Forgot the Mi Account password and canβt unlock Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO? This is a familiar situation for thousands of users β after resetting or buying a used phone, the system requires you to enter your account data, without which the device becomes a βbrick.β Restoring access is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi uses two-factor authentication and binding to the phone number, and in some cases even to the IMEI of the device.
In this article, we will look at all the current password recovery methods (including official and alternative ones), explain why standard methods may not work, and check out the steps to unlock your phone.
If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didnβt untie your Mi Account, or you forgot your password after a long break in use, read more.Spoiler: 90% of the time, the problem is solvable, but it will take time and follow the instructions accurately.
1. Official password recovery via Xiaomi website
The most reliable and recommended way is to use the recovery form on the official website, which is suitable if you have access to a linked email or phone number.
- Go to the Mi Account password recovery page.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Select the confirmation method: SMS (if the number is tied) or Email.
- Enter the 6-digit code and create a new password.
β οΈ Note: If the site requests to enter IMEI Devices, which means that the account has been blocked for suspicious activity, will require additional verification.
Frequent problems at this stage:
- π§ No code email comes in β check the Spam folder or try another browser (sometimes ad blockers interfere with the sending).
- π± The phone number has changed if SIM-Card lost, use backup code or contact support.
- β³ The site freezes at the stage of sending code - try to clear the browser cache or use incognito mode.
π‘
If you donβt remember which email is linked to your account, try entering all possible addresses youβve used before. Xiaomi doesnβt block email attempts (unlike a password).
2. Recovery through backup code (Backup Code)
When you create a Mi Account, the system offers to save a backup code, an 8-digit set of digits that you can use instead of a password. If you write it down (for example, in a notebook or password manager), follow the instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap the button βForgot password?β (or βForgot password?β).
- Select the option Enter Backup Code.
- Enter 8 digits of the code and confirm.
β οΈ Warning: The backup code is disposable, it becomes invalid after use, and the system will suggest you create a new one. If you enter it incorrectly 5 times in a row, the account will be temporarily blocked for 24 hours.
Where to look for a backup code if you donβt remember:
- π In a letter from Xiaomi with the subject βYour Mi Account Backup Codeβ (check email at the date of account registration).
- π In the password manager (if saved automatically).
- π± In phone notes or screenshots (search for keywords like βXiaomiβ, βMiβ, βcodeΒ»).
What to do if the backup code is lost?
3. Unlocking through a tied phone number (SMS)
If you have a valid phone number attached to your account, you can restore access in 2 minutes:
- On the Mi Account login page (or on the phone lock screen), select Forgot your password.
- Please indicate country and telephone number (without +, for example: 79123456789).
- Click Send the code and enter 6 digits from SMS.
- Set a new password (minimum 8 characters, with a capital letter and a number).
Challenges and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not coming. SMS | Number changed or blocked | Try another recovery method or contact the operator |
| Code doesn't fit. | Misprint or expiration date (5 minutes) | Request a new code. |
| The site says "No number tied" | Account created without phone or number deleted | Restore via email or backup code |
πΉ Important: If the phone number was linked to the account less than 30 days ago, Xiaomi may request additional confirmation (e.g., sending a photo of a document.
4.Recovery through Xiaomi support (for difficult cases)
If standard methods do not work (for example, there is no access to the email/If you have a phone, your account is blocked for suspicious activity, you have to contact official support:
- Go to the support page of Xiaomi.
- Select the Mi Account section β Lost access.
- Fill out the form by specifying: π IMEI Devices (can be found on the box or via *#06#). π Date of purchase (through check or bank statement). πΈ Photo of the box with the serial number (must match the IMEI).
Send a request and wait for a response (usually 1-3 days).
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi support does not help in cases:
- π Buying a phone from hand if the previous owner did not untie the account.
- π« Suspicions of fraud (for example, if the device is blacklisted).
- π΅ Lack of proof of purchase (checks, warranty coupons).
Photo box with IMEI|Check or bank statement of purchase|Photo of the serial number on the phone (under the battery)|Screenshot of support correspondence (if any)-->
5. Alternative ways to unlock (if nothing helps)
If the official methods have not worked, there are still informal solutions, but they are only suitable for power users and are fraught with risks (for example, data loss or device locking).
Method 1: Reset via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader is unlocked on the phone, you can reset the Mi Account via Fastboot:
fastboot oem clean_frpThis command removes the account binding, but only works on older models (until 2020). Newer devices (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) require authorization through the Mi Unlock Tool, which is impossible without access to the account.
Method 2: Bypass EDL Mode (for advanced)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - a mode for running your phone through a Qualcomm chip.
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed QDLoader drivers.
- π Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- π Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL This method is recommended only if you are confident in your skills or contact a specialist.
π‘
Alternative unlocking methods do not work on all models and can result in a loss of warranty.Official recovery methods through Xiaomi are always safer.
6. How to avoid Mi Account problems in the future
To avoid getting blocked again, follow the simple rules:
- π Save the backup code in a safe place (e.g., Google Keep or an encrypted file).
- π§ Link the current email and phone number (they can be changed in the account settings).
- π Sign in regularly (every 3 months) so that Xiaomi doesnβt consider it inactive.
- π± Before selling your phone, be sure to untie Mi Account through Settings β Xiaomi account β Delete the account.
If you are buying Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO from hand, check your account status before paying:
- Ask the seller to exit the Mi Account in your presence.
- Make sure in Settings β About Phone β Mi Account Status is written Not tied.
- Restart the phone β if after turning on there is no request to enter a password, the account is untied.