Unlock Xiaomi after reset: all ways of 2026

Xiaomi resetting to factory settings is standard procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for firmware. However, many users face an unpleasant surprise: after hard reset, the smartphone requires you to enter the Mi Account data previously tied, and the password is forgotten or the account is deleted.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi after resetting in 2026, including official methods through Find Device, FRP bypass (Factory Reset Protection), as well as alternative solutions for models on MiUI 12/13/14.

Why is Xiaomi blocked after a reset?

The reason for the lock is the Mi Cloud Activation Lock, which Xiaomi has implemented to combat device theft.

• 🔹 Is it linked to a Mi Account device (even if you didn’t explicitly create it, it could have been created automatically when you first turned it on).
• 🔹 Whether the device has been previously activated in this account (if so, confirmation will be required).
• 🔹 Is the smartphone in Lost Mode (remote lock via Find Device).

On models with MiUI 14 The newer verification algorithm has been tightened: now the system can request not only a password from the account, but also a password for the user. SMS-This is the code for the attached phone number. This applies to the flagships of the Xiaomi series. 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

It’s important to understand that locking after reset is not a bug, but a regular security feature, which cannot be disabled through the engineering menu or the “magic” ADB commands. All unlock methods interact with Xiaomi servers in one way or another.

Official ways to unlock

If you have access to the Mi Account attached to the device, it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock.

1. via i.mi.com (Find Device)

This method works if:

• 📱 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings previously.
• 🔑 You have a login/password from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list (if not, the method is not suitable).
3. Press Unlock Device → confirm SMS-code.
4. Reboot the smartphone – the lock will be removed.

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If your device doesn’t show up on i.mi.com, check if Find Device has been disabled in the settings (Settings → Mi Account → Find Device).

2. Through SMS-code (for new models)

Starting with the MiUI 13, Xiaomi added the ability to unlock via SMS if a phone number is linked to an account.

1. On the lock screen, select Forgot password.
2. Please provide an email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
3. Choose the recovery method – SMS.
4. Enter the received code and create a new password.

If the phone number has been changed or deleted from your account, this method will not work, in which case you will need to contact Xiaomi support (more about this below).

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The official ways to unlock only work if you have access to Mi Account, and if you have deleted your account or don't remember your data, then you can switch to alternative methods.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (without Mi Account)

If official methods are not available, there are workarounds, and their effectiveness depends on the device model, the MiUI version, and the bootloader status. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can lead to hard-brick errors.

1. FRP bypass through ADB (for MiUI 12 and older)

The method works on devices with unlocked bootloader or vulnerabilities in the firmware.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 On-line mode USB Debugging (if activated before resetting).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down).


2. Open the command line and do:




fastboot oem unlock




(If the boot loader is locked, this command will not work).




3. If the bootloader is unlocked, go to Recovery mode:




fastboot reboot recovery




4. In Recovery, select Connect with MiAssistant (if available).




5. Through ADB, do:




adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings




(This can open settings where you can add a new account).)

On MiUI 14, this method is often blocked, as Xiaomi has closed most of the ADB vulnerabilities.

2. Flashing through Fastboot (for power users)

This is a radical method that will delete all the data and reset the Mi Account, suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MiUI Downloads website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot.
3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode.
4. Run the command: fastboot flash all (this will completely overwrite the system).

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing on a locked bootloader will result in a brick (the device will not turn on). Before the procedure, check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: False – Unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting required) 7-15 days).

3.Use of utilities to bypass FRP

There are paid and free utilities on the network (for example, Mi Account Bypass Tool, FRP Hijacker), which automate the process of bypassing the lock.

• 🛠️ Exploit vulnerabilities in MiUI (for example, through TalkBack or Emergency Call).
• 🔧 You may need to connect to a PC or work through OTG-cable.
• ⚠️ Often contain malicious code (risk of PC infection).

We do not recommend using these tools for two reasons:

1. Security: Most hacking utilities collect data or install backdoors.
2. Relevance: Xiaomi regularly closes vulnerabilities, and a tool that worked in 2023 may be useless in 2026.

Use only open source tools (GitHub).

Check out the reviews on the forums (4PDA, XDA).

Create a backup copy of the data on the PC.

Disable the antivirus (it can block legitimate actions of the utility).

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Unlocking with Xiaomi Support

If none of these methods worked, the official path is to appeal to Xiaomi, and this is true in cases where:

• 📄 You have documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🔄 The device was purchased with hands, but the previous owner is ready to confirm the transfer of rights.
• 🚫 Mi Account has been deleted or blocked.

How to make a request:

1. Go to the support page: Mi Support.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Unlock Device.
3. Fill out the form with the following: IMEI of the device (you can find out via *#06# or on the box). Serial number (Settings → About phone → Serial number) Documents confirming possession (photo of the check, purchase agreement).

Expect a response (usually 3-7 days).

Cost: free if you confirm legal ownership.In case of handheld purchases and lack of documents, Xiaomi may refuse to unlock.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support does not help in unlocking devices marked as Lost/Stolen (If the previous owner claimed the loss, the smartphone will be permanently locked.

Compatibility table of unlocking methods

Below is a summary table with the effectiveness of methods for different versions of MiUI and loader statuses:

You can see from the table that with MiUI 14, most of the gray methods stopped working, and the only reliable way is to officially unlock through your account or support.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you unlock Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

Error "This device is locked by Mi Account"

Reason: The device is tied to the account, but the login data is lost.

Decisions:

• 🔑 Try to restore your password via account.xiaomi.com (you need access to email or phone).
• 📧 If your account is deleted, contact the support with proof of purchase.
• 🔧 On older models (MiUI 11 and lower), a reset via Recovery can help (but it will delete all data).

2.The device is not defined in Fastboot

Reason: Lack of drivers or damaged USB-cable.

Decisions:

• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and smartphone.

3. After firmware, the device does not turn on ("brick")

Reason: Incompatible firmware or interrupted process.

Decisions:

• 🛠️ Try to flash the device again in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 📞 Contact the service center (self-repairing can aggravate the problem).

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone vibrates after firmware, but the screen remains black, this is a sign of hard-brick.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions