You have found a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But it's locked? Don't panic, because in most cases, you can unlock the device without losing data or at minimal cost, PIN-code, fingerprint, binding to a Mi Account or even a blocked bootloader.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to unlock, including official Xiaomi methods and workarounds for complex cases. It’s important to understand that some actions can lead to factory resets or even loss of warranty, so read the warnings carefully before each step.
If you are not the owner of the device, remember that unlocking someone else’s smartphone without the consent of the owner can be considered a violation of the law.
1. Determine the type of lock found by Xiaomi
Before you start unlocking, you need to understand what type of protection you are facing, and that depends on the choice of method.
The lock screen may display:
- 🔒 PIN-Password or code: The standard protection that a user sets.
- 📱 pattern lock – a pattern of dots that must be repeated.
- 👆 Fingerprint or Face. ID — Biometrics that require an original owner.
- 📧 Mi Account (Mi Account) – requesting a username and password from a Xiaomi account.
- 🔧 Blocked bootloader – appears when trying to flash the device.
If the screen says "This device is locked" or "Mi Account Lock," it means that the smartphone is tied to the previous owner's account, which is the most difficult case, as Xiaomi is actively fighting to bypass such protection.
How to distinguish screen lock from account lock?
If a timer appears after several failed attempts to enter a password (for example, "Try again in 30 seconds"), it locks the screen. If the phone requires you to enter an email and a password from Mi Account, it is binding to the account.
2. unlock the screen (PIN, password, pattern lock)
If you just ask for an unlock code on the screen, you have a few options, and let's start with the safest option, an official reset via Find Device.
Method 1: Use the Find Device service (if enabled)
If the previous owner activated the Find Device feature in the settings, you can try resetting the password remotely:
- Go to i.mi.com.
- Sign in to your Mi Account (if you don’t have access, this method will not work).
- Select the device found in the list.
- Click "Delete data" → "Erase the device".
After this procedure, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings, and you will be able to configure it as new.
What to do if Find Device is disabled?
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)
If Find Device doesn’t work, you’ll have to use Restore Mode, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but results in complete deletion of data.
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🔧 For older devices (e.g. Redmi Note 3): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.
Mi
Recovery
"Wipe Data"
"Wipe All Data"
Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
Turn off the phone.
Charge the battery at least 30%
Prepare. SIM-post-reset
Make sure you have access to Wi-Fi.
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⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account. If you do not know the username and password, the smartphone will remain blocked!
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Recovery resets deletes all data, but does not guarantee unlocking if the device is tied to Mi Account.
3 Unblocking the Mi Account (Mi Account Lock)
If you reset or turn on your phone and request a username and password from Mi Account, it means that the device is tied to the account of the previous owner, which is one of the most reliable protections Xiaomi, and it is almost impossible to get around it officially.
Official method: communication with the previous owner
The only legal way to unlock it is to get the login details from the previous owner.
- 📞 Call the number that appears on the lock screen (if any) SIM-map).
- 📧 Write to the email associated with the account (if it is visible in the error message).
- 🔍 Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box).
Unofficial methods (at your own risk)
If you can't contact the owner, there are still semi-legal methods, and we don't recommend using them, but for completeness of information, we've given you some options:
| Method | Description | Risks. | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buying an unlock code | Specialized forums (e.g. XDA Developers) sell codes to unlock Mi Accounts. | High risk of fraud, IMEI blocking is possible. | 500 to 5000. ₽ |
| Firmware through EDL | Use Emergency Download Mode to flash the device. | It requires skills, can "brick" the phone. | Free (if you do it yourself) |
| Appeal to the “gray” masters | Some service centers offer Mi Account bypass services. | There may be a loss of warranty, locking the device. | 1,000 to 10,000. ₽ |
⚠️ Note: After 2021, Xiaomi tightened the protection of the Mi Account. on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), bypassing the account is almost impossible without an official unlock code.
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If you bought a used Xiaomi with a Mi Account tied, ask the seller to uncoup the device before payment. Check the lock status through Settings → My device → Mi Account Status.
4. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
If you see the words "This device is locked" or "Fastboot" when you turn on, it means that the bootloader is blocked on the device. This is Xiaomi's standard protection that prevents unauthorized firmware.
To unlock the loader, it is officially required:
- Create a Mi Account and link the device to it.
- Wait 72–168 hours (depending on the model) after the tether.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Start the program and log in to your Mi Account.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect the device to the PC and follow the instructions in the program.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models from 2023 to 2026 (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), unlocking the bootloader can lead to locking. IMEI Before the procedure, check the list of supported devices on the Xiaomi website.
What happens if you unblock the bootloader unofficially?
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all the independent attempts failed, you just have to go to the official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way.
What will be required:
- 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
- 📱 The smartphone itself is in good condition.
- 💳 Willingness to pay for the service (from 1000 to 3000) ₽).
If you are not the owner, the service center may require:
- Written consent of the owner of the device.
Passport data of the previous owner.
Proof that the phone has been found (e.g., a search ad).
List of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia:
- 🏙️ Moscow: list of addresses.
- 🏙️ St. Petersburg: Marshal Govorov Street, 35, TRK "Gulliver".
- 🏙️ Other cities: check out Xiaomi website.
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The official service is the only way to unlock Mi Account without risking losing the functionality of the phone.
6. What should I do if nothing helps?
If all of these methods fail, you have a few options:
- 🔄 Use your phone as a brick (for example, to repair other devices).
- 💰 Sell for spare parts (display, battery, motherboard can be working).
- 📦 Return the owner via police (if the phone is found).
- 🔧 Try alternative firmware (like LineageOS), but it requires an unlocked bootloader.
Remember, modern Xiaomi smartphones have layered protection, and it's almost impossible to get around it without the owner's consent, and if the phone is found, the best way to do this is to try to return it to the owner.
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Before selling a blocked Xiaomi, be sure to alert the buyer about the status of the device. Otherwise, you may be accused of fraud.