You pick up your Xiaomi, and you have a screen that says, "Device locked," or you have a password from a Mi Account you don't remember, or worse, the phone doesn't respond to any taps after failing to unlock, and that's a situation that thousands of users know, and the reasons can range from simple forgetfulness to theft security triggering, and the key is not to panic and try to "hack" the device at random: it can lead to complete data loss or a smartphone becoming a brick.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO β From official methods through Mi Unlock Tool to bypassing FRP-Factory Reset Protection on Android 10β14, each method illustrated with screenshots (where possible) and with risk warnings. If your phone has been stolen, it may be illegal to do so β we only consider legal scenarios (e.g., restoring access to your device).
Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Do you remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone? 2. Was the device enabled with Find Device?
The answers are what works for you, and if you don't, don't despair: even in the most difficult cases, there are workarounds.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If the phone is locked due to multiple mistyping of a password or pattern lock, but you have access to Mi Account (mail or phone number tied to the device), this method will work in 90% of cases. Xiaomi uses cloud-based binding, so even after resetting, you can restore access.
Instructions:
- π± On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password?).
- π§ Enter the email or phone number associated with Mi Account. If you don't remember, try to restore it through the official website.
- π The confirmation code will come to the mail/phone and enter it in the appropriate field.
- π Create a new password or a pattern lock!
β οΈ Note: If you enter the code and you have a Couldn't verify your account error, you may have linked the device to another region (e.g., China's Mi Account:
- Change the language of the interface to English (if available).
- Use a VPN with servers in China (for Chinese firmware).
- Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).
2. Reset settings via Recovery Mode (if you don't remember Mi Account)
If you lose your account and your phone is locked, you get a hard reset, which will delete all the data from your device but unlock it, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models based on Android 9-14.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: π± For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. π± For POCO F1/F2/F3: Loudness down + Nutrition. π± For Xiaomi. 12/13 Series: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
Wipe Data β Wipe All Data
Confirm the reset (usually with a power button).
After the reboot, the phone will be like new β you just have to reset it.
Turn off the phone from charging
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged
Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card
Remember the button combination for your model-->
β οΈ Attention: On phones with FRP-lockdown (Android 10)+) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked! If you do not know them, read the next section about the bypass FRP.
What is FRP-blocking?
3.Traffic bypass FRP-locking on Xiaomi (without Mi Account)
If you reset your phone with Recovery and you want to enter your Mi Account that you don't remember, you'll have to bypass FRP. The methods vary depending on the Android version and model. Below are the current methods for MIUI 12-14 firmware.
Method 1: Emergency Call (for MIUI 12β13)
- π On the lock screen, tap the Emergency Call).
- π’ Type #4636### and the test menu will open.
- π± Go to Usage Statistics β Settings (cog icon in upper right corner).
- π§ In the settings, turn on the debugging by USB And connect the phone to the PC.
- π» Use it on the computer. MIUI FRP Bypass Tool to remove lock.
Method 2: Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the previous method didnβt work, you can try removing FRP from Fastboot.
- π» A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π Firmware file for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash frp unlock.frp
fastboot rebootβ οΈ WARNING: Wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently damage the bootloader! If you are not sure, contact a specialist.
π‘
Before bypassing FRP, check if the phone has OEM Unlocking enabled in the developer settings, and if so, it needs to be disabled before reset, otherwise the bypass may not work.
4 Unlock via Mi Unlock Tool (if not activated)
If the phone is new and locked due to a non-activated Mi Account (for example, after buying from hand), you can use the official tool from Xiaomi - Mi Unlock Tool.
Instructions:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Register a new Mi Account (if not).
- On the phone: π± Go to Settings. β About the phone and tap 7 times according to the version MIUI, to activate the Developer Mode. π§ Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and include OEM Unlocking and Debugging USB. π Link your phone to your Mi Account in Settings β Xiaomi account.
Mi Unlock Tool
| Model phone | Supports Mi Unlock? | Waiting is required. |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 series | Yes. | 72-168 hours |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Yes. | 24-72 hours |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Yes. | 48-96 hours |
| Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One) | No. | β |
β οΈ Note: After sending a request to unlock, Xiaomi may require waiting 24 to 168 hours.This is normal - this is how intruder protection works.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all the previous methods have failed, you have to go to an authorized service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π¦ Phone box (with serial number).
- π Passport (for proof of identity).
The service centre may:
- π Unlock your phone through Xiaomiβs internal tools.
- π Reflash the device with data storage (in some cases).
- π Give a help to unlock through Mi Account (if the phone was stolen and found).
π‘ Tip: Before you visit the service center, check if the warranty period has expired. If the phone is guaranteed, unlocking can be free.
π‘
An official service center is the only legal way to unlock a phone if it is stolen and found, and it is illegal to attempt to circumvent the security by yourself.
6 Unblocking through third-party services (risks and cautions)
The Internet is full of offers like βunlock Xiaomi in 5 minutes!β from dubious services. Most of them are scams, but some can really help... for a fee.
Pros:
- β Quick solution (from 10 minutes to several hours).
- β They often work with new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13).
Cons:
- β The risk of losing data forever.
- β Possibility of installing malware.
- β Cost from 1000 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).
If you still decide, choose services with:
- π Official website and reviews on independent sites (for example, Otzovik).
- π Phone or chat support (check if they are responding).
- π³ Payment option after successful unlocking.
β οΈ Warning: Never send a service IMEI Or the serial number before payment! Fraudsters can lock the device through Mi Account permanently.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid having a locked phone, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use password management (e.g. Google Password Manager or Google Password Manager) 1Password) For storing data from Mi Account.
- π± Enable Smart Lock in Android settings so that your phone unlocks in secure places (such as at home).
- π Make regular backups via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
- π Write it down. IMEI Phone (Dial *#06#) and store it separately from the device.
π‘ Useful Lifehack: If you are afraid to forget your password, create a note on the lock screen with a hint (for example, βPassword β date of birth of the motherβ). + 123). For that purpose:
- Go to Settings β Lock screen β Text on the lock screen.
- Add text that reminds you of your password (but not the password itself!).
π‘
Even if youβre sure you wonβt forget your password, set up a backup unlock method (fingerprint, facial recognition, or other keyboards). PIN-This will save you 90% of emergencies.