How to unlock a Xiaomi smartphone if it is blocked: 7 proven ways

Forgot the password from Xiaomi?The phone requires you to enter Mi Account after reset? Or the lock screen shows the message "Device locked"?Such situations are familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Black Shark smartphones. Blocking can occur for various reasons, from banal forgetfulness to activation of protection after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi smartphones in 2026, from official methods using Mi Account to alternative solutions for devices with damaged screen or without access to an account. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so if the phone is not locked, save this article in bookmarks – it will come in handy in an emergency.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is the use of a tied Mi Account, which works if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ Remember the username and password from the Mi Account.
  • πŸ”„ The device does not have date/time settings.

To unlock the smartphone:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button β€œForgot your password?” (or similar).
  2. Select the option β€œUnblock through Mi Account”.
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
  4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (depending on your security settings).
  5. Create a new one. PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If the device previously enabled Find Device, additional confirmation may be required after unlocking via Mi Account. SMS Without it, the phone will remain locked even after the reset!

πŸ“Š What kind of locking method do you use?
PIN-code
pattern lock
Fingerprint.
Facial recognition
Mi Account

2. Recovery Mode reset (if you don't remember Mi Account)

If Mi Account is lost and the phone is locked after resetting, you can try hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data but return access to the device, suitable for Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

After the reboot, the phone will suggest you set it up as new, but be prepared to lock Mi Account: if the device was tied to an account, after the reset, you may need to enter data to confirm ownership.

Turn off the phone.

Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive

Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset and reset-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or does not help, you can try unlocking your phone via Fastboot, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Platform Tools on your computer.
  2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line in the folder with adb.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
  5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO F3) After a reset via Fastboot, Anti-Theft protection can be activated, in which case you will need to enter Mi Account data, even if the account was not previously used!

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your phone, check: 1. If Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers (you can download from the official website). 2. Do you use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission) 3. Is debugging mode enabled USB (If you have ever had your phone on? 4. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

4. bypassing the pattern lock through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the phone has USB debugging enabled (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version β†’ 7 taps to unlock developer options), and then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developers β†’ USB debugging), you can delete the pattern lock via ADB without losing data.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
  2. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
  3. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

This method works on MIUI 12/13/14, but may not work on newer versions due to enhanced protection. If commands don't execute, try root accessing Magisk first.

πŸ’‘

If USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, this method won't work, in which case try unlocking via Mi Account or resetting to Recovery.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the official service center.

  • πŸ”’ Phone locked after hand-held purchase and previous owner didn't untie Mi Account.
  • πŸ“΅ The device does not respond to reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
  • πŸ› οΈ Requires replacement of motherboard (for example, after a failed firmware).

What you need to unlock in the service:

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ“§ Mi Account data if the phone is linked to the account.

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. For some devices (for example, Black Shark or flagship Mi), the price may be higher due to the complexity of work.

Smartphone modelAverage cost of unlocking in the serviceTime limits (working days)
Redmi Note 10/11/121 200 β€” 2 500 β‚½1-2 days
POCO X3/X4/X51 500 β€” 3 000 β‚½1-3 days
Xiaomi 11T/12T/132 500 β€” 4 500 β‚½2-4 days
Black Shark 4/53 000 β€” 5 000 β‚½3-5 days

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official methods did not help, you can find β€œgray” methods of unlocking on the Internet, such as:

  • πŸ”“ Use of bypass services (e.g. Mi Account Unlock Tool).
  • πŸ“± Firmware through EDL Mode (emergency loading mode).
  • πŸ› οΈ Replacement of memory module (for hardware-locked devices).

However, these methods have serious risks:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is in warranty service).
  • πŸ’₯ Brick device (turning into a β€œbrick” with incorrect firmware).
  • πŸ•΅οΈ Data Leakage (when using third-party services).

⚠️ Note: Unlocking methods through EDL or third-party tools often require authorization in Xiaomi services, which can be blocked after several attempts. IMEI, The phone will become unusable for calls!

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Any unofficial unlocking methods can result in a loss of functionality of the phone, and if the device is expensive or contains important data, it is better to contact the service center.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a reliable one. PIN-code (at least 6 digits) instead of a pattern lock.
  • πŸ“§ Link Mi Account to your phone and remember the login details.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ”§ Turn on Debugging. USB and OEM-unlocking.

Also useful:

  • πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-Mi Account code or password in a secure location (e.g. password manager).
  • πŸ“± Set up fingerprint or face unlocking as an additional method.
  • πŸ”„ Before selling your phone, be sure to untie your Mi Account and make a reset.

If you often forget passwords, consider using a smart lock. MIUI β€” A feature that automatically unlocks your phone in trusted places (such as at home or work) and can be configured in Settings β†’ Screen locking β†’ Smart Lock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if the phone has been enabled with USB debugging and you can use ADB to delete the lock files. Otherwise, the data reset is inevitable.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account email?
Go to account.xiaomi.com and use the Recovery feature, and you will need access to your linked phone number or backup email.
The phone is locked after firmware. How do I restore it?
If the lock is due to incorrect firmware, try to reflash the device through Fastboot with the official firmware from the MIUI Download website. If this does not help, contact the service.
Can I unlock Xiaomi with IMEI?
Xiaomi does not provide any official IMEI unlocking methods, and all services that offer such services are fraudulent.
How much does it cost to unblock in unofficial services?
The cost ranges from 500 to 3,000 rubles, but the risks are high, from data loss to the complete failure of the phone.