Xiaomi’s “This Device Is Locked”: What to Do and How to Unlock Your Device

Why Xiaomi says “This device is locked” and what does it mean?

The message “This device is locked. Unlock it with your Mi Account” is one of the most common problems for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, it appears after resetting, firmware or unsuccessfully unlocking the bootloader, blocking access to the system, 90% of the time the reason lies in the connection of the device to the Mi Account, which was not disabled before the reset.

Technically, the lock works because of the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature that Xiaomi has implemented to protect against theft. The system requires you to enter the username and password from the last associated account, even if you owned the device for years. On the 4PDA forum, this problem is discussed in hundreds of topics, from the Redmi Note 4X to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It is important to understand that without access to the original Mi Account, official methods of unlocking is impossible.

If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the seller didn't untie your account, or forgot the login details, you'll have to use workarounds, and then we'll go through all the working methods, including 4PDA methods, unlocking through Fastboot and EDL, and legal options through support.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account account associated with the device, this method will take no more than 5 minutes, suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2016.

• 🔑 Enter the email or phone number that was used to link the account on the device.
• 📱 Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi or mobile network (without the Internet, authorization is impossible).
• 🔄 If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.
• ⚠️ If you repeatedly enter a password incorrectly, the device can be locked for 24-72 hours.

Once you have successfully logged in, your smartphone unlocks automatically. If the system requires SMS or email confirmation, check the Spam folder — sometimes emails from Xiaomi get there. Important: don't log out immediately after unlocking — untie it in the settings first (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased by hand and the seller did not provide the data from the Mi Account, official unlocking is not possible.

Method 2: Bypassing blocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if you have access to Fastboot mode but no data from Mi Account.Requires PC, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. It works on most Xiaomi models before 2022 year of release (new may require unlocking the loader).

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices
3. Download Mi Flash Unlock with 4PDA and run it on behalf of the administrator.
4. Enter your Mi Account (not necessarily what is tied to your device!)
5. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

If the utility gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Run the utility in compatibility mode with Windows 7.
• 🔄 Reboot your PC and smartphone, try again.

Method 3: Unlocking through EDL (for tech-savvy)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to bring the device back to life if other methods have failed. It allows you to flash your smartphone without any locks, but requires:

• 💻 PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 📄 Firmware file.mbn for your model (you can download it on the 4PDA or xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and turn it into EDL mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. If it doesn't work, open the back cover and close the EDL contacts (usually signed on the board).

Device Manager

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (it can take 15-30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It erases all data on the device, including photos and contacts. If your smartphone had important files, try extracting them first via Fastboot using OrangeFox Recovery.

Method 4: Contact Xiaomi Support

If you bought a smartphone officially (through Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M.Video or authorized retailers), you have a chance to unlock the device through support.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (confirms legal acquisition).
• 📧 Email to which Mi Account is linked (if you have access).
• 📞 IMEI Devices (you can find out on the box or via the command *#06# on a locked phone).

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Select Unlock Device or Account Issues.
3. Fill out the form with IMEI, serial number and purchase details.
4. Attach scans of the check and a picture of the box (if required).
5. Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days).

If you do, you'll be sent an unlock instruction or remotely reset your account, and the downside is waiting a long time and not 100% guaranteeing success. According to 4PDA, support often fails if the device is hand-held or imported from abroad.

Method 5: Alternative 4PDA Methods (at Your Own Risk)

The 4PDA forum regularly features informal ways to bypass the lock "This device is locked" that are suitable for technically trained users and require caution.

Before using these methods, check the reviews in the theme and make sure they are suitable for your model. For example, TestPoint can work for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, and for Xiaomi 12T only the firmware through EDL.

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Before using informal methods, back up your data via Fastboot using the fastboot pull /data command (if the device is detected).

What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center: 🔧 The cost of unlocking: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model). ⏳ Timeline: 1-3 days. ⚠️ Risk: Not all services are taken for devices with Mi Account lock.
2. Sell the device for spare parts: 💰 Price: 20-50% of the market value (depending on the state of the screen and the case). 📱 Where to sell: Avito, Yula, thematic groups in Telegram.

There are topics on 4PDA on selling locked devices, like this one, and before selling, make sure the buyer is aware of the lock to avoid conflict.

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If the device is bought with hands and the seller did not provide data from the Mi Account, it is impossible to return it under the law “On Consumer Protection” – the lock is not considered a factory defect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi