Forgot Google account after Xiaomi reset: a complete guide to restoring access

Resetting your settings on a Xiaomi smartphone is standard when selling a device, fixing system bugs, or preparing for firmware. However, many users face an unpleasant surprise: after a hard reset, the phone requires you to enter the details of a Google account that was previously tied. If you forget your username, password, or do not remember at all which account was used, the device becomes a “brick.”

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to restore access to a smartphone after a reset, including official methods from Google and alternative solutions for bypassing the lock, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al.), and how to avoid similar problems in the future. If you have tried to restore an account through standard forms, but you get the error "This account does not exist" or "The device is not recognized" - here you will find solutions.

⚠️ Note: Some security bypass methods may violate the terms of use of Google and Xiaomi. Use them at your own risk, only if other methods do not help.

Why Xiaomi requires a Google account after a reset

Requiring to enter your Google account after resetting is part of Factory Reset Protection (FRP), The goal of the system is to prevent the device from being used after being stolen or unauthorised, which is paired with Xiaomi’s own Mi Account Lock system, which creates a double barrier.

How this works in practice:

• 🔒 When you first turn on your smartphone, you link a Google account to it (for example, a user).@gmail.com).
• 🔄 After resetting through Settings → Reset → Delete all data or through Recovery Mode, the system requests the data of this account.
• ❌ If you enter incorrect data 3-5 times, the device can lock for 24-72 hours.
• 📱 Xiaomi may also request Mi Account data entry (if it was tied to it).

It is important to understand that FRP-The lock is effective even if:

• 📌 You dropped your phone on a Fastboot or EDL-regime.
• 📌 Delete your Google account manually before resetting (sometimes the data is stored in cache).
• 📌 Buy the device from hand, and the previous owner did not untie his account.

⚠️ Note: If you purchased Xiaomi used and the seller did not provide data from the associated account, this is a reason to doubt the legality of the transaction. In 80% of cases, such devices are stolen or blocked by the company. IMEI.

Official ways to restore a Google account

If you forget your password or login from your linked account, the first thing you should do is try Google’s official recovery methods, which work 60 to 70 percent of the time if you have access to a backup email or phone.

Method 1: Recovery through Google Form

1. Go to the Google account recovery page.
2. Enter the last email you remember (e.g. user)@gmail.com) or phone attached to an account.
3. Select “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions. Google will prompt you to send the code to a backup email or SMS.
4. If you don’t have access to backup data, select “Another Way” and answer the check questions (date of account creation, last used devices, etc.).

Method 2: Use of a backup code

• 📌 If you have previously set up two-factor authentication (2FA), You may have backup codes (usually 8-10 pieces) checked your phone, email, or paper notes.
• 📌 These codes are disposable, but one of them can work for entry.

Method 3: Entering through another trusted device

• 🖥️ If you have another smartphone, tablet or PC where you previously logged in to that Google account, try logging in via it.The system may request confirmation via notification.
• 🔑 After successful login, change the password in your account settings and use the new data on the blocked Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: If Google requests confirmation through SMS, but the phone number associated with the account is no longer available (for example, a SIM card has been changed), recovery may take up to 3-5 days.

Try all possible emails (including old ones)

Check the Spam folder in your email for emails from Google

Make sure that CAPS LOCK switched off when you enter a password

Try to enter through the browser in incognito mode

-->

Circumvention FRP-Xiaomi locks: working methods 2026

If the official methods did not help, you can try to get around FRP-This is a technique that doesn't work on all models and versions. MIUI, But have a high chance of success on devices until 2022 release.+, Xiaomi 13T Circumvention is complicated due to updated security protocols.

Method 1: Using Fastboot Mode (for advanced users)

1. Turn off your smartphone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to your PC and install the Mi Flash Tool drivers (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
3. Download the Mi utility FRP Unlock Tool (for example, with a XDA Developers) and follow the removal instructions FRP.
4. ⚠️ This method requires an unlocked bootloader. If it is locked, an additional procedure will be required to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours of waiting).

Method 2: Emergency Call bypass (for the purpose of MIUI 12–14)

• 📞 On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call).
• 🔢 Enter the combination ##4636## (the test menu will open).
• 🔧 Go to Usage Statistics» → «Settings» → «Add a user».
• 🆕 Create a new user and log in without FRP-check-up.

⚠️ This method only works on some firmware MIUI 12-13. MIUI 14 and newer access to settings via Emergency Call is usually blocked.

Method 3: Use OTG-cable and file manager

• 🔌 Connect to your smartphone OTG-cable with a flash drive on which there is APK-file manager file (for example, FX File Explorer).
• 📁 On the lock screen, select View Files (if there is no such option, the method will not work).
• 🔧 Install a file manager and delete files through it: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
• 🔄 Restart the device – the lock should disappear.

💡

💡

If you don't. OTG-cable, you can try to connect the smartphone to the PC and through ADB send out a command APK: adb install path/to/app.apk. This requires an activated debugging mode. USB (USB Debugging), which is unlikely after reset, but sometimes works on older models.

Bypassing the Mi Account lock on Xiaomi

If after Google bypass FRP You are met by a Mi Account request, which means that the previous owner (or you) linked the device to a Xiaomi account. Unlike Google, it is difficult to bypass this lock, but it is possible to do so.

Method 1: Officially Delete via Mi Cloud

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Account website and log in to your account.
• 📱 In the Devices section, find the locked smartphone and click “Delete the device».
• ⚠️ If the device is not displayed or you do not remember your account details, this method will not work.

Method 2: Test Point bypass (for power users)

This method requires disassembling the device and closing the contacts on the board (Test Point). 4X, Redmi 5A, Redmi Note 5 and other Xiaomi budget smartphones until 2019.

🔧

Method 3: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

• 🏢 If the device is warranty, contact the official service center with a check for the purchase. IMEI.
• 💰 Without a guarantee, the service is paid (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).
• 📄 Passport and documents confirming ownership will be required.

📊

💡

Mi Accounts are more difficult to circumvent than Google FRP, because of the hardware binding. On new models (2022)+ The chances of success are minimal without the official lifting of the lock.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain, and they are only appropriate if the device does not contain important data (because they will lead to a complete memory cleanup).

Decision 1: Firmware through EDL-regime

• 🔌 EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware mode that allows you to reinstall the software even on a locked device.
• 🔧 It will: 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008. 📦 Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater). 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm processor devices).
• ⚠️ Risks: Wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick. If you are not sure, consult a specialist.

Decision 2: Replacement of motherboard

• 🔄 The last option is to replace the fee with a new or used one without linking to accounts.
• 💰 Cost: from 3 000 to 15 000 rubles depending on the model.
• ⚠️ After the fee is changed, you will need to link the device to your Mi Account, otherwise after 30–60 days it will be blocked again.

Decision 3: Sale of parts

• 💸 If the smartphone can not be unlocked, you can sell it for spare parts (display, battery, camera, etc.).
• 📌 Average cost of used parts for Xiaomi: Component Price (RUB) Display (OLED) 4000 – 12 000 Battery 800 – 2,500 Main camera 1,500 – 5000 Motherboard (bad) 3000 – 20 000

How to avoid problems with FRP and Mi Account in the future

To avoid being blocked after reset, follow these rules:

Rule 1: Untie accounts before resetting

• 🔗 Before selling or resetting the device: Go to Settings → Google accounts and delete your primary account. → Mi Account press "Exit." Reset via Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings (not via Recovery!).

Rule 2: Use backup codes

• 🔐 In your Google account settings (Security section), generate backup codes and save them in a safe place (e.g., in an encrypted file or on paper).
• 📌 For Mi Account, link backup email and phone.

Rule 3: Buy devices with hands carefully

• 🛒 When buying a used Xiaomi: 📱 Ask the seller to perform a reset on you and make sure the device doesn’t require you to enter accounts. 📄 Take the receipt of the withdrawal from the account (especially if the device is on credit or leasing). 🔍 Check it out. IMEI on IMEI.info – if you are Blacklisted, you will not purchase.

💡

💡

Create a separate Google account specifically for smartphones (e.g. xiaomi.backup)@gmail.com) And you can link it to your devices, so you don't lose access to your primary account with your sensitive data.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make things worse by making common mistakes when trying to unlock, and here are the most common ones:

Mistake 1: Repeatedly entering incorrect data

• ❌ After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, Google or Mi Account blocks the ability to re-enter for 24-72 hours.
• ✅ Solution: Wait for the specified time or try another method of bypassing (for example, via Fastboot).

Mistake 2: Using unofficial firmware

• ❌ Custom-based firmware ROM (For example, LineageOS on a locked device can lead to a hard-brick (complete failure).
• ✅ Solution: Use only official firmware from Xiaomi or verified sources (XDA Developers).

Mistake 3: Ignoring backups

• ❌ If you do not backup before resetting, important data (photos, contacts, messages) will be lost.
• ✅ Solution: Set up automatic backup in Settings → Google → Backup or use Mi Cloud backup.

Mistake 4: Buying a “Grey” Device

• ❌ Smartphones brought from abroad (especially from China) can be linked to foreign accounts that cannot be deleted.
• ✅ Solution: Buy devices only from authorized dealers or trusted sellers with warranty.

📌

💡

If you are not sure about your actions, do not experiment with bypassing locks. Contact a service center where specialists use legal unlocking methods (for example, through official keys from Xiaomi).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions