Unlocking Xiaomi via Main Menu: Secret ways to bypass the lock 2026

Forgotten passwords, Mi Account blocked or accidental security activation are problems that one in five Xiaomi smartphone owners face. Official unlock methods often require confirmation via account or reset to factory settings with loss of data. But there is a hidden Main Menu (engineering menu) that allows you to bypass locking at the firmware level. This method works even on new models from 2023-2026, including the Redmi Note 12 series, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods of unlocking through Main Menu: from simple password reset to complex firmware manipulations in modes. FASTBOOT and EDL. You will learn how to log into a hidden menu on a locked phone, what commands to use to bypass Mi Account, and how to avoid a brick when you fail. EDL-The regime requires authorization in the Xiaomi service – without it, the phone can forever turn into a “brick” after 3 unsuccessful attempts.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise the risk of shutdown during the process)
• 🔌 Availability of original USB-cables (cheap cables often don't transmit data to the cables) FASTBOOT)
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (c ADB and Mi Flash Tool)

What is Main Menu on Xiaomi and how does it help unlock your phone?

Main Menu (or Engineering Mode) is a hidden service menu that manufacturers (including Xiaomi) use to diagnose and test devices. Unlike the standard Recovery Mode, it allows you to interact with firmware at a low level, including:

• 🔓 Screen lock circumvention (PIN, pattern lock, password)
• 📱 Resetting the Mi Account without confirmation SMS/email
• 🔧 Change of change IMEI Serial number (on some models)
• 🛠️ Restore the sensor or camera after a failed update

On new Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2021), access to Main Menu is limited, and the manufacturer closed most of the holes due to massive cases of fraud to unlock stolen phones.

1. Hardware Test Mode (button combinations when booting)
2. FASTBOOT using ADB and Mi Flash Tool
3. EDL-mode (emergency firmware, requires authorization)

⚠️ Attention: Methods using EDL This can lead to permanent locking of the bootloader (hard-brick) if you do not have an authorized Xiaomi account for service centers. On Redmi Note 11 and later, this means that it is impossible to restore even in the service.

Method 1: Unlocking with Hardware Test Mode (without PC)

This is the simplest method that works on Xiaomi until 2020 (Redmi Note 8/9, Mi 9, POCO F1, etc.) It does not require a connection to a computer and allows you to reset your password through a hidden test menu.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination: Power button + Volume up + Volume down Hold 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo with the words Test Mode appears.
3. Select the Manual Test item from the menu → Version Info.
4. Click 5 times in a row on the Baseband Version line and the hidden submenu will open.
5. Select Factory Reset and confirm the reset.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13+ This method may not work, because the manufacturer has removed the ability to reset through Test Mode. FASTBOOT or EDL.

Charge your phone to 50% |

Prepare the paper clip for extraction SIM-cards (required for resetting)|

Check the phone model (the method does not work on new firmware)|

Backup important data (if the phone is sometimes unlocked)

-->

Method 2: Unlock via FASTBOOT and ADB (for advanced)

If the Hardware Test Mode is not available, the next step is to use FASTBOOT and the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) utility.This method requires a computer and basic command-line knowledge, but works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and Xiaomi 12.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB and FASTBOOT (download from Android)
• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (if not - see the instructions below)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in FASTBOOT mode: Power button + Volume down Hold until the Fastboot logo appears (robot with open stomach).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
4. Run the command to reset the lock: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp This will delete user data and reset Mi Account.
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Bootloader Locked), fastboot erase commands will not work. First, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (see next section).

Method 3: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

If previous methods didn’t work, you probably have a Bootloader locked, Xiaomi locks it on all new devices to protect against unauthorized access, and to unlock your phone through FASTBOOT or EDL, you first need to officially unlock the bootloader.

Requirements:

• 📱 Phone with Mi Account tied (must be active on the device before locking)
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11
• 🔗 Installed Mi Unlock Tool (download from official website)
• ⏳ Waiting time: 7 to 30 days (depending on the model)

Instructions:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Options: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)
2. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Developer Menu.
3. Link your Mi Account to your phone (if not done before).
4. Turn off the phone and transfer to FASTBOOT (Power + Volume Down).
5. Connect to your computer, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
6. If you see a message saying "Couldn't unlock, try again after XX days," wait until the deadline is set.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 Redmi Note 11/12 waiting period may be 30 If your phone is locked in Mi Account and you don't remember your account information, this method won't help. EDL authorization.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is different from the account info on the device", then the phone was reset without retraction Mi Account, in which case only the service center or authorized EDL will help (see next section).

Method 4: Unlocking through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore a phone even with a damaged system, it works at the level of the Qualcomm processor and requires special equipment (EDL-cable) or authorization in the service Xiaomi.

When you need an EDL:

• 🔒 Phone blocked by Mi Account and account details lost
• 📵 The screen or sensor is not working (you need to flash the blind one»)
• 🚫 bootloader is blocked and Mi Unlock Tool does not help
• 🧱 Phone turned into a “brick” after a failed update

What you need:

Step-by-step instruction (simplified):

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool + Qualcomm drivers.
2. Transfer the phone to EDL: Method 1: Use EDL-cable (plug to phone switched off) Method 2: Close Test Point on motherboard (requires disassembly).

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

COM-port

Flash

After firmware, the phone will restart in factory condition.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models 2022-2026 (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and newer) firmware through EDL If you don't log in, you can lock the bootloader permanently, and you can only restore it in an authorized service center.

💡

EDL-Mode is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous method. Without Xiaomi authorization, using it on new models will lead to irreversible failure.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems unlocking Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Tips for successful unblocking:

• 🔋 Always check the battery power before manipulation (minimum 50%).
• 📋 Backup your data if your phone is unlocked sometimes.
• 🔍 Check the phone model and firmware version before downloading files.
• 🛡️ Do not use unofficial firmware – it may contain viruses.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions