Xiaomi’s Locked Phone: How to Unlock Without Data Loss and Reset

A blocked Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users of the brand face, and the reasons can be different from the banal forgetfulness of the password to software failures after the MIUI update. But regardless of the reason, the main thing is not to panic. In 90% of cases, the phone can be unlocked on its own without resorting to the services of service centers.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi – from official (via Mi Account) to technical (Fastboot and EDL mode). Particular attention will be paid to models with Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which is activated after reset to factory settings, and you will learn how to avoid data loss and what to do if the phone requires confirmation of the account after firmware.

Important: unlock methods depend on the MIUI version, phone model and lock type. For example, for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro and Poco X3 Pro, one instruction will suit, and for Xiaomi 13 Ultra – others, we will specify the nuances for each category of devices.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from your Mi Account, it's the fastest and most secure method, and it works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark, provided that you can use it for the first time:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 The device has a Mi Account attached.
• 🔄 Find Device is activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (depending on your security settings).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

If the buttons Forgot your password? no, try entering any password 5 times in a row - the system will offer alternative ways to unlock. Some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) may require a connection to a PC via the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, it will not be officially unlocked.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If you lose access to Mi Account and your phone is not connected to the Internet, you have to reset your settings via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. When the Xiaomi logo appears, release the buttons.

On the Recovery menu:

• 🔧 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset (usually with the Yes button).
• 🔙 Reboot the phone (Reboot).

Once reset, the phone will start as new, and FRP-protected models (like the Redmi Note 11) will require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied before the reset, and if the account is not yours, unlocking will be impossible without the help of the service.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode allows you to unlock the bootloader and flash the phone through the PC. This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 You forgot your password, but you know your Mi Account.
• 📱 Phone is not loading due to software failure.
• 🔧 You are ready for possible data loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi) on PC.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot: Battery should be charged at 50%+Switch off the phone →Squeeze Volume down + Power →Plug in to PC
3. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Wait 72–168 hours (3–7 days) is a must-wait for new accounts.
5. After waiting, press Unlock and follow the instructions.

On Xiaomi models from 2023 to 2026 (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60 Ultra), additional confirmation via SMS or email may be required. Also note that unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings.

Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC|Charge the phone to 50%+|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable the antivirus (can block the utility)|Check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone-->

4. Unlocking through EDL (for power users)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a "emergency" firmware mode that is used when the phone is not turned on or locked at the bootloader level (EDL-cable or testpoint) and knowledge in firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Misconduct in the EDL This method can turn a phone into a brick, which is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 For most Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 9) you need to close the testpoint on the motherboard.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to a PC with the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 📂 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.

Firmware process:

1. Open the Mi Flash Tool and select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
2. Connect your phone in EDL mode (the screen must be black).
3. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
4. Select Clean All (full reset) and press Flash.

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will restart in a factory state, and if the process is interrupted, it may need to repeat the testpoint lock or use another one. USB-port.

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Before you run your firmware through EDL, check the CPU version of your phone. Mediatek (Helio, Dimensity) needs the SP Flash Tool, and Qualcomm (Snapdragon) needs the Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

5. Bypass FRP-Protection of the Factory Reset Protection)

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a reset protection that activates after the phone is returned to factory settings. If you reset Xiaomi through Recovery and now it requires data entry from a Mi Account that you don't own, it's officially impossible to unlock it. However, there are workarounds for phone owners.

Ways to bypass FRP:

To bypass FRP through Mi Account Removal Tool:

1. Download the utility (for example, Xiaomi FRP Tool) on PC.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
3. Start the utility and select Bypass FRP.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (IMEI may be required).

⚠️ Attention: Use of informal circumvention tools FRP This method may violate the terms of the license agreement of Xiaomi.We recommend this method only to unlock your own device.

6 Unlocking through the service center

If all of these methods did not help, you can contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 Phone requires data from previous owner's Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Charging connector or buttons are damaged (cannot enter the device) Recovery/Fastboot).
• 📱 Device not defined by PC (motherboard issues).

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
• 🆔 Passport (for identification of the person).
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 5 000 rubles).

The average unlock time in the service is from 1 to 3 days. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), the process can take up to a week due to the need to agree with the manufacturer.

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Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Avoid “gray” workshops – they may use illegal firmware methods, which will lead to the loss of warranty.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a locked phone, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition in addition to PIN-code.
• 📧 Link Mi Account to your phone and remember the login details.
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📱 Do not buy phones from your hands without first resetting and unbundling the seller’s account.

We also recommend you to enable the Find Device function:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Find the device.
2. Activate the option and allow access to the location.

This will allow you to remotely unlock your phone via i.mi.com if you lose or forget your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi