How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget the screen password: all working ways

The forgotten password on Xiaomi’s lock screen is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to service center statistics, 38% of unlock requests are for devices with MIUI 14/15, where security has become stricter, the problem is compounded by the fact that after 5 failed input attempts, Xiaomi can lock the device for 30 minutes or even require a reset to factory settings.

In this article, we will discuss 7 formal and informal unlocking methods, from simple (via Mi Account) to complex (using ADB and Fastboot), and focus on data retention: 60% of the time, data can be recovered if you follow instructions. Importantly, the methods are different for devices with Snapdragon chip and MediaTek, which affects the availability of EDL mode.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a linked Mi Account is suitable even if you do not remember the password from the account – it can be restored via email or phone.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Enter any password on the lock screen 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot password” appears?".
• 🔹 Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
• 🔹 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (if you forgot, restore it via account.xiaomi.com).
• 🔹 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (depending on security settings).

⚠️ Note: If the device was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work).

💡

If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Mi Account, prepare backup codes or access to an authorizing application (Google Authenticator, Authy) in advance.

2 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)

The “Find Device” feature (similar to Google’s “Find Phone”) allows you to remotely unlock Xiaomi if:

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery level above 15%.
• 🌍 The "Find Device" function was activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click "Unlock" and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

🔴 Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with MIUI Russia (due to restrictions on Google Mobile Services).
• ❌ If the device is enabled "Developer Mode" with debugging by USB, Remote unlocking can be blocked.

3. Reset the pattern lock via Safe Mode (without loss of data)

This is a good idea if you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the password from Mi Account. Safe Mode temporarily disables third-party applications, including the screen blocker from third-party manufacturers (for example, AppLock).

How to start Safe Mode:

1. Turn off the device with a long press on the power button.
2. Hold the Volume Down + Power button until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the words "Safe Mode" in the lower left corner.

In safe mode:

• 🔓 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Screen locking.
• 🔓 Enter the password from Mi Account to confirm.
• 🔓 Install a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 Reboot the device to exit Safe Mode.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have access to a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 🔧 Debugging is on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode).
• 🔧 Device unlocked to work with Fastboot (checked by the team fastboot oem device-info).

⚠️ Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn a device into a brick. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and do:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flashing unlock




fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the device will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted. This method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro and later).

Install Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Download the firmware for your model|Check the battery level (minimum 50%)|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable antivirus on PC-->

5. EDL mode usage (for Snapdragon devices)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash the device even with a locked bootloader. It works only on devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50, etc.).

🔴 Risks:

• ⚠️ You need an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock. EDL (2023).
• ⚠️ The wrong firmware can damage IMEI.
• ⚠️ On devices with MIUI 14+ EDL It can be blocked at the hardware level.

Instructions:

1. Download the.tgz firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the QDLoader HS-USB driver (manually through Device Manager).
3. Connect the device turned off to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

💡

EDL mode is the last chance to unlock a device without visiting a service center, but requires technical skills. On devices with MediaTek, instead of EDL, BROM mode is used, which is unlocked via the SP Flash Tool.

6. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the device is enabled debugging over USB (Settings → For developers → Debugging over USB), you can delete the file with the password via ADB. The method works on MIUI 12-15, but requires access to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line.
2. Enter commands:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset. If the commands do not work, try:

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

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption: This method will cause data loss after rebooting.

7. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, you can contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the only official way to unlock devices with:

• 🔒 The Bootloader Locked (Bootloader Locked).
• 🔒 Lost Mi Account of the previous owner.
• 🔒 Damaged firmware after unsuccessful manipulations.

📌 What's needed:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (to confirm possession).
• 🆔 Passport (for devices linked to Mi Account).
• 💰 Payment for the service (from 1,500 to 5,000) ₽ model-wise).

The average unlock time in the service is 1-3 days. In some cases (for example, for the POCO F5 Pro or Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you may need to send the device to a regional center.

💡

Before visiting the service center, back up your IMEI (if the device is switched on). To do this, type in the phone dialer *#06# and take a picture of the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi