Forgot the password on Xiaomi Mi? full guide to unlocking 2026

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Mi smartphone is a situation that almost every user has faced, and it is especially unpleasant when the device stores important data: photos, contacts, work documents or access to banking applications. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to restore access - from simply entering a backup. PIN-code before complex manipulations via Fastboot mode or ADB.

In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for Xiaomi Mi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models from 2020-2026), taking into account the features of MIUI different versions. Importantly, some methods will lead to complete data loss, so try the options without resetting first. If the phone is synchronized with Mi Cloud, the chances of recovering information after unlocking are much higher.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 🔗 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 📱 The phone previously added a Mi Account and enabled synchronization.
• 🔑 You remember the login (email/phone number) and account password.

After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option Forgot the password.

1. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the device.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or backup email.
4. Create a new password to unlock the screen.

⚠️ Note: If the device is enabled with the option Find the device in Mi Cloud, after unlocking through the account, additional confirmation may be required by the user. SMS You can't get back to the number you're tied to.

2. Use of backup PIN-code-key

Many users do not know that when creating a password for Xiaomi Mi, the system offers to set a backup. PIN-If you have set it, after 5 wrong attempts to enter the main password, the reserve button will appear. PIN.

Similarly, a pattern lock recovery works (if it has been configured as an alternative method) to check this option:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?”
2. Select Enter a backup PIN or a pattern lock.
3. Enter a backup code or draw a pattern.

If the backup method has not been configured, the system will redirect you to unlock via Mi Account (see previous section).

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Check notebooks, mail or notes – sometimes users keep backups PIN-codes in cloud services (Google Keep, Evernote) or on paper.

3.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If previous methods failed, it is hard to reset through Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, apps and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the phone.

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi/Redmi/POCO (relevant to MIUI 12-14):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) 10T, Redmi K40) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account tied to the device, without which the phone will turn into a “brick” (see the section on Mi Cloud Lock).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If resetting via Recovery doesn’t help (for example, because of Mi Cloud Lock), you can try flashing the device through Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

Install Xiaomi USB Drivers | Download Mi Flash Tool | Download firmware for your model | Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode

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1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ drive (the path without spaces!).
3. Install Android SDK Platform Tools (for fastboot commands).
4. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Volume down + Power until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
6. Run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All option).

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once you restart, the device will unlock, but all the data will be deleted. If the Mi Flash Tool gives an anti-rollback error, then you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI - download the current firmware.

5. Bypassing locking through ADB (for debugging MIUI only)

If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps → For developers → USB debugging), you can try unlocking the screen through ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reset, the password should be reset, and if not, repeat the steps or try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Note: This method only works on MIUI Up to version 12.5 (MIUI 13+) Xiaomi has closed this vulnerability, and ADB-Unlocking is impossible without root rights.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you have to contact the official service center.

• 🔒 Phone is tied to Mi Account and access to it is lost.
• 📱 This device is locked (activated by Mi Cloud Lock).
• 🛠️ You can’t flash your phone through Fastboot (anti-rollback or invalid image errors).

To contact the service you will need:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Document confirming the purchase (for example, a bank card statement).
• 📧 Access to the email linked to Mi Account (if proof of ownership is required).

The cost of unlocking in unofficial services varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model. Xiaomi official centers can refuse to unlock without proof of purchase.

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If the phone has enabled Find the device in Mi Cloud, the service center will be able to unlock it only after confirming ownership via email or SMS.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Set up a backup. PIN-code or pattern lock in Settings → Screen locking.
• 📧 Link Mi Account and enable data synchronization in Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📝 Save your passwords in a safe place (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Enable Smart Lock (unlocking by Bluetooth device or location) in Settings → Security.

We also recommend disabling Find your device in Mi Cloud if you don’t use it to find your phone, which will eliminate the need to prove ownership when you reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi