Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with powerful personal data protection tools, but there are situations when these features become an obstacle. The user may forget a complex password, buy a used device with active access or simply get tired of constantly having to enter a pin code every time you turn on.
In this article, we will take a look at all the legal and safe ways to remove access restrictions on the MIUI shell, we will look at methods with both full data retention and forced reset options if other paths are closed, and it is important to understand that each step requires care to avoid losing important information.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the difference between unlocking a forgotten password and completely disabling the security feature. In the first case, you often need to reset your settings, in the second case, you just need to change the settings in the menu. If you forget the password from your Mi Account, it will be almost impossible to restore access without account data due to the company's security policy.
Disabling screen check through standard settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the need to enter a password is to use the regular system settings menu, which is suitable for those users who remember the current password or pattern lock and have physical access to the desktop of the smartphone.
In the menu that opens, find Passwords and Security or Lock Screen, depending on the version of the MIUI shell. This is where all access control tools are concentrated. The system can request identity verification, so be prepared to enter the current unlock code or fingerprint.
- 🔒 Click on “Screen Protection Type” or “Screen Lock” to select the current method.
- 🗑️ Select the option “No” or “Swipe” at the bottom of the list of available options.
- ✅ Confirm the action by re-entering the current password to remove restrictions.
Once you do this, when you turn on the display, the system will no longer require you to enter numbers or draw a pattern. The screen will simply light up, giving you instant access to the desktop, which is convenient for devices that are used exclusively in the home or by children.
⚠️ Note: After deactivating the password, all stored fingerprints and facial data will be deleted from the security system memory.
Reset via Recovery Mode with a forgotten password
The situation when the user forgets the installed access code is one of the most common. If you can not log in in the standard way, you will have to use Recovery Mode Recovery mode, which allows you to reset the device to factory settings, completely clearing the memory of user data.
To enter recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones, you need to turn the device off completely. Then you need to press the combination of buttons: usually this is the Volume Up button and the Power button. Hold them simultaneously until the brand logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
☑️ Reset algorithm via Recovery
In the Recovery menu, you can navigate with volume buttons, and you can select the power button. You can find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then you can confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will reboot as new.
It is worth noting that after such a procedure, the welcome screen may require you to enter a password from a previously synchronized Mi Account or Google Account, which is anti-theft protection that cannot be avoided by a simple reset, unless you first untie the device from accounts.
Using the “Find Device” function for remote reset
If your smartphone is connected to the Internet and you have a search function activated, you can use Find Device, which allows you to remotely erase all data from your device, including the forgotten lock password, and is effective if you have another gadget with access to the network at hand.
Go to the official website of the service through the browser of any device. You will need to log in to the same Google or Mi Account that is used on the locked phone. From the list of devices, select your Redmi or Xiaomi model.
| Action. | Requirements | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Clear the data | Internet on the phone | Complete reset and deletion of password |
| Lock down | Internet on the phone | Set a new password |
| Ring | Internet on the phone | 5 minute sound signal |
Select the option "Clean the device" or "Erase Device" and the system will warn you that all files will be permanently deleted, and once confirmed, the team will go to the smartphone and it will start the reset process, and once completed, you can reset the phone without entering the old password.
What to do if the phone is offline?
Unlocking through debugging via USB and ADB
For advanced users who have pre-installed USB debugging in the developer menu, there is a technical way to remove lock files.This method does not require data reset, but only works if the phone has already been paired with a computer and has the status of a “Trusted Device”.
You'll need a computer with ADB drivers installed and a platform-tool utility. Connect your smartphone with a cable to your PC. Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder and type in a command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can proceed to delete the system key files.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.dbExecuting these commands will delete files that store password and pattern lock hashes, then reboot the device with adb reboot or manually, and when you turn on, the system will not find the password file and will let you on the desktop, suggesting that you install a new protection.
Unfortunately, on modern versions of Android and MIUI 12/13/14 shells, this method is often blocked for security reasons. Files can be protected by access rights that do not allow them to be changed even through ADB without root rights.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to delete system files without an accurate understanding of the process can lead to unstable system operation or cyclic restart (bootloop.
Mi Account problems and anti-theft protection
One of the biggest problems with password resetting is activating Mi Account protection, and if you have a Xiaomi account on your device and you have the Find Device feature enabled, after you reset it through Recovery, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from that account, which is designed to protect against theft.
If you forget the password from your Mi Account, you can only restore access through the official password recovery page on id.mi.com. You will need access to the associated phone number or email. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the device legally.
- 📱 Try to restore access through SMS number-bound.
- 📧 Use a backup email to get a reset link.
- 📞 Will turn 2026 to the support Xiaomi with a check about the purchase of the device.
Buying a device from hand without detachment from the previous owner’s account often leads to such situations, in which case the only way out is to contact the seller and ask him to remove the device from the list of trusted in the settings of his account remotely.
💡
Always untie your device from your Mi Account before selling or resetting. Go to your account settings and click Delete Device to avoid blocking activation.
Frequent questions and technical nuances
Users often face the same questions when dealing with blocking issues, and the following are answers to the most popular ones to help avoid common mistakes and better understand the logic of Xiaomi’s security system.
Many people wonder if you can bypass the lock without losing photos and contacts. Unfortunately, modern data encryption standards on Android do not allow you to access the file system without logging in. If the password is forgotten, data can only be saved if it was synced with the cloud before.
Can I unlock my phone without resetting my data?
What if the phone says “Device locked”?
Will Recovery work if Find My Device is enabled?
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The most reliable way to avoid blocking problems is to sync your data regularly and remember passwords from your main accounts (Google and Mi).
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that data security is in the hands of the user. Disabling the screen lock makes the device vulnerable in the event of theft or loss, so weigh all the risks before leaving the smartphone unprotected. Use biometric methods for quick but safe access.