How to log into a locked Xiaomi phone if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a bad situation, but not a hopeless one. Modern smartphones Redmi, Poco or Mi with MIUI 14/15 offer several ways to restore access, but each of them has its own nuances. Some are afraid of losing photos and contacts, others are afraid of activating the Mi Account protection, and others simply do not know where to start. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking – from official (via Xiaomi account) to technical (using Fastboot or EDL).

It's important to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of method depends on the phone model, the firmware version, the backup, and even whether the phone connected to the Internet after the last unlock. For example, one way will work on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, and a completely different way on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5, and we will describe each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all models, including the Poco F5, Redmi 12 and Mi 11 Ultra, but requires two conditions:

📱 The phone was connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) at least once after setting the password.
🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was used on the device.

If both conditions are met, follow the instructions:

On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
Reset the screen lock password and install a new one.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network after the last unlock, this method will not work. SMS Even with the right password from your account, it is a security measure against hacking.

💡

If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, all contacts, notes, and photos (if they have been downloaded) will automatically be restored to the device after unlocking.

2. Reset password via Find Device (remote unlock)

Google’s Find Device feature not only tracks Xiaomi’s location, but also remotely resets the lock password, which works if:

🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (even through mobile data).
🔄 Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
📧 You have access to the email linked to your Mi Account.

Step instructions:

Go to i.mi.com and log in.
Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
Press Unlock Device (Unlock Device).
Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Wait for a notification of a successful password reset (it can take up to 5 minutes).

After that, the phone will unlock, but all the data will remain in place — this method does not result in resetting. However, if the device has been enabled data encryption (Settings → Additional → Encryption), you may need to enter the old password to decrypt files.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?

If the device does not appear in the list on i.mi.com, check: - Is the phone connected to the Internet (even in the background). - Is the Find Device function disabled in the settings (sometimes this is done to save battery). - Are the phone settings reset to factory (in this case, the binding to the account is removed).

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (Reset to factory settings)

If previous methods failed, it will be hard to reset via Recovery, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, apps and settings, but will return access to the device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Poco X5 Pro.

⚠️ Warning: After a reset, the phone may require data input from a Mi Account that was previously tied (protection) FRP). If you don't remember your username/password, the device will become a "brick." Make sure you have access to your account!

How to perform the reset:

Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (Fastboot mode).
With volume buttons, select Recovery Mode and confirm with the power button.
From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
Restart the phone (Reboot).

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set up your phone as new, and at that point, you may be asked to enter Mi Account data — type it in to unlock the device completely.

Disable your Google account (if you remember your password) in sync settings

Back up your important data via Mi Cloud (if your phone is still unlocked)

Charge your phone at least 50% to avoid turning off during reset

Make sure you have access to email/SMS confirming the Mi Account-->

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable for users who are willing to work with the command line. It allows you to remove the lock password without completely resetting, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If you have never unlocked Bootloader officially through Xiaomi, this method will not work.

What you need:

🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
🛠️ Utility. ADB & Fastboot Tools (or Platform Tools by Google).

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue.
Run the command to delete the password: fastboot erase userdata or (for some models): fastboot erase frp
Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) This method can lead to activation of the antirollback – the phone will need official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

📊 What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?

Through the Mi Account.

Reset to Recovery

Fastboot/ADB

I went to the service center.

Never blocked.

5.Use of EDL mode (for critical cases)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the “last frontier” for Xiaomi to unlock when other methods have failed. It allows you to flash your phone around all locks, but requires:

🔧 Special cable. EDL (or circuitry).
💻 Mi Flash Tool and official firmware for your model.
🔑 Firmware permissions (some models require authorization through Mi Account).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

Instructions:

Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
Transfer the phone to EDL mode (this may require disassembly and closure of contacts or a special cable).
Connect your phone to your PC and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi K60 Pro), firmware via EDL without authorization of Mi Account will lead to IMEI blocking.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all the self-unblocking attempts fail, you just have to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the safest, but also the longest way.

📄 You will need a document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card or box with a IMEI).
⏳ Unblocking period – from 3 to 10 days (depending on the load of the service).
💰 The cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model and region).

Advantages of the service center:

🔒 Data security guarantee (in some cases, specialists can extract information before resetting).
🛡️ Official Unlocking without Risk of Losing IMEI or activation of antirollback.
📱 The ability to restore the phone even after unsuccessful firmware attempts.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often use “gray” unlocking methods (for example, substitution). IMEI), This may cause network problems or Mi Account lockdown.

Unlocking method	Data retention	Mi Account required	Difficulty	Risks.
Through the Mi Account.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐	No.
Find Device	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	⭐	Requires Internet on your phone
Reset to Recovery	❌ No.	✅ Yes (after discharge)	⭐⭐	Data loss, FRP activation possible
Fastboot	⚠️ Partially.	❌ No.	⭐⭐⭐	Risk of anti-rollback on new models
EDL	❌ No.	✅ Yes (for authorization)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Risk of blocking IMEI

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlock method (Settings) → Password and security → Fingerprint data).

It's also useful to know:

On MIUI 14/15 appeared the function Emergency access – you can add to the lock screen button to call a trusted number without entering a password.
If you often forget your passwords, set them. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock, it is easier to remember.

💡

Even if you successfully unlock your phone, set up alternative login methods (print, face) and check the Mi Account binding right away.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

❓ Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data?

Yes, if your phone is connected to the Internet and you have access to Mi Account, use Mi Account or Find Device methods, they don't erase data. If you don't have Internet, you can't do without a reset.

❓ What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?

Restore access through the recovery page, you need to access an email or phone number associated with your account, and if you don't remember anything, contact Xiaomi with your phone ID.

❓ Why After Recovery, Your Phone Asks for an Old Password?

This is because the data encryption is enabled. To avoid the problem, disable the encryption in the settings (Settings → Additional → Encryption → Disable) before reset. If you have already reset, try entering the old password or perform a full firmware reflash through Fastboot.

❓ Does Xiaomi unlock software work (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool)?

Most of the hacking tools on the Internet are fraud or malware. Xiaomi does not officially provide tools to bypass passwords without confirmation through Mi Account. Using such programs can lead to locking the phone or data theft.

❓ Can you unlock Xiaomi through Google Account?

No, since MIUI 12 Xiaomi has removed the ability to unlock through Google Account.Now it only works on very old models (e.g. Redmi 4X on MIUI 9).