Xiaomi Requires Password After Update: 7 Ways to Unlock and Restore Access

Why Xiaomi Requires Password After Updating and What to Do About It

You have updated your firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, After restarting, the device suddenly requests a password, PIN-A code or a pattern lock -- which you didn't exactly install? -- that's a problem that thousands of users have after major updates. MIUI (especially when moving on MIUI 14/15 The causes can range from a failure in the safety module to forced activation of factory protection.

80 percent of the time, it's not a virus or a hack, but a conflict between the old encryption data and the new firmware. For example, if you used a password to unlock it and then switched to a fingerprint, the system could have saved it encrypted. Once upgraded, Xiaomi might "forget" alternative unlocking methods and require you to enter the original password. But what if you don't remember it or never set it?

This article provides step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, from a simple Mi Account reset to complex manipulations in Fastboot or EDL mode. Also, we will discuss how to return data after forced unlocking (if you did not backup) and avoid problems in the future.

Method 1: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If your Xiaomi was tied to a Mi Account (even if you don’t remember the password), the chances of unlocking without losing data are highest, and this works on 95% of devices released after 2018 if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 On the lock screen is the button Forgot the password? or Unblock through Mi Account.
• 🔐 You have access to email/phone-linked.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or similarly written).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entry via SMS/code from the letter.
4. Follow the system instructions for resetting the lock password.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is not connected to the network, first activate Modem Modem through the emergency call menu (type ##4636## → Phone information → This will allow you to get a confirmation code.

If the buttons Forgot your password? no, try entering any password 5 times in a row - after that, you may be offered an offer to unlock through your account. On some models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro), this method only works when you connect to Wi-Fi.

Make sure that the smartphone is charged at least 30%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Check access to email/phone from Mi Account|Have a backup code on hand (if saved when setting up an account)-->

Method 2: Reset password through Find Device (remote)

If you don’t have physical access to your smartphone (for example, it’s locked after an “over the air” update), you can try resetting your password remotely via Find Device, which is suitable for devices with:

• 📲 MIUI 12 and later (on older versions, the function may not be available).
• 🔗 Related Mi Account with Administrator Rights.
• 📶 Active Internet connection on the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list (if there are several).
3. Click Delete Data → Erase the device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS/email.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Once reset, the smartphone will reboot and prompt it to be set up as new. All data will be deleted, but the lock will disappear. If the Find Device feature is disabled in the settings, this method will not work.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) After a remote reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account password when you first set it up!

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If previous methods didn’t work and the data on your smartphone is important, you can try to delete the password file via Fastboot mode.This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (if you previously received permission from Xiaomi (EDL).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 The Mi Unlock Tool is a tool for the Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone.


2. Press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.




3. Connect the device to the PC.




4. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and do:




fastboot devices




(Serial number of the device must be displayed)




5. Download and unpack Xiaomi Fastboot Tools.




6. Run the file MiFastbootTool.exe and select:


   More Tools → Remove Lock Screen.


7. wait for the process to be completed and restart the smartphone.

If you've lost your password after the reboot, but your data is saved, congratulations! If you haven't, try repeating the process or moving on to the next method.

💡

If the lock is returned after deleting the password via Fastboot, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version of MIUI. To do this, download the official ROM from the Xiaomi website and run it through the fastboot update command rom.zip.

Method 4: Unlocking through EDL (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to bypass lock even on a locked bootloader.

• 🔓 Other methods didn't work.
• 💾 You don’t care about the data on the device (it will be erased).
• 🛠️ You are prepared for possible risks.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Pro Programming.
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
• 🔑 Authorized Mi Unlock account (if bootloader is blocked).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up + Volume down simultaneously for 10-15 seconds (on some models you need to first pin the Volume up + Volume down, and then connect the cable to the PC).
3. The device must be identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Install drivers for EDL (you can download here).
5. Start Mi Flash Pro, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
6. Wait until the process is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: New models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) to enter EDL You might need an authorized cable (with an authorization chip) without it, your PC won't see the device. EDL Cable").

Once you have the EDL firmware, the smartphone will be completely reset. If you want to save data, try Method 3 (Fastboot) before you do that.

💡

Firmware via EDL is the most reliable way to unlock, but also the riskiest. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

Method 5: Data recovery after forced unlocking

If you've unlocked your smartphone, but the data has been erased, don't despair: some of the information can be recovered.

Recovery from the cloud:

• 📱 If Mi Cloud was enabled, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and select which data to sync (contacts, photos, notes).
• 📸 For photos, check the Mi folder Cloud/Backup gallery.

2. Local recovery (if the smartphone is recognized by the PC):

• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC and use programs like EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone.
• 🔍 Select internal memory scan (not SD-map!).
• 📂 Save the files found on the PC.

3. Recovery through TWRP (for advanced):

If you have a custom TWRP recap, you can try to recover data from the backup:

1. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).


2. Select Mount → Enable MTP.




3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy files from folders:




/data/media/0/ (internal memory)




- /sdcard/ (if any)

If data is critical and self-recovery has not helped, contact the data recovery lab (for example, Hetman Recovery or ACE Lab).The cost of the service starts from 5,000 rubles, but the chances of returning the information are higher.

Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔐 The device is locked after the update due to the fault of the manufacturer (for example, a failure in the device). MIUI 14).
• 📱 Smartphone for warranties (self-unlocking can cancel it).
• 💳 You are ready to pay for the service (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

What needs to be done:

1. Find the nearest service center on Xiaomi’s website.
2. Take it with you: 📄 Check or box (to confirm purchase). 🆔 Passport (if the device is under warranty). 🔑 Data from Mi Account (if linked).

post-refresh

In most cases, service centers will unlock the device within 1-3 days. If the smartphone is not guaranteed, check the cost in advance - sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new device than pay for the restoration of the old one.

⚠️ Note: Some “unofficial” services offer unlocking via EDL Or Fastboot for 500-1000 rubles. Risk only if you are sure of their reputation - there is a chance to get a smartphone with damaged firmware.

How to Avoid Blocking After Updating in the Future

To prevent the problem from recurring, follow these recommendations:

Before the update:

• 🔄 Make a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📝 Take a photo or write down all passwords (including your Mi Account).
• 🔋 Charge your smartphone at least 50 times%.
• 🌐 Connect to stable Wi-Fi (non-mobile internet).

Security settings:

• 🔐 Disable Device Encryption in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Other settings (if you do not use corporate data).
• 📱 Install. PIN-code instead of pattern lock (less prone to failures).
• 🔄 Regularly update your Mi Account and link backup email/phone.

After the update:

• ⏳ Do not turn off your smartphone for 10-15 minutes after the update (system optimization is underway).
• 🔍 Check the biometrics (fingerprint/face) in Settings → Screen locking.
• 📡 Reconnect to Wi-Fi if the update was made OTA.

If you often encounter problems after updates, consider turning off automatic updates:

Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Click on the three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Turn off Automatic Booting via Mobile Network and Automatic Installation.

💡

The most common reason for blocking after an update is a conflict between old encryption data and new firmware. PIN-A code instead of a pattern lock reduces the risk of a problem by 90%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi after update