How to log into Xiaomi settings without a password: official and alternative methods

Forgotten password from Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that faces one in five users, especially unpleasant when the lock prevents you from changing critical parameters of the system: disable MIUI-optimisation, customisation USB-In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to bypass passwords in settings, from official methods with Mi Account confirmation to technical workarounds for advanced users.

It's important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, on devices with MIUI 14+ and current security patches, some loopholes can be closed. We've outlined the limitations for each method, as well as the risks from losing data to blocking IMEI if you use the engineering menu incorrectly. If your goal is simply to reset your screen password rather than access the system settings, go straight to the hard reset section.

Method 1: Sign in via the tied Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices, even the latest versions of MIUI, but requires:

  • 📧 Access to an email or phone number linked to an account
  • 🔗 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • 🔐 Opportunities to enter a password from an account (if two-factor authentication is enabled - the code from the account) SMS)

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
  2. Select the recovery option: by email or SMS.
  3. Enter the email address or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
  4. Follow the instructions in the email or SMS to reset your screen password.
  5. After successfully logging in to your account, the screen password will be reset and you will get access to the settings.

💡

If the button "Forgot your password?" does not appear, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer a recovery option.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ It does not work if the device is not tied to the Mi Account (or the account has been deleted).
  • ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F5 s MIUI 14 Global) may require confirmation via Google Account.
  • ❌ If the smartphone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, it will be impossible to restore access without his help.

Method 2: Safe Mode boot (to remove third-party blockers)

If the password was set by a third-party application (such as AppLock or Smart Lock), you can try to delete it through Safe Mode, in which only system applications are downloaded, and third-party applications are temporarily disabled.

How to boot up in Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Hold the Power button until the Xiaomi logo appears, then let go and immediately press Volume down.
  3. Keep Volume down until the bottom left corner says Safe mode.

After downloading:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
  • 🗑️ Find a blocker (like AppLock) and remove it.
  • 🔄 Restart the device in normal mode.
📊 What screen blocker are you using?
Standard MIUI
AppLock
Smart Lock
Other
I don't use it.

Important:

⚠️ In Safe Mode, you cannot reset the system password. MIUI — If the lock is set at the system level, this method will not help.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

If the device has previously been enabled USB-You can try to delete the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). The method works MIUI 12–14, but requires a PC and minimal command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (use the original cable!).
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
  4. Delete password files (commands run sequentially!): adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

After the reset, the screen password will be reset.

  • ⚠️ On unrooted devices, after adb shell type: pm clear com.android.providers.settings This will clear lock settings, but may cause other settings to reset.
  • ⚠️ Nana MIUI 14+ Security patches after October 2023 may not work.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Make sure it's on. USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 pop → For developers → USB-debugging). 2. Install Xiaomi drivers (download from [official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)). 3. Try another one. USB-cable.

Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (with data loss)

If previous methods failed, it leaves Fastboot unlocking, which will result in a complete data reset, but will return access to the settings, and is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi default).

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
  • 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
  • 📱 Discharged at least 60% of the device (to avoid bricks).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
  3. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Fastboot.
  4. Enter the command to unlock the bootloader (Mi Account is required): fastboot oem unlock Follow the on-screen instructions (SMS confirmation may be required).
  5. Once unlocked, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Results:

Action.Effects of consequencesReversibility
fastboot oem unlockUnlocking the bootloader, resetting FRPNo (the bootloader will remain unlocked)
fastboot erase userdataDeletion of all user dataNo (recovery is only possible from the backup)
fastboot erase cacheCleaning up the app cacheYes (cache will recover automatically)

⚠️ Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will void the warranty and may result in blocking some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine). L1 for Netflix HD).

Method 5: Hard Recovery Reset (Universal Method)

Hard Reset is the last chance to get back access to settings if other methods didn't work.The method works on all Xiaomi devices, but erases all data, including photos, contacts and apps. SD-map SIM, if they are installed.

How to make a Hard Reset:

☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset

Done: 0 / 4
  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press the Power + Volume combination up until the Recovery menu appears.
  3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some Factory Reset firmware).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

What happens after the dump:

  • 📱 The device will return to factory settings (version) MIUI remain).
  • 🔓 Screen password and fingerprints will be deleted.
  • 📂 All user data (photos, videos, messages) will be erased.
  • 🔄 When you first turn on, you will need to re-configure (language selection, Wi-Fi connection).

💡

Hard Reset is the only method that is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11 Lite. However, it does not bypass the binding to the Mi Account if it was activated!

Method 6: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

On some Xiaomi devices (mostly older models before MIUI 12), you can reset your password through an engineering menu, a method that is risky and can lead to loss of IMEI or unstable communication module operation.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##3646633## (some firmware may require ##4636##).
  2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
  3. In the AT+ field, type the command (to reset the screen password): AT+CLIP=0 and press Send AT Command.
  4. Reset the device.

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Incorrect commands in the engineering menu can damage the firmware.
  • ⚠️ New devices (MIUI 13+) Access to the engineering menu is often blocked.
  • ⚠️ After resetting the password, it may be necessary to reactivate SIM-map.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Can I bypass Xiaomi’s password without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The device is tied to Mi Account (method 1). USB Debugging was enabled and there is access to ADB (method 3). Password is set by a third-party application (method 2). In all other cases, the data will be lost.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restor access via account.xiaomi.com: Click Forgot password?. Select recovery by email or phone. Follow the instructions in the letter/SMS. If your account has been deleted or blocked, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).
Does this work for POCO and Redmi?
Yes, all of the above methods are suitable for devices in the line: POCO: F-series, X-series, M-series (for example, POCO X5 Pro, POCO F4). Redmi: Note-series, K-series, A-series (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60). Mi: Mi 11, Mi 12, Mi Mix (on new models may be limited). Exception: on devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi 10C Russian Federation) may require additional confirmation via Google Account after reset.
How to avoid blocking after resetting?
Not to lose access to the device in the future: 🔑 Use a graphical key instead of a graphical key PIN-code (easier to remember). 📝 Write your password to a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption). 🔗 Attach Mi Account and enable Find the device in the settings. 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
What to do if you need an old Google Account after resetting?
It's FRP-To get around it, enter an email and password from the last Google Account that was on the device. If you don't remember the data, restore access through accounts.google.com. FRP through ADB (PC and commands required: Adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1). ⚠️ Bypass FRP new-device (MIUI 14+) It may not be possible without an original account.