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

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. According to service center statistics, 18% of calls are related to unlocking devices after losing access. Fortunately, the manufacturer has envisaged several ways to regain control of the phone, from standard MIUI functions to engineering modes. But it is important to understand that not all methods are equally secure for your data.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways Xiaomi unlocks (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) without a password, from the simplest to the most technically complex. You’ll learn how to bypass locks through Mi Account, what button combinations trigger hidden recovery menus, and why some folk methods with ADB or Fastboot can turn a phone into a brick.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi uses is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI 8 and newer, if you previously:

• 🔹 Log into a phone account.
• 🔹 Connected the device to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔹 Do not turn off the function "Find the device" in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Mi Account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request proof of ownership of the device through a photo of the check or box (in cases of suspected theft).

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com – it will take 5-10 minutes.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

When Mi Account is lost, the radical method is hard reset via recovery mode, which erases all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device, suitable for Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and others with physical buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of Power + Volume Up (10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔹 For most models: Power + Volume Up 🔹 For older devices (until 2019): Power + Volume Up + Volume Down

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Power

Reboot

Reboot to System

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 after the reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember them, the phone will turn into a brick – you will need to contact the service center.

3. Use of ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if your phone has previously enabled USB debugging and you have confirmed a trusted connection to your computer. This is rare, but if the conditions are met, the data can be saved.

What you need:

• 🔹 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔹 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB
• 🔹 USB-cable (original)

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS).




3. Enter the commands in order:




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key (or password.key for PIN)




4.Reboot phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method is often blocked by security systems. If the phone requires a password again after rebooting, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

Fastboot mode allows you to reflash your phone bypassing the lock, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If you previously unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool, the chances of success are high. Otherwise, the method will not work.

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off your phone and go to Fastboot: 🔹 Power + Volume Down (hold 10 seconds)

fastboot devices

official website

fastboot flash all [name file.pro].zip

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can lead to a hard brick (total phone failure). EDL Mode (emergency mode), the chances of recovery are higher – but you will need an authorized Xiaomi account to download firmware.

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Download the firmware for your model|Install Qualcomm drivers (for the purpose of EDL)|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Prepare original USB-cable-->

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods fail, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides the unlock service with documents confirming ownership of the device, which is the safest way, but also the longest (from 3 to 14 days).

What will be required:

• 🔹 Passport of the owner
• 🔹 Check or warranty card (if saved)
• 🔹 Phone box with serial number
• 🔹 Completed application (sample will be given in the service)

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region. In some cases (for example, if you steal), Xiaomi may refuse to unlock, as specified in the user agreement.

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Official service is the only method that guarantees the safety of data on File-Based Encryption (FBE) phones.

Alternative methods (risky)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock the Internet, from using MTK Bypass to flashing it over the SP Flash Tool. Most of them are:

• 🔹 They only work on older models (until 2018)
• 🔹 Requires deep technical knowledge
• 🔹 Could lead to loss IMEI or lock-in

Examples of questionable methods:

• 🔹 MTK Bypass – only works on MediaTek processors (Redmi models) 4A/5A), but blocked MIUI 10+.
• 🔹 TestPoint – requires soldering of contacts on the board, risk of damage 90%.
• 🔹 Emergency call - closed in the MIUI 12 vulnerability CVE-2020-0041.

⚠️ Note: Use of informal firmware (e.g. Custom) ROM) Bypassing the lock voids the warranty and may cause problems with Google Pay, Netflix and banking apps due to a SafetyNet breach.

Frequently asked questions