Xiaomi’s “The Device Is Locked”: How to Unlock a Phone Without a PC in 2026

Why Xiaomi Phone is Locked and What to Do First

The message “The device is locked” on the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO means that the system requests proof of ownership of the device, this can happen after resetting, updating the firmware or repeatedly entering the password incorrectly, 90% of the time the problem is solved without connecting to the computer, the main thing is to act on the algorithm.

The first thing to check is whether the Mi Account is linked to the phone. If so, it will take 5-10 minutes to unlock through the website. If not, you will have to use backup methods, but they involve the loss of all data on the device (photos, messages, applications). Importantly, methods without a PC only work on devices with MIUI 12-14. Older versions (for example, MIUI 10) may require a Fastboot or a service center.

Before you start unlocking, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery level above 30% (when reset, the phone should not turn off).
• 📶 Wi-Fi or mobile network access (required to confirm your account).
• 📱 A second phone or computer is on hand (to obtain a confirmation code).

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account (if the phone is tied)

This is the fastest and most secure method if you remember the username / password from Mi Account. The algorithm works even after a hard reset, since the account data is stored on Xiaomi servers.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or a similar inscription in Russian).
2. Select Unlock with Mi Account → enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. The email/phone will have a 6-digit confirmation code, enter it in the appropriate field.
4. Create a new unlock password (or PIN-The phone is unlocked automatically.

If the Forgot password buttons are not:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (press the Power) + Volume Up for 10 seconds).
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes locking is triggered due to regional restrictions).
• ⏳ Wait 24 hours on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) The option appears a day after unsuccessful attempts to enter.

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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, restore it through account.xiaomi.com. Use a backup email or linked phone number.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (without data loss – only for MIUI 14)

On devices with MIUI 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), the function “Reset lock without deleting data” appeared.

• 📱 The phone has been unlocked at least once since the last reboot.
• 🔑 Find Device was previously enabled in the security settings.
• 🌍 The device is connected to the Internet.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Choose a language → Wipe Data → Wipe Lock Settings (not to be confused with Wipe All Data!).
4. Confirm action. The phone will reboot with the data saved, but no password.

Remember your phone model (in case of an error)

Check the battery charge (>30%)

Connect to Wi-Fi in advance

Have a backup of important data (in case of failure)

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⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T Wipe Lock Settings may not be available, in which case use Method 3 (full reset).

Method 3: Complete reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If previous methods failed, a hard reset remains, which deletes all data, including photos, messages and apps, but unlocks the device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models regardless of the MIUI version.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume Up before the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action with the swipe or Confirm button.
5. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

After the reboot, the phone will suggest configuring it as new. If you previously tied Mi Account, you may need to enter a login / password to confirm ownership (FRP-block).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global may need internet connection after reset to check FRP. If your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, use mobile data (insert). SIM-card).

Method 4: Unlocking through Find Device (if the phone is online)

If your phone is connected to the Internet and you have access to the Mi Account, you can remotely unlock it via Find Device, which works even if the screen is locked.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Press Unlock Device → Confirm the action.
4. The phone will receive an unlock notification, and the password will be reset after the reset.

Limitations of the method:

• 📡 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Charge level >15% (otherwise the device may be shut down before the process is complete).
• ⏱ Waiting time – up to 5 minutes (depends on Xiaomi servers).

Method 5: Bypass FRP-blocking (if required by Mi Account after reset)

After a hard reset, some models (Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10S) request Mi Account data, which was previously tied, called FRP-locking (Factory Reset Protection), which can only be circumvented without a PC on MIUI 12-13 firmware through a loophole in the settings.

Bypass algorithm:

1. On the Mi Account data entry screen, click Forgot password.
2. Instead of typing in email, tap the Email field and hold for 10 seconds until the Paste menu appears.
3. Select Assistant (or Google Assistant if your phone is in English).
4. Say Open Settings → Go to Accounts → Add Account → Google
5. Add a new Google account, then reboot the phone.FRP will be reset.

For MIUI 14, this method doesn't work -- you need a Fastboot or a service center, and FRP bypassing may not work if you:

• 🔒 The phone was bought from hands and tied to someone else's account.
• 🛠 The firmware has been modified (e.g. Global installed) ROM Chinese-style).
• 📵 There is no internet connection.

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Bypassing FRP without a PC is only possible on firmware older than 2022, and on newer versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, this method is blocked.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center, unlocking costs between 1,000 and 3,000 rubles (depending on the model), you will need a check or box to confirm your purchase, and in some cases, you may require a passport.
2. Using custom firmware (power users only). 4PDA or XDA Developers forums have instructions on how to run firmware through Fastboot, but this requires a PC and risks "bricking" the device.

Before you bring your phone to the service, try the last chance:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 1-2 hours (sometimes unlocking appears after full charging).
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (for example, via a mobile hotspot).
• ⏳ Wait 72 hours – on some models, the lock is reset automatically.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi without PC