How to Restore Xiaomi Phone After Resetting If You Don’t Remember Your Mi Account

Resetting your Xiaomi smartphone is standard when selling a device, fixing system failures, or preparing for firmware. However, many users face the unpleasant surprise of having a hard reset phone enter the Mi Account data previously tied. If you forget your username/password or buy a used device with someone else's account, the system blocks access to the device, a protection called FRP (Factory Reset Protection) and is designed to combat theft of gadgets.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to bypass the lock Mi-account after a reset, including official methods (via Xiaomi support), semi-official tools (Mi Unlock Tool), as well as technical solutions through the Fastboot and EDL modes. It is important to understand that some methods require special knowledge and can lead to complete data loss or device blink. We will describe the risks of each method in detail and give recommendations for security.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the phone after resetting the settings

Mi Account Lock has been on all Xiaomi devices since 2016 as a response to the rise in smartphone thefts.

• 🔒 When you first turn on or after a reset, the system checks whether the Mi Account is linked to the device.
• 📱 If the account was added earlier (even if it was deleted through the settings), the data is stored in the NVRAM — nonvolatile memory.
• 🚫 Without entering the correct login / password, it is impossible to unlock the phone using standard means.
• ⚠️ The lock works even if you logged out of your account before resetting or deleted it in the settings.

Key feature: Xiaomi’s protection is not related to Google FRP (which blocks Android devices after a reset), it’s an additional layer of security implemented by the manufacturer.

:Yes, I forgot my account details.

:Yes, I bought a used account with someone else.

:No, but I want to know for the future.

:Another case-->

Official Unlocking Methods (without risk to warranty)

If you have proof of ownership of the device (checks, box, IMEI matched documents), you can try legal methods of unlocking. They do not require technical skills and do not violate the warranty conditions.

1. Restoring access to the Mi Account

If you have forgotten your password, but remember the email or phone number associated with your account:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter your email/phone and follow the instructions to reset your password.
3. If the account is linked to a phone number, the recovery code will come to SMS.

⚠️ Note: If an account is created through @mi.com or @xiaomi.com, recovery may take up to 24 hours due to additional security checks.

2. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

Unlocking through support will require:

• 📄 Check or purchase invoice (with indication) IMEI).
• 📦 Phone box (IMEI The label must match the device).
• 📱 Serial number (SN) and IMEI phone (can be found via *#06# or on the sticker under the battery).

Instructions:

1. Take a picture of the check, box and phone IMEI.
2. Write to Xiaomi Support Chat (available at mi.com/support).
3. Attach a photo of the documents and explain the situation.
4. Expect a response from 3 to 7 working days.

🔹 Important: Xiaomi support may refuse to unlock if:

• The device was purchased on AliExpress, eBay or from unofficial sellers.
• The IMEI is not the same as the documents.
• It has been more than 30 days since the purchase.

💡

If the phone is bought in Russia, try contacting the official Xiaomi service center – sometimes they will unlock the device on a warranty card without a long wait.

The semi-official method: Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is a utility from Xiaomi designed to unlock the bootloader, which can be used to bypass account blocking in some cases, but with reservations:

• ✅ It only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader (if it was previously unlocked).
• ❌ Not suitable for phones with locked bootloader (most used devices).
• ⚠️ Requires a connection to the developer’s Mi-account (you need to register for the developer’s account). en.miui.com/unlock).

Instructions:

Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Registering a Developer Account|Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamb Volume down) + Nutrition)|Wait for the unblock confirmation (can take up to 720 hours)-->

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Press on the phone turned off Volume down + Power to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Developer Account.
5. Press Unlock and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be deleted:

• Problems with the work of Google Pay and banking applications.

Technical methods of bypassing (for experienced users)

If the official methods do not help, there are still unofficial methods that require access to the Fastboot or the Fastboot. EDL-These are risky ways that can break the device, but sometimes they're the only way out.

1. Fastboot bypass (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

This method is suitable for phones that previously unlocked the bootloader.

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔧 The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot ROM firmware for your model.


2 Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.




3. Install Xiaomi and ADB drivers.




4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).




5. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.




6. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh.




7. At the bottom, select Clean all and lock (this will delete all data and block the bootloader back).




8.Push Flash and wait until it's finished.

⚠️ Warning: This method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader:

• Lose the IMEI.
• Errors in booting (bootloop).
• Need to re-unblock the bootloader.

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode

EDL is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader, but it requires:

• 🔌 Specialist EDL-cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📂 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format.

🔹 How to enter EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL — It's a last resort. Mistakes can lead to:

• Brick of the device (complete incapacity).
• Lost IMEI and serial number.
• Problems with NFC or Wi-Fi modules.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods: Pros and Cons

🔹 If you are unsure of your skills, start with official methods (account recovery or support). EDL It should only be used as a last resort when other options have been exhausted.

💡

Firmware through EDL is the riskiest, but sometimes the only working method for devices with a locked bootloader. If you are not sure about your abilities, contact the service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi after a reset, users often make critical mistakes.

• 🔄 Trying to reset via Recovery again will not help, blocking Mi Account will remain.
• 📱 Using unofficial firmware - can lead to loss IMEI or sensory problems.
• 🔌 Disconnecting the cable during firmware - guaranteed device brick.
• 🔒 Trying to unlock through third-party services – many sites offer “unblocking for money” but it’s often a scam.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message on the lock screen saying "This device is locked by Mi Cloud. Sign in with a previously synced Mi Account", it means that the device is locked by Mi Cloud:

• The device is tied to the Mi-account, and without its data, unlocking by standard methods is impossible.
• Any firmware manipulation will not remove this binding unless you use EDL or special scripts.

🔹 Tip: Before buying a used Xiaomi phone, always check:

• Is your Mi Account disabled (ask the seller to reset with you).
• Is the bootloader unlocked (in settings: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 7 times, then Additional → For developers → bootloader status).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions