The message “This device is locked. Please unlock via Mi Cloud” on Xiaomi’s screen after resetting, firmware or replacing the motherboard is one of the most common problems for device owners on the device. MIUI 12 This lock is due to the device’s link to the Mi Account and Factory Reset Protection function (FRP), But even legitimate users face it when they buy used phones, repair themselves, or upgrade failed.
Unlike the newer versions. MIUI 13/14, where the unlock algorithms have partially changed, MIUI 12 This article will cover all the working methods, from official unblocking via Mi Cloud to workarounds using the Mi Cloud. ADB, Fastboot and third-party tools, and we'll focus on the common bugs that cause users to receive messages like "Couldn't verify device" or "Too many attempts," and how to avoid them.
If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the seller did not untie the account, or the phone was blocked after resetting through Recovery, do not rush to carry it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved independently - the main thing is to correctly determine the cause of the lock and choose the appropriate method.
Why is this device locked on the MIUI 12
This device is locked is part of Xiaomi’s security system, which is activated in three cases:
1. Reset to factory settings via Settings → Additionally. → Reset or Recovery without detachment of the Mi Account.Even if you have owned the phone for years, after the reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the associated account.
2. firmware via Fastboot or EDL data-delete. MIUI 12 checks the integrity of the persist partition, where the account link information is stored. If this partition is corrupted or cleared, a lock appears.
3. Replacement of motherboard or IMEI. In hardware repair, the new SoC chip does not contain data about the previous account, which leads to activation. FRP-lock-in.
It is important to understand that MIUI 12 does not have a separate menu for bypassing FRP, Unlike later versions (for example, in the MIUI 14 has Emergency Call mode with loopholes. It all depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (world version), the bypass is possible through the Internet. ADB, on the Mi 10T Pro (Chinese firmware) – only through an official account.
⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the seller did not provide details from the Mi Account, attempts to unlock through informal methods can lead to complete loss of the phone. IMEI In this case, only authorized Xiaomi service centers can restore the device.
Official way: Unlocking through Mi Cloud
The most reliable and legal method is to unlock through a linked Mi Account, which works if:
Step-by-step:
1. On the lock screen, enter the username and password from Mi Account, which was attached to the phone. If you do not remember the password, use the "Forgot your password?" function on account.xiaomi.com.
2. If the system requests a confirmation code, check SMS or an email linked to an account on some devices (e.g. Poco) X3 NFC) The code can come with a delay of up to 5 minutes.
3. Once you have successfully logged in, the phone will unlock and you will be able to configure it as new.
What to do if your account is not linked to your phone?
If you bought a used device and the seller didn’t untie his Mi Account, it’s impossible to officially unlock the phone, in which case only alternative methods remain (see the following sections).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may block your account after several failed password attempts.If you see the message "Account locked", wait for unlock (from 30 minutes to 24 hours) or contact support through the official website.
Alternative Unlocking Methods (without Mi Account data)
If the official method doesn't work, you can try to bypass the lock with technical loopholes, which do not work on all devices and depend on the version. MIUI 12 (global, Chinese, Indian) and smartphone models, and here are the proven methods, sorted by efficiency.
Method 1: Emergency Call bypass (for the purpose of MIUI 12 based on Android 10)
This method is suitable for Android 10 devices with firmware MIUI 12.0.x. The point is to use the emergency call menu to access settings.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call".
- Enter the combination: ##4636## (test menu opens).
- Return to the lock screen and press “Emergency Call” again.
- Dial any number (e.g. 112) and press the green handset to start the call.
- When calling, quickly press the Home button (or swipe up if there is no hardware button).
- If you're successful, you'll be on the main screen. Now go to Settings. → About the phone and click on “Build Number” several times to activate the developer mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB, to remove the block (instructions in the following section).
It works on models:
- 📱 Redmi Note 8/8T/9/9S/9 Pro (global firmware)
- 📱 Poco X3 NFC
- 📱 Mi 9T/9T Pro
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), this method doesn’t work due to patches in newer builds. MIUI 12.5.
Method 2: Unlocking through ADB (PC required)
If you can get the debugging done USB, You can remove the blockage with commands ADB. This method will not work if:
- 🚫 Debugging by USB switched off.
- 🚫 The device is not defined in fastboot.
- 🚫 It is worth locking the bootloader (Bootloader Locked).
Step-by-step:
1. Install on the PC. ADB Fastboot Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
2. connect the phone to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command line (Win) + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order:
adb devices(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
reboot4.After the restart, the lock should disappear.
If the commands don’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericThis command must open the password reset menu.
☑️ Preparation for unblocking through ADB
Method 3: Fastboot firmware (for unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can flash the clean version. MIUI 12 via Fastboot.This method deletes all data, but is guaranteed to remove the lock.
What you need:
- 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers installed.
- 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
Instructions:
1. Turn off the phone and press the power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
2. Connect the device to the PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. In the program, select the downloaded firmware and press "Refresh." The device must be determined.
4. At the bottom, select "Clean all" and click "Flash."
5. Wait for the firmware to be completed (5-10 minutes). The phone will automatically restart.
Important: If the phone requires Mi Account input again after firmware is installed, then the firmware is not suitable for your region (EEA) version MIUI 12.
| Model of the device | Suitable bypass firmware FRP | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/8T | MIUI 12.0.3 Global Stable | Download |
| Poco X3 NFC | MIUI 12.0.8 EEA Stable | Download |
| Mi 9T / 9T Pro | MIUI 12.0.2 Global Stable | Download |
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error
Unblocking through service centers and paid tools
If the independent methods did not help, there are two options:
1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center.
- ✅ Official method, but requires proof of purchase (check, box).
- ❌ It doesn’t help if the phone is bought with no documents.
- 💰 Cost: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for the lock).
2. Use of paid tools (e.g. Mi Account Unlock Tool, FRP Bypass APK).
- ✅ It works on 90% of devices with MIUI 12.
- ❌ Risk of running into fraudsters or malware.
- 💰 Cost: from $5 $30 (depending on the instrument).
Popular tools (at your own risk!):
How to avoid scammers?
- Check the reviews about the tool in the forums (4PDA, XDA Developers).
Do not enter credit card information on dubious sites.
Use a virtual machine or a separate PC to work with paid utilities.
⚠️ Note: Some tools (such as Mi Flash Pro) require an authorized Xiaomi account with service center rights. IMEI from Xiaomi.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When unlocking Xiaomi on MIUI 12 users often face the same problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of solving them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Discordance IMEI orgia. | Sweep through the firmware of your region (for example, if the phone is for Europe - take it). EEA). |
| Too many attempts | Too many attempts to enter a password. | Wait. 24 For an hour or reset attempts through ADB (adb shell rm /data/system/lockout.tmp). |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | Lack of drivers or damaged USB-port. | Install the official drivers or try another cable. |
| After the firmware is again blocked | The firmware did not clear the persist section. | Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (but this will block the bootloader!). |
| Invalid token when unlocking the bootloader | Outdated or incorrect authorization token. | Get a new token on the Mi Unlock site (tied) SIM-map). |
Additional advice:
- 📡 If you use Wi-Fi to unlock, turn it off. VPN Proxies can block the connection to Xiaomi servers.
💡
If you buy used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to make a factory reset with you. After the reset, the phone should start without requesting Mi Account - this is a guarantee that the account is untied.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:
1. Flashing through EDL (9008 mode).
- Requires a special cable (EDL cable) or circuits of the circuit board.
- Works even on locked bootloaders, but it is risky for beginners.
- Instructions: 4PDA (topic EDL).
2. Replacement of the motherboard.
- It is relevant if the lock is related to hardware changes (for example, after repair).
Cost: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the model).
3.Apply to Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
If you have a check, a warranty card or a box, you can try to restore access through support.
- Contact: Official support.
Last chance: selling for parts.
If the phone doesn't unlock, but the hardware is good, it can be sold as a donor to repair other devices.
- 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro - **2,000-4000 rubles.
- 📱 Mi 10T Pro - **5,000-8000 rub.
- 📱 Poco X3 NFC — **1,500-3,000 rubles.
💡
If the phone is locked after buying used and the seller does not respond, contact the police with a statement of fraud (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code), in some cases this helps to return money or force the seller to provide data from the Mi Account.