Xiaomi’s ‘This Device Is Locked’: How to Unlock a Phone Without a Mi Account in 2026

You have enabled Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, And the screen says, "This device is locked. This device is bound to a Mi Account," and you don't remember the login data, and it's familiar to thousands of users, especially those who have bought devices with their hands or haven't used them in a long time. In 2026, the Mi Account lock remains one of Xiaomi’s most reliable protection systems, but it can be bypassed – legally or at risk for warranty.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods of unlocking (including official and “gray”), evaluate their effectiveness for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T And let’s warn about fraudulent schemes that offer “debunk in 5 minutes” – often resulting in data loss or complete “bricking” of the phone. If in doubt, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center (but it will not always help without a check).

Why Xiaomi is blocking the device and what it means "This device is locked"

The message “This device is locked” appears when the smartphone is linked to your Mi Account and you:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (Wipe Data in Recovery Mode).
• 📱 Buying a phone with your hands, and the previous owner did not untie the account.
• 🔒 Incorrect password/fingerprint too many times (on some models).
• 🛠️ Swipe the device through Fastboot without detachment of the account.

Mi Cloud Lock system (also known as Mi Cloud Lock) FRP Lock for Xiaomi was introduced to protect against theft, essentially becoming a “brick” without data from the original account. 2026 The block algorithm has become more complicated: now even the reset through the EDL-The mode (emergency firmware) may not work on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon chips 8 Gen 2/3 MediaTek Dimensity 9000+.

It is important to understand that without the data from the original account, unlocking is possible only through:

1. Official request for Xiaomi support (with check/guarantee)
2. Exploit vulnerabilities in firmware (not on all models).
3. Referring to “gray” services (risk of fraud).

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or FRP Bypass APK. In 90% of cases, these are viruses or utilities that require root access – and getting it on a locked phone is impossible without the risk of damaging the bootloader.

Official Unlocking Methods: When They Work

If you have documents on your phone (check, box, warranty card), the chances of legal unlocking are high. Xiaomi provides two ways:

1. Unlock through Xiaomi support (for owners with a check)

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and try to restore access to your account through the email/phone.
2. If recovery is not possible, create a ticket in support: https://www.mi.com/global/support/contact/ Indicate: 📄 Number of check or guarantee card. 📱 IMEI phone (printed on a box or under a battery). 📧 Email linked to your account (if you remember).

unlock

🔹 What models it works for: All devices released after 2018 (Redmi Note 7 and newer, POCO F1 On older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1) support may be denied.

2 Unlocking through an Authorized Service Center

If the phone is officially purchased, but you do not remember the account details, Xiaomi service center can help if you have:

• 🛒 Check or guarantee card.
• 🆔 Passports (for proof of identity).
• 📦 Boxes with IMEI (must coincide with IMEI phone).

📌 Price: From 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on model and region). on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) the price can be higher.

⚠️ Warning: Service centers are not allowed to unlock undocumented phones - even if you tell a story about a "gift from a friend" - this violates Xiaomi's policy and may result in denial of warranty service.

Informal Unlocking Methods: Risks and Instructions

If the official methods don't work, then the gray methods are left, and their effectiveness depends on the model of the phone, the version. MIUI and the type of lock (hardware or software) below are the methods that are relevant for 2026, sorted by risk level.

1.Traffic bypass EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

The method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most of them are used). Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO). The essence: to sew the phone in emergency mode (EDL Mode) using the Mi Flash Tool, pre-editing the firmware.

🔧 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, QFil, Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

📝 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install the Qualcomm driver (instructions here).
2. Turn off the phone. Press the volume up. + Volume down and plug into PC – the phone should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
4. If the firmware requires authorization, use a patched firehose file (see on the 4PDA or XDA model).

⚠️ Risks:

• 💥 Hard brick is possible (the phone will not turn on at all).
• 🔓 New models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Xiaomi is blocking EDL loader-level.
• 🛡️ The guarantee will be cancelled.

2. Use of vulnerabilities in MIUI (for older versions)

On the firmware MIUI 12 and below, there were loopholes to bypass the lock through:

• 📱 Emergency Call: Calling an emergency number with subsequent access to settings.
• 🔗 APK-Files: Installation of special applications through ADB.
• 🔄 Reset via Recovery: No-account reset button combinations.

🔹 Example MIUI 11 (Redmi Note 8 Pro):

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Dial ##4636## → Choose Usage Statistics.
3. Press the badge. ⋮ → Settings → turn on USB Debugging.
4. Connect your phone to the PC and through ADB Do it: Adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings
5. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Reset and make Wipe Data.

❌ Nana MIUI 13/14 These methods don't work -- Xiaomi has closed the vulnerabilities. For newer versions of the firmware, the only way to get around is through the use of a new security tool. EDL or hardware intervention.

Xiaomi models that are the hardest to unlock in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally vulnerable, and below is a table of models that make it difficult to bypass Mi Account locks due to hardware and software constraints.

🔍 What do these models have in common?

• 🔒 Use hardware encryption (e.g. MediaTek with Secure Boot).
• 🛡️ Bootloader is blocked at the manufacturer level.
• 🔄 Even after a Fastboot reset, Mi Account data is required.

If you have your model in the table, don't waste your time on magic programs, they won't work.

1. Official Unblocking (with Documents)
2. Referring to “gray” services (risk of fraud).
3. Buying a new phone (if the unlock cost exceeds 50% of the price of the device).

💡

Before buying used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to reset your settings and check if they don’t lock, and if they refuse, it’s a reason to think about the honesty of the deal.

Fraudulent schemes: how not to lose money when unlocking

The Internet is full of sentences like, "I'll unlock Xiaomi for 500 rubles in 10 minutes," 99% of the time, it's a hoax, and let's look at the most common schemes and how to recognize them.

1. "Pay first - we'll unlock later"

🚩 Signs of fraud:

• 💰 Ask for payment before work (for example, on Qiwi, YuMoney or crypto).
• 📸 Send screenshots of "successful unlock" from other phones.
• 🔗 Link to the “instruction” after payment (usually a virus or a useless one) PDF).

🔹 Look for reviews of the master on independent venues (4PDA, Payment should be only after the result (for example, through a secure transaction on Avito).

2. "You need to buy a program for 3,000 rubles"

The scammers are offering "unique software" that will allegedly unlock any Xiaomi.

• 🖥️ The program either doesn’t work or requires root (which is impossible to get on a locked phone).
• 🦠 Often in the archive with the "program" lies a virus-encryptor.
• 📧 After payment, scammers disappear or send an empty file.

✅ How do you check? Ask for a free demo or video of your model unlocking process. If you refuse, it's a scam.

3. "Send the phone to us by mail."

Some services ask you to send your phone to another city to unlock it.

• 📦 Your phone may not be returned (especially if you send it on a cash-only basis).
• 🔧 Can return the “unlocked” phone with a damaged motherboard.
• 💸 They will be charged for “difficult unblocking».

🔹 Alternative: Look for local services with a good reputation, for example, in Moscow it is Xiaomi Service Center on Tverskaya or FixLab.

⚠️ Note: If you are offered an unlock through a change IMEI — This is not only fraud, but also a crime (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Illegal access to computer information.

💡

No legal method guarantees 100% unlocking without the original account data, and if a phone seller refuses to help, it’s a reason to consider the legality of their ownership of the device.

What to do if nothing helps: alternatives

If the official and informal methods have not worked, there are several ways to do this:

1. Use the phone in limited mode

On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) locking:

• 📞 Calling emergency numbers.
• 📶 Use the mobile internet (if you have access to it) SIM-map inserted).
• 🔋 Charge the battery.

🔹 How to make the most of it:

• Connect your phone to Wi-Fi via WPS (if there is a button on the router).
• Use it as a power bank for other devices.
• If you have access to Recovery, try to flash custom. ROM (LineageOS, for example, but it will only work on older models.

2. Sell the phone for spare parts

If unblocking is not possible, you can sell:

• 🔋 Battery (if capacity) >80%).
• 📸 Camera (on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Redmi Note 11 Pro+ It costs 3-5 thousand rubles).
• 🖥️ Display (if not scratched).
• 📡 Antenna module (for 5G-model).

💰 Where to sell:

• Avito (section "Spare parts for phones").
• Yula.
• Groups in VKontakte (for example, “Spare parts for Xiaomi”).

⚠️ Important: Indicate in the ad that the phone is locked on Mi Account – otherwise the buyer may demand a refund.

3. to report to the police (if the phone is stolen)

If you suspect that the phone was stolen (for example, you bought it too cheap from a questionable seller), you can:

1. Submit a report to the police under Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Fraud”).
2. Provide the data of the seller (phone number, address, screenshots of correspondence).
3. If the phone is listed in the stolen database, Xiaomi can unlock it at the request of law enforcement.

📌 Documents for application:

• Copy of the passport.
• Screenshots of correspondence with the seller.
• Check (if any) or data on the transfer of money.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi