How to unlock Xiaomi phone if it is locked: all the ways (including FRP)

A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day, and the reasons can be different: a forgotten pattern lock, too many failed password attempts, activation of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection after resetting, or even a software failure after updating MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, including official methods through Mi Account and workaround solutions for devices without a tied account.

It’s important to understand that not all methods are universal.For example, Xiaomi phones 2022-2026 (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro) have enhanced protection, and they may not be suitable for methods that worked on models 2018-2021 (like Redmi 5 Plus or Mi 8), We will specify which instructions are suitable for which devices, and also warn against critical errors that can turn the phone into a “brick” (for example, improper use of fastboot or incompatible firmware).

If you're not sure about your technical skills, you should go to a service center -- especially if you're talking about phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip or a newer one, where the risk of damage to the bootloader is higher, but if you're willing to act on your own, let's go.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and secure method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the latest flagships, if:

• 🔑 You have access to email/phone-linked.
• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 The device was not completely reset (Wipe Data), otherwise it will work. FRP-lockdown.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Choose the method of recovery: by SMS or email.
3. Enter the confirmation code received on the linked number/mail.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

If you don’t have a password forgotten? option (for example, on POCO F5 after upgrading to MIUI 14), try:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge and wait for a low charge notification to appear – sometimes this will unlock access to the notification menu, from where you can get into the settings.
• 📞 Call a locked phone from another device – during the call, access to the interface may be opened.

⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your Mi Account, official unlocking is only possible through it. Xiaomi does not provide an account reset service on request – this is a security measure against theft.

2. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If Mi Account is lost and the phone is not FRP-locked (or it is already bypassed), you can perform a complete reset, which deletes all data, including photos, messages and applications, but returns access to the device.

Resetting methods:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode (powered by 90% of Xiaomi models):
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users):

Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10+ seconds)

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Prepare original USB-cable (not contactless!)

Download ADB drivers for your model (if you use a PC)

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Xiaomi models with MIUI 13/14 and Snapdragon 8xx chip (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F4 GT) may be prompted to enter Mi Account data tied to reset, which is FRP-blocking, bypassing it is described in the next section.

⚠️ Note: Do not use unofficial firmware (for example, with a 4PDA) In 2023, there were more cases of such firmware containing spyware that stole bank card data.

FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection) bypass

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is Google’s protection that is activated after resetting if a Mi Account or Google account was attached to the phone. On Xiaomi, it appears on the screen asking you to enter the data of the previous account. You can bypass it in several ways, but not everyone works on new models (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14, many old methods have ceased to work).

Topical methods of bypassing FRP on Xiaomi (2026):

Step-by-step instructions for the TalkBack method (works on MIUI 12 and below):

1. On the FRP screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter #4636## and the test menu will open.
3. Go back and hold your finger until the TalkBack voice assistant appears.
4. Activate it, then swipe two fingers down the screen to open the notification bar.
5. Settings → For developers → turn on debugging over USB.
6. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB to remove FRP:

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/


adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

4 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If the independent attempts failed, the official service center of Xiaomi can help - but with reservations:

• 📄 A document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card or purchase agreement) will be required).
• 🔐 If the phone was purchased from hand, you must provide the data of the previous owner (or his presence).
• ⏳ Unblocking period – from 3 to 10 working days (depending on the load of the service).
• 💰 The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for the lock).

How to find an official service center:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Check the reviews on Yandex.Maps or Google Maps – some “official” partners may offer illegal services.

The alternative is authorized workshops that work with Xiaomi on a contract, often with access to internal unlocking tools, but can request additional documents, such as for phones. POCO sometimes IMEI-a device that can be recognized through a box or sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible).

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Before visiting the service center, take a screenshot of your phone’s IMEI (on a box or in documents) and save it to the cloud, which will speed up the identification process and reduce the risk of fraud.

5 Unlocking through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with engineering codes and ADB. It allows you to bypass the lock without resetting data, but requires accurate follow-up to instructions. It is not recommended for beginners!

Steps for phones on MIUI 13/14:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers (you can download from the Android site).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Use the command to delete the lock file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If the lock is still there after the restart, try an alternative method via Fastboot:

1. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
2. In the command line, type: fastboot oem unlock Attention: This command will unlock the bootloader, which may result in a loss of warranty!
3. After unlocking, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The fastboot oem unlock commands may not work due to hardware limitations, in which case the only way out is through the firmware. SP Flash Tool, but it's risky without experience.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, the following options remain:

• 🔄 Contact the previous owner (if the phone is purchased from hand) to detach Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Use paid unlock services (such as UnlockJunky or Doctor) SIM). The cost is from 500 to 3,000 rubles, but there is a risk of running into scammers.
• 📦 Sell the phone for spare parts (if the lock is hardware, for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🔧 Try alternative firmware (like LineageOS), but this is only suitable for advanced users.

Before you give up, check again:

• 🔍 Do you have backups of passwords in Google Password Manager? 1Password.
• 📧 Does the letter with the recovery code come to the old mail (sometimes the letters are delayed for 1-2 days).
• 📱 Is the phone connected to Mi Cloud – sometimes the data is synced automatically after unlocking.

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If your phone is locked after a MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the archive with the desired version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site and run it through Recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi