The message “This device is locked. Unlock your device to use it” on Xiaomi’s screen is one of the most common problems users face after resetting, firmware or buying a used phone. This lock is associated with the device’s binding to a Mi Account account (or Xiaomi Account in new models), and can appear even if you forgot your password or the previous owner did not untie the phone. Unlike the standard pattern lock, this lock cannot be avoided by a simple reset – special methods will be required.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock (including official and alternative), their pros and cons, and give recommendations on how to avoid re-locking. Particular attention will be paid to the models of Redmi, POCO and Mi based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, where the protection algorithms have changed. If your phone shows the inscription "This device is associated with an existing Mi Account. Verify to activate the device," you have come to the address.
Why is this device locked?
The reason is always the same: the phone is tied to a Mi/Xiaomi account, but the system cannot verify user rights.
- 🔄 Resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without detachment of account.
- 📦 Buying a used phone where the previous owner did not remove the link.
- 🔧 Failed firmware or rollback to an older version MIUI.
- 🔒 Activate the Find Device function** (device search) before resetting.
- 📱 Replacement of the motherboard (on new models with HyperOS, the lock can trigger automatically).
Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened its security: now, even after being reset via Fastboot, the lock can remain. HyperOS has added an additional layer of verification, a hardware identifier that is tied to the company’s servers, which means that it becomes more difficult to circumvent the protection without official methods.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the seller did not provide details from Mi Account, contact him immediately. Without a login / password, unlocking through official channels is impossible - you will need to contact the proof of purchase in support.
Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Account (if you know the data)
If you have access to an account that is linked to your phone, it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock, which works on all models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and does not require technical skills.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile network, and on the lock screen, tap the Unlock or Verify button.
- Enter the email/phone and password from the Mi Account to which the device is linked.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Wait for the data to sync (it can take up to 10 minutes).
If you have a phone that says “Network error. try again later” after you enter the data, check:
- 🌐 Internet connection stability (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa).
- ⏳ Time and date on the device (if you are lost, synchronization will not pass).
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
Check the keyboard layout (English/Russian)
Make sure that Caps Lock is off.
Try resetting your password via [account.xiaomi.com](https://account.xiaomi.com)
Use a backup email or phone to recover-->
On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) After unlocking, additional fingerprint verification may be required, or PIN-code, if they have been previously configured.
Method 2: Unlock via Fastboot (if you forgot the password from Mi Account)
If you don't have any data from your account, but you have access to Fastboot, you can try bypassing the lock by deleting the anchor files, which works on MIUI 12-14, but may not work on HyperOS due to the increased security.
Important: the method requires an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked). If it is blocked, first perform the official unlock via [en.miui.com/unlock](https://en.miui.com/unlock) (requires a Mi Account tied to the phone).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices
- Clean the partitions responsible for blocking: fastboot erase frp fastboot erase config
- Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
If the lock is still locked after the restart, try to delete the metadata section (works on some Redmi models):
fastboot erase metadata⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (2026), this method can lead to total loss IMEI or the "Invalid" error IMEI». Before executing, back up the nvram partition with the fastboot backup nvram command.
Redmi (Series Note, A, etc.)
POCO (F, X, M series)
Mi (flagship models)
Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)
Another brand-->
Method 3: EDL (Emergency Mode) bypass for advanced users
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone directly through a Qualcomm chip. The method works even on locked bootloaders, but requires:
- 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📂.mbn or.elf firmware for your model (you can download it on the Internet) [xiaomifirmware.com](https://xiaomifirmware.com)).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and translate to EDL: For Qualcomm: Clip Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. For Mediatek: Use a contact-closing cable (need test point).
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
After firmware is run through EDL, the lock should disappear, but:
- ⚠️ All data will be released.
- ⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4) You may need to log in to the Mi Flash Tool (developer account required).
- ⚠️ Risk of a breeze (breakdown) with incorrect firmware - up to 30%.
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool asks for authorization?
Method 4: Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If the independent methods did not help, the official service is the only legal way to unlock.
| Conditions | Requirements | Timeline | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check or guarantee card | Original document with IMEI phone | 3-7 days | Free of charge. |
| Hand-held purchase (without a check) | Sales contract + passport | 7-14 days | 1 500–3 000 ₽ |
| Lost documents | Report to the police about theft/loss | 10-20 days | 3 000–5 000 ₽ |
| Import device (not for the Russian Federation) | Proof of legal importation | 14-30 days | 5 000+ ₽ |
To contact the service:
- Find the nearest official service center.
- Provide the phone, documents and fill out the application.
- Pay for the diagnosis (if required).
- Wait for a response from Xiaomi (it can take up to 2 weeks).
⚠️ Note: Service centers will not unlock phones purchased on AliExpress or Taobao without official import into the Russian Federation. In such cases, you will only be offered firmware with loss of functionality (for example, without official import into the Russian Federation). 4G).
Method 5: Alternative methods (at your own risk)
If official methods are not available, some users resort to non-warranty methods, and we do not recommend using them, but we will give you a look at:
- 🔓 Passage ADB (It works on older versions. MIUI): adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1 Risk: New firmware leads to perpetual booting (bootloop).
- 📱 Using bugs in Recovery (e.g., reset via Wipe) → Format Data with the following code entry #3646633##).
- 🔧 Flip-through SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek chips) requires files DA Auth, which is hard to find.
On models from 2023 to 2026 (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), these methods do not work due to the eFuse hardware protection, which blocks unauthorized changes.
💡
If you decide to sell a Xiaomi phone, be sure to untie it from Mi Account: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete account. After that, reset to Settings → About phone → Reset. This will save the buyer from blocking problems.
How to avoid blocking in the future?
To avoid “This device is locked” again, follow the simple rules:
- 🔑 Always untie your Mi Account before you reset or sell your phone.
- 📱 Don’t buy used Xiaomi without checking (ask the seller to reset the phone with you).
- 🔄 Update the firmware only through official channels (Settings) → Updating the system).
- 🛡️ Don’t disable Find Device – this is additional protection.
- 📝 Keep checks and documents on the phone (useful for the service center).
Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has introduced an additional binding to SIM-If you're using a phone with another card. SIM, The system may request re-authentication. To avoid this, add a number to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Device management.
💡
The only 100% working way to unlock without losing data is through official authorization via Mi Account, and all other methods lead to a phone being reset or at risk of damaging it.