Forgot the password from the smartphone Xiaomi: step-by-step solutions

When a Xiaomi or Redmi owner forgets the access code, it happens more often than you think. The screen goes out, you try to remember the combination, but the phone only reports an error. You shouldn't panic at this point, because Android security has multiple access recovery scenarios. However, it's important to understand that modern data protection methods often require a trade-off between access to the system and the safety of personal information.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that if you forget the password from Xiaomi smartphone, in most cases, the only working option is a complete reset, which is dictated by the security policy of Google and MIUI, which encrypts user data, making it inaccessible without authorization, and attempts to circumvent this restriction in “smart” ways can lead to complete inoperability of the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking, from regular Google tools to hard reset via the Recovery menu. You will learn how to proceed if the phone is blocked by a Mi Account, and what nuances exist for different versions of the firmware. Carefully study each step to avoid aggravating the situation with erroneous actions.

Recovery methods through Google Account

The most gentle way to avoid data loss is only available when a number of conditions are met. If you have entered the wrong password several times, the system may offer an alternative login option. The lock screen should display a button "Forgot your password?" or "Forgot your graphical key?". This method only works if the device is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and synchronization is active.

Click on the link that appears, and then the system asks you to enter the username and password from the Google account that was the main one on this device. This is not the account that you could have created recently, but the one from which the smartphone worked before blocking. Once you have successfully authorized the phone will prompt you to specify a new way of protection or temporarily disable it.

⚠️ Note: If you changed your Google account password less than 24 hours ago, your phone may not accept the new data for security reasons.

It’s worth noting that newer versions of Android and MIUI/HyperOS shells often lack this functionality by default, and developers believe that having a password reset button reduces the overall security of the device, so if nothing happens after five failed attempts to type in, move on to the following methods.

Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset) menu

The most versatile method, running on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, regardless of the Android version.The essence of the method is to load a special recovery mode built into the phone's memory. Hard Reset completely cleans the internal drive, returning the gadget to a factory state.

To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the key combination: usually this is the on button and the volume button (Power). + Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, keep the volume up. When the menu with the black background appears, the button can be released.

In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system can suggest you select Wipe All Data for complete cleanup. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will take from 10 seconds to several minutes.

Once the cleanup is complete, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial setup. At this point, the system will require you to enter your Wi-Fi password and, most importantly, the Google or Mi Account details that were previously linked.

Unlocking through Xiaomi’s Find Device service

If you have forgotten your screen password but remember your Mi Account, you can try remote reset, which is only effective if the locked phone has internet enabled and the Device Search function is activated. Go to i.mi.com from any other device (computer or other phone).

Sign in using the same Mi Account as the locked smartphone. In the service interface, select your device from the list. You will have several options available, among which we are interested in the Erase Device button. Pressing this button will send a command to the phone, and it will reset to factory settings.

The good thing about this is that it doesn't require physical interaction with the phone's buttons, which is true if the volume buttons are faulty, but it's powerless if the phone is off, in aerial mode, or without network access, and only local Hard Reset will help.

Delete passwords via ADB (for advanced users)

There is a technical way to delete a file with an access key through debugging USB. This method will work only in one case: if you managed to turn on the mode before the lock. USB-debugging in the menu "For developers" and previously connected this phone to this computer, allowing access.

You'll need a computer with a set of drivers installed and an ADB utility. Connect your phone with a cable. Open the command line (CMD) in the folder with ADB and enter the command to log in to the shell: adb shell. If the connection is successful, enter a command to delete the key file:

rm /data/system/gesture.key

Depending on the type of lock:

rm /data/system/password.key

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. The lock screen must disappear or accept any code entered. However, on modern versions of MIUI with encryption enabled, this method often does not work without an unlocked bootloader, since the system will not allow access to the /data/system/ system folder without superuser rights.

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Before attempting any manipulation of ADB, be sure to back up important data if possible, as an error in commands can cause system files to be corrupted.

The activation problem and Mi Cloud Lock

Once you successfully reset your settings through Recovery or Find Device, you'll encounter an activation screen. It's a theft protection mechanism. If you forget your screen password but don't remember your Mi Account password, the phone will turn into a brick. The system will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was synced to the reset.

If you enter incorrect data or try to bypass this screen, the device will remain locked, not an error, but the standard behavior of the security, in which case the only way is to restore access to the account through the i.mi.com site using a linked phone number or email.

⚠️ Warning: Buying handsets without checking the Mi Account detachment is a huge risk.If the previous owner is not logged out, you will not be able to use the device after the reset, even if you know the password from the screen.

In some cases, if a Google account has been removed from settings before reset (which is impossible without a screen password), there may be no request to enter it. But a Mi Account, if it was active, will request its data anyway.

Prevention and backup

To avoid being caught off guard, it is important to set up regular backups. Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in Mi Cloud, as well as the ability to sync with Google Photos and Google Drive. Set up automatic downloads of contacts, photos and notes.

It is also recommended to write your passwords in a paper notebook or use password managers (such as Google Password Manager or KeePass) that are accessed from other devices. PIN-It sounds trivial, but human memory tends to fail in stressful situations.

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Regularly syncing data to the cloud is the only way to ensure you don’t lose contacts and photos in an emergency phone reset.

Remember to check your Mi Account periodically and know its details by heart. In an emergency situation when the phone is locked, Internet access may be limited, and you can not restore the password via SMS to the same phone. Always have an alternative way to communicate to obtain confirmation codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)