Forgot the password on the phone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways to unlock

Forgetting your smartphone password is a frustrating situation, but it’s not a hopeless one, especially if you’re talking about Xiaomi phones, where the manufacturer has provided several official and informal methods for restoring access, and the main thing is not to panic or try to find a combination at random: after 5-10 failed attempts, the device can lock up forever or require a hard reset with the loss of all data.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — From simple recovery via Mi Account to complex manipulations with Fastboot and EDL-Each method is illustrated with step-by-step instructions, risk warnings, and tips on how to minimize data loss. If you are unsure of your technical skills, start with the safest options (sections 1–2) and then move on to radical measures.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them through the email/SMS).
• 🔄 Synchronization with the account is enabled on the device (activated by default).

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the lock screen will appear button Forgot password? (or Forgot password?).

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity through SMS-mail-in.
3. Create a new unlock password (or reset the old one).
4. Wait for sync – the phone will unlock automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has an internet connection, this won't work. Don't try to enter your password at random, after 10 failed attempts, the device will require a binding binding to your Mi Account even after resetting.

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. Use a backup email or a linked phone number.

2 Unlocking through Find Device (Remote Control)

If Mi Account is tied to your phone but the Forgot Password button doesn’t appear, try remote unlocking via Find Device, which works even if your phone isn’t currently connected to the Internet but was previously online.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select a locked phone from the menu (if multiple devices are linked to your account).
3. Click Unlock Device (Unlock Device)
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait for a notification of successful unlocking (can take up to 5 minutes).

If the phone is turned off or discharged, plug it into a charger and wait until it's turned on. Once connected to the network, unlocking will happen automatically.

3. Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)

If previous methods failed, you’ll have to reset your settings via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the system, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for devices with a locked bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked. If you do not remember them, the phone will remain locked!

Record the IMEI of your phone (on the box or under the battery)

Download the official firmware for your model (on the Miui Download website)

Prepare. OTG-cable (if you plan to stitch through Fastboot)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged

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4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔓 You know the phone model and you can find it official firmware.
• 💻 You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool program.
• 🔌 The phone is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode.

This is more difficult than resetting via Recovery, but allows you to bypass the Mi Account lock on some models. Importantly, on devices with a locked bootloader, you need to unlock it before you start firmware through the official Xiaomi service (the process takes up to 72 hours).

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Press Flash and wait until the process is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once you restart, the phone will be in factory condition without a password. If the firmware doesn't work, try the method through the EDL-regime (section 5).

5. Unlock through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to bypass lock even on phones with a locked bootloader. Use it only if other methods have failed, because:

• 🔧 Requires disassembly of the phone (decoupling the battery or closing contacts).
• 💥 There is a risk of turning the device into a “brick” if you make an error.
• 📵 The guarantee will be cancelled.

To unlock through EDL you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers.
• 🔌 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format for your model.
• 🔧 Screwdriver and plastic spatula for disassembly.

Step-by-step (for phones running a Qualcomm processor):

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (on models with removable battery – remove it).
2. Find contacts on the board EDL (usually signed or located near the USB-port).
3. Close the contacts with tweezers or wires, while connecting the phone to the PC.
4. In Device Manager, check that the phone is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) instead EDL mode BROM. He needs a program. SP Flash Tool and firmware in.scatter format.

6. Alternative methods (for specific models)

Some Xiaomi models have unique unlocking features, such as:

For a precise method, check the phone model in the settings (if available) or box. If unsure, check out the 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu forums.

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Before using alternative methods, make sure that the phone has disabled the Mi Cloud function, otherwise you will need to enter a password from Mi Account after the reset.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write your password in a secure location (for example, in the Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
• 🔄 Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📱 Link your phone to your Mi Account and enable Find Device.

If you often forget passwords, set a PIN instead of a pattern lock or a complex alphanumeric combination.PIN is easier to remember, but it should be at least 6 characters.

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Set up a backup email and phone number in Mi Account, which will speed up recovery if you forget your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi