The forgotten password on Xiaomi is a problem that thousands of users face every day. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO and Mi have a unique security system associated with a Mi Account. This complicates the unlock process, but also provides additional ways to restore access. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of password resetting, from official to technical, including working through Recovery Mode, Fastboot and even physical connection to a PC.
It is important to understand: the choice of method depends on whether your phone is linked to your Mi Account account, whether debugging is enabled by debugging. USB (USB Debugging), and whether you have a backup of your data. Some ways will lead to complete loss of information on the device, others will allow you to save files. We will describe each option in detail so that you can choose the best way without the risk of "bricking" your smartphone.
If you're reading this article on a locked phone with another device, don't panic. 90% of the time, unlocking is possible without going to a service center, and the key is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps.
1. Reset password through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure and recommended method by Xiaomi is to restore access through the linked Mi Account.
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
- π Remember the username and password from the Mi Account
- π§ Your phone has an email or recovery number attached
After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option Forgot the password?. Click on it and follow the instructions:
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm your identity through SMS-mail-in.
- Create a new password to unlock the screen.
If there is no recovery button on the lock screen, try entering the password at random 5 times in a row - it should appear. This method does not lead to data loss and takes no more than 5 minutes.
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If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Mi Account, prepare backup codes or access to the authenticator application in advance.
2 Unlocking through Recovery Mode (without data loss)
Recovery Mode is a Xiaomi service mode that allows you to perform system operations without full flashing. On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and later), you can reset your password through it without deleting user data, but only if:
- π No File-Based Encryption (File-Based Encryption) is installed on the phone)
- π² The device is not tied to Mi Account (or you know the username/password)
- π§ You have not previously blocked access to Recovery through Mi Cloud
Resetting instructions:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset β Wipe Password (navigation is done with volume buttons, confirmation is with the power button).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
What if the Wipe Password item is not on the menu?
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after resetting the password through Recovery, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account. If you do not remember the account details, the phone will be permanently locked!
3. Complete reset via Recovery (with loss of data)
If previous methods didn't work, the radical way is hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data on the phone, including photos, messages and installed apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.
- π± Devices without binding to Mi Account
- π Phones with encryption enabled (FBE)
- π οΈ Models where Wipe Password does not work
Step-by-step:
Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Prepare backup copies (if you have access to them through the PC)
Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if the phone is tied)
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- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power, hold until the Recovery menu appears.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (some firmware may call it Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
- Reboot your device with Reboot β Reboot to System.
| Xiaomi model | Combination of buttons for Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3/F3 | Volume up + Nutrition | POCO may require buttons to be held for up to 20 seconds. |
| Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix 4 | Volume up + Nutrition | On the Mi 11 Ultra after the logo you need to quickly release power |
| Redmi 7A/8A/9A | Loudness down + Nutrition | Menu in English, navigation with volume buttons |
| POCO M3/M4 | Volume up + Nutrition | After the reset, you may need to enter Mi Account data |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ And when you reset your Mi Account, you'll have a request to enter your account information, and if you don't remember it, your phone will remain locked.
Redmi (Note, K-series, etc.)
POCO (X, F, M-series)
Mi (11, 12, 13, Mix, etc.)
Another brand
I don't know.
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4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable if:
- π§ You have access to a PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
- π± The phone is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode
- π You are ready for possible data loss (depending on the team)
This requires the use of command line and knowledge of the phone model. On devices with a Qualcomm processor (most Xiaomi), you can reset the password without losing data, but on MediaTek and new chips this often results in a complete reset.
Instructions for Qualcomm devices (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, etc.):
- Turn off the phone and transfer to Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect to the PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R β cmd) and type: fastboot devices Make sure the phone is identified (its serial number will appear).
- Run the command to reset the password: fastboot erase userdata or to completely reset: fastboot -w
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
For MediaTek devices (Redmi 9A, POCO C31), the fastboot erase userdata command may not work, in which case only a full reset via fastboot -w or flashing will help.
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Fastboot is suitable for 80% of Xiaomi models, but requires drivers installed and minimal command line knowledge. New firmware (MIUI 14+) may require additional authorization through Mi Account.
5. Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If the phone was pre-installed on the debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password through ADB It works even on a locked screen, but it requires:
- π₯οΈ PC with ADB-tools and drivers installed
- π USB-cable (preferably original)
- π± Pre-confirmed connection to this PC (the phone must have permission)
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the command prompt and check the connection: adb devices If the device appears as unauthorized, the method will not work.
- Delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
After the reboot, the password will be reset, but all data will remain in place.This method works on MIUI 12 and older, but newer versions (MIUI 14) may require an additional command:
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods worked, the official way is to contact Xiaomi Service Center, which is true if:
- π Your phone is tied to your Mi Account and you donβt remember the data.
- π‘οΈ It is worth locking hardware (for example, after unsuccessful attempts to unlock)
- π± The device is in the brick state (not included)
At the service center you will need to provide:
- π Documents confirming the purchase (check, box with IMEI)
- π Passport or other identification document
- π§ Access to the email linked to the Mi Account (if you remember)
The cost of unlocking in official Xiaomi services ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model and the complexity of the case. Terms - from 1 to 3 days. Informal services can offer unlock cheaper (from 800 rubles), but the risk of damaging the device or losing data is higher.
β οΈ Attention: There are often suggestions on forums to βunlock Mi Account in 5 minutesβ from private craftsmen. 90% of the time, this is a scam β after payment, you will be sent a reset instruction via Recovery (which you will find in this article for free) or disappear altogether. Only Xiaomi can officially remove the binding to the account when handling documents in person.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to reset a password, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This device is locked after resetting | Phone tied to Mi Account | Enter your account details or use Fastboot with the fastboot erase frp command |
| Recovery menu in Chinese | Firmware for the China region | Look for a point (data cleanup) or (recovery) |
| ADB: device unauthorized | PC access not confirmed | You need to unlock your phone and confirm the connection (if possible). |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | No drivers or damaged cable | Install the Mi Flash Tool or check it out USB-cable |
Another common problem is blocking after a reset due to Mi Cloud, and if you don't remember your account details, try:
- Restore access to Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com.
- Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, IMEI).
- Use Fastboot with the fastboot erase frp command (not working on all models).