Forgotten password on a smartphone Xiaomi is a situation that even experienced users face. It is especially unpleasant when important data is stored on the device: photographs, correspondence or work documents. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and unofficial unlocking methods, but each of them has its own nuances and limitations.

In this article we will look in detail at 5 working methodsthat will help regain access to the phone: from recovery via Mi Account to using the mode Fastboot and tools like ADB. It is important to understand that some methods lead to total data loss, so they should be used only as a last resort. If you have never encountered flashing or debugging Android, we recommend that you first try the simplest options - they often work even without technical skills.

Please note: blocking algorithms Xiaomi are regularly updated. For example, on models with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS there may be additional restrictions on unlocking via Mi Account, if an email or phone number was not previously linked. If your smartphone was released after 2023, check the relevance of the instructions on the official website Xiaomi before starting the procedure.

📊 What Xiaomi smartphone do you have?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/X6
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi 10/11
Other

1. Unlocking via Mi Account (official method)

The safest and recommended Xiaomi method is using a linked account Mi Account. It works if:

  • 📧 An account is linked to the phone Mi Account (mail or phone number).
  • 🔄 mobile data or Wi-Fi is turned on on the device (for data verification).
  • 🔐 Previously, more than 5 unsuccessful input attempts have not been made password (otherwise the account is blocked for 24 hours).

To unlock the phone:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
  2. Select a recovery method: via email or SMS.
  3. Enter the confirmation code received by email or phone.
  4. Create a new password or graphic key.

If the button Forgot your password? does not appear, then the device has the recovery function disabled Mi Account. In this case, proceed to other methods.

⚠️ Attention: On models Xiaomi s MIUI 14+ i HyperOS after 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, you may need to wait from 30 minutes to 24 hours before trying again attempt at recovery. This mechanism protects the device from password guessing.
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If you don’t remember whether it’s linked to your phone Mi Account, try entering any password 5 times in a row. After this, the system may offer the option of recovery through your account (if you have one).

2. Password reset via Find Device (remote unlocking)

Function Find Device (device search) from Xiaomi allows not only to track the location of the smartphone, but also remove lock password. This method works even if the phone is not connected to the Internet at the moment - the command is sent the first time you connect.

Instructions:

  1. Go to the website i.mi.com and log in using the same account that is linked to the phone.
  2. In the menu, select your device (if there are several of them).
  3. Click Delete data → Unlock device.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After this, the password will be reset, but all data on the phone will be deleted (photos, applications, settings). The method is suitable if you are willing to sacrifice information to access the device.

Method Internet required Data loss Works on MIUI No (sent when connected)
Mi Account (on screen) Yes No Yes (with restrictions)
Find Device (remote) No (sent when connected) Yes Yes
Fastboot (via PC) No Yes Yes
ADB (debugging) No No (if not reset) Yes (requires preliminary configuration)
⚠️ Attention: If the function Mi Cloud data protection is enabled on your phone (in the account settings), remote unlocking via Find Device may not work. In this case, you will need to use Fastboot or contact a service center.

3. Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Mode Fastboot allows you to reset the lock password by connecting the phone to a computer. This method deletes all data, but it works even without an attached Mi Account. Suitable for models Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi based Qualcomm Snapdragon.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utility Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.
  • 📦 Firmware for your model (download from official website).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press Power button + Volume down until the logo appears Fastboot (robot with a gear).
  2. Connect the device to the PC. Make sure that the drivers are installed (you can use Mi PC Suite).
  3. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: 
    fastboot oem clean_all

    This command will reset all settings, including password.

  4. Reboot the phone: 
    fastboot reboot

If the command clean_all does not work, try flashing the phone via Mi Flash Tool selecting the option Clean AllThis will completely erase the data, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Download the firmware for your model|Install drivers (Mi PC Suite or manually)|Prepare the USB cable (check for damage)|Charge the phone at least 50%|Make a backup of your data (if you have access to it)-->

4. Using ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

The method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable if on the phone USB debugging was previously enabled. This is a rare case, but if you set up the phone for development or connected it to Android Studiothere is a chance.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
  2. Open the command line and check the connection: 
    adb devices

    If the device is displayed, proceed further.

  3. Delete the password file (only for Android 5–9): 
    adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

    or for new versions:

    adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
  4. Reboot phone: 
    adb reboot

After a reboot, the password will be reset, but data will remain intact. On MIUI 12+ this method may not work due to enhanced protection.

⚠️ Attention: If USB debugging was not enabled in advance, this method will not work. Do not try to activate it through Fastboot —this will lead to data reset.
Why does ADB not work on new Xiaomi?

Starting c MIUI 11, Xiaomi has tightened protection against unauthorized access. Even if USB debugging is enabled, the system can block commands related to changing password files without additional authentication via Mi Account.

5. Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If no other methods help, the only option left is hard reset via Recovery Mode. It will erase all data, including photos, applications and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the phone.

How to do a Hard Reset:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold Power button + Volume up until the logo appears Mi Recovery.
  3. Select a language (using the volume buttons) and confirm the selection with the power button.
  4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the reset (you will need to enter a code if it was set for Recovery).
  6. After completion, select Reboot.

On some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13), the path may be different: instead of Wipe All Data look for Factory Reset. After the reset, the phone will turn on like new.

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Hard Reset is the only method that works on 100% of Xiaomi models, but leads to permanent data loss. Use it only if other methods are not available.

6. Contacting the Xiaomi service center

If you are not confident in your technical skills or are afraid of damaging the phone, the best option is to contact official service center Xiaomi. Specialists will be able to unlock the device without losing data if:

  • 📄 You have a receipt or warranty card (proof of ownership).
  • 🔑 The phone was not stolen (verified by IMEI).
  • 📱 Custom firmware is not installed on the device.

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model and complexity of unlocking. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motherboard (for example, if it was activated eFuse - hardware lock).

To find the nearest service center, use official card Xiaomi. Before your visit, check by phone whether they provide unlocking, since not all centers provide this service.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When trying to unblock Xiaomi users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

  • 🔌 The phone is not detected in Fastboot: Check the cable (it is better to use the original one), install drivers Qualcomm or MediaTek depending on the processor. On Windows, a utility Mi Flash Tool with automatic installation of drivers can help.
  • 🔒 Mi Account does not accept the password: Try to reset your account password via recovery page. If the account is linked to a phone number, request an SMS code.
  • ⚙️ ADB displays a "device unauthorized" error: This means that USB debugging has not been confirmed on the phone. It is impossible to bypass this without physical access to the unlocked device.
  • 📵 After resetting, the phone requires the old password: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) after Hard Reset may remain bound to Mi Account. In this case, you will need to enter the details of the account that was on the phone before the reset.

If you encounter an error that is not in the list, try to find a solution on the forums Mi Community or 4PDA, indicating the exact phone model and error text.

Is it possible to unlock Xiaomi without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

  • USB debugging is enabled on the phone (ADB).
  • You remember the login/password from Mi Account and it is tied to device.
  • You are using official software Xiaomi (for example, Find Device).

In all other cases, the data will be lost.

What to do if you forgot your Mi Account password?

Restore access via recovery page. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with your account. If you do not remember any data, contact support Xiaomi with proof of purchase of the device (receipt, box with IMEI).

Does unlocking via Google Account work on Xiaomi?

No. Unlike "pure" Android, the firmware MIUI does not support unlocking via Google Account. This method only works on devices with original Android (for example, Pixel or Samsung).

Is it possible to unlock Xiaomi using a flash drive or SD card?

No, this is not possible. Some "instructions" on the Internet suggest creating a special file on the memory card to reset the password, but this is fraud. The only working methods are through Mi Account, Fastboot, ADB or reset.

What is eFuse and why does the phone not unlock?

eFuse — This is hardware protection on some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12). It is activated when the bootloader is unlocked or reset via Fastboot. If eFuse worked, the phone may be locked forever (replacement of the motherboard is required).

Before use Fastboot check whether your model supports eFuseon the forums 4PDA.