The situation when Xiaomi smartphone stops letting the owner into the system, happens more often than you might think. Blocking can occur for various reasons: from a banal forgotten pattern lock to activation of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection after flashing or resetting settings. Also, devices can be blocked at the level of the Mi Account account, especially if the gadget was bought from hand or tied to someone else's ID. Panic at this point is not worth it, since modern recovery methods allow you to return access to the device in most cases.
Before you start to take action, you need to clearly define the type of lock (PIN-Code, password, fingerprint, bootloader lock or cloud account lock, and the choice of tool to solve the problem depends on this. Some methods require a connection to a computer and special drivers, others can be implemented directly on the device if you have access to the Recovery menu. It is important to understand that trying to select a password using the pumpkin method can lead to temporary or complete blocking of the device by the security system.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to restore access to Redmi and Poco smartphones. We will look at both standard reset methods and more complex technical procedures that require the use of a PC. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with the HyperOS shell and the old MIUI, since security algorithms may differ in them.
⚠️ Note: Most of the methods described below, which involve resetting, will result in the complete deletion of all user data.Photos, contacts and applications will be lost if no pre-copy has been made in the cloud.
Determination of the type of lock and preparation
The first step in the recovery process is to make a precise diagnosis, so if you have a Mi Account password on the screen, you have Find Device activated on the device, which is a very strong layer of security that links the smartphone to the user's account, and if you just reset the menu, it won't help if you turn it on, and if you just ask for a graphical key or a digital unlock code, it's easier to do that.
Also consider the status of the bootloader. If it is unlocked, the possibilities for recovery are much wider: you can install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) and delete lock files through it. However, on devices with a locked bootloader (the standard state for most users), the range of actions is narrowed to using official tools or exploits of vulnerabilities. Before starting any work, make sure that the battery charge is at least 40-50%.
For the work you may need a high-quality USB-cable, preferably original or certified, and a Windows-based computer. ADB Fastboot is often installed automatically, but it is better to prepare the package in advance. SDK Platform Tools.Without the right driver, the computer may not see the phone in boot mode, making it impossible to execute commands.
- 🔍 Identify the exact error message or type of password requested (Mi Account, Google, lock screen).
- 🔋 Check the battery level – it must be above 40% for safe treatments.
- 💻 Prepare a Windows PC and install the necessary drivers for Xiaomi.
- 🔌 Find a good one. USB-cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
Resetting settings via Recovery menu
The most affordable and secure method to unlock the screen is to reset the Recovery Mode, which works if you don’t have two-factor authorization enabled to reset or remember the Mi Account password that the device is attached to. In newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS, after a reset, the system may require you to enter a password from the Wi-Fi or account that the phone was connected to before locking, which is part of FRP protection.
To get into the Recovery menu on a locked phone, you need to turn the device off completely. Then you need to press the button combination: usually it's Volume Up + Power. Hold them until the Mi or Poco logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume. If the menu does not appear, perhaps the volume button was released too early or too late. Some models require a USB cable to be connected to the computer when you enter mode.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear User Data. Once selected, the system can request confirmation by entering the word "yes" or selecting the appropriate item. The cleaning process takes a few minutes, after which the phone will reboot as a new one. If the old password is requested again after the reboot, then the FRP protection is active and other methods will be required.
☑️ Checklist for Recovery Entry
⚠️ Warning: Devices with updated security after reset via Recovery may need to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the phone earlier.
Using Mi Cloud for Remote Resetting
If your smartphone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and it has the Find Device feature enabled, you can unlock it remotely via Mi Cloud. This method is effective when you forget the screen unlock password, but remember the Mi Account data. It allows you not only to determine the location of the phone, but also to initiate a command to erase data, which removes the lock screen.
To do this, go from your computer or other device to i.mi.com and log in under the same account that is used on the locked phone. In the service interface, select Find Device. Select your device from the list of available gadgets. In the control menu, click the Clean Device Data button. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted.
Once the command is confirmed, the phone needs to receive a reset signal. The screen goes out, and the reboot and cleaning process begins. It is important that the phone is online at the time the command is sent. If the device is turned off, the command will run as soon as it appears on the network. This method bypasses the lock screen, but does not remove the account binding - after turning on, the phone will still ask for a password from the Mi Account to confirm the owner.
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If the phone can’t see the network, try inserting it. SIM-card of another operator or use the "Loud Communication" mode via Mi Cloud to activate the speaker and check the network status.
Bypassing FRP and Google Account
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking is one of the most challenging situations. It occurs when a user resets a phone through Recovery but does not know the password from a Google account that was previously synced to the device. Google considers this a sign of theft and blocks activation. There is no official way to reset FRP without a password, but there are workarounds that depend on the Android version and security patch.
One common method involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the feature menu or browser, such as some versions. MIUI You can call the Google voice assistant or browser through the welcome screen, download special APK-files, for example, FRP Bypass Tool or Activity Launcher) and through them to access the settings. There you can add a new account or reset your account settings.
A more difficult but reliable method is to use PC tools such as the Mi Unlock Tool (official, but requires waiting 168 hours and unlocked bootloader, which is difficult to do when a locked phone is difficult) or specialized FRP removal utilities (such as UnlockTool, Chimera), which are often paid and require professional skills. For ordinary users, the most realistic option is to find a specific instruction (video or article) for the exact model of the phone and the Android version, since vulnerabilities are quickly closed with updates.
| Method | Conditions required | Efficiency | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Mode | Physical access, buttons | High (removes screen code) | 100% (all removed) |
| Mi Cloud | Internet on the phone, password Mi | High (remote discharge) | 100% (all removed) |
| ADB Commands | Debugging by USB, PC | Medium (depending on rights) | Possible preservation |
| Specialty software (EDL) | Disassembled phone, authorised account | Maximum (full discharge) | 100% |
Unlocking through ADB and Fastboot
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is only effective if the phone has been pre-enabled to debug USB and the computer has been given permissions. If these conditions are met, you can connect to the phone via the command line and delete the file that stores the access keys. This is a complex technical method that requires care.
To start, connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the ADB tool folder. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If the device is displayed, you can try to delete the password file. However, in modern versions of Android, this file is protected, and a simple command adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key may not work without root rights. However, for older devices (Android 6-9), this method often works flawlessly.
Fastboot mode allows you to reflash the device or unlock the bootloader. The fastboot flashing unlock or fastboot oem unlock command initiates data cleanup and unlock. But as mentioned earlier, this requires official permission from Xiaomi (Mi Unlock), which is not immediately given. Using informal methods to unlock the bootloader can cause the phone to break if you do not follow the instructions strictly.
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gsf
adb shell am start -a android.settings.SETTINGS