Previous articleBlocked Xiaomi phone – what to do? 7 working ways to unlock

Why Xiaomi is blocked and what to do about it

You pick up your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro and the screen shows "Device locked" or requires a password from a Mi Account you don't remember? The situation is familiar to thousands of users - according to 2026 statistics, every 5th call to Xiaomi service centers is due to unlock problems. The reasons can be different from banal forgetfulness to hardware failures after the update of MIUI 15.

The key is not to panic, because 90 percent of the time, you can unlock your phone yourself without having to pay for it, but you have to first determine the type of lock.

• 🔒 Screen locking (PIN, pattern lock, print)
• 📱 Mi Account (requires login/password after reset)
• 📡 IMEI-blocking (after theft or unofficial firmware)
• 🔄 Black screen with the words "This device is locked")

Each case requires a different approach, for example, if you just forgot the pattern lock on the Redmi A2, a reset via Recovery Mode will help. But if you lock the Mi Account after buying a used phone, you will have to prove ownership through Xiaomi support, then we will analyze all the scenarios with step-by-step instructions and nuances for different models.

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account (if you remember the data)

The easiest way is when the phone requires data from the Mi Account, but you remember the email and password, and this method works even after a hard reset, if the account was previously linked to the device.

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot password?" (or "Forgot password?" on English firmware).
2. Enter the email linked to your Mi Account. If you don’t remember, check your mailboxes for emails from service@xiaomi.com.
3. The email will be sent with a password reset link, and the link will only be valid for 24 hours.
4. Create a new password and log in to your phone.

If the letter doesn't come in:

• 📧 Check the spam folder in the mail.
• 🔄 Try to send the request again in 10 minutes.
• 🌐 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

💡

If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) and access to the backup code is lost, contact Xiaomi with a photo of the phone box (you need an IMEI and a serial number).

⚠️ Note: Don’t try to enter a password at random! After 5 failed attempts, Xiaomi can block the account for 24 hours or even require confirmation through the Internet. SMS number-bound.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if you forgot the pattern lock/PIN)

If the phone is locked because of a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-The Mi Account is not tied to the code, and the reset through recovery mode will help. 11/12, POCO F4/F5, Mi 11 Lite et al. But keep in mind that all data on the phone will be erased!

Instructions for phones on MIUI 14/15:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select the language (if there is one).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Backup your important data (if your phone has previously synced with Google)

Make sure that Mi Account is not tied (otherwise, after the reset, you will need to enter account data)-->

Once you reboot, the phone will be like new, you'll need an initial setup. If you request Mi Account data, go to Method 4.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or the phone gives an error "This device is locked", you can try unlocking via Fastboot. ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for models with unlocked loader (Redmi) K50, POCO F4 GT etc.).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue:

fastboot oem unlock

On the phone, confirm the unlock (if you receive a request).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot resets the phone to factory settings and may result in a loss of warranty on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro).

Method 4: Unlock Mi Account without access to mail

The most difficult situation is when the phone requires Mi Account data, but you don't remember the email/password, and the mail is lost, in which case you can officially unlock the phone only through Xiaomi support, providing proof of purchase.

1. Go to the Mi Account site and try to restore access through the linked phone number (if any).
2. If recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi with photos: 📄 Check/check with date of purchase (must be visible) IMEI phone). 📦 Phone box (requires a serial number and IMEI). 📱 Phone screen with lock message (to confirm problem).
3. Fill out the application form by specifying: IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# on another device or on the sticker under the battery); Serial number (on the box or under the phone lid); Reason for blocking (forgot the password, bought the used one, etc.).

The timeframe for processing the request is 3 to 14 days, and if the phone is purchased by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, the chances of unlocking the account are minimal.

• 🔧 Contact an unofficial service (risk of fraud!).
• 🔄 Buying a new motherboard (expensive but guaranteed to work).

💡

Xiaomi will never unlock Mi Account without proof of purchase! If the phone is bought with hands, ask the seller to unbundle the account before payment.

Method 5: Bypassing locking through EDL Mode (for power users)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.The method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable. USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model.
• 🔓 Unblocked Mi Unlock account (if bootloader is blocked).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (this is a sign of EDL login).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Device Manager should have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. Once it's finished, the phone will reboot in a factory state. Importantly, this method erases all data, including locking Mi Account, but only if the firmware is official and fits your model!

1. Reinstall the Qualcomm driver manually.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable the antivirus (it can block access to the firmware).-->

Method 6: Unlock IMEI (if the phone is blacklisted)

If the phone is locked by IMEI (showing "This device is blocked" or "Network locked"), it means that it is listed in the database of stolen or unpaid devices, which is imposed either by the carrier or by Xiaomi itself at the request of the previous owner.

1. Contact the operator (if the lock is via MTS/Beeline/MegaFon): Provide a contract of sale. Pay possible debts (if the phone was on credit).
2. Change IMEI (illegal but working): Requires root rights and an engineering menu (#4636##) The risk of network lockdown after a firmware update.

Buy a new communication module

Redmi 9

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI It is illegal in most countries, including Russia (Article 13.3 of the Administrative Code), where if the phone is stolen, it is better to return it to the rightful owner or hand it over to the police.

Method 7: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📍 The addresses of the centers can be found on the Mi Service website.
• 💰 Unblocking cost: Mi Account: from 1500 to 5000 rubles (if you have a check). IMEI-lock: from 3000 rubles (without guarantee of success) Hardware failure: from 2000 rubles (replacement of the plume / display).
• ⏳ Timeframe: 1 day to 2 weeks (depending on complexity).

Before the visit, it is mandatory:

• 📋 Take your passport.
• 📄 Check or sales contract.
• 📱 Phone box (if any).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 30%.

If the phone is purchased abroad (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra from China), Russian service centers may refuse service, in which case contact global support through the Xiaomi Global website.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often make critical errors that can permanently disable the phone.

Another common problem is that the phone doesn't turn on after unlocking, and it could be related to:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• 🔌 Faulty charging/coupling (try another one).
• 🔄 Incorrect firmware (you need to sew your model!).

💡

If you don't turn on after unlocking your phone for more than a day, it's a hardware problem. Don't try to flash it again, just call the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions