Forgot your pattern key, PIN code or password from Xiaomi? The situation is familiar to many: the phone is blocked after several unsuccessful entry attempts, and access to data becomes impossible. Fortunately, even in 2026, there are legal unlocking methods - from official tools Mi Account to technical methods via Fastboot or Recovery Mode. But it is important to understand: each of them has its own security limitations and consequences for data.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of resetting settings on Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO - from the simplest (with a linked account Mi) to complex (via PC and console commands). Let us separately dwell on the nuances for new models with MIUI 15/16, where the manufacturer has tightened the protection. If you are not confident in your technical skills, start with the first method and move on to the next ones only if necessary.

1. Unlocking via Mi Account (official method)

The safest and recommended Xiaomi method is using a linked account Mi. It works on most devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X6, Xiaomi 14), if:

  • 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • 🔑 You remember the login and password from Mi Accountthat was associated with the device.
  • 🔄 "Find device" function (Find Device) was activated in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
  2. Select Log in via Mi Account and enter your data.
  3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  4. Follow the system prompts to create a new one password.
⚠️ Attention: If you have previously disabled synchronization with Mi Account or reset your phone to factory settings without logging out of your account, this method will not work. In such cases Xiaomi may require confirmation of ownership through service center.
📊 How often do you forget device passwords?
Often (once a month)
Sometimes (once every six months)
Nearby (once a year)
I never forget

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss?)

The method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) or older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1 etc.). On new smartphones (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), resetting via Recovery usually leads to total data deletion, but allows you to bypass the screen lock.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press Power + Volume Up (or Volume Down depending on the model).
  2. Hold Power + Volume Upuntil the logo appears Mi and menu Recovery.
  3. Use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select an item Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action (Confirm) and wait for the reboot.

Some firmware (MIUI Global) may require you to enter a password even in Recovery. In this case, proceed to method c Fastboot.

Turn off the phone|Charge the battery at least 50%|Prepare the charger (the process may take 10-15 minutes)|Make sure that there is no important unsaved data on the phone-->

3. Using Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

This method requires a computer with installed drivers Xiaomi and app Mi Flash Tool. It is suitable for devices with locked bootloader, but has risks:

  • 🔧 Complete loss of data (including photos, contacts, messages).
  • 🛠️ Possibility of “bricking” the phone if incorrect actions.
  • ⏳ The process takes 20-40 minutes and requires a stable USB connection.

Instructions:

  1. Download official firmware for your model (choose the version Fastboot).
  2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Flash\).
  3. Turn off the phone and switch it to mode Fastboot: hold Power + Volume Down.
  4. Connect the device to the PC and start Mi Flash Tool.
  5. Select the folder with the firmware, click Refresh, then Flash (select the option Clean All).
⚠️ Attention: On new models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi K70) after flashing the firmware through Fastboot authorization may be required original Mi Account, associated with the device. If you bought the phone secondhand, this method may not work!
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool does not see the phone?

Make sure that the drivers are installed Qualcomm or MediaTek (depending on from the processor of your model). Try using a different USB cable (the original one) and a USB 2.0 port on your PC. If the problem persists, check whether the mode is enabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings (but this cannot be done on a locked phone - you will have to look for alternative methods).

4. Unlocking via ADB (only for older versions of Android)

The method works on devices with Android 7.0 and below (for example, Redmi 3S, Mi 5) and requires that USB debugging mode (USB Debuggingbe previously enabled. If this option was activated before blocking, the chances of success are high.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
  3. Enter the commands in order: 
    adb devices

    adb shell
    

    su
    

    rm /data/system/gesture.key

  4. Restart the phone - the screen lock should disappear.

For new versions MIUI (12 and higher) this method does not work due to enhanced protection. An alternative is to use the command adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric, but it requires root access.

💡

If you do not remember whether USB Debuggingwas enabled, check the folder C:\Users\[Your_name]\.android\ on your PC. The presence of the file adbkey.pub may indicate that debugging was previously activated.

5. Contacting the Xiaomi service center

If all the previous methods did not work, the official way remains is contacting authorized service center. This is relevant for:

  • 📱 Phones with linked Mi Account previous owner (purchase from hand).
  • 🔒 Devices with enabled function Anti-Theft (protection from theft).
  • 📦 Models released after 2022 (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer).

What you will need:

  • 📄 Receipt or warranty card (proof of purchase).
  • 🆔 Owner's passport.
  • 📧 Linked data Mi Account (if any).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. In some cases, Xiaomi may require sending the device for diagnostics to a Moscow service center (for example, for Xiaomi MIX Fold 3).

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial services often offer “account bypass” for 1000-3000 rubles, but this can lead to to loss of warranty or damage firmware. Risks include installation of uncertified software or hacking through exploits, which is unsafe for personal data.

6. Alternative methods (with risks)

If standard methods do not help, some users resort to unofficial solutions. We we do not recommend use them without technical skills, but for completeness we list: we recommend

Method Applicability Risks Chances of success
Bypassing EDL Mode (9008) Qualcomm processors (Snapdragon) Balling, loss of IMEI 70%
Use of TestPoint MediaTekchips (Helio G99, Dimensity) Damage to the board, loss of warranty 50%
Firmware via SP Flash Tool Redmi on MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9A) Firmware incompatibility, bootloop 60%
Exploits for MIUI (for example, CVE-2023-2110) Android devices 11-13 Security vulnerabilities, account blocking 30%

To implement these methods you will need:

  • 🖥️ PC with installed drivers and specialized software (QFil, SP Flash Tool).
  • 🔌 Cable USB-TypeC high quality (better original).
  • 📄 Firmware files or authkeys (for EDL).
💡

Any unofficial unlocking methods may lead to loss of warranty and blocking of network functions (IMEI). Use them only as a last resort and at your own peril risk.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

To decide on the unlocking method, answer the questions:

  • 🔹 Is it linked Mi Account with access?
  • 🔹 Is the data on the phone (photos, messages) important?
  • 🔹 Are you ready to use PC and console commands?
  • 🔹 Is there a warranty for the device?

Based on the answers, select a method from the table:

Situation Recommended method Data loss? Difficulty
Is there access to Mi Account Unlock via Forgot your password? ❌ No ⭐
No access to account, data is not important Recovery Mode → Wipe Data ✅ Yes ⭐⭐
Bootloader is locked, data needed Contact service center ❌ No (possibly) ⭐⭐⭐
Phone older than 2019, was turned on USB Debugging ADB-commands ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nothing helps, no warranty important Fastboot + Mi Flash Tool ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Remember: on devices with MIUI 14/15 and newer Xiaomi tightened protection. Even after resetting through Fastboot you may need to enter the data of the original Mi Account. If the phone is purchased secondhand, the chances of unlocking are minimal without the help of the previous owner.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to unlock Xiaomi without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

  • 🔹 You have access to linked Mi Account (method 1).
  • 🔹 The phone is turned on USB Debugging and has root access (method 4).
  • 🔹 The device is old (until 2018) with vulnerabilities in firmware.

In all other cases, resetting the settings will lead to the deletion of user data.

What to do if after resetting it asks for the old password?

This means that:

  • 🔹 The function was activated on the phone Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
  • 🔹 The device is tied to Mi Account, the details of which you do not know.

Solution:

  1. Try to enter the data of the last one you used Mi Account.
  2. If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact the previous owner.
  3. Contact the service center with your purchase documents.
How to unlock Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account password?

Restore access to your account:

  1. Go to recovery page.
  2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
  3. Confirm your identity via SMS or backup email.
  4. Create a new password.

If you do not remember the associated email/phone number, contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership device (receipt, box with IMEI).

Will flashing via TWRP help bypass the blocking?

Partially. Installing custom TWRP allows you to:

  • 🔹 Delete lock files (gatekeeper.password.key, locksettings.db).
  • 🔹 Make a backup of data before resetting.

But for this:

  • 🔹 You need unlock bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
  • 🔹 On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) TWRP may not work due to secure boot (AVB).

Risks: data loss, soft-brick (cyclic reboot).

What to do if the phone does not turn on after a reset?

Possible reasons and solutions:

  • 🔹 Bootloop (cyclic boot): try flashing the phone through Fastboot again by selecting the option Clean All and Lock in Mi Flash Tool.
  • 🔹 Black screen: check the battery charge (connect to charger for 30 minutes), try pressing Power + Volume Up for 20-30 seconds.
  • 🔹 Error Anti Rollback: it means you have flashed an older version of MIUI You need to find the firmware with the same or newer one. number Anti-Rollback.

If nothing helps, take the phone to the service. Independent attempts to fix hard-brick can lead to irreversible damage.