Overview
Mi Account lock is one of the most common issues Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO users face after a factory reset or second‑hand purchase. The device gets stuck on the "Activate this device" screen and refuses to proceed without the original Mi Account credentials — even after a full data wipe. This guide walks you through every available method to remove the lock: from Xiaomi's official appeal to professional server‑side IMEI services. By the end, you'll know exactly which path fits your situation and how to proceed.
What is Mi Account Lock?
Mi Account lock (also called Mi Cloud Lock or Xiaomi Activation Lock) is Xiaomi's anti‑theft protection, functionally similar to Apple's Activation Lock. When a Mi Account is signed in on a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device, it is permanently linked to Xiaomi's servers. After a factory reset — even one performed through Recovery Mode — the phone checks Xiaomi's servers and locks itself to the "Activate this device" screen until the original Mi Account credentials are entered. This feature exists on both MIUI and HyperOS and is separate from Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
Why It Happens
You'll see the Mi Account lock screen in several situations:
Forgot password after a factory reset — the device was reset without signing out of the Mi Account first.
Second‑hand purchase — the previous owner didn't remove their Mi Account before selling the phone.
HyperOS update triggered re‑verification — some devices lock unexpectedly after a major system update.
Lost access to recovery phone/email — the verification methods tied to the account are no longer available.
How to Find Your Unlock Code
The unlock code (also called lock number) is a unique identifier displayed on the Mi Account lock screen. It is required for both official and server‑side unlock methods.
Steps:
On the "Activate this device" screen, locate the small lock icon.
Tap the lock icon 10 times quickly.
A code appears — usually in a format like ABCD-5678.
⚠️ Important: Always submit the unlock code in CAPITAL (UPPERCASE) letters. Using lowercase may cause the lookup to fail. On HyperOS and newer MIUI versions, you may need to be connected to Wi‑Fi or mobile data for the lock code to generate.
Official Unlock Methods (Free)
Xiaomi provides two official paths, both free but with strict requirements:
Method 1 — Forgot Password (if you own the account)
If the Mi Account belongs to you and you still have access to the registered phone number or email:
Go to account.xiaomi.com → Forgot Password.
Enter your Mi Account email or phone number.
Choose SMS or email verification, receive a code, and reset your password.
Enter the new password on the locked phone.
This method works only if you still control the recovery phone or email tied to the account.
Method 2 — Device Unlock Appeal (us.i.mi.com)
If you cannot recover the password through standard methods:
Visit us.i.mi.com → Submit unlock application.
Enter the device's IMEI (dial *#06#) or the unlock code from the lock screen.
Select the region where the device was originally purchased.
Provide proof of purchase (original receipt, invoice, or order confirmation).
Submit and wait 3–5 working days for review.
⚠️ Limitations:
Appeal is often rejected without a valid purchase receipt.
Cannot be used for second‑hand devices where you don't have the original owner's documents.
Requires the original phone number linked to the Mi Account (even if inactive).
Review takes 3–5 working days and may be rejected up to 3 times before final denial.
Server-Based Unlock Services
When the official path fails — or you need a faster solution — professional IMEI‑based server services can permanently remove the Mi Account lock. Unlike downloadable tools that risk malware, jailbreak requirements, or device bricking, server‑side services process the unlock directly through Xiaomi's regional servers. Nothing is installed on your phone; only the IMEI and unlock code are needed.
What you need:
IMEI — dial *#06# to display it.
Unlock code — tap the lock icon 10 times to retrieve it.
Correct region — the country where the device was first activated.
How it works:
Submit your IMEI, unlock code, and activation country.
The service routes the request to the correct regional Xiaomi server.
The Mi Account is permanently detached — no password, no recovery data, no software required.
Why Region Matters
Xiaomi ties every Mi Account to the country where the device was first activated. A phone activated in Colombia is attached to a different regional server than one activated in Vietnam or Iraq. This is why server‑based unlock services are organized by country: each region requires a different server pathway. Choosing the wrong region will cause the unlock to fail entirely.
⚠️ If you don't know the activation country, submit the IMEI and unlock code — the service can often determine the correct region.
