Unlocking Xiaomi’s Screen with TalkBack: 5 Verified Ways (2026)

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Don't rush to reset the device to factory settings - there's a legal way to unlock through the built-in TalkBack service, POCO and Mi, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), If the device activated the function of special features.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15), alternative unlock methods through ADB and Find My Device, and answers to frequent questions. Importantly, TalkBack only works when the service is turned on before you lock the screen — if you manually disabled it, go to the section about resetting via Mi Account.

What is TalkBack and Why it Helps Unblock Xiaomi

TalkBack is an Android-based service for visually impaired people that voices on-screen actions. At Xiaomi, it is integrated into the system as part of Special Features and has a vulnerability: when activated through the lock screen, you can access device settings without entering a password.

Why it works:

• 🔓 TalkBack is triggered by a two-finger gesture (hold 3 seconds), which works even on a locked screen.
• 📱 After activation, the service opens access to the Control Panel and Settings through the voice menu.
• ⚙️ In some versions MIUI You can open the settings directly. → Password and security and reset the lock.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on data encryption devices (required) PIN loading).
• ❌ Disabled if you have previously deactivated Special Features manually.
• ❌ On Xiaomi with Android 13+ (Xiaomi 14 may require additional bypassing ADB.

⚠️ Note: If the lock screen displays the words "Device locked by administrator" (corporate policy), the TalkBack method will not work. In this case, contact the administrator or use the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Step-by-step: Unlock via TalkBack (MIUI 12–15)

This method is suitable for most modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-15.

• 🔋 Battery level of charge > 20% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 📶 The device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network (required to download updates if you need a reset).

Step 1: Activate TalkBack on the lock screen

1. On a locked screen, hold two fingers at the same time for 3-5 seconds until you hear a voice message saying “TalkBack activated.”
2. If the gesture doesn’t work, try double touching and holding (on some models, such as the Redmi Note 11).
3. Once activated, the service will begin to voice the screen elements, and to navigate the menu, use a left/right swipe gesture.

Step 2. Go to the device settings

1. Swipe your finger to the left until you hear "Notification Panel." Double tap open it.
2. In the notification panel, find the Settings icon (cog) and double-touch open the menu.
3. In the settings, go to the About Phone section (scroll down with a gesture of holding with two fingers up/down).

Step 3: Resetting the lock password

1. In the About Phone section, find the MIUI version and double-task it and start pressing the version quickly until the message "You're a developer!" appears.
2. Go back to the main settings menu and go to "Additional → Special features → TalkBack." Turn off the service.
3. Now go to Password & Security → Screen Lock. The system will prompt you to enter your current password — instead, click "Forgot Password?" and follow the instructions to reset via Mi Account.

Make sure TalkBack is not manually disabled|Charge your phone at least to 20%|Connect to Wi-Fi/mobile|Check the version. MIUI (method 12–15)|Access to your Mi Account (to reset your password)-->

Alternative method: unlock through ADB (for advanced)

If TalkBack doesn’t work (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Android 13), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires pre-activation of Debugging over USB, but is suitable for devices where TalkBack is disabled.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 On the smartphone should be included debugging on USB (If not, the method will not work).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and enter: adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings settings put secure lock_screen_lock_after_timeout 0
3. Reset the device. Once you turn on, the lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Android 13 The command may not work because of the tightened security policies, and in this case, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If TalkBack and ADB didn’t help, use Xiaomi’s official Find My Device service, which requires:

• 📧 Linked Mi Account (the same one used on the phone).
• 🌐 Access to the Internet on a blocked device (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Confirmation of identity (SMS email).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the "Devices" section, select a locked smartphone.
3. Click "Find the device" → "Unlock".
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email. The device will be unlocked remotely.

Limitations:

• ❌ It does not work if the device has disabled the geolocation services or Find My Device.
• ❌ Requires an internet connection (if the phone is offline, unlocking will happen the next time you connect).
• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F5) Additional confirmation may be required through Google Account.

TalkBack|ADB|Find My Device|Recovery |Nothing tried-->

Reset via Recovery Mode (extreme case)

If all previous methods fail, you will be hard-resetting through Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from your device, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it as a last resort!

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Turn off the phone (hold Power + Volume up 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up 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. Once completed, select “Reboot” to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in "This device is locked." This will require official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of latency).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Problem 1: TalkBack is not activated on the lock screen.

Decision:

• 🔄 Try another gesture: triple touch and hold (on some models, for example, Redmi 10).
• 🔊 Make sure the sound is not turned off – the service can be active, but without voice support.
• 📱 If the screen responds to touch, but does not voice actions, try to blindly swipe your finger to the left 5-6 times, then double-tap to open the notification panel.

Problem 2: ADB is giving you a "device unauthorized" error.

Decision:

• 🔑 If you're locked, you're going to have a window that asks for debugging permission, and if you don't, it won't work.
• 🖥️ Delete the adbkey.pub file in the folder %USERPROFILE%\.Android and reconnect.
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers and try another one USB-port.

Problem 3: Find My Device does not see the device.

Decision:

• 🌐 Check if your phone is connected to the Internet (enable mobile data via the notification panel if Wi-Fi is disabled).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the geolocation service freezes.
• 📧 Make sure you use the same Mi Account that is tied to your phone.

💡

If the lock screen displays a message “Too many attempts to enter”, wait 30 minutes or connect the device to charge – the timer will reset faster.

How to protect Xiaomi from accidental lockdown in the future

To avoid repeated unlocking problems, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as your primary unlock method (configure password and security). → Fingerprint data).
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-code in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep or Encrypted Mi Notes).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions fix vulnerabilities, but also add official ways to restore access.
• 🔗 Attach Mi Account and enable Find My Device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• ⚙️ Do not turn off special features and debugging on USB (They can save data when they are blocked).

Additional security measures:

• 🛡️ Set up a Smart Lock (Password and Security) → Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in trusted locations (home, work).
• 📱 Enable Backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backups – this will allow you to recover data after resetting.

💡

Even if you use biometric unlocking, always set a backup. PIN-On Xiaomi devices, it is required for payment confirmation, resetting settings and authentication in applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions