Xiaomi phone locked: 7 proven ways to unlock

You picked up your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but instead of the usual screen, you saw the words "Device locked"? This situation is familiar to thousands of users - a smartphone can lock after incorrectly entering a password, crashing firmware or activating Mi Account protection. In 80% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself without contacting the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for blocking (from the banal forgotten). PIN-code before hardware failures and give step-by-step instructions for each model - from Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 14 We will pay special attention to bypassing the Mi Account lock without losing data - this method works even on the latest versions. MIUI 14/15. Important: Some methods require prior preparation (for example, included debugging on the USB), So read carefully!

Why Xiaomi is blocked: 5 main reasons

Before you start unlocking, you need to understand what caused the lock, which determines the choice of recovery method. Here is a full list of reasons with clarifications for Xiaomi:

• 🔐 Password misentry/PIN/graphical key - after 5–10 Failed attempts to block the device 30 Seconds, Minutes, or Forever (depending on version) MIUI). Nana POCO F5 The new models are protected after 3 mistake.
• 📱 Activation of Mi Account – if you reset your phone through Recovery without detachment of your account, you will need to enter the username / password of the previous owner when you turn on.
• 🔄 Failure of firmware or update – if the phone is locked after the update MIUI or a failed firmware through Fastboot, the cause may be damage to the system partition or boot.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions – damage to flash memory (especially on Redmi) 9A Redmi 10, eMMC chip dump or battery problems can simulate software lock.
• 🚨 Remote lock – if the phone is stolen or lost, the previous owner could lock it through the Find Device service (similar to Find iPhone»).

The most dangerous locks associated with Mi Account and firmware damage are those that require special tools (for example, Mi Flash Tool or Firmware). EDL-If the phone simply asks for a password after rebooting, the chances of unlocking without losing data are 90%.

Method 1: Unblocking through Google account (for Android 9 and below)

This method only works on older models (Redmi 5/6, Mi A1/A2) with Android version up to 9.0. On new devices (MIUI 12+), Google has removed the ability to reset passwords through an account for security reasons.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Click on this caption and select “Restore via Google”.
3. Enter the login and password from the account that was linked to the phone before blocking.
4. Create a new one. PIN-code.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone asks for Mi Account instead of Google, that won't work. Go to method 3 or 4.

If you don't remember your Google account details, try to restore them through the recovery page. Please note that after resetting your password, you may need to confirm via SMS or backup email.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

The most reliable, but radical method is a full reset via Recovery, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the POCO X5 and Redmi Note 13, but has two disadvantages:

• 📉 All data (photos, contacts, messages) are deleted).
• 🔒 If you were tied Mi Account, after the reset will need to enter his data.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

If you need Mi Account after reset and you don’t remember the previous owner’s data, go to method 5 (bypassing EDL). On some models (Redmi 7/8), you can try to delete the account via ADB (mode 4).

Method 3: Unlocking through Find Device (official method)

If the phone has Find Device enabled, it can be unlocked remotely via Xiaomi’s website, which works even if the phone is not connected to the Internet (the team will go the first time it connects to the network).

How to unlock:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. In the Devices section, select a locked smartphone.
3. Click "Find the device" → "Unlock".
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• 🔹 It only works if your phone is tied to your Mi Account.
• 🔹 In some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) Confirmation is required through SMS on a locked device (which is not possible).
• 🔹 If the phone is turned off, the command will be executed only after it is turned on and connected to the Internet.

💡

If you don’t have access to the linked phone number to confirm in Mi Account, try to restore access via backup email or contact Xiaomi with documents on the device.

Method 4: Delete password through ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if the debugging mode on the phone is enabled USB (USB Debugging) and there's access to a computer. It allows you to delete a password file without completely resetting, saving data. MIUI 10–14.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (If not included, the method will not work).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux).




3. Enter the commands in order:




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key # for pattern lock




rm /data/system/password.key # for PIN/password




reboot




4. Upon rebooting, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13, POCO F5 Pro) password files can be stored in an encrypted partition. If the phone still asks for a password after completing the commands, try deleting the file. /data/system/locksettings.db (rm /data/system/locksettings.db).

If USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work, so only hardware (EDL or flashing) is left.

Method 5: Bypassing Mi Accounts through EDL-mode (for technically savvy people)

If the phone requires a Mi Account after a reset, and you don't know the previous owner's data, the only way to work is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which removes the account's binding, but requires:

• 🔧 Special cable (EDL-cable) or short circuit test points on the board.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader (on new models).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from Xiaomi Firmware.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
3. Put the phone in mode. EDL: For the Redmi Note 8/9/10: Hold the volume up + Loud down and plug in. USB-For Xiaomi. 11/12/13: You will need to disassemble the phone and close the test points on the board.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Mi Account

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4) instead EDL mode BROM. He needs a program. SP Flash Tool and an authorized Xiaomi account.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. Wrong firmware through the EDL can permanently disable the phone (for example, damage the IMEI).

💡

Firmware via EDL is the only way to bypass Mi Account on new Xiaomi models (2022 and later), but requires technical skills and special equipment.

Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all previous methods have failed, the official way is to contact Xiaomi Service Center, which is relevant in cases where:

• 🔒 Phone locked via Find Device (remote lock).
• 🛠️ Requires hardware repair (e.g., flash memory replacement).
• 📄 You need to confirm the ownership (if the phone is used).

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or box IMEI (proof-of-purchase).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1,500 to 5,000) ₽ depending on the problem).

The service centre may:

• 🔓 Reset your Mi Account through official tools (if you provide proof of purchase).
• 🛠️ Replace damaged components (e.g. flash memory on Redmi 8, prone to dumps).

⚠️ Important: If the phone is stolen, the service center is not allowed to unlock it, which is against the law, and in such cases, the device is returned to the previous owner or handed over to the police.

Method 7: Alternative methods (at your own risk)

There are dozens of “magic” ways to unlock Xiaomi online, but most of them either don’t work or are dangerous.

• 🔗 Exploiting vulnerabilities MIUI — on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 12.0.3) can be bypassed through Emergency Call, but Xiaomi quickly closes the holes.
• 📱 Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) — It allows you to reset your password without losing data, but requires an unlocked bootloader. (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) loader is blocked after reset.
• 💻 Using unlockers (e.g. Mi Account Unlock Tool), most of which are viruses or frauds, with the exception of XiaomiTool. V2, But it only works with official firmware.

Risks of alternative methods:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if you open the phone or stitch unofficial software).
• 🔥 Damage to the firmware (“bricking” of the phone).
• 🕵️ Data theft (using dubious programs).

⚠️ Attention: forums often advise to “roll back firmware to the old version” MIUI», It's only working on Redmi in practice. 4X On newer models (Xiaomi 11 and newer), the rollback of the firmware leads to a permanent locking of the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi