A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day, and the reasons can be different: a forgotten password, a pattern lock input error, activation of Mi Account protection after resetting, or even a software failure. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO and Mi phones have a unique lock system associated with the manufacturer's account, which makes unlocking difficult, but does not make it impossible.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can unlock for 2026, from official (through identity verification) to technical (using Fastboot or EDL). Importantly, some methods can lead to data loss or warranty cancellation, so try the safe options first. If your Xiaomi requires you to enter a password from Mi Account after a reset, this is a separate case, and the whole section below is devoted to it.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If your phone is locked because of a link to your Xiaomi account (for example, after resetting or buying a used device), first try logging in.
- 🔑 Enter. email/phone and password from Mi Account, which was linked to the phone. If you don't remember, use the password recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.
- 📧 If the device requests confirmation of SMS/email, Check your emails or messages to the number associated with your account. 5 minute.
- 🛡️ If the error "Device not recognized" try to connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile data.
If the previous owner has not untied the account, contact him and ask him to remove the device from the list in Settings Mi Account → Devices. Without this, official unlocking is impossible – Xiaomi does not provide access to other accounts even on request.
⚠️ Warning: When buying used Xiaomi, always check the Mi Account undock before payment. Once reset, the phone can turn into a brick"!
2. Reset pattern lock or password (without Mi Account)
If only the screen (password, PIN, or pattern lock) is locked and Mi Account is not activated, try these methods:
Method 1: Unlocking through Google (for Android 9 and below)
On older versions of MIUI, after 5 failed attempts, a button appears "Forgot your password?". Press it and enter data from the Google account that was synced with the device. This method does not work on MIUI 12+ and Android 10+ phones.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery
A full reset will delete all data, but unlock the device.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power (on some models Volume Down + Power) before the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- After resetting, reboot (reboot).
If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, go to the section about official unlocking.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If Recovery resets don't work or the menu is blocked, you can try flashing your phone in Fastboot mode, USB-Mi Flash Tool and cable tool.
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\flash).
- Install Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers.
- Turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
It takes 5-10 minutes. Once you restart, the phone will be in factory condition. Attention: this method does not bypass the Mi Account lock if it has been activated!
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool can't see your phone?
4. bypassing the Mi Account lock via EDL (emergency mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone low, bypassing some locks. This method is risky and can lead to hard-brick if you do something wrong. Use it only if other methods have not worked.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11.
- 🔌 Original Xiaomi Cable (better of the kit).
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz format for your model.
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
- 🔧 Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (manually installed).
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds.
- In Device Manager should appear a new device Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Next, run your phone through the Mi Flash Pro by selecting a firmware file. The process is similar to Fastboot, but works at a lower level. On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after firmware is run through EDL, you may need to log in to the service center to unlock the bootloader.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL deletes all data, including IMEI. They can be restored only through a backup or service center.
5. Official Unlocking Through Xiaomi Support
If the phone is locked because of the previous owner’s Mi Account and you can’t contact him, you can only contact Xiaomi for support, and the process is slow and requires confirmation of purchase:
- 📄 Prepare a check (electronic or paper) confirming the purchase of the device.
- 📧 Write in support on the official website or through the form in the Mi Community application.
- 🕒 The time limit for the request is 3 to 14 days, and if the decision is positive, you will be sent instructions to unlock the request.
Important: Xiaomi can request additional documents, such as a photo of a box with a serial number or IMEI. If the phone is bought with hands without a check, the chances of unlocking are minimal.
| Unlocking method | Suitable for | PC required | Loss of data | The risk of a brick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entering the Mi Account password | Post-discharge locking | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Hard Reset via Recovery | A forgotten pattern lock | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Firmware through Fastboot | System failures, freezes | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Medium. |
| Firmware through EDL | Critical blockages | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ High-pitched |
| Appeal of support | Mi Account of the previous owner | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
6. Alternative methods (for individual cases)
If standard methods don’t work, try these options:
Unlocking through ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If you have enabled USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times click) → Additional Settings → For developers, you can try to delete the password file:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
adb rebootAfter the reboot, the screen lock will reset.
Use of service codes
Some models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5) have a service code for resetting:
- 📞 Type #7378423## (to check the lock status).
- 📞 Try ##3646633## → Connectivity → USB Settings → Manufacture Mode (can help bypass lock when connecting to a PC).
💡
If your phone is locked after you have firmware, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds to force you to restart, sometimes helping you get out of the bootloop.
7 What NOT to do (common mistakes)
Some actions can make things worse or completely disable your phone.
- 🔋 Relieving the phone to 0% can cause memory loss and inability to recover.
- 🔨 Independently disassemble the device without experience - the risk of damage to plumes or battery.
- 💻 Use unofficial firmware (for example, with 4PDA) Without understanding the process, a high chance of getting a brick".
- 🔑 Trying to hack Mi Account through third-party services is a scam and you risk losing access forever.
If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.The cost of unlocking Mi Account in the official Xiaomi STS is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (2026), but it is guaranteed to be safer than experiments.
💡
Before any unblocking, check if your model is in the “black list” Xiaomi (for example, some Redmi Note 4/5 after firmware requires authorization in the SC).