“Last week, while organizing my drawer, I came across my Redmi Note 8, which had been unused for six months. When I turned it on, it showed ‘This Device Is Locked’. How can I unlock this phone?”
If you’re facing the “This Device Is Locked” message on your Xiaomi phone, you’re not alone. Xiaomi’s security system locks devices linked to a Mi Account to protect user data from unauthorized access. While this feature enhances security, it can also leave legitimate owners locked out of their devices, especially if they forget their Mi Account password or buy a second-hand Xiaomi phone that’s still linked to the previous owner’s account.
So, is your phone permanently locked? Not at all. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple solutions to remove the “This Device Is Locked” screen and regain full access to your Xiaomi device.
Why Is My Xiaomi Device Locked?
When a Xiaomi phone displays the message “This Device Is Locked”, it means that the device is associated with a Mi Account and cannot be accessed without the correct credentials. This security feature prevents unauthorized use in case of theft, data breaches, or accidental resets. However, legitimate users may also encounter this lock due to several reasons:
1. Forgot Mi Account Password. If you can’t remember your Mi Account credentials, your device will remain locked until the correct password is entered.
2. Factory Reset Without Removing Mi Account. Performing a factory reset without unlinking your Mi Account triggers Xiaomi’s anti-theft protection, requiring you to log in with the original Mi credentials after resetting.
3. Installing Custom ROMs or New Firmware. If you flash a new ROM or modify system settings, Xiaomi may detect unauthorized changes and lock your device for security reasons.
4. Buying a Second-Hand Xiaomi Phone. If the previous owner didn’t remove their Mi Account before selling the device, the new user will be locked out until the original account is unlinked.
5. Multiple Incorrect Password Attempts.Too many failed password attempts can result in a temporary or permanent lock, depending on Xiaomi’s security settings.
How to Unlock “This Device Is Locked” on Xiaomi
If you find yourself locked out of your Xiaomi/Redmi phone, here are three effective methods to fix the issue and regain access.
Method 1: Reset Mi Account Password
The easiest way to unlock a phone stuck on “This Device Is Locked” is by resetting your Mi Account password through Xiaomi’s official website.
Step 1: On another device, go to Xiaomi account password recovery page. Enter the phone number or email associated with your Xiaomi account and click “Next“.
Step 2: Click “Send” and Xiaomi will send a verification code to your registered email or phone number.
Step 3: Enter the verification code received. On the next page, check and confirm that this is your account, then click “Reset Password” button.
Step 4: Set a new password, click “Submit“, you will be prompted that you have successfully changed your Mi account password.
Enter the new Mi account password on the locked phone to fix the “this device is locked xiaomi” issue.
Tip: This method will not work if you have not associated your Xiaomi account with a valid email or phone number. In this case, try the next solution.
Method 2: Contact Xiaomi Support for Account Recovery
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to your Mi Account, the password reset method won’t work. In this case, the best option is to contact Xiaomi Customer Support for manual verification.
Step 1: Visit the Xiaomi Customer Support page and find the contact details for your region.
Step 2: Explain your issue and provide key details such as:
1. Your Xiaomi device model
2. IMEI number (dial #06# on another phone to check your Xiaomi box or invoice)
3. Proof of purchase (invoice or receipt)
Step 3: Xiaomi support will verify your ownership and guide you through the Mi Account recovery process.
Tip: If Xiaomi confirms your ownership, they may reset the Mi Account lock for you, allowing you to log in with new credentials.
Method 3: Perform a Factory Reset to Bypass the Lock
If you are unable to reset your password and cannot reach Xiaomi’s support, you can perform a factory reset on your Xiaomi phone. However, keep in mind that doing so will delete all your data and your original credentials may still be needed after your Xiaomi account is locked. Please note that this method does not work on all versions of Xiaomi devices, especially newer ones.
Step 1: Turn off your Xiaomi phone. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power button until you see the Xiaomi logo on the screen.
Step 2: Use the Volume Down button to navigate to “Wipe Data“, which you can confirm by pressing the Power button, then select “Erase All Data” and confirm the reset process.
Step 3: Once the reset is complete, select “Reboot” option to restart your phone, and the “This device is locked” message should have been successfully removed.
Additional Tips to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again
1. Always remember your Mi Account password and link a recovery phone number or email to avoid getting locked out in the future.
2. Unlink your Mi Account before selling or resetting your Xiaomi phone to prevent activation lock issues.
3. If buying a second-hand Xiaomi device, ensure the seller has removed their Mi Account before purchase.
4. Be cautious when flashing ROMs or modifying firmware, as Xiaomi’s security system may detect unauthorized changes and lock your device.
Conclusion
The message “This Device Is Locked” shows on your Xiaomi phone can be frustrating, but it’s not a permanent issue. If you forgot your Mi Account password, reset it via the Mi Account Recovery page. If that’s not an option, contact Xiaomi Support for assistance. As a last resort, a factory reset may help, but you’ll still need the original credentials to fully unlock the device.
Choose the best method for your situation and regain access to your Xiaomi phone. I hope this article is useful to you.