When the screen of a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone suddenly goes out, and after turning on appears a frightening message The Device Is Locked, can cause panic even in an experienced user. This system notification indicates that the mechanism of protection against unauthorized software change or resetting of settings has worked, most often blocking occurs after a failed attempt to flash, install a custom recavereator or reset access rights through an engineering menu.
The problem is that you have to link your device to your Mi Account and protect the bootloader. If you forget your account password or you have your phone on hand, the system blocks access to basic functions. In some cases, the lock can be caused by a misdefinition of the device status by the company's servers, which requires immediate intervention. Understanding the cause of the error is the first step to successfully restore the device to work without contacting the service center.
It's important to realize that ignoring this message will lead to a complete lockdown of the interface. You can't log in, make calls or use apps. Android, in conjunction with the shell MIUI or HyperOS, strictly follow security protocols, so standard screen unlocking methods will not work here. You need to use specialized tools and clear algorithms of actions, which we will discuss later.
The Device is Locked Posts
The main cause of the error is a mismatch in the firmware digital signature or a change in system files without the owner's authorization. When a user tries to unlock a bootloader to install third-party software, the system checks the account status. If the procedure was not completed correctly or the server did not receive confirmation, a security mechanism is activated.
The second common reason is to buy a device that was previously pledged or stolen, and the owner of such a device could remotely lock it through the Find Device service, in which case the phone turns into a “brick” with limited functionality until the correct credentials are entered, and the lock can occur after a failed software update, when the process is interrupted and the bootloader files are corrupted.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and see this error, there is a high probability that the device was stolen. Contact the seller to find out the circumstances, as unlocking someone else's akkaMi Account without the owner's password is almost impossible by legal methods.
Technical failures are also not to be discounted: Glitches in the communication module or damage to the persist partition can lead to false alarm protection. In rare cases, an error appears after resetting the settings to the factory (Hard Reset), if you did not log out of your Google and Mi Account.
Can I get around the lock without a password?
Preparation for the procedure of unlocking the device
Before you start taking action, you need to carefully prepare the workspace and software. You will need a computer running Windows, as most utilities for Xiaomi work only in this environment. USB-cable, preferably original, to eliminate data transmission problems during critical operations.
Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60 percent charged. The process of flashing or resetting locks is energy-intensive, and suddenly turning off the device can lead to irreversible consequences for the bootloader. Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers in advance, as well as the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools platform or the official Mi Flash Tool utility.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
An important step is to check the status of your account. If you have access to your account, restore your password through mi.com. If you do not have access, prepare checks or documents confirming your purchase, as they may be needed to contact for support. Without these documents, unlocking can take weeks or be impossible.
Unlocking method through official Mi Unlock service
The most reliable and safe way to unblock is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which is designed specifically to unlock the bootloader and reset the account, provided that you are the legitimate owner.
To get started, download and install the utility on your computer. Run the program and log in to your Mi Account account that was linked to the locked device. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, pressing down and power at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and press Unlock in the program.
| Phase | Action. | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance to Mi Unlock | Account authorization |
| 2 | Connecting the phone | Definition of the device in Fastboot mode |
| 3 | Launching unlock | Starting the data cleanup process |
| 4 | Waiting. | Successful posting "Unlocked successfully" |
The system can tell you that unlocking is not possible right now and you have to wait a certain time (usually 72 hours to 7 days). This is normal safety practice. Retrying to unlock before the timer expires will reset the wait, and you have to start counting again. Wait until the deadline ends and repeat the procedure.
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Official unlocking via Mi Unlock completely clears the data from the device, so take care of backing up important information in advance, if possible.
Use of service codes and engineering menu
In some cases, especially in software failures, special service codes can help, allowing you to access hidden settings where you can reset the lock status or check the bootloader status. However, this method does not work on all versions of MIUI and requires caution, since changing the wrong parameters can disrupt the radio module.
To enter the engineering menu, use the standard command set in the Phone app. The most common codes for diagnosis and reset are:
- 📱 ##6484## - Enter the equipment testing menu (CIT).
- 🔧 ##4636## - Testing menu and phone information.
- 📡 ##778## - Service menu (requires a password).
- 🔄 ##34971539## - Camera firmware update menu (use with caution).
If your device is responding to code entry, try finding a Connectivity or Phone Info item and check the status. SIM-Sometimes switching network modes or resetting the modem through this menu helps to remove the program lock flag.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to reset the settings through the engineering menu if you do not understand the purpose of each item. IMEI and inability to connect to the mobile network.
Forced flashing through Recovery mode
If the software methods don't work, you'll have to have a complete flashing of the device, which requires you to download the current firmware version for your model from the official website, and the firmware file must have a.zip extension for installation via Recovery, or be in.tgz format for firmware via Fastboot on a PC.
Enter Recovery mode by pressing the power and volume buttons. Select the language (often available only in English and Chinese) and go to Wipe Data. Here you need to select Wipe All Data. If the device requests a password from your account, this method will not work without entering it, in which case only the Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash utility will help.
The process of firmware through the PC is as follows:
- Unpack the firmware archive in the root of the C disk.
- Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Choose the path to the firmware folder and click Flash.
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Select Clear All in the Mi Flash Tool to completely delete all data and locks. Save User Data can save the lock error.
Once the process is complete, the phone will restart. The first download can take up to 10-15 minutes. If The Device Is Locked error does not disappear, then the lock is at the server or bootloader level, and you need to wait for an unlock timer or contact the service.