Xiaomi Device Locked: 7 Proven Unlocking Ways (Including 4PDA Methods)

Xiaomi’s locked smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day, ranging from the banal forgetfulness of the password to the Mi Account protection triggered after resetting. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi’s unlocking is complicated by a layered security system where standard methods like hard reset often don’t work. The 4PDA forum has dozens of themes with solutions, from official tools to gray workarounds, but most require technical training.

In this article, we have systematized 7 working ways to unlock, including little-known tricks using Fastboot, EDL mode and even TestPoint bypass. Particular attention was paid to methods that do not require proof of ownership through documents – relevant for devices purchased with hands. All instructions are tested on models from 2020 to 2026, including the Redmi Note 12 series, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T.

1.Why Xiaomi is blocked: 5 main reasons

Xiaomi’s lock mechanisms don’t just work when you type in the wrong password, it can lock the device even after a hardware reset if you previously tied the Mi Account. Here’s the full list of triggers:

• 🔒 Repeated incorrect password/pattern lock entry – after 5-10 attempts, the system requires the username/password from Mi Account.
• 🔄 Resetting settings (Hard Reset) without detachment of the account - activates FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection).
• 📱 Installation of custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader - leads to a "brick" (the device is not turned on).
• 🚨 Suspicious activity – for example, attempting to unlock through ADB developerless.
• 🔧 Hardware manipulations – replacement of motherboard or memory module without synchronization with Xiaomi servers.

It's important to understand that Mi Account locking and Bootloader Lock are two different things: the first is done by entering account data or by crawling service centers, the second requires official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. 4PDA often confuses these concepts, leading to non-working tips.

⚠️ Note: If the device is locked after a handheld purchase and the previous owner has not untied the Mi Account, the official unlock methods will not work).

2.Official method: Unblocking through Mi Account

The most legal and safe method is to use a Mi Account attached, which is suitable if:

• 📧 You have access to email/phone-linked.
• 🔑 You remember your password or you can restore it.
• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (or a similar inscription in English).
2. Enter the email/phone associated with the Mi Account and the password.
3. Confirm the entry via SMS or email code.
4. Reset the screen lock password in the Settings menu → Password and security.

If your device is not connected to the network due to a lock, use the Restore mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this will delete all data!).
4. After the reboot, enter the Mi Account data at the setup stage.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After the reset, you may need to verify ownership through a scan of the document (passport, check). If the smartphone is bought with hands, this method will not work.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔓 The device does not respond to the data input Mi Account.
• 🖥️ You have a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB/Fastboot.
• 📌 You are ready for possible data loss.

Procedure:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Turn the device into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the smartphone. (b) Press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.
5. Follow the instructions (usually wait 72 to 168 hours to unlock the bootloader).

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try the alternative method using the Fastboot commands:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flashing unlock

There are modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool on 4PDA without waiting, but their use can lead to IMEI blocking or loss of warranty. An example of such a utility is XiaoMiTool V2, but it does not work on all models.

EDL mode: the extreme method for "bricks"

If the device doesn't turn on at all (called a "brick"), only EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode remains.

• 💻 PC with Qualcomm QDLoader or MiFlash installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data support (not all cables are suitable!).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from the official website or verified sources to the 4PDA).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power at the same time and connect to the PC. The screen should remain black.
3. Open Device Manager on PC and check if the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device has appeared.
4. Start MiFlash, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Not all models support all models. EDL without authorization (e.g. Redmi Note 11 requires an authorized developer account).
• ⚠️ The wrong firmware can finally "kill" the device.
• ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) EDL locked without a special key.

5. bypass Mi Account without data loss (methods with 4PDA)

If the official methods don’t work, 4PDA offers several workarounds, and note that these methods may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement and result in the device being locked at the IMEI level.

Method 1: ADB (for MIUI 12 and older)

1. Connect the device to your PC and enable USB Debugging (if not already blocked).
2. Enter the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.MiuiSettings
3. In the settings that open, go to Additional → Special Options → Delete Mi Account.

Method 2: Service codes (works on some Redmi models):

1. Enter the code on the lock screen: ##3646633##.
2. Go to the EngineerMode menu → Account → Remove Account.

Method 3: Through modified Recovery (e.g., OrangeFox or TWRP):

• 🔧 An unlocked loader is required.
• 📥 Download custom Recovery for your model with 4PDA.
• 🔄 Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
• V TWRP delete files /data/system/mi_account.db and /data/system/locksettings.db.

⚠️ Note: After using informal methods, the device may lose access to Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud or Mi Pay), and the probability of blocking the account for “suspicious activity” is high".

6. TestPoint: Unlocking through Contact Closing

TestPoint is a physical circuit of the motherboard to force the device to EDL mode. Used when the software is not working. Requires disassembly of the device and soldering skills!

Instructions (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro):

1. Turn off the device and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Remove the back cover (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
3. Find TestPoint on the board (usually two metal dots labeled EDL or TP). For precise location, look for 4PDA circuits by model.
4. Close the contacts with tweezers or a needle, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
5. The device should be identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
6. Swipe the stock firmware through MiFlash.

Risks of the method:

💡

Before disassembly, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will help to assemble the device back without "extra" details.

7. Alternative solutions: service centers and code purchase

If the self-unlocking failed, there are two options:

1. Official Xiaomi Service Center

• ❌ Cons: Require a check or documents for the device, cost from 1,500 to 5,000 ₽.

2. Purchase of the unlock code

• Nana 4PDA Telegram channels sell codes to unlock Mi Account (price: 300-1000) ₽).

3. Guarantee exchange

• If the device warranty and lock occurred due to the fault of the firmware, you can require a replacement.
• In Russia, from 2026, the guarantee exchange is regulated by the law “On Protection of Consumer Rights” (Article 18).

💡

Before contacting the service center, make sure that the device is not installed custom firmware - this will cancel the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi