Introduction: Why unlocking Redmi can be expensive
Forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation faced by every fifth owner of a smartphone of this brand. According to service centers, in 2026 the number of unblocking requests increased by 30% compared to 2022, and the reason for this is not only the forgetfulness of users, but also the tightening of the security policy of MIUI. If previously reset password took 10 minutes through Recovery Mode, now the manufacturer actively blocks such methods, linking the unlock to the Mi Account.
The cost of the service varies from a free self-dump to 10,000+ rubles in informal services, and here lies the main danger. Fraudsters often masquerade as “Xiaomi specialists”, offering to unlock the phone for 1,500-2000 rubles, but in fact either steal data from the device or leave it inoperable. In this article, we will analyze all legal and illegal ways of unlocking, their real cost and risks, and learn to distinguish honest masters from scammers.
Special attention will be paid to the models Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10C/11 and POCO X5 – their owners are more likely to face problems due to hardware encryption of data on Qualcomm Snapdragon 6xx/7xx and MediaTek Helio G. If your phone is on this list – prepare for the fact that unlocking will cost more than for older models on Snapdragon 4xx.
Official ways to unlock: prices and restrictions
The manufacturer offers two legal ways to remove the lock: through the tied Mi Account and authorized service centers Xiaomi.
1. Unblocking through Mi Account (free or up to 500 rubles)
- 🔗 Online password reset: if the phone is linked to a Mi Account, you can reset the password through account.xiaomi.com. The service is free, but only works with active Internet on the phone and sync enabled.
- 📱 Confirmation of SMS/email: If two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need access to the mail or number associated with the account. 2026 Xiaomi has introduced a restriction: no more 3 day-time.
- 💳 Paid account unlocking: if the account is blocked (for example, due to suspicious activity), unlocking through support will cost 300-500 rubles and take up to 72 hours.
Authorized service center (1 500-4 000 rubles)
- 🛠️ Dumping through EDL-Mode: official centers use Mi Flash Tool proprietary software with access to Qualcomm EDL. The cost for Redmi 2020-2023 release — 2,500-3,500 rubles.
- 🔧 Replacement of motherboard: if the phone is not recognized by the PC (for example, after a failed firmware), you may need to change the board. Price - from 8 000 rubles (only for models with warranties).
- ⚠️ Models: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer unlock through the service center is possible only if there is a check and the passport of the owner.
Informal methods: cost and risk
If the official methods are not suitable (for example, there is no access to the Mi Account or the phone is not determined by the computer), users turn to “grey” methods, which are lower in cost, but the risks are higher – from data loss to complete loss of the device.
1. software reset via Fastboot/EDL (1,000–3,000 rubles)
The method is suitable for phones with unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked), wizards use utilities like Mi Flash Tool or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
- 💻 Remote help: 1000-1 500 rubles (master connects to your PC via AnyDesk).
- 🔌 Local reset: 1,800-2,500 rubles (if you bring your phone to the workshop).
- ⚠️ Brick risk: 15% chance of turning your phone into a brick if the firmware is wrong.
2. hardware reset via eMMC chip (3000-8000 rubles)
The most radical method is to flash directly through the memory chip, which is used if the phone is not turned on or detected by the PC.
- 🛠️ Complexity: Requires soldering and specialized equipment (EasyJTAG, Medusa Pro).
- 💰 Cost: from 3 000 rupee 9/10 before 8 000 for flagships (Redmi) K60).
- 🔄 Data loss: guaranteed erasure of all information, including photos in internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, scammers are actively offering “500 rubles unlock” via Telegram bots, in fact they either steal data from a phone (if it is connected to Wi-Fi) or install malware. IMEI or a serial phone number to strangers!
How do you spot a fraudster?
Prices for unlocking Xiaomi Redmi models (table 2026)
The cost depends on the model, year of release and method of unlocking, below are the current prices for popular devices (data collected for 15 service centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions).
| Model phone | Mi Account (rub) | Service centre (rub) | Fastboot/EDL (rub) | EMMC chip (rub) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+ | Free* | 3 500–4 000 | 2 500–3 000 | 7 000–8 500 |
| Redmi Note 11/11 Pro | 0–500 | 2 500–3 000 | 1 800–2 200 | 5 000–6 000 |
| Redmi 10C/10A | Free of charge. | 1 500–2 000 | 1 200–1 500 | 3 500–4 500 |
| POCO X5/X5 Pro | 0–500 | 3 000–3 800 | 2 000–2 500 | 6 000–7 500 |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Free of charge. | 1 200–1 800 | 1 000–1 300 | 3 000–4 000 |
* Free only if you have access to the attached email/If the account is blocked, unlocking through Xiaomi support is worth it. 300–500 ruble.
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The newer the Redmi model, the more expensive it is to unlock, and this is due to the complexity of security: since the Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi has implemented hardware encryption that requires specialized hardware to bypass.
Step-by-step: how to reset your password yourself
If you’re willing to take the risk of trying to unlock your phone without going to the service, follow this instruction.Warning: This method only works for phones with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked) or older models on MIUI 12 and below.
Step 1: Preparation
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% (when discharged during the process, a breech is possible).
- 💻 Install the Mi Flash Tool (for Qualcomm) on PC or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
- 🔗 Download the official firmware for your model from the site new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index.
Step 2: Enter Fastboot Mode
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
Step 3. Firmware through Fastboot
fastboot oem edl # to switch to EDL- mode (Qualcomm only)
fastboot flash all # command for full flashingMake sure the phone model matches the firmware version|Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)|Use the original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection)|Backup important data (all data will be erased)-->
⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 12 and later, this method does not work without authorization through Mi Account, even if the bootloader is unlocked. Trying to flash the phone without linking to the account will lead to an “Anti-Rollback” error and a complete lock on the device.
Hidden expenses: what else will have to be spent
In addition to the direct cost of unlocking, Xiaomi Redmi owners often face additional costs.
1. Data recovery (1000-5000 rubles)
- 📸 Photos and videos: if you did not make a backup in Mi Cloud, recovery through programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles.
- 📱 Contact and SMS: Free recovery only if sync with Google or Mi Account was enabled.
Replacement of the battery after discharge (1 200-2 500 rubles)
When you reset your phone through an eMMC, it can run down to 0% due to a long procedure, and if the battery is already worn out (capacity below 70%), it will have to be replaced after unlocking, otherwise the phone will turn off when you are loaded.
Re-activation of Mi Account (up to 1000 rubles)
If the phone was linked to the previous owner’s account (for example, when buying used), you may need to:
- 📧 Resetting of the tether: through Xiaomi support - 500-1000 rubles (term 3-7 days).
- 🔄 Bypassing the account: illegal, but common among the masters. the cost is 800-1 500 rubles, but guarantees locking the device at the next update MIUI.
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Before buying a used Xiaomi Redmi, always check the status of the binding to the Mi Account through the site i.mi.com. If the phone is listed as “lost” or “locked”, unlocking will cost 5 000+ rubles or will be impossible.
Where to unlock Redmi cheaper: comparison of regions
The cost of the service varies greatly by city: Moscow and St. Petersburg are 20-30% higher than in the regions, but there are more chances to run into scammers.
| Town | Fastboot/EDL (rub) | EMMC chip (rub) | Service centre (rub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow | 2 000–3 000 | 6 000–9 000 | 3 000–4 500 |
| St. Petersburg | 1 800–2 800 | 5 500–8 000 | 2 800–4 000 |
| ekaterinburg | 1 500–2 500 | 5 000–7 000 | 2 500–3 500 |
| Novosibirsk | 1 400–2 300 | 4 500–6 500 | 2 200–3 200 |
| Kazan/Nizhny Novgorod | 1 300–2 000 | 4 000–6 000 | 2 000–3 000 |
In small cities (population up to 500 thousand) prices are lower by 15-25%, but there is more difficult to find a qualified craftsman. Recommendation: if your city does not have an authorized Xiaomi service center, it is better to send the phone by mail to the nearest large city (delivery will cost 300-500 rubles, but you will save on the service itself).