Xiaomi is blocked: what to do if the smartphone is not unlocked

You picked up your Xiaomi, but instead of the usual screen you see the words "Device locked" or a request for a password that is not accepted? This situation is familiar to many owners of smartphones brand — lock can occur for various reasons: From trivial forgetfulness to system failures, the key is not to panic or try to hack into a device at random. In this article, we will examine all possible locking scenarios, PIN-code, pattern lock, FRP) and give step-by-step instructions for each case, including official methods and workarounds.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi uses several layers of protection, and the approach to unlock depends on the type of lock. For example, if you forget the password from your Mi Account, you will need to restore access via mail or SMS, whereas when you lock the screen, a reset via Fastboot can help. We will also explain how to avoid data loss (this is not possible in all cases!) and what to do if the smartphone requires confirmation after a reset (“This device is locked”).

We warn you right away: some techniques require technical skills (ADB, Mi Flash Tool firmware), if you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better go to a service center, but most problems can be solved by following the instructions.

1. Determine the type of lock: Mi Account, PIN or FRP?

The first step is to understand what type of lock is activated on your Xiaomi, and the next algorithm depends on it.

• 🔒 Screen locking (PIN/pattern lock/password: The screen displays a code entry field, with the words “Try again through” 30 seconds/1 A minute after the wrong attempts.
• 📱 Mi Account (Xiaomi account): after a reboot or reset, a window appears with a requirement to enter the login and password from the account associated with the device.
• 🔧 FRP (Factory Reset Protection: After resetting via Recovery, the smartphone requires you to enter the data of the Google account that was on it previously.
• ⚠️ Hardware lock: the device does not turn on at all (black screen, flashing red indicator) - this may be the result of a failed firmware or chip damage.

If you see a message saying "This device is locked" or "Device is locked by Mi Cloud," that's 100% Mi Account lock, in which case it's officially impossible to get around the security without access to the linked mail or phone number. Other types of locks have workarounds.

Note: new Xiaomi models (13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13) use enhanced HyperOS protection, which can lock the device even after a hardware reset.

2. unlock screen: PIN, pattern lock, password

If you forget the unlock code, but remember the data from Mi Account, the easiest way is to reset the password through your account.

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong code 5 times until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Click on this caption and select Restore via Mi Account.
3. Enter the login and password from the account associated with the device.
4. Follow the instructions to create a new PIN-code-key.

If you don't have access to the Mi Account, you'll have to do a hard reset. Note: this will delete all the data on the device!

After the reset, the device may require data input from Mi Account (if it was linked) or Google (FRP).If you do not remember this data, read the following sections.

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On some models (e.g. POCO F5), you need to press Volume Down + Power to enter Recovery. If the combination doesn't work, check the instructions for your model.

Unblocking Mi Account: Official and Unofficial Ways

The Mi Account lock is one of the hardest to get around. Xiaomi has specifically implemented this protection to make it harder to steal devices. If a smartphone requires login/password input after a reset, you have a few options:

Official method (if you remember the account data)

• 📧 Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access via mail or SMS.
• 🔑 If two-factor authentication is enabled, use backup codes or confirmation via a trusted device.
• 📱 After restoring access, enter data on a blocked smartphone.

Informal methods (if no data are available)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data, you can't officially unlock the device, but there are workarounds that work on some models:

1. Through EDL-Mode (PC and cable required): connect your smartphone in Emergency Download Mode and run a special file to bypass locks. This method is suitable for older models (until 2020).
2. Mi Unlock Tool: If the device has been unlocked before (Unlocked status in the developer settings), you can try re-unlocking the bootloader.
3. Contacting the service center: some workshops have access to official unlocking tools (paid).

On HyperOS models (2023-2026), Mi Account bypassing without official data is almost impossible. The manufacturer has tightened protection, and even firmware through Fastboot will not help.

4. Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypasses Xiaomi

FRP-This lock works if you reset your smartphone through Recovery and it had a Google account attached, in which case, after you turn it on, the device will require you to enter the username and password from this account. If you don't remember them, try the following methods:

Method 1: Restoring access to Google

• 🔍 Go to the Google Account Recovery page.
• 📱 Enter the last known password or answer the control questions.
• 📧 If you have a backup email or phone number tied, use them to recover.

Method 2: Bypassing settings (for some models)

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9/Note 9), you can bypass FRP through the configuration mode:

1. On the Google account input screen, click on the text input field to make the keyboard appear.
2. Press the keyboard settings icon (cogs) and select "Help" or "Help".
3. Through the help menu, try going to the device settings and disable FRP.

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On the new models (Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5), bypassing FRP without Google account data is almost impossible due to enhanced security.

5. Hardware reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

If the software methods don't work, you'll have to use Fastboot to unlock the screen or bypass FRP, but you won't be able to block Mi Account.

• 🖥️ Windows computer;
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable;
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB and Fastboot;
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download only from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and click Refresh – the program must determine the device.
4. Press Flash and wait for the process to finish (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the device will look like new, but all the data will be deleted, and if you then request Mi Account, it means that the lock was at the account level, and you can only bypass it officially.

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Before you run the firmware, check if the bootloader is unlocked (OEM Unlock in the developer settings). If not, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (it takes 7-15 days for new accounts to wait).

6 What to do if Xiaomi does not turn on at all

If the smartphone does not respond to the power button, does not charge or flashes a red indicator, the problem may be a hardware failure (damaged battery, power controller) or software damage (failed firmware).

If the smartphone is not showing signs of life even after a long charge, you may have reset NVRAM (loss of IMEI) or damage to the motherboard.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use password management (e.g. Google Password Manager or Google Password Manager) 1Password), so you don't forget the codes.
• 📱 Link backup email and phone number to your device to restore your Mi Account.
• 🔄 Regularly do backup data through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 🚫 Do not install firmware from third-party developers unless you are sure of their security.
• 🔧 Turn it off. FRP before reset: Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account.

On the new Xiaomi models (with HyperOS), the lock has become stricter, so it is especially important to:

• Do not disable Find My Device in the security settings.
• Don’t try to get around ADB or Fastboot without understanding the process.
• Keep your Mi Account backup codes in a safe place.

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Starting in 2023, Xiaomi will block the ability to flash through Fastboot on locked devices without account confirmation, which means that even a full reset will not help bypass Mi Account on new models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi