“Secret password for Xiaomi”: true or myth?

You're not alone: thousands of users search every day for queries like "password that unlocks any phone from Xiaomi," "code to reset the lock Xiaomi" or "secret password for Mi Account." Unfortunately, 99% of the information found is either outdated instructions or outright fraud.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • 🔍 Why Xiaomi’s universal password doesn’t exist (and never did)
  • 🔓 Legal ways to unlock your phone if you forget your pattern lock or PIN-code
  • ⚠️ What “methods” from the Internet will lead to data loss or blocking of Mi Account
  • 🛠️ What to do if your phone requires Mi Account after resetting your settings

Spoiler: If you were hoping to find a magic combination like 123456 or 000000 that would open any Redmi, POCO or Mi, we’ll be disappointed. Xiaomi doesn’t use backdoor passwords to bypass screen locks, and all of the similar “life hacks” from YouTube and forums either don’t work or violate the law. But there are proven methods that will help you get back to the device – read on.

📊 You forgot your Xiaomi password. What do you do first?
I'll try to introduce random combinations.
I'll find the drop manual.
I'll go to the service center.
I'll buy a new phone.

1.Why there is no “universal password” for Xiaomi

Many people believe that there is a secret code that will unlock any Xiaomi smartphone — be it the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 — a legend that dates back to the 2010s, when some manufacturers (like Nokia or Samsung) did use standard codes to reset settings, but Xiaomi never practiced this approach.

That's why it's impossible:

  • 🔒 Data encryption: Starting with Android 6.0, all Xiaomi smartphones encrypt user data. Without the correct password or Mi Account, you can’t decrypt it – even after a reset.
  • 🛡️ Mi Account protection: Since 2018, Xiaomi has been linking devices to a user's account. After resetting via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter a username / password from Mi Account.
  • 🚫 Legal risks: Any “universal codes” would violate data protection laws (e.g., data protection laws, GDPR Xiaomi would not risk its reputation for the convenience of forgetful users.

⚠️ Note: There are often instructions on the Internet with codes like ##3646633# or ##7780##. These combinations either open up the engineering menu (not related to locking) or don't work at all on current models).

If you forget your password, pattern lock or PIN-code, you have three official options to return access to your phone, depending on whether you are linked to your Mi Account device and whether you have Find Device enabled).

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet)

This is the most reliable method, but it only works if:

  • 📶 The phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
  • 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or tied) email/phone number).
  • 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Mi Account website from another device.
  2. Log in and select Find Device.
  3. On the map, find your phone and click Unlock Device.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone (2FA), You will need to enter a code from the Mi Security app or SMS. If you do not have access to a backup number/email, It will be more difficult to restore an account – you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, then you only have to hard reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, messages and apps.

Turn off the phone from charging.|Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%|Prepare a memory card (if you need to save data)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account (required after resetting)-->

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models - Power + Volume down).
  3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons – you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
  6. Confirm the action and wait for the reset to be completed.

After the reboot, the phone will require you to enter data from Mi Account if it was tied. If you do not remember the password, you will have to restore access through Xiaomi support (see section 4).

💡

If the phone asks for the old password after reset (before reset), this means that the data encryption was turned on, in which case it is impossible to unlock the device without a password - you will need to flash through Fastboot (see section 5).

Method 3: Unlock through ADB (only if debugging is enabled)

This method only works if the phone has previously been activated. USB (USB Debugging) in the developer settings. If you didn't turn this on beforehand, it won't work.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the commands in turn: 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
  4. After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset.

⚠️ Note: This method removes the files that are responsible for blocking, but does not guarantee 100% results on new versions. MIUI. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After this unlock, you may need to enter a Mi Account.

3. Fraudulent schemes: how not to lose money and data

When searching for a universal password, users often find scammers tricking them, and here are the most common scam patterns and how to avoid them:

Type of fraudExample of a proposalWhat's dangerous?
"Code Generators"“Generate a universal password for Xiaomi by IMEI”Sites collect IMEIs for sale or hacking, and the code doesn't work.
Fake firmware“Download this firmware – it bypasses the lock”The files contain viruses or spyware.
«Service centres in VC/Telegram“We will unlock any Xiaomi for 500 rubles!”After payment, the scammers disappear or demand more money.
Video instructions with "secret codes"Enter *#06# and get your password!The codes either don’t work or lead to resetting.

How to spot a deception:

  • 💰 Ask for payment before unlocking (real services take money after the result).
  • 📥 Offer to download “special software” or “drivers” from dubious sites.
  • 🔑 100% guaranteed without binding to Mi Account (this is not possible on modern models).
  • 📞 Insist on communication only through messengers (VK, Telegram, WhatsApp).
Example of a real case of fraud
In 2023, a user from Moscow lost 15,000 rubles by paying for the “unlocking” of Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 through the “service” in Telegram. Scammers sent a video with the “successful” unlocking of someone else’s phone, but after payment they stopped communicating.

4.What to do if after resetting the phone asks for Mi Account

If you reset your phone through Recovery, but it requires input from Mi Account after it's turned on, it means that the device is tied to your account. Without the right login and password, you can't unlock it, which is a measure of protection against theft.

Here's what we can do:

  1. Try to restore access to your account: Go to the recovery page. Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the instructions to reset your password (access to backup email/SMS is required).
  2. Contact Xiaomi for support: Write to official support with proof of purchase (check, box, warranty card). Attach a photo of IMEI (on the box or under the battery) and a document confirming the identity.

Contact the official service center:

  • Find the nearest center on the Xiaomi map.
  • Check the cost of unlocking (usually from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles).
  • Bring your passport and documents to your phone.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, it is impossible to unlock it without his consent, in this case, you only need to sell the device for spare parts or use it as a “brick” (for example, for a smart home through Mi Home, if supported by the device).

5. Fastboot flashing: the last method

If all previous methods fail, you have to reflash your phone through Fastboot mode, which is suitable for power users and requires:

  • 🖥️ Computers with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
  • 📥 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
  • 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original).
  • 🔋 Charged battery (minimum 50%).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
  2. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
  3. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Power + Volume down. Connect the phone to your computer.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After the phone is re-flashed, it will look like new, but:

  • ✅ Screen lock and Mi Account will be reset.
  • ❌ All data is deleted without the possibility of recovery.
  • ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) You may still be linked to your Mi Account, in which case you will need to contact for support.

💡

Fastboot flashing is the only way to get around Mi Account locking on some models, but it requires technical skills. If you've never flashed your phones, you'd better go to a service center.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid being in a situation where the phone is locked and there is no data to unlock, follow these recommendations:

  • 🔐 Use a strong password, but write it to a secure location (for example, to the Bitwarden password manager or KeePass).
  • 📧 Link Mi Account to your current email and phone number, and make sure your backup contacts are not outdated.
  • 🔄 Enable the “Find Device” function in the Mi Account settings.
  • 📱 Backup important data (photos, contacts) in Mi Cloud or on your computer.
  • 🛠️ Remember the combination for Recovery (usually Nutrition) + Volume up, but on some models different).
  • 📝 Save it. IMEI phone (on a box or under a battery) – it will be required to call in support.

If you often forget passwords, set up biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the user’s ability to use the device. PIN-On Xiaomi models with code. MIUI 14 and later can be added up to 5 fingerprints.

💡

In the Mi Account settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Security: You can specify trusted devices that can confirm your login, which will make it easier to restore access if you forget your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Not if you've forgotten your password. The only way to save your data is to remember your password or reset it through your Mi Account (if your phone is connected to the Internet), and all other methods (resetting through Recovery, flashing) result in a complete memory cleanup.
Does the #7780### code work to reset your password on Xiaomi?
No. This code does a soft reset (removes settings but doesn't touch data) and it doesn't work on current Xiaomi models. Moreover, on devices with MIUI 12 and later, it doesn't do anything at all.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This means that the phone has enabled data encryption. Without the old password, you can not unlock the device - even flashing through the Fastboot will not help. The only way out is to carry it to a service center where you can remove the memory chip and read the data on special equipment (costs from 5,000 rubles).
Can you cheat your Mi Account if you bought your phone with your hands?
No. If the previous owner didn't untie the account, you can't unlock the phone without them. Xiaomi doesn't provide back-end methods -- that would violate security policy. The only legal option is to contact the seller and ask them to untie the device through Mi Account.
How much does it cost to unlock in the Xiaomi service center?
Cost depends on the model and the reason for the lock: Redmi (budget models): 1 500–2 500 ruble. Xiaomi/POCO (flagship): 2 500–4 000 Complex cases (broken Mi Account, encryption): up to 6 000 Official centers give a guarantee for work, while “handicraft” services can damage the phone.