Forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users faces. According to statistics from service centers, 38% of requests for blocking devices are related to loss. PIN-The problem is compounded by the fact that Xiaomi uses enhanced security measures: after 5 failed attempts to enter, the system can completely lock the device for 24 hours or even erase all data.
In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods of unlocking relevant for models 2020-2026 (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13/14). Importantly, not all methods save user data - some require a complete reset. So before you start, assess the risks and choose the method based on priorities: save files or quickly unlock.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you have a Mi Account attached to your phone, and you remember the username and password, it's the fastest and most secure way. Xiaomi allows you to remotely unlock your device via a web interface, but only if you meet three conditions:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π Find the device activated in the settings.
- π You remember the data from your Mi Account (email/phone + password).
Instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- Select the Find Device tab β find the locked phone in the list.
- Click Unlock the device and confirm the action SMS-code.
- Wait 5-10 minutes β the phone will unlock automatically.
β οΈ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone (2FA), You will need confirmation via backup email or SMS. Unblocking them through Mi Account is not possible without access to them.
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If you don't remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it via a linked email or phone. To do this, click Forgot the password on the login page and follow the instructions. Recovery takes up to 24 hours due to security checks.
2. Password reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if:
- π§ You have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- π² The phone is determined in Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
- π You are ready for data loss (the method erases all user files).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Download and install ADB & Fastboot Tools.
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd) and execute the commands:
fastboot devices
fastboot oem edl
fastboot flashing unlockAfter the last command is executed, the phone will restart and prompt you to reset your settings. Select Wipe Data β Yes.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3) After the command fastboot oem edl phone can go into mode EDL (In this case, you will need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool to unlock it, which is more complex and requires a separate instruction.
Download ADB & Fastboot Tools|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Prepare original USB-cable (not a cheap replacement)|Backup of important data (if available)-->
3. bypassing the pattern lock through the call (does not work on all models)
This method is relevant for older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) and some Redmi models from 2019-2020, the essence of the method is to call an emergency call and access settings through it.
Instructions:
- On the locked screen, press Emergency Call.
- Enter any number (e.g. 112) and press the call button.
- When calling, quickly press Home (or swipe up if touch buttons are available).
- If the main screen appears, go to Settings β Password and Security β Lock the screen and turn off protection.
The method has a success rate of about 30 percent, and newer versions of MIUI 13/14 have fixed the bug.
Mi Account|Fastboot|Reset via Recovery|Emergency Call |Nothing tried-->
4.Reset via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)
If other methods fail, you can still reset hard through recovery mode, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, but it will unlock the phone.
Instructions for Xiaomi:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Power.
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
- After reset, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
| Model phone | Combination of buttons for Recovery | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | 10-12 seconds |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Food + Volume up | 8-10 seconds |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Food + Volume up | 12-15 seconds |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up + Volume down | 15 seconds. |
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account. If you do not remember your account details, the phone will remain locked!
5. Unlock through Xiaomi Service Center (official method)
If you donβt succeed, contact Xiaomiβs authorized service center, which is the only legal way to unlock without losing data, but it has nuances:
- π You will need to present a purchase document (check, warranty card) or a box from a phone with a serial number.
- π Unblocking period β from 3 to 7 working days (depending on the workload of the center).
- π° The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model).
How to find the official service:
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Enter your city in the search field.
- Select a center marked Authorized and check by phone whether they are unlocking.
What if the service center refuses to unlock the phone?
6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)
If the official methods did not help, some users resort to non-standard solutions. We do not recommend using them, but for the sake of completeness of the picture, we will give a brief overview:
- π§ Firmware through EDL β It requires a special cable and knowledge of working with the Mi Flash Tool. The risk of "bricking" the phone - 50%.
- π οΈ Replacing the motherboard is expensive (from 5 000 rubles) and does not always solve the problem, since the lock can be tied to the main part of the system. IMEI.
- π± Using third-party software (such as Dr.Fone) β often requires root rights and does not guarantee results.
Warning: informal methods may lead to:
- Lose the warranty.
- IMEI lock (the phone will become a brick).
- Leakage of personal data (when using questionable software).
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If the phone is locked because of Mi Account after a reset, none of the alternative methods will help - you will need official unlock through the service center or proof of ownership.
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or 1Password) storage PIN-Data and code from Mi Account.
- π± Set up biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup way to unlock.
- βοΈ Enable data synchronization with Mi Cloud β this will allow you to restore contacts and photos after resetting.
- π Write it down. PIN-code and pattern lock on paper and store it in a safe place (not on your phone!).
We also recommend you to disable Autoclean after 10 failed attempts in your security settings.
Settings β Password and security β Screen lock β Additional settingsAnd turn off the Delete Data option.