How to change the pattern lock on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways

The pattern lock on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular ways to protect data, which combines convenience and relative security, but over time users face the need to change it: Some people want to make it harder, some people forget the current pattern, and some people just get tired of typing the same pattern. PIN-A graphical password requires a special approach when changing a code or fingerprint, especially if you don’t remember the old key.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the pattern lock on Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO steerable MIUI 12/13/14 (You'll learn how to update the pattern through settings, what to do if you forgot the combination, and how to avoid locking the device. MIUI, which allow you to reset the key without losing data on some models.

Why you might need to change your pattern lock

At first glance, a graphical password seems like a reliable solution, but in practice, users face several typical situations when they need to change it:

• 🔄 Security Leak: Someone saw you enter a pattern (e.g. on public transport or at work).
• 🧠 Forgot the combination: too complex drawing or infrequent use led to blocking.
• 📱 Phone Transfer: Before selling or transferring to a relative, you need to reset all passwords.
• 🔒 Suspicion of hacking: phone behaved strangely (self-unlocking, unknown actions).
• 🎨 Aesthetic inconvenience: the pattern is too simple or, conversely, too complex for daily input.

It is important to understand that the pattern lock in MIUI is tied to the Mi Account, which means that when you change it, you may need to confirm via email or SMS – especially if you are trying to bypass the lock. On new models (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), the system can request additional authentication even when you change your password.

⚠️ Note: If you have already locked your phone after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern, do not try to guess the combination further. MIUI 12, the device may require a Mi Account or even perform a factory reset after 10 failed attempts.

Method 1: Standard change of pattern lock through settings

If you remember the current pattern and have access to the phone, the easiest way is to change the key through the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10/11/12, POCO F/X and flagship series, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

Open the Settings app (cog icon) and follow the following steps:

1. Go to Passwords and Security (or Security on older versions of MIUI).
2. Select the option Lock the screen.
3. Enter the current pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Click on the Graphic Password (or Pattern in some localizations).
5. Create a new pattern, repeat it for confirmation.
6. Press Ready - the key will be changed.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) The system may suggest adding a backup PIN-code in case you forget the pattern. We recommend that you do this, which will make it easier to unlock in the future.

Make sure your phone is charged at least 30%|Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network (required for Mi Account)|Remember or record the current pattern|Make sure you have access to email/SMS for Mi Account-->

⚠️ Note: If you have a Mi Account after changing your key, but you don't remember it, don't enter it at random. After 3 failed attempts, the device may lock for 24 hours.

Method 2: Change the key through Mi Account (if you forgot the pattern)

If you don't remember your current graphical password, but you've attached a Mi Account to your phone, you can reset the key without losing data.

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.
• 🔄 Find the device on the phone (in Mi Account settings).

Resetting instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern on English firmware).
2. Select the Restore option via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm your identity through SMS-mail-in.
5. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

If the option Forgot the password? is missing, it means that the phone has disabled the function Find the device or no Internet connection, in which case you will have to use a hard reset.

Method 3: Hard Reset – a last resort

If you don't remember the pattern lock and you haven't tied your Mi Account, the only way to unlock your phone is to do a hard reset, which removes all data from your device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time (on some models – Volume down).
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
5. Confirm the reset by choosing Confirm or Yes.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).

💡

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter the old pattern lock, this means that the MIUI Data Protection function was turned on, in which case you will have to flash the device through Fastboot or contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a bootloader locked, a hard reset can lead to Mi Account Lock, an additional lock that requires you to enter your account data, which is true for devices purchased in China or with Chinese firmware.

Method 4: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB-debugging (was enabled before blocking), you can delete the pattern lock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn't delete data, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

If the su command doesn't work, then there's no root rights on the phone, and then it won't work.

Through phone settings |Through Mi Account|Hard Reset |ADB/Castom firmware |Never change-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change a pattern lock, you often have a typical preventable problem, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

• 🔌 Phone runs out during reset: Always check battery power before locking manipulations. Minimum level is 30%.
• 🌐 No Internet for Mi Account: If you forget the key, but the phone is not connected to the network, connect to Wi-Fi via the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down on the lock screen).
• 🔢 It's too simple a pattern: MIUI can block the possibility of making too short combinations (less than 4 points.
• 📵 Sensor fails after reset: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) After a hard reset, you may need to calibrate the screen. → Display. → Sensor calibration.

Another common problem is that the message "Device blocked Mi Account" appears after a reset, and this happens on phones with a Xiaomi account tied up if the Find Device function was previously activated.

1. Enter the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
2. If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website account.xiaomi.com.
3. If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account – contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

💡

If you are buying a Xiaomi phone with your hands, be sure to check if the Mi Account is untied from the device. ask the seller to perform a reset in your presence and make sure that after the restart, the phone does not require input of other people's data.

Additional Safety Advice

To avoid problems with the pattern lock in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN: When creating a graphical password MIUI proposes to add a backup PIN-Don't ignore this step!
• 📱 Link Mi Account: Even if you don’t use Xiaomi services, a tied account will help unlock your phone in case you lose your key.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Improvement of access restoration mechanisms.
• 📝 Keep backups: Use Mi Cloud or third-party services (like Google Drive) to backup data.

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative ways to unlock:

• 👆 Fingerprint: Configured in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint.
• 👀 Facial recognition: Available on models with infrared cameras (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔑 Smart Lock: Automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to trusted devices (earphones, smartwatches).

Remember, a pattern lock is not the most reliable way to protect yourself. Studies show that 60 percent of users choose patterns that can be guessed in 5 attempts. If your phone has important data (banking apps, work correspondence), use it. PIN-code+ numerals.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions