Forgotten password on a smartphone Xiaomi is a problem that even experienced users face. Unlike iPhone, where unlocking requires a mandatory connection to iTunes, devices on Android offer several alternative methods. However, each of them has its own nuances: from the need to be associated Mi Account to the risk of data loss when resetting via Recovery Mode.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods password reset on Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), their advantages and pitfalls. Important: some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, USB debugging is enabled), so if you are reading this after locks, some options may not be available. Let's start with the most reliable and official method.

1. Unlocking via Mi Account (official method)

If your smartphone Xiaomi is linked to an account Mi Accountand the device has an Internet connection enabled (mobile network or Wi-Fi), this method will work in 90% of cases. The method does not require resetting data and works even on the latest versions MIUI 15/16.

How it works: the system sends a request to servers Xiaomiwhere the connection of the device to the account is checked. After successful authentication, the password is reset remotely. Important: if you changed the password for Mi Account after setting up the phone, use current data.

  • 📱 Enter any password on the lock screen 5 times in a row until the message appears "Forgot" password?".
  • 🔗 Click on the link and select "Unlock via Mi Account".
  • 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and password.
  • 🔓 Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on security account settings).
⚠️ Attention: If the device was previously enabled Factory reset via Mi Account (option "Find Device" in the security settings), after unlocking you may need to re-authorize. Without access to the linked account, unlocking the phone is impossible is an anti-theft measure.
📊 Have you ever forgotten your smartphone password?
Yes, several times
Yes, but quickly restored
No, I always remember
I use biometrics (fingerprint/face)

2. Resetting the password via Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If Mi Account is not linked or you do not remember the data from it, you remain hard reset through recovery mode. This method deletes all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed applications. Use it only as a last resort!

The instructions are suitable for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, released after 2018. On older devices (for example Redmi 4X or Mi A1), the interface Recovery Mode may be different.

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Make sure the battery has enough charge >30%

Prepare the charger (the process may take 5-15 minutes)

Remember the data from Mi Account (will be required after the reset)-->

  1. Turn off the phone by long pressing the power button.
  2. Hold the combination:
    • 🔘 Volume up + Power — for most models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 and newer).
    • 🔘 Volume up + Volume down + Power — for older devices (Mi 8, Redmi 5).
  • Hold the buttons until the logo Mi and menu will not appear Recovery Mode.
  • Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select the item "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data".
  • Confirm the action by selecting "Confirm".
  • After resetting, select "Reboot" to reboot.

    • After turning on, the phone will offer to configure it as new. At the login stage, authorization via Mi Accountmay be required, if the function was previously activated "Find Device".

    ⚠️ Attention: On some models (POCO F3, Xiaomi 12T), an error appears after resetting via Recovery "This device is locked". This means that the device is linked to the account Mi, and to continue you will need to enter data from it. If you do not remember them, contact Xiaomi support service with proof of ownership (receipt, box).

    3. users)

    The method via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if the phone has USB debugging was previously enabled. Otherwise, this method will not work. The advantage of the method is saving data (if everything is done correctly).

    You will need:

    • 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers Xiaomi and tools ADB.
    • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
    • ⚡ Enabled USB debugging in developer settings.

    adb shell

    su
    

    rm /data/system/gesture.key
    

    rm /data/system/password.key
    

    rm /data/system/locksettings.db
    

    rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
    

    rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
    

    reboot

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
    2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: 
      adb devices

      Make sure the device is detected (its serial number should appear).

    3. Enter the commands to delete the password files (see block above).
    4. Reboot the phone with the command adb reboot.

    After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If an error appears "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped", perform a reset via Recovery Mode (see section 2).

    💡

    If USB debugging has been disabled, but the phone is recognized by the computer as a "Media Device" (MTP), try using the utility Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi. It only works for officially unlocked bootloaders.

    4. Find Device service (remote unlocking)

    Function Find Device (analogous to "Find Device" from Google) allows you to remotely lock or reset the password on Xiaomiif the phone is connected to the Internet. The method works even if the device is turned off, but the next time it connects to the network it will. command.

    Conditions:

    • 📶 The phone must be connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
    • 🔒 The function Find Device must be activated in the settings (Settings → Mi Account → Find Device).
    • 📧 You must have access to the email or phone number associated with Mi Account.

    Instructions:

    1. Go to the site i.mi.com i log in.
    2. Select a blocked device in the list.
    3. Click "Unlock Device" (unlock device).
    4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

    If the phone was turned off, the command will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet. Processing time is from 5 minutes to several hours.

    ⚠️ Attention: After remote unlocking, some models (POCO X5, Redmi Note 12) may require you to re-enter the password from Mi Account the next time you turn it on. This is a security measure that warns against unauthorized access. access.

    5. Contacting the Xiaomi service center

    If none of the above methods worked, you just have to contact official service center. This is relevant in the following cases:

    • 🔐 The phone is blocked after an unsuccessful reset via Recovery Mode (error "This device is locked").
    • 📱 The device is not recognized by the computer (the USB port or firmware is damaged).
    • 🔧 The phone has custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), and standard methods do not work.

    What you will need:

    • 📄 Receipt or warranty card (proof of purchase).
    • 🆔 Owner's passport (to confirm identity).
    • 📧 Data from Mi Accountif the phone is linked to an account.

    The cost of unlocking in the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the blocking. On devices with a damaged motherboard or memory, a complete flashing may be required, which will increase the price.

    Xiaomi model Average cost of unlocking Completion time
    Redmi Note 10/11 1 800–2 500 ₽ 1–3 hours
    POCO X3/X4 2 000–3 000 ₽ 2–4 hours
    Xiaomi 12/13 3 500–5 000 ₽ 1–2 days
    Black Shark 5 4 000–6 000 ₽ 2–3 days
    ⚠️ Attention: Unofficial service centers may offer “unlocking without a receipt” for a lower price, but this is fraught with the installation of unlicensed software or damage data. Xiaomi is not responsible for the actions of third parties.

    Common errors and how to avoid them

    When trying to reset a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

    • 🔌 The phone is not detected in ADB: check the drivers (install Mi PC Suite), try another USB cable or port. Some models (POCO F4) require unlocking the bootloader.
    • 📵 No connection to the Internet for Mi Account: if Wi-Fi is turned off and the mobile network does not pick up, bring the phone to the window or use another SIM card.
    • 🔒 An error appears after the reset "This device is locked": this means that the phone is linked to Mi Account. Enter your account information or contact support Xiaomi.
    • ⚡ The phone ran out of power during the reset: If the charge is below 5%, connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes before trying again.

    Prevention for the future:

    • 🔑 Set up biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
    • 📝 Write down the password for Mi Account to a safe place (for example, to a password manager Bitwarden or KeePass).
    • 🔄 Regularly back up your data via Settings → System → Backup.
    💡

    If If you plan to sell or transfer the phone, be sure to unlink it from Mi Account via Settings → Mi Account → Delete account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

    Is it possible to reset the password on Xiaomi without losing data?

    Yes, but only if debugging is enabled. USB (ADB method) or the phone is connected to Mi Account with an active Internet. In other cases, the data will be deleted.

    What to do if you forgot your Mi Account password?

    Restore access via recovery pageYou will need access to the email or phone number specified during registration. If the data is lost, contact support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

    Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting via Recovery?

    This happens if the function "Data protection" (encryption) was activated on the device. In this case, unlocking is only possible through Mi Account or service. center.

    Is it possible to unlock Xiaomi via Google Account?

    No. Starting from MIUI 9 (2017), Xiaomi removed unlocking support via Google Account. Now this only works on very old models (for example, Redmi 3S).

    How to protect your phone from accidental locking?

    Use Smart Lock (Settings → Screen lock → Smart Lock) to unlock the device in trusted places (for example, at home). biometrics.