How to save data from a locked Xiaomi smartphone: from Mi Account to ADB

A locked Xiaomi smartphone is not a sentence for your data, even if you forget the pattern lock, PIN-The code or phone is in "Device locked because of too many attempts," there are at least 5 ways to retrieve photos, messages and contacts without completely resetting.

In this article, we will discuss the official and informal methods of accessing data on Redmi, Poco and Mi series, including models from 2023-2026. From simple recovery via Mi Account to complex manipulations with ADB and Fastboot. Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so first check if the method is suitable for your case.

If the phone is locked due to a hardware failure (for example, after a fall or moisture), some methods may not work — in this case, you will need a board repair or a chip-remover. Note: all actions you perform at your own risk. Phones with encrypted storage (starting with MIUI 12) are more difficult to crack, but even here there are loopholes.

Recovery through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most legal method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

If the conditions are met, follow the following steps:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. The map will show your Xiaomi – click on it.
4. Click Unlock Device (Unlock Device)
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After 5-10 minutes, the phone will unlock and you can copy the data. Limit: the method does not work if the device is disconnected from the network or the account was not tied in advance, and Xiaomi can request additional verification (for example, a linked phone number) if it suspects a hack.

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If your phone is not connected to the internet, but you have access to it. SIM-Insert it into another smartphone and check it out. SMS Xiaomi – Sometimes the unlock code comes automatically.

2.Use of Recovery Mode (for models without encryption)

If Mi Account doesn’t work, try to boot into Recovery Mode, which is suitable for older models (before MIUI 11) or devices that didn’t have encryption enabled. On newer smartphones (like Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), Recovery data is not available due to hardware encryption.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Mount (or Advanced → File Manager on some firmware).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and copy files from internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: New firmware (MIUI 12+) Mount may not be available or require a password. (also some models) F5, Xiaomi 12S Ultra blocks access to files in Recovery due to security policies.

3. Connection via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone was on debugging for USB (USB Debugging, you can extract data through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This works even on a locked screen, but requires pre-configuration. X4 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and others with unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
5. Copy data from internal memory: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (switch the path).

If ADB requests permission to connect but the screen is locked, try rebooting the phone in Safe Mode (keep Power + Volume down when turned on).

Install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB (lock-in)|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the connection via adb devices

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4. Data extraction via TWRP (Castom Recovery)

If the phone has custom recovery (TWRP), you can bypass the lock screen and copy files directly.This method is suitable for users who previously unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP. On new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60), unlocking the bootloader resets all data, so the method works only for prepared devices.

Instructions:

1. Upload the phone to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up).
2. From the TWRP menu, select Mount → Enable MTP.
3. Connect your phone to your PC – the internal memory will appear as a removable disk.
4. Copy the necessary files (photos, videos, documents) to the computer.

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP If you're locked on a phone without the bootloader unlocked, it'll cause a complete data reset. TWRP established in advance.

5. Chip-removal (extreme case for physically damaged phones)

If the phone doesn't turn on or is locked at the hardware level (for example, after a failed firmware), the only way to extract data is to read the memory directly through the chip-receiver.

• 🔧 Special equipment (programmer UFi Box, EasyJTAG).
• 💻 Skills soldering (you need to solder off the memory chip) eMMC/UFS).
• 💰 Financial costs (service in the service center costs from 3,000 to 10,000) ₽).

The process looks like this:

1. Removing the back cover and protecting the board.
2. Unplug the memory chip using a hair dryer or soldering station.
3. Connecting the chip to the programmer and reading data.
4. Restore the file system using UFi Analyzer or ChipGenius.

This method is guaranteed to work on any models, including Xiaomi 12T Pro and Redmi K50 Ultra, but has risks:

• ⚠️ Damage to rations.
• ⚠️ Partial data loss (if the chip is damaged).
• ⚠️ High cost (cheaper to buy a new phone if the data is not critical).

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6.Alternative methods: cloud backups and SIM-map

If none of the above methods work, check cloud backups and external media:

1 Google Photos / Xiaomi Cloud

• 📸 If Google Photos sync is enabled, go to photos.google.com from your account.
• ☁️ For Xiaomi Cloud, use the web version: i.mi.com (you need a username and password from Mi Account).

2. SIM-map SD-map

• 📱 Contact and SMS may be stored on SIM-Insert it into another phone and export the data.
• 💾 If you used a microSD, remove it and connect it to your PC via a card reader.

3. Social networks and instant messengers

• 💬 Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber can have a backup of chats (check the linked email).
• 📧 Emails with attachments are often duplicated in Gmail or Mail.ru.

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Even if your phone is completely locked, check all cloud services – users often forget about automatically syncing contacts, photos and notes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi