Forgot the password on Xiaomi phone? 7 working ways to unlock (including bypassing Mi Account)

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. The problem is complicated by the fact that the manufacturer actively uses Mi Account protection, which blocks the device even after resetting through Recovery. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking – from official (through a linked account) to technical (using Fastboot and EDL mode).

Important: the methods differ depending on the Xiaomi model (for example, on the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12, the reset algorithm through Recovery differs), the MIUI version (starting with MIUI 14, the logic of Find Device’s work has changed), and the presence of a tied Mi Account. If you tried to enter a password more than 5 times in a row, the phone may require a 72-hour pause before a new attempt - this is a selection protection.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and secure method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2016, if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You have access to email/phone linked to Mi Account.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the email/phone from Mi Account and confirm via SMS or mail.
3. Follow the system's instructions for resetting your password or PIN-code.

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If the Forgot Password button doesn’t appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or restarting your phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but have not updated it on your phone, the system may request the old password.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (no Mi Account)

This method is suitable for devices that do not activate Mi Account or are ready for complete data loss. Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and later after reset may require entering a username / password from Mi Account (even if you do not remember it!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button + Volume up until vibration).
2. Press Power + Volume up for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons to navigate, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).

Turn off your phone (at least 30 seconds off)

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Make sure there is no important data on your phone (they will be deleted!)

Have your hand on it. SIM-post-reset activation card (if required)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and activated Mi Account after reset via Recovery will be a request to enter the username / password. If you do not remember them, you will have to use Fastboot or contact the service center to unlock through the Internet. EDL (below).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Method requires a computer, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for devices where Mi Account is not tied or you are ready for data loss. - Newer models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) You may need to unlock the bootloader, which will reset all data.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with a locked boot loader (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) The fastboot erase userdata command may not work. In this case, you will need an official unlock through the Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

4. bypass Mi Account via EDL Mode (90% success)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked Mi Account.The method works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but requires:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable. USB Type-C (original).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + Power at the same time and connect USB-The screen should stay black (that's fine).
3. In Windows Device Manager, check if the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device has appeared.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Reset via Recovery

Recovery through Mi Account

Used Fastboot.

Bypassed Mi Account via EDL

I haven't tried anything, I'm looking for a solution.

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⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It resets all data, including photos, contacts and messages, and on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version. MIUI, than the one now installed.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods fail, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock a phone with a Mi Account attached if you do not remember the login details, and the cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone is bought in your name).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 50%).

Unblocking time: 1 to 5 business days, in some cases, the service center may request proof of ownership through the email specified when purchasing.

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Officially unlocking through the service center is the only way to keep the warranty on the device. EDL Fastboot cancels warranty obligations.

Alternative methods (with limitations)

If the standard methods do not help, you can try the following options:

Method 1: Use ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone has previously been activated debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Additional → For developers), you can try resetting the password through ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

⚠️ It only works on older versions. MIUI (up to 12 inclusively).

Method 2: Google Find My Device

If you have a Google account on your phone, you can try:

1. Go to Find My Device.
2. Select your device and click Delete Data.
3. After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ This method may not work due to the additional protection of the Mi Account.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write your password to your password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Check regularly if your Mi Account is linked to the current one. email/phone.
• 📱 Enable Smart Lock (Settings) → Screen locking → Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in secure locations (e.g. at home).

We also recommend disabling Auto Lock after rebooting in the security settings if you often forget your password.

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Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi introduced the Emergency feature SOS, It's a system that allows you to unlock your phone through an emergency call (5 times press the power button). PIN-code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi