Forgot the pattern lock on the Xiaomi phone: what to do in 2026?

Introduction: Why a pattern lock blocks access and what to do about it

pattern lock on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient alternative PIN-It's a code or a password, but forgetfulness can become a serious problem, unlike Apple or Samsung, where unlocking through Apple. ID Find My Mobile takes minutes for Redmi owners, POCO Mi often has to choose between saving data and quickly accessing the device.

The main difficulty is that Xiaomi does not provide a universal β€œcloud” solution for resetting a pattern lock (unlike Google Smart Lock), which means that if you did not link a Mi Account account or enable debugging. USB In advance, the unlock options narrow to a hard reset, but even then there are nuances: new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) You may need to confirm your original account after resetting through Recovery.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official (with data saved) to radical (with full memory clearing). Particular attention will be paid to models with MIUI 14/15, where the procedure may differ from the older versions. If your phone is discharged or does not respond to touch, at the end of the article there is a separate section with solutions for such cases.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from the Mi Account (or associated account) email/phone).
  • πŸ”„ The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row, and the message will appear: "Forgot your password?".
  2. Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
  4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) After unlocking through Mi Account, you may need to re-enter the pattern lock. If you do not remember it, the system will prompt you to reset the settings.

Phone connected to Wi-Fi|Mi Account is tied to the device|Remember the password from the Mi Account|The phone has enough charge (minimum 20%)-->

Method 2: Reset the pattern lock using Find My Device (Google)

If your Xiaomi has Google Account sync and internet access enabled, you can try resetting the lock via Find My Device, a method that doesn’t work on all devices, but it’s worth the effort.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to Find My Device from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to a blocked Xiaomi.
  3. Select your device in the list (if there are several).
  4. Click on β€œBlock the device” (yes, even if it is already locked).
  5. Enter a new temporary password (e.g. 123456) and confirm.
  6. On a locked phone, enter this temporary password – it will replace the pattern lock.

πŸ”Ή Limitations of method:

  • 🚫 It does not work with Xiaomi. MIUI 12 and later if the β€œAllow Remote Block” option is disabled in Google’s settings.
  • 🚫 Once unlocked, you may need to re-enter the pattern lock (if it was saved in the system).
  • 🚫 It does not work if the phone is disconnected from the Internet.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn’t show up in Find My Device, check if geolocation and sync with Google is enabled on the locked device (via another phone or tablet).

Method 3: Unlocking through Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If previous methods have failed, it leaves Recovery, a radical way to remove all data from the phone, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, but has important nuances:

On devices with MIUI 14/15 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chip, after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the data of the associated Mi Account (even if you do not remember it), this is protection against theft, and it is impossible to get around it without proof of ownership.

Instructions for discharge:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
  5. Confirm the reset (Confirm).
  6. After restarting, set your phone as new.
Xiaomi modelIs a Mi Account Required After a Reset?Possibility of circumvention
Redmi Note 10/11/12Yes (if tied up)No (official reset only)
POCO F3/F4/F5Yes (on MIUI 13+)Partially (through EDL, but risk of "brick")
Mi 11/12/13Yes.No (firmware level protection)
Xiaomi 13T/14Yes (required)No.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using Fastboot modes or EDL to bypass locks, but on new devices (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2 And newer) it can lead to a total loss IMEI Or picking up your phone, and without experience, you'd better not risk it.

Unlocking through Mi Account|Find My Device (Google)|Reset via Recovery|Read the service center |Hasn't tried-->

Method 4: Use ADB (only if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone has been pre-enabled debugging via USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times press to unlock the developer options), you can try to delete the file with the pattern lock via ADB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB (you can download here).
  3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your device) 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.

πŸ”Ή It's important:

  • πŸ”§ The method works only on unencrypted devices (unless it was required to be turned on when it was turned on). PIN/password).
  • πŸ”§ Nana MIUI 14+ You may need to root, which will cancel the warranty.
  • πŸ”§ If the phone is encrypted, after deleting the files, the data will become unavailable.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If the adb device command returns an empty list: 1. Make sure that USB-The cable is good (try another one). 2. Check if the "File Transfer" mode is enabled" (MTP) on the phone (if the screen is unlocked). 3. Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers (download from the official website). 4. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 5. On Windows, disable driver signatures (Execute) β†’ bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on β†’ Reboot).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not work, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides an unlock service upon presentation of proof of purchase (check, box with IMEI, warranty card).

What will be required:

  • πŸ“„ Proof of purchase (preferably with indication) IMEI).
  • πŸ“± The device itself (preferably with a charge) >30%).
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner.

πŸ“ Where to look for service centers:

  • Official website: mi.com/ru/service.
  • Google/Yandex maps for β€œXiaomi Service Center [your city]”
  • Partner stores (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video - some have repair points).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer "Mi Account bypass" for 1000-3000 Roughly, but this is often associated with risk:

  • 🚨 Loss of loss IMEI (The phone won't catch the network).
  • 🚨 Installation of unofficial firmware (loss of warranty).
  • 🚨 Data theft (if the phone is unlocked without resetting).

πŸ’‘

The official service center is the only legal way to unlock if both the pattern lock and Mi Account data are forgotten. Alternative methods (EDL, test points) can lead to irreversible consequences.

What to do if the phone is discharged or does not respond to touch

If Xiaomi is low or the screen doesn’t respond (like after a fall), standard unlocking methods won’t work.

1. Phone discharged (not included):

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the original CC and wait. 30-60 On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) It can be used to charge fast even when switched off.
  • πŸ”‹ If the charging indicator is not on, try another charger (at least power) 18W).
  • πŸ”Œ In some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9) helps withholding food + Loudness down 20-30 junction.

The screen does not respond to touch:

  • πŸ“± Connect your phone to your computer and try to control it via Mi. PC Suite (if previously included debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”„ If the screen is working but does not respond to touch, plug in USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter – This is how you can enter the pattern lock.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the screen is broken but the image is visible, try connecting the phone to the TV through HDMI-Adapter (works on Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50 newer).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is not charging or turning on, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this can damage the battery plume.

How to avoid data loss in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock again, follow these tips:

1. Backup settings:

  • ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud: Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Synchronization.
  • πŸ“± Regularly create local backups: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ–₯️ Copy important files to your computer or external drive.

2. Alternative ways of unlocking:

  • πŸ”‘ Add in. PIN-Code or password as a backup method: Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Password.
  • πŸ‘† Enable Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted location/device): Settings β†’ Lockdown and protection β†’ Smart Lock.
  • πŸ“ Link your Google Account and turn on β€œFind your device” in Google Settings.

Hardware measures:

  • πŸ”§ Buy it. OTG-adapter + USB-Mouse – This will help unlock your phone even with a broken screen.
  • πŸ”‹ Keep the charge level. >30% to avoid sudden shutdown.

πŸ’‘

Create a text file with passwords and graphical keys (like Google Keep or 1Password) and store it encrypted, which will save time if you forget the combination again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can you unlock Xiaomi without losing data if you have forgotten the pattern lock and no Mi Account?
Theoretically, yes, but only if the phone is debugging over USB and you can use ADB. In practice, on newer models (MIUI 14+), this is unlikely due to enhanced security. In 90% of cases, without a Mi Account or backup, data will be lost.
What if your phone needs an old Mi Account after resetting via Recovery?
This is the theft protection that Xiaomi has implemented in MIUI 12+. If you don’t remember your account details, you can officially unlock your phone only through a service center with a confirmation of purchase. Alternative methods (for example, firmware via EDL) can lead to the loss of IMEI.
Does unlocking a call to a blocked Xiaomi work?
No, this method (calling from another phone to access the lock screen) doesn’t work on Xiaomi with MIUI 10 and later. In older versions (e.g. MIUI 9) it sometimes helped, but now the vulnerability is closed.
Can I bypass the pattern lock via Fastboot or EDL modes?
Technically, yes, but: πŸ› οΈ Fastboot: on new models (Snapdragon) 8xx) You need an authorized Mi Account to unlock the bootloader. πŸ› οΈ EDL: It only works with official firmware and requires special equipment. Wrong actions will lead to a brick. Without experience, it is better not to experiment - contact the service.
How much does it cost to unlock in the Xiaomi service center?
Cost depends on the model and region: πŸ’° Redmi Note 10/11/12: 500–1200 ruble. πŸ’° POCO F3/F4/F5: 800–1500 ruble. πŸ’° Xiaomi 12/13/14: 1200–2000 The price usually includes diagnostics and resets, and if you need to replace the screen or plume, the price will rise.