Forgot the unlock key on Xiaomi: what to do and how to unlock your phone without losing data

Forgotten password, PIN-A code or pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, especially after a long break in using the device or after unsuccessful experiments with security settings. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and unofficial unlock methods that work even on the latest models of the Redmi Note 13, POCO X6 Mi 14.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from the simplest reset via Mi Account to complex manipulations with the Fastboot and EDL mode. Importantly, not all methods save user data, so before you start trying to unlock, assess which is more critical for you - access to the phone or file security. For convenience, we have compiled a table with a comparison of methods for efficiency and risk.

If you have never set up a backup or tied a device to your Xiaomi account, don’t panic: even in this case, there are solutions. The main thing is not to try to find a password at random (after 5 unsuccessful attempts, many models are blocked for 30 minutes), but immediately go to the verified instructions below.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and secure method that works on all Xiaomi models released after 2016, for this, the phone must be linked to the Mi Account (even if you do not remember this, check it), a method that stores all data on the device if you correctly enter your username and password.

How do you check if your phone is linked to your account? If you fail to unlock your screen, you usually see a button at the bottom, "Forgot your password?" or "Unlock" through Mi Account. If you don't, move on to the next method.

• 🔑 Enter any password 5 times in a row to get a message about the lock.
• 📱 Click on the Forgot Password button? (or similar).
• 🌐 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
• 📧 Confirm the entrance through SMS or email (code will come to the mail / phone).
• 🔓 Create a new unlock password right on your phone screen.

Important: If you don't remember the Mi Account, try to restore access through Xiaomi's official website. Use a backup email or phone number. In extreme cases, contact support with documents confirming the purchase of the device.

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If the phone asks you to enter a Mi Account password but you don't remember it, try to restore access via your computer. Sometimes the system offers alternative verification methods, such as backup email or security questions.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data from it, the next step is a hard reset through Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the phone, and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination Volume up + Power button and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On models with a Qualcomm chip (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro, POCO F5), you may need to re-link to your Mi Account after a reset, even if you didn't have one before, which is anti-theft protection, called "FRP lock."

Turn off the phone completely.

Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirmation of discharge (Confirm)

Reset the device-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if you are not afraid to work with the command line and are willing to risk data. Fastboot is a firmware mode that allows you to control the device through a computer. For Xiaomi, this method is often used when a standard reset through Recovery does not work (for example, due to a damaged partition).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.


2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.




3. Connect the phone to the PC.




4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:




fastboot devices




(Your device should be displayed)




For discharge, enter:




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




6.Reset the phone:




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) After this procedure, you may need to log in to Mi Account, even if you haven't done it before, due to Xiaomi's security policy against theft.

Reset via Recovery

Unlocking with Mi Account

Used Fastboot/ADB

I went to the service center.

Never blocked.-->

4.Using EDL mode (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash a device even with a damaged system. The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm chips (most models except some on MediaTek), the main drawback is that it requires a special cable or short circuit contacts on the board.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 Method 1: Use EDL-Cable (sold on AliExpress) Connect it to your phone and PC, and it automatically goes into mode. EDL.
• 🔧 Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close contacts EDL on the motherboard (requires rationing skills).
• 💻 Method 3: Use the QFil or Mi Flash utility to force a transfer to EDL through ADB (It does not work on all models).

After entering the EDL:

1. Download the firmware for your model in.tgz or.mbn format.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool (you can download from the official website).
3. Connect the phone in EDL mode and select the downloaded firmware.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL You can turn your phone into a brick. You can only use the official firmware for your model. For example, the firmware from Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for you. POCO X4 Pro, even if they have the same processor.

5. Unlock via Find My Device (if Google sync is enabled)

If your Xiaomi has a Google account activated and sync enabled, you can try unlocking your phone through Find My Device, a method that only works when you’re connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. Go to Find My Device from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to the locked device.
3. Select your Xiaomi smartphone from the list of devices.
4. Press Lock the device.
5. Enter a new temporary password (e.g. 123456).
6. On a locked phone, enter this password – it will unlock the screen.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 It does not work if the phone is disconnected.
• 🚫 It won’t work if Find My Device was previously disabled in the settings.
• 🚫 After unlocking, you may need to enter a password from your Google account (FRP-lockdown).

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the only reliable option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is especially true for new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), where you have increased protection against unauthorized access.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or warranty card confirming the purchase.
• 🆔 Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. In some cases, the service can offer free unlocking if the phone is warranted. The average run time is 1-3 days.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops promising to unlock your phone in 10 minutes. Often, these "specialists" use illegal methods that can be used to unlock your phone:

• 🔴 Damage the firmware.
• 🔴 Delete IMEI (phone will lose contact).
• 🔴 Activate hidden locks (e.g., Anti-Rollback on Xiaomi with Qualcomm chips).

Comparison of Xiaomi Unlocking Methods

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If the phone is important to work and has critical data on it, try the Mi Account or Find My Device methods first. Recovery or Fastboot resets should only be used as a last resort.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi