How to remove 'This device is locked' on Xiaomi and Redmi: full instructions

The appearance of the message “this device is locked” on the screen of a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is a signal that the anti-theft mechanism, known as Mi Account Lock or FRP (Factory Reset Protection), is activated. Most often users face this problem after buying a device from their hands, resetting through Recovery without first logging out of the account or using unverified firmware.

Ignoring this warning will not cause the lock to disappear, as it is tied to a unique device identifier on the manufacturer’s servers. Xiaomi has implemented this mechanism to protect users’ personal data in the event of loss of a gadget. However, in situations where the legitimate owner can not remember the password or bought the phone from an unscrupulous seller, specific methods of bypassing or completely de-associating are required.

In this article, we will discuss the technical aspects of MIUI protection, how to legally unlock through access restoration, and the methods used in forgotten accounts. It is important to understand the difference between locking a bootloader and locking an account, since the approaches to solving these are radically different.

The Nature of Blocking: Mi Account vs. FRP

To effectively address the problem, you need to be clear about what type of protection you are facing. There are two basic layers of protection in the Xiaomi ecosystem that are often confused. The first layer is the Mi Account binding, which is activated immediately after you enter your username and password in the phone's settings menu. The second layer is Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is part of the Android operating system and requires you to confirm your Google account after a reset.

The message “this device is locked” most often indicates that the Mi Cloud Lock has been activated. In this case, the system requires you to enter a password from a Mi Account that was previously synchronized with the device. If the phone was dropped through the Recovery menu without first logging out of the account, the Xiaomi server marks the device as stolen or lost, blocking its use. This is iron and server-level protection that can not be circumvented by simple reflashing.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to multiple enter incorrect passwords can temporarily block authorization for 24 hours or more. Do not try to guess the code by pumping unless you are sure of the data.

Unlike Mi Account, Google FRP is activated if the phone has been linked to Google email. Once the settings are reset, the system will require you to enter a password from this particular Google account. Critically, to unlock Redmi with Mi Account, Internet access is mandatory, since the verification is done in real time through the manufacturer's servers. Without a connection to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, the authorization process cannot be started.

You can distinguish between these types of locks by the welcome screen. If the system requires you to enter a password from Mi Account (often with an email mask), this is Xiaomi protection. If you request a Google account (gmail), this is standard Android protection. In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, hybrid scenarios may occur that require you to go through both stages of verification in a consistent manner.

Legal methods of restoring access

The most reliable and secure way to remove the words “this device is locked” is to restore access to the account to which the device is associated. If you are the legal owner, but forgot the login details, Xiaomi provides recovery tools.

To start, try to recover your password through the official Mi Account website. You will need access to the phone number or backup email that was provided during registration. If this data is available, the procedure takes a few minutes. After changing the password, you need to wait some time (usually 15 minutes to 24 hours) before trying to log in to the locked device for the servers to update status.

• 📱 Go to the official password recovery page of i.mi.com.
• 📧 Enter the phone number or email associated with the Mi Account.
• 🔑 Follow the instructions to receive the confirmation code through SMS postage.
• ⏳ After a successful password change, wait at least 15 minutes before logging in on your phone.

If the phone number associated with the account is lost or the SIM card is no longer active, the process becomes complicated, in which case you will need to contact Xiaomi support with a receipt for the purchase of the device. Documentary confirmation of purchase is the only way to legally untie the device from the account of the previous owner through the service center.

Importantly, once you have a new password, the system may require confirmation through a previously trusted device. If you have another Xiaomi smartphone or tablet with the same account login, the confirmation will come in, part of a security system designed to prevent unauthorized access even when you know the password.

Unlocking through the Engineering Menu and ADB

For advanced users who don’t have access to an account but can boot into or Recovery with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) support, there are technical methods for bypassing. However, it’s worth noting that these methods don’t work on all versions of MIUI and depend on the Android version. Many vulnerabilities are closed on new firmware (Android 11/12/13).

One common way involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the activation interface or using special scripts through the use of a security system. ADB. This requires connecting the phone to your computer and having drivers installed. Commands are entered into the console, allowing you to delete the system packages responsible for checking the account, or change the date and time settings to bypass the console. SSL-check-up.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.provision

Executing such commands requires caution. Disabling system services can lead to unstable device operation or "bootloop" (cyclical reboot). ADB gives broad rights, and an error in the syntax of the command can make the phone unusable without deep flashing by the programmer.

There is also a method of exploiting browser vulnerabilities on the activation screen, such as trying to run a voice assistant or special features menu during a Wi-Fi setup can open access to settings or a browser. You can download third-party launcher apps or password reset tools through a browser, but this method is extremely dependent on the specific version of the firmware.

Using specialized software to unlock

When standard methods don’t work, users often turn to specialized software. There are many tools on the market, such as the Mi Unlock Tool (official, but requires unlocking the bootloader), as well as third-party utilities like XiaomiTool V2, Miracle Box or paid services for removing FRP. These programs automate the process of introducing patches into the system.

The official Mi Unlock tool is designed to unlock the bootloader, which allows you to install customized backups and firmware. However, if the phone is already blocked by Mi Account, simply unlocking the bootloader will not remove the lock account. Moreover, trying to unlock the bootloader on the locked device through the official application is often impossible, since it requires authorization in the Mi Account, which is blocked.

Third-party programs often use exploits to temporarily disable account verification. They can create a new user profile or change system files to make the phone forget about the authorization requirement. However, such methods are often temporary: after a full reset, the lock can return.

⚠️ WARNING: Using paid "boxes" and unlock programs from unknown developers can lead to theft of your personal data.Always check the tool's reputation before paying.

Risks and Consequences of Self-Unblocking

When trying to unlock Redmi or Xiaomi on their own, users often forget about the potential risks.In addition to losing warranty, there are more serious technical problems.Incorrect interference in the system partition can damage the bootloader, which will turn the phone into a “brick” that does not turn on and does not respond to buttons.

Another aspect is data security: FRP bypassing techniques often involve exploiting vulnerabilities that can leave a back door in the system. The attackers who created these methods could theoretically access your device in the future. Also, using someone else’s Mi accounts to unlock (if offered on the services) can lead to the account owner’s re-blocking of the device at any time.

Financial losses are another factor: buying paid unlocking services does not guarantee results; if the method does not work, it will be almost impossible to recover money; and some methods require payment for each attempt, which in total can exceed the cost of services of the official service center.

It is also important to consider the legal aspect: unlocking a device that is wanted or stolen is illegal, and if the IMEI of a phone is blacklisted, no software method can make it a complete device for use in carrier networks.

Prevention of blocking and advice to owners

To never encounter a “this device is locked” problem, you should follow simple digital hygiene rules: First of all, always log out of your Mi and Google account before selling or transferring the device to another person, this is done through the Settings menu → Mi Account → Sign out.

Regularly update passwords and store them in a secure location, such as a paper notebook or password manager, link your current phone number and backup email to your account, which will make it much easier to recover if data is lost. Family Sharing can be used for family devices to manage your child or elderly relative’s account.

• 🔒 Always log out before resetting your account (Hard Reset).
• 📝 Record your account details when buying a new phone.
• 🛡️ Do not buy used Xiaomi phones without checking for Mi Account locks.
• 🔄 Check the active device list in Mi Account security settings regularly.

When you buy a used smartphone, make sure you do a full check. Turn on your phone, connect to Wi-Fi, and try resetting your settings through Recovery. If the phone requires a password from an account that the seller cannot provide, you should refuse the purchase. This is the only way to ensure that the device is not stolen.

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Save your device purchase check electronically (photo) in the cloud, the strongest argument for proof of ownership of a device in the event of a lock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The only guaranteed way to remove the lock "This device is locked" without risk is to restore access to the account through the official procedure or the presence of a check for the service center.