Xiaomi’s “This device is locked”: reasons, unlocking and what to do if your phone is locked

You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of the usual desktop, a message appeared on the screen saying “This device is locked” (or its Chinese counterpart)? This means that the device is locked at the firmware level — and without the right actions you will not be able to use it. In 90% of cases, the problem is related to Mi Account, but sometimes custom firmware, setting resets or even errors on Xiaomi servers are to blame.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of blocking, from official security mechanisms to bugs after firmware, and give step-by-step instructions for unlocking – both legal (via account) and alternative (for power users).

Why is this device locked on Xiaomi?

The message “This device is locked” is part of Xiaomi’s system to protect against theft and unauthorized access.

• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account – the device is tied to the account, and after resetting (Hard Reset) requires entering the username / password of the original owner.
• 📱 Factory Protection Activation – Find Device automatically locks your phone when you change handsets SIM-dump.
• 🔧 Incorrect firmware – install custom software (for example, LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader or with errors.
• ⚠️ Server failures are rare, but it happens that Xiaomi servers temporarily block devices due to suspicious activity (for example, after frequent changes). IP).

The most common reason is Mi Account Lock, which works if:

• 📲 You bought a used phone and the previous owner didn’t untie your account.
• 🔄 You reset your settings via Recovery or Fastboot, but you forgot your Mi Account details.
• 🛠️ You have been flashing your device through the Mi Flash Tool without detachment of your account.

Unlike Google. FRP (Android reset protection, Xiaomi locks even without an internet connection — it’s done at the firmware level — making it one of the most reliable (and difficult to bypass) security systems among Android devices.

Official ways to unlock (without risks)

If you have access to the original Mi Account, it will take 5-10 minutes to unlock. Here are 3 legal methods:

1 Unlocking through Mi Account data entry

The easiest way is to enter the login and password from the account to which the phone is linked:

1. On the lock screen, select Unlock with Mi Account (or similar Chinese).
2. Enter your email/phone and password from your Mi Account.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If you have forgotten your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to the associated password). email/phone).

2 Unlocking through i.mi.com (for lost devices)

If the phone is stolen or lost, the original owner can unlock it remotely.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click Find Device → Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: This method only works if the phone is enabled Find Device and has access to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

If you bought a used phone and can’t contact the previous owner, try contacting:

• 📧 Write to support@xiaomi.com Theme: Unlock Mi Account».
• 📄 Attach a check or a contract of sale (proof of possession).
• 📱 Indicate. IMEI Devices (can be viewed on the box or through the engineering menu *#06#).

The review period is 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the region and availability of documents, and in Russia and CIS countries, the chances are lower due to the lack of an official Xiaomi service center.

Unofficial Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk and Peril)

If the official methods have not worked, alternative methods remain, but they require technical skills and can lead to:

• 💀 Loss of all data on the device.
• 🔧 Damage to the firmware ("brick" of the phone).
• ⚠️ Mi Account Block Forever (If Xiaomi Servers Detect Hacking).

We describe these methods for educational purposes only, and their use may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement.

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

The method works on devices with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3). It will:

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC cable (original).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm Drivers, firmware for your model.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install Qualcomm drivers and run the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Put the phone in mode. EDL: adb reboot edl If ADB does not work, use the hardware method (closing contacts on the board).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. After the firmware, the phone will unlock, but all data will be erased.

⚠️ Attention: firmware through EDL This could lead to permanent Mi Account lock if Xiaomi servers detect unauthorized access, and the risk is particularly high on newer models (2022 and newer).

2.Use of vulnerabilities in old firmware

On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Redmi Note 5) There are exploits to bypass the lock:

• 📱 Engineering Menu (Engineering Menu).
• 🔧 ADB-Teams (if debugging is included) USB).
• 🖥️ Special utilities (for example, Xiaomi Tool) V2).

Example of circumvention ADB (It does not work on all models):

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Once rebooted, the lock may disappear, but this method doesn’t work on new devices (starting with the new ones). MIUI 12).

How to avoid blocking your Mi Account in the future?

To avoid “This device is locked” again, follow these rules:

If you frequently use the devices, you should:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader before any firmware manipulation.
• 📋 Keep your Mi Account data in a safe place (such as a password manager).
• 🔄 Make backups regularly through Mi Cloud or TWRP.

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Before selling your phone, perform a full reset via Settings → Additionally. → Reset settings, then check account status in Settings → The phone. → Mi Account status. If it says "Not tied," you can give the device away to a new owner.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users compound the problem by trying to unlock the phone in the wrong ways.Here's the top-5 errors and their consequences:

1. Using unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader → The result: the phone turns into a “hard brick” (Hard Brick) and does not even include in the Fastboot.
2. Trying to enter a password from another Mi Account → Result: the device is locked for 24-72 hours (reset timer).
3. Firmware via the inappropriate Mi Flash Tool → Result: Anti Rollback error and inability to roll back on old firmware.
4. Close of contacts for entry into EDL lacking → Result: damage to the motherboard (repair from 3 000 rubles).
5. Ignoring backups before resetting → Result: irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and messages.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center. The average cost of unlocking Mi Account in Russia is 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the model).

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On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) traversal EDL Unable – special boxes (such as UFi Box or EasyJTAG) are required, which are only available in service centers.

Xiaomi models with the most stringent lock

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally protected. On some models, it is almost impossible to get around "This device is locked" without the original Mi Account.-5 «non-permeable devices (as of the date of the 2026 year):

On new devices (2023-2026), Xiaomi tightened protection: now the Mi Account lock is tied not only to the firmware, but also to the hardware identifier (for example, the device is not used for the first time, IMEI This makes it almost impossible to get around without the original owner.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you have tried all the methods and your phone is still locked, there are 3 options left:

• 🔧 Contact the service center - some workshops have access to paid Mi Account databases (cost: 2000-5 000 rubles).
• 📦 Sell for spare parts – working display, battery and camera can be sold profitably (for example, on Avito or AliExpress).
• 🔄 Used as a “donor” – if the motherboard is working, it can be moved to another case.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with a Mi Account lock on the ad, try to refund the money through the ad:

• 🛒 Guarantee (if purchased in the official store).
• 📱 Buyer protection on Avito, Yula or Ozon.
• 📜 Court (if the seller knowingly concealed the blocking).

In Russia and CIS countries, the chances of a successful return are higher if you have:

• Screenshots of correspondence with the seller (where he assured that the phone was clean).
• Check or receipt of payment.
• Video of the lockdown demonstration.

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Since 2023, Xiaomi has started blocking accounts that too often unlock devices (suspicion of fraud).If you're a professional repairman, register a separate Mi Account for work and don't use it for personal purposes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi blocking