Xiaomi Device Locked: What It Means & How to Fix

If your Xiaomi phone or tablet says “This device is locked,” it means the device is tied to a Xiaomi account with Find My Device (or Mi Account) security enabled, and the only way to unlock it is to enter the correct account password or have the original owner remove the device from their account. This lock is a theft-deterrent feature, not a carrier or network lock, and it cannot be bypassed with a factory reset or flashing software. Below, we explain why it happens, what your options are, and how to avoid getting stuck.

What Does “This Device Is Locked” Mean on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi devices have a security feature called Mi Account Lock (also known as FRP – Factory Reset Protection, though Xiaomi’s implementation is account-based). When you sign in with a Mi account and enable “Find My Device” or “Anti-theft,” the phone stores a cryptographic link between the hardware and your account. If someone performs a factory reset without first signing out, the phone will boot to a screen that says “This device is locked” and asks for the account password.

This is different from a carrier lock (which restricts which SIM cards work) or a bootloader lock (which prevents flashing custom ROMs). It is purely an anti-theft measure, similar to Apple’s Activation Lock or Samsung’s FRP.

Why Does It Happen?

The lock appears in these common situations:

• You forgot your Mi account password – the most common case for the original owner.
• You bought a used Xiaomi phone – the previous owner did not sign out of their Mi account before selling it.
• You performed a factory reset without disabling “Find My Device” first.
• The phone was reported lost or stolen – the original owner remotely locked it.

How to Unlock a Xiaomi Device Locked to a Mi Account

If you are the original owner and you remember your Mi account password, the fix is simple:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Next” or “Unlock.”
2. Enter your Mi account email/phone and password.
3. Wait for the phone to verify and then finish the setup.

If you forgot the password, you can reset it via the official Mi account recovery page (account.xiaomi.com) using your recovery email or phone number. If you no longer have access to those, you will need to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase – they may be able to unlock it for you, but it is not guaranteed.

If you bought the phone second-hand and the previous owner is unresponsive, the only legitimate options are:

• Ask the seller to sign out of their Mi account remotely (via i.mi.com or the Find Device app).
• Return the phone and get a refund – this is the safest option if the seller cannot help.

What Does NOT Work (and Why)

Many online guides claim to bypass the Mi account lock, but most are outdated or outright scams. Here is what will not work:

• Factory reset via recovery – the lock survives because it is tied to the hardware ID.
• Flashing a new ROM via Fastboot – the lock is stored in a protected partition that is not wiped by normal flashing.
• Third-party unlock services – these often require sending your phone to a lab, cost money, and may not work on newer models. There is also a risk of the phone being bricked.
• Using a different SIM card – the lock is unrelated to the network.

Beware of any service that promises a “free unlock code” – they are almost always phishing attempts to steal your Mi account credentials.

How to Avoid This Lock in the Future

If you own a Xiaomi device, take these steps to prevent getting locked out:

• Before selling or giving away your phone, go to Settings > Mi Account > Find Device and turn off “Find My Device.” Then sign out of the Mi account entirely.
• Keep your Mi account password in a password manager.
• If you buy a used Xiaomi, ask the seller to show you the phone with the Mi account removed before you pay.

Is It Legal to Unlock a Locked Xiaomi?

Unlocking a device you own is generally legal in most countries, but bypassing a lock on a device that is not yours (e.g., a stolen phone) is illegal. If you find a locked Xiaomi, do not attempt to bypass it – instead, try to find the owner or hand it to the police. Xiaomi’s lock is a security feature, and circumventing it on someone else’s device is a crime in many jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock a Xiaomi phone if I forgot my Mi account password?

Yes, if you have access to the recovery email or phone number linked to the Mi account. Go to account.xiaomi.com and click “Forgot password.” You will receive a reset link. If you no longer have access to those, you will need to contact Xiaomi support and provide proof of purchase.

Will a factory reset remove the Xiaomi lock?

No. A factory reset does not remove the Mi Account lock because the lock is stored in a separate partition that is not wiped by a normal reset. The phone will still ask for the Mi account password after the reset.

How long does it take for Xiaomi to unlock a device?

If you can reset your password online, the unlock is immediate. If you need to contact Xiaomi support, it can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on their verification process and whether you can provide the required documents.

Can a Xiaomi locked device be unlocked for free?

If you are the original owner and can access your Mi account, yes – it is free. If you bought a used device and the previous owner refuses to help, there is no free legitimate method. Paid third-party services exist, but they are risky and may not work on newer models.

Is there a way to unlock a Xiaomi without a Mi account?

No. The lock is specifically tied to the Mi account. Without the correct account credentials, the phone is unusable as a phone – it will only let you make emergency calls. There is no official backdoor.

What should I do if I bought a locked Xiaomi from a second-hand store?

Return it immediately and ask for a refund. A reputable seller should guarantee that the device is unlocked. If the store refuses, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or payment provider, as the item is not as described.

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