Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard procedure that helps to return the device to factory parameters. However, many users face an unexpected problem: after a hard reset, the system requires you to enter a password that no one has set, which arises from the peculiarities of MIUI protection, where even after a complete reset, you can still be associated with a Mi Account or encrypted data.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible passwords Xiaomi can request after a reset, from standard combinations to ways to bypass locks, why the system requires an access code, what data can help restore it, and what to do if none of the options are suitable. We will pay special attention to models with MIUI 14/15 and the new Redmi Note series devices 12/13, where the algorithms of protection have become stricter.
We warn you that improper actions when unlocking can lead to complete loss of data or even “bricking” of the smartphone. Therefore, before starting procedures, be sure to read our recommendations and prepare backup copies of important files.
Why Xiaomi asks for a password after resetting settings
The checkpoint question is, did you actually perform a full reset (via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) rather than just a reset? If so, the password requirement is due to one of three reasons:
- 🔒 Data Encryption: Starting with MIUI 12, All Xiaomi smartphones by default encrypt user data. After reset, the system requires a password to decrypt the partition. /data.
- 📱 Mi Account binding: If Find Device is enabled on the device, the reset does not untie the account. The system is blocked before entering the username / password from Mi Account.
- 🔑 Factory PIN-code: on some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60) After reset, you may need to enter the standard code 123456 or 000000.
Fun fact: on Android 10 and later devices (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), a reset via Recovery Mode doesn’t always remove the account link.This is done to protect against theft – even after a reset, a thief will not be able to use the phone without the original owner’s data.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, it is officially impossible to unlock the device.
Standard passwords for Xiaomi after reset
If the phone requires a password immediately after reset, try these combinations in order of priority:
| Password type | Combination | What models are suitable for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory PIN | 123456 | All models up to 2021 (Redmi 9, POCO X3) | It works in 60% of cases on old firmware |
| Empty password | (leave the field empty) | MIUI 11 and below (Mi 9, Redmi Note 8) | Sometimes it works on unencrypted devices. |
| Mi Account | Login + Password from Xiaomi Account | All models with MIUI 12+ | Internet connection required |
| Password from Google | Data from the last Google account connected | Devices with Android 9+ and FRP-blocking | You need to enter after connecting to Wi-Fi |
| Service code | million or 1234 | Phones for the Chinese market (Mi 10 China) | It can only work on unofficial firmware. |
Critical information: On Xiaomi 12/13 and Redmi Note 12 models with MIUI 14/15, standard passwords are triggered in less than 10% of cases.
Try 123456 and 000000
Leave the field empty and press "Confirm"
Enter data from the last Google account
Try the username/password from Mi Account
Connect to Wi-Fi and try again-->
How to bypass password request after reset (official ways)
If standard combinations do not fit, use legitimate unlock methods that do not violate Xiaomi’s rules and do not lead to loss of warranty:
- Recovery via Mi Account: Go to account.xiaomi.com → “Forgot your password?” → restore access by email or phone number.
- Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users): Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website) and follow the instructions. You will need a tied Mi Account with unlock rights. fastboot oem unlock
- Contact the service center: If the phone is warranty, provide a check and passport - Xiaomi will unlock the device for free. For models older than 2 years, you may need to pay (from 1000 to 3000 rubles).
Important: the Fastboot method only works if USB debugging was enabled on the device earlier (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → For developers → USB debugging).
What if your Mi Account is linked to an old phone number?
Informal Unlocking Methods: Risks and Consequences
If the official methods didn't work, you can find "circumvent" methods on the Internet, from firmware through EDL to exploits in MIUI. However, these methods have serious disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Any interference with firmware will void Xiaomi warranty obligations.
- 📱 Risk of “bricking”: Incorrect firmware can make the phone inoperable (programmer required).
- 🔒 Lockdown IMEI: New models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) After unofficial unlocking, the modem may burn down.
- 🕵️ Data Leak: Many 'Free' Unlocking Tools Have Malware.
The most common informal methods are:
| Method | Difficulty | Risks. | Chance of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmware via EDL (9008) | High (requires an authorized account) | Loss of IMEI, brick | 80% |
| Use of exploit (e.g. CVE-2020-14125) | Medium (ADB skills required) | Doesn't work on new firmware. | 30% |
| Delete gesture.key via TWRP | Low. | It only works on old MIUIs. | 50% |
⚠️ Note: Forums often advise you to use the Mi Flash Tool with an option clean_all.lock. This method removes all data, but on models with MIUI 14+ After such firmware, the phone may require authorization in the Mi Account even with clean firmware.
adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.imgIf something goes wrong, these files will help restore network functions.-->
Frequent errors when entering a password after resetting
Even if you know the right password, entering it incorrectly can make things worse.
- 🔠 Incorrect keyboard layout: Password is typed in English and you use Russian. For example, ghbdtn instead of hello.
- 🔄 Extra spaces: A gap at the beginning or end of a password makes it incorrect, even if the characters match.
- 🔑 Letter Register: Password and password are different passwords. Xiaomi defaults on Caps Lock when you first enter.
- 📶 Internet: To verify Mi Account, you need to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- ⏳ Delay between attempts: After 5 failed attempts, the system blocks input for 30 minutes.
If you entered the password correctly, but the phone does not accept it, try:
- Reboot the device (press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds).
- Connect to another Wi-Fi (sometimes a DNS problem).
- Use the keyboard from Google (install via ADB sideload if you have TWRP).
💡
If the system does not accept the password after 3 correct password inputs, the problem may be in the damaged /data partition, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help.
How to Avoid Password Problems in Future Resets
To avoid being blocked after a reset, follow these rules before you need to:
- 🔐 Untie Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → After that, the reset will not require account data.
- 📱 Turn off device search: In Settings → Google → Security → Find the device and settings → Additionally. → Security → Find the device (Xiaomi).
- 🔑 Remember. PIN-code: If you install a pattern lock or PIN, Write it to a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).
- 🖥️ Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup, it'll save the data even after the reset.
For Xiaomi owners on Android 12+ (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) there is an additional option: