The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that even experienced users face. Unlike iPhones or pure Android devices, Redmi, POCO or Mi phones have unique security mechanisms associated with Mi Account account and MIUI firmware. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking – from official (with data preservation) to radical (with a full reset).
It's important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12) may require input from the Mi Account tied to the device after a hardware reset. And older smartphones (before MIUI 12) sometimes have workarounds through Recovery or Fastboot. We will describe each option in detail, specify the risks and give recommendations for restoring access.
If you’re looking for a way to get around the lock without losing data and without being tied to Mi Account, immediately go to the section about unlocking through your Xiaomi account – this is the only legal method that doesn’t require resetting. All other ways will result in deleting user files.
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account. It works on all models (including the POCO F5, Redmi K60, Mi 11) and does not require technical skills. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), and you must remember the username / password from the account.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot password? (or Forgot password on English firmware).
- 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account and confirm ownership via SMS letter.
- 🔓 Follow the system's instructions for resetting the lock screen password.
If the button Forgot the password? is missing (this happens on custom firmware or after manually disabling the function), try:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, select a locked smartphone and send an unlock command.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, you will not officially unlock the device.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (without Mi Account but with data loss)
If Mi Account is lost and the phone is not connected to the Internet, then you only have to reset hard through Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data (photos, messages, apps), but unlock the device, and is suitable for most models, except for those that are protected by FRP (Factory Reset Protection), in which case you will need to enter data from Mi Account after the reset.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition (hold 10-15 seconds). 🎮 For Black Shark: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
Recovery
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
Turn it off. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Prepare a backup of important data (if your phone has previously synced with Google/Mi Cloud)
Make sure you know the details from your Mi Account (if your phone is tied)
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Once reset, the phone will boot as new.On models with MIUI 13+, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account, even if you were resetting through Recovery.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European region) after reset via Recovery, an error "This device is locked" may appear, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the service center.
Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method via Fastboot is suitable if:
- 🔧 You have access to a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- 📥 You can download the firmware for your model.
- 🛠️ You are ready to work with the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
- Connect the phone off to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
- Open the command line (Win) + R → type cmd) and execute the commands: cd C:\miui_fastboot fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue: fastboot oem edl Then flash the firmware: fastboot flash all
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will restart in its clean state, which bypasses FRP locking but requires strict compliance with instructions, and firmware errors can result in a device being "bricked."
What if the fastboot oem edl command is not working?
Method 4: Use of service codes (for older models)
On Xiaomi smartphones before MIUI 10 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), service codes sometimes triggered to reset a password. Today, this method works extremely rarely, but you can try:
| Code. | Description | Models that can work |
|---|---|---|
| ##7780## | Soft reset (removes password but saves data) | Redmi 3S, Mi 4i, Mi Max |
| ##3646633## | Entrance to the engineering menu (sometimes allows you to reset the lock) | Redmi Note 3, Mi 5 |
| *2767*3855# | Complete reset (removes everything, including password) | Early Android models 6-7 |
Before you enter the codes, make sure that the phone is connected to charging - the process can take several minutes. If after entering the code the screen is out and the device does not respond, do not panic: wait for the reboot (up to 10 minutes).
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If the service codes don't work, try dialing them through the Phone app. Some firmwares block the codes if you type them from the lock screen.
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods did not work, you need to contact an authorized service center.
- 📱 Phones with a previous owner's Mi Account tied.
- 🔒 Devices locked after failed unlock attempts.
- 🛡️ Hardware-protected models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or MIX Fold).
What will be required to unlock:
- 📄 Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
- 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
- 📧 Mi Account data if your phone is linked to your account.
The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock.In some cases, a replacement motherboard may be required (for example, if the device was stolen and blocked by the original owner through Find Device).
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Officially unlocking the service center is the only legal way to bypass the previous owner’s Mi Account binding, and self-attempts (for example, through firmware) can result in a complete loss of warranty.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:
- "This device is locked" error after reset: Reason: the phone is tied to Mi Account, but you are not logged in. Solution: connect to Wi-Fi and enter your account details.
- Fastboot doesn't see the device: Reason: no drivers installed or a non-original cable used. Solution: download the Mi Flash Tool and install the drivers manually.
- Phone not included in Recovery: Reason: On some models (like the POCO F4 GT) the button combination is different. Solution: Try Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Another common mistake is trying to unlock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn’t work on modern versions of MIUI, because USB debugging mode is disabled by default. You can’t turn it on without accessing the settings.