Slice stock recovery:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
(The file recovery.img must be in the folder with ADB).
6.Reboot to recovery and perform reset.β οΈ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can damage firmware. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. 10C) An authorization file may be required to unlock.
5. Unlock through EDL mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a βemergencyβ firmware mode that allows you to restore the phone even in case of serious failures. It is used by service centers and requires special equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Self-use of EDL without experience can lead to complete loss of IMEI or turn the phone into a βbrickβ.
When you need an EDL:
- π§ The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
- π Password is forgotten and other methods do not work.
- π± You need to flash your phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up + Volume down at the same time.
- Connect. USB-cable to PC β the device must be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
To run through EDL, you will need:
| Component | Description | Where to find it. |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware.mbn | Firmware file for your model in EDL format | Xiaomi Firmware Updater |
| Mi Flash Tool | Official firmware utility | Xiaomi website |
| QDLoader Driver | Driver for phone recognition in EDL mode | Install automatically or manually through Device Manager |
| Authorization file | Auth file to unlock firmware (required on new models) | You can ask for support from Xiaomi |
β οΈ Attention: Firmware through EDL without authorization file on Xiaomi 2022 models+ The year of release will result in a lockdown. IMEI. It can be restored only in the official service center.
π‘
Before you run through EDL, be sure to check the phone model with the command fastboot getvar product. Using firmware from another model will lead to the deviceβs failure.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods have not worked, the last option is to contact an official service center, which is relevant in the following cases:
- π The phone requires a Mi Account you don't remember.
- π± The device is locked after a failed firmware.
- π§ We need to rebuild. IMEI post-dump EDL.
What will be required to unlock:
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π¦ Phone box (it has a serial number).
- π Passport of the owner.
The cost of unlocking in the service depends on the model and the reason for blocking:
| Type of lockdown | Average cost (β½) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Password reset (without data loss) | 1 500β3 000 | 1-2 hours |
| Unlocking the Mi Account | 3 000β5 000 | 1-3 days |
| IMEI Recovery After EDL | 4 000β7 000 | 2-5 days |
π Tip: Before visiting the service center, call to see if they work with your model.Some new phones (like Xiaomi 14) require special hardware to unlock.
π‘
If the phone was purchased abroad (e.g., the global version of the Redmi Note 12), it may not be possible to unlock through a Russian service center.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid having to deal with a forgotten password, follow these tips:
- π Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
- π Write your password in a secure location (such as Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
- π Regularly back up through Settings β System system β Backup.
- π§ Link Mi Account and make sure you have access to backup email.
π§ Configuring the backup PUK-code:
- Go to Settings β Passwords and Security β Lock screen.
- Select Reserve. PIN-code and set an easy-to-remember code (e.g. 0000).
- This PIN can be used to unlock if you forget your primary password.
β οΈ Warning: Never use your date of birth, simple sequences (1234, 0000) or repeating numbers as your password.