When a Xiaomi Mi 12 or another MIUI 12-based smartphone suddenly requires login and password from a previously synchronized Google account after completely resetting, this security mechanism, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), was introduced by Google to prevent unauthorized users from using stolen or lost devices. If you are the legal owner but do not remember login details, blocking can seem like an insurmountable barrier.
However, there are several proven ways to solve this problem, depending on the version of Android and the security patch installed on your device. Most of the time, this is a simple procedure for restoring access through Google services, but sometimes more complex manipulation of system settings may be required. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithms for different scenarios.
It is important to understand that the security system does not allow you to simply skip this step without proof of ownership. FRP lock is tied to a unique device ID and the last successfully entered account before reset. Ignoring this requirement will result in the smartphone remaining in a “brick” state during the initial setup stage, not available for full use.
Reasons for Google Account Request
The main reason for activating protection is the fact that you perform Hard Reset or reset through the Recovery menu without first detaching your account. Data/Factory Reset in recovery mode, the operating system erases user data, but the hidden section is marked with the last authorized profile.
Users often forget that the device has been logged in to Google services, especially if the smartphone was bought new or used for a long time without changing the basic settings. MIUI 12 can also activate the additional protection of Mi Account, which is requested before Google, creating a double security barrier, this is done to maximize the protection of the owner's personal data.
⚠️ Note: If you purchased a device with your hands and faced such a request, it may mean that the previous owner did not untie his account.In this case, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the seller to obtain a password or jointly remove the lock.
There is also the possibility of a software failure in which the system mistakenly identifies the current session as new after a firmware update or failed reset.In such cases, it may be necessary to retry data or wait for 24 hours until Google servers update the status of a trusted device.
Standard restoration of access to the account
The most obvious and safe method is to remember or restore access to your Google account. If you remember your email address but you forgot your password, the system will prompt you to restore it, and you will need to go to the Google account recovery page on your lock screen or on any other device (computer, tablet).
The recovery process usually requires confirmation through a backup email or phone number that was linked to the profile. After changing the password, it is important to wait for some time (from 5 to 60 minutes) for the changes to sync on the servers.
If two-factor authentication is enabled, you may need a code from SMS or an authenticator application. SIM-The card associated with the account is active and installed on another phone to receive the confirmation code, and without access to these recovery tools, the process can be significantly complicated.
☑️ Checklist before restoration
In some cases, Google’s security system may temporarily block login attempts after many failed attempts, and in such a situation, it is best to wait the day without doing any action with the account to remove the time limits, and repeated attempts to match the password can lead to a complete blocking of the profile.
Using Mi Account to Unblock
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, priority is often given to its own Mi Account service. If the device was enabled with the “Find the device”, then the first reset may be a request to log in to the Mi Account. This happens even before the Google FRP verification stage.
If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, it can also be restored through the official i.mi.com website.The procedure is similar to the restoration of a Google account: you need access to a linked phone number or email. After successfully logging into the web interface, it is recommended to remove the device from the list of trusted in the Find Device section to avoid repeated requests.
| Type of lockdown | Required data | Where to rebuild | Priority of verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Lock | Login/Password Mi | i.mi.com | First (before the OS boots) |
| Google FRP | Email/Google password | accounts.google.com | Second (when set up) |
| Sim Lock | PUK-code | Operator's website | When you turn on the phone |
It is important to note that deleting your Mi Account through the site is only possible if the device has access to the Internet and can confirm its coordinates, or if you remember the password. In the case of a complete lockdown, recovery is possible only through entering the correct credentials on the device itself.
Bypassing the lock through availability settings
There is a method that allows you to access your Wi-Fi settings and browser through a special feature menu, which often works on specific versions of Android security patches, and the method is to call the TalkBack or Voice Assistant menu, which allows you to go to the system settings without going through the welcome screen.
Activation often involves a combination of actions, such as triple tapping or two-fingering, depending on the availability settings. Once in the settings menu, the user can enable debugging over USB or start the browser to download the necessary attachment reset applications.
⚠️ Attention: Accessibility bypass methods don’t work on all firmware versions. In Google’s latest security updates, these vulnerabilities are often closed, so if standard pairings don’t work, don’t waste time trying endlessly.
If you get into the settings, the first thing you need to do is connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Then, through the About Phone section, you can try to click on the terms of use link that will open the browser. You can download a launcher or a utility for managing accounts from the browser.
Risks of exploiting vulnerabilities
Firmware of the device via Fastboot
A cardinal but effective solution for power users is to completely flash the device using Fastboot mode. This method allows you to replace the system partition with a clean one, but it does not always remove the FRP lock, since it is stored in a secure partition that does not erase with normal firmware.
To do this, you'll need a PC, a USB cable, a Mi Flash Tool, and the official firmware for your model (Global or China version). The phone is converted to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when it's off, and by connecting the device to your computer, you can start the firmware process.
fastboot devices
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootIt is important to choose the correct firmware mode in the Mi Flash Tool. Clear All mode will completely clear the data, but will not remove FRP. Clear All and Lock mode will block the bootloader, which can lead to problems if the firmware does not match the region of the device. Unlocked Bootloader gives more options for modification, but requires pre-unlocking through the Mi Unlock service.
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Always check the firmware region before installing it. Installing global firmware on the Chinese version of the device (or vice versa) without changing the region can cause NFC and banking applications to fail.
Prevention and proper discharge
To avoid such situations in the future, you need to follow the right algorithm before selling or transferring a device to another person.The first step should always be to remove your Google account from your phone settings. This action tells Google servers that the device is no longer associated with your profile.
Then you log out of your Mi Account and turn off Find Device, and only after these two steps you can proceed to Hard Reset, which ensures that when you turn on, the new owner won't encounter password requests, and that when you prepare the device properly, you save time and nerves.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization.
- 🗑️ Select Google Account and click “Delete Account».
- 🔒 Repeat the procedure for Mi Account.
- 🔄 Perform a reset through the recovery menu.
It is also recommended to write your credentials to a secure location or use a password manager.Forgetfulness is the most common reason for locking personal devices. Regularly checking your account activity allows you to monitor which devices have access to your data and timely remove old or unfamiliar gadgets from the list of trusted ones.
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The rule is always to delete accounts from your phone’s settings BEFORE resetting to factory settings. This is the only way to ensure you avoid FRP activation.