Forgot the password on Xiaomi: how to unlock the phone without losing data

The problem of the blocked smartphone Xiaomi: what to do first

Forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that one in five users encounter at least once in their lives, especially after a long break in use of the device, changing the device. SIM-mapping MIUI. The main thing in this situation is not to panic and not try to guess the combination at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system will lock the device for 30 seconds, and after 20 - it can completely erase all data.

The first thing to do is to evaluate which protection data is installed on your Redmi, POCO or Black Shark:

• 🔑 Only a pattern lock is the easiest case, often unlocked through a Mi Account.
• 🔐 Password. + Fingerprint – requires confirmation via biometrics or backup PIN
• 📱 Password. + Mi Account – without an associated account, unlocking becomes more difficult
• 🛡️ Encryption of data – when reset via Recovery, all files will be lost

If you remember logins from linked services (Mi Account, Google, Samsung Knox when transferring data), the chances of recovering access without losing data are much higher, otherwise you will have to consider options with a complete reset.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi is to use the tied Mi Account. It works on all devices with MIUI 8 and newer, including the latest versions of HyperOS. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the linked email/phone.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
4. Create a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased by hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, this method will not work, in which case you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet

Know the email/phone from Mi Account

Have access to mail/SMS to confirm

Remember the reserve password (if set)

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Method 2: Using Recovery Mode (Reset to Factory Settings)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the only official way is to hard-reset via Recovery, which will remove all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps. File-Based Encryption devices may need to enter an old password after reset to decrypt internal memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone Power + Volume up before the Mi logo appears.
2. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
3. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
4. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 9 Pro) may be reset to request a password from the previous Mi Account (FRP). In this case, you will need to enter data from the last associated account.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If the device is enabled debugging over USB and it was previously connected to the computer, you can try resetting the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🖥️ The PC has installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB tools
• 🔌 The phone is recognized by the computer in debugging mode
• 📱 The device is allowed to debug by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode)

Password reset commands:

adb shell


su




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




reboot

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 13+ And HyperOS, this method may not work because of the increased protection, and after the instructions are executed, there may be errors in the system that require a complete reset.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

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Method 4: Bypass locking through Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

The Fastboot method is suitable for devices that have Anti-Rollback protection disabled and the bootloader unlocked. It allows you to reflash the device with all data deleted, including the lock password. Attention: this method can lead to loss of warranty and does not work on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro on global firmware).

Tools required:

• 💻 Computer with Mi Flash Tool and drivers installed
• 📥 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

Process:

1. Transfer the phone to Fastboot: Power + Volume down.
2. Connect to your PC and check for device recognition by the fastboot device command.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes) and restart the device.

💡

Fastboot flashing removes all data, including the lock password, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On newer models (Xiaomi 14, POCO F5), the bootloader is locked by default and it takes up to 720 hours to unlock.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging the device, the safest solution is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📱 Data encryption devices (FBE)
• 🔒 Phones purchased from hands without detachment of the previous account
• 🛠️ Models with hardware problems (not switched on, not charged)

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase)
• 📦 Original box (box from the device)
• 🆔 Passport of the owner

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and complexity, in some cases (for example, if the hardware damage connector) may require paid repairs.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi on their own, users often make critical errors that can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device.

⚠️ Note: In the forums, you often find tips for using programs such as Mi Account Unlock Tool or FRP Bypass APK. These tools not only violate Xiaomi’s terms of use, but may also contain malware. Xiaomi’s official support does not help in cases of blocking after using such methods.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions