Forgot the password from Xiaomi smartphone and fear that the device will lock forever after several failed attempts? This situation is familiar to many users, especially if the gadget has long been unused or the password is entered by a child. The manufacturer sets strict limits on the number of attempts to enter, but the rules depend on the version of MIUI, device model and even the type of lock (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).
In this article, we will discuss in detail: how many times you can make a mistake when entering a password on different devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, What happens after the limit is exhausted, how to avoid a complete data reset, and what formal and informal methods of unlocking exist, and you will also learn why some models lock after the end of the block. 5 Attempts and at others only after 20, How does this relate to Google’s security settings? FRP.
Official limits of attempts to enter a password on Xiaomi
Xiaomi does not advertise exact figures of restrictions, but the results of testing of different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and MIUI versions (12-15) revealed patterns.
- 🔢 PIN-code: usually 5-10 attempts, after which the device is locked for 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc. (progressive locking).
- 🔄 pattern lock: 5 attempts, then lock for 30 seconds. After 20 failed attempts, complete lockdown.
- 👆 Fingerprint/Face: does not restrict the entry of a password directly, but after 5 Failed scans require the introduction of PIN/graphical.
- 🔑 Password (text): the most stringent mode - 5 attempts, then lock for 1-30 minutes or completely reset to factory settings after 20 attempts (on devices with a full setup). MIUI 14+ activated FRP).
Important: On devices with corporate security policies (such as those released for the EU or US market), the limits are tighter, for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro with Global ROM firmware can be locked permanently after 10 failed password attempts if Google’s Find My Device feature is enabled.
What happens after the limit of attempts is exhausted
The consequences depend on the MIUI version and the status of the Mi Account:
| Number of failed attempts | MIUI 12–13 | MIUI 14–15 | Devices with FRP (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 | Lock for 30 seconds | Lock for 1 minute | Requirement to enter a Google account |
| 15–20 | 5-minute lockdown | Lockdown for 30 minutes | Reset to factory settings (unless the Mi Account is tied) |
| 20+ | Requirement for reset via Mi Account | Automatic reset (on some models) | FRP lock (requires unlocking via PC) |
For example, on the POCO X5 Pro with MIUI 14 Global, after 20 failed password attempts, the system will offer only two options: enter data from the Mi Account (if it was tied) or perform a full reset via Fastboot, all data on the device will be deleted, including photos and messages.
⚠️ Note: If the device has enabled the function Data Protection when blocked (located in Settings) → Passwords and security, after 10 failed attempts, all files in the folder DCIM (Photos/video) will be encrypted and will become unavailable even after unlocking.
How to avoid blocking: tips for restoring access
If you haven’t exhausted all attempts yet, but are afraid to block the device, follow these steps:
Try to remember the backup PIN (if you have installed it)
Connect the device to charging – sometimes a discharged battery knocks down the attempt counter
Use the "Forgot Password?" function (not available on all models)
Try unlocking through Mi Account at account.xiaomi.com-->
If your device is already locked but you remember the Mi Account data, follow these steps:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- Select the locked device in the Device Management section.
- Click Unlock the screen and follow the instructions (SMS or email confirmation will be required).
If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you only have to reset through Recovery mode, but this will result in the loss of all the data. For more details, see the next section.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.keyThis method only works on older versions. MIUI (up to 12.5) and requires root rights.-->
Reset password through Recovery Mode: step-by-step instructions
If other methods fail, you’ll have to reset the device to factory settings, which is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but deletes all data!
Instructions:
- Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time (on some models – Volume up + Volume down).
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
- After reset, select Reboot.
On new devices (such as the Xiaomi 13/14 series), the Recovery menu can be hidden.
- 🔌 Connect the device to the PC through USB.
- 🖥️ Install the Mi Flash Tool.
- 📱 Hold the Loud down. + Power to go to Fastboot mode.
- 🔄 In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and flash the stock firmware.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with locking FRP (Factory Reset Protection, after resetting via Recovery, will require you to enter data from the last synchronized Google account. If you do not remember them, unlocking is possible only through specialized services (for example, through specialized services, FRP Bypass Tools).
Unlocking through Mi Account: nuances and limitations
The most reliable way to unlock is through a tied Mi Account, but there are a few pitfalls:
- 📧 The account must be confirmed by email/SMS. If there is no confirmation, unlocking is not possible.
- 🔄 On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After unlocking through Mi Account, you need to reconfigure the pattern lock or PIN.
- 🛡️ If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device, you will need code from the Mi Security app or SMS.
- ⏳ The unlocking process can take up to 72 hours (on high-security devices like Xiaomi). MIX Fold 3).
To unlock the device through Mi Account:
- On the locked screen, click Forgot your password? (if the option is available).
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to connect to Wi-Fi).
If you have forgotten your password? is missing, try unlocking your device through the web version of Mi Account:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- Log in and select the locked device in the Device Management section.
- Click Unlock the screen and confirm the action.
What to do if your Mi Account is not tied?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make things worse by making common mistakes, and this is what you can’t do when you block Xiaomi:
- 🔋 Unloading the device in the hope of resetting the counter attempts – it does not work, and low charge can lead to data loss.
- 🔄 Trying to sew up custom Recovery (TWRP) without unlocking the bootloader - this will lead to a brick (breakdown) of the device.
- 📱 Use black-blocking services – many of them are fraudulent and can steal data.
- 🔑 Enter random passwords in the hope of guessing – after 20 attempts on new devices, an automatic reset is triggered.
Instead:
- ✅ Try to remember the password using the prompts (if they were set).
- ✅ Check if your smartphone is connected to the Mi Cloud – sometimes backups contain data to unlock.
- ✅ Contact the official service center – they have the tools to unlock without losing data (if you have a check about the purchase).
💡
If the device is synced to Mi Cloud, after unlocking (even through reset), some of the data (contacts, notes, photos) can be recovered from the cloud, but messages and applications will be lost forever.