Forgetting your smartphone password is a difficult situation, but it is not a hopeless one, especially if we are talking about the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, where the manufacturer has provided several official ways to restore access, the main thing is not to panic and not to try to find a combination at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 30 seconds, and after 20 β may require a complete reset.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking Redmi. 9 (including versions of Redmi 9A/9C/9T), Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on whether Mi Account, Find Device or other features have been previously enabled. OTA-If you have never set up a Xiaomi account, some options will not be available.
We warn you right away: on Redmi 9 models with MIUI 13+ firmware and later, Recovery reset deletes all data if the Mi Cloud Backup was not enabled. This is due to Xiaomi's tightening security policy. But there are workarounds - read on.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)
The most reliable and secure way is to use the Mi Account attached, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or PIN, but remember the username/password from your Xiaomi account.
- On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message Forgot the password appears.
- Slip on this inscription β the system will prompt you to enter data from Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and password.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
β Pros: does not require data reset, works on all versions MIUI, borrower 2-3 minute.
β Cons: if the account is not tied or you forgot the password from it β the method will not work.
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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use a backup email or a linked phone number.
2. Reset password via Find Device (remote unlock)
Find Device (similar to Googleβs Find Phone) allows you to unlock Redmi 9 remotely if:
- π± Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π Synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled.
- π You remember the data from your Mi Account.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
- Sign in with the same account as the blocked Redmi 9.
- In the menu, select your device β Find the device β Unlock.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
β οΈ Note: if the phone is disconnected, the unlock command will be executed only after connecting to the network, and the method does not work if previously reset to the factory settings without detachment of the account (you will need an anloka bootloader).
3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If previous methods have failed, you will have to reset hard through recovery mode, which will remove all data from your device, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it as a last resort!
The following is a step-by-step guide for Xiaomi Redmi 9:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and tap on Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
- After reset, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
β οΈ Attention: on some firmware MIUI 12+ After the reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account (if it was linked), this is protection against theft. If you do not remember the account, you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.
Turn off the phone.
Press the power button + volume up
Wait for the Recovery menu (Mi logo)
Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data
Confirmation of discharge (Confirm)
Reboot the device (Reboot)
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4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method via Fastboot is suitable if:
- π§ You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- π₯ You can download the official firmware for Redmi 9.
- π You are ready to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).
Algorithm:
- Download the official firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi 9 (lancelot)).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line in the firmware folder and type in: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data.
β οΈ Attention: the wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, see a specialist. Also note that unlocking the bootloader erases all data and resets the settings to the factory.
What if Fastboot doesnβt recognize the device?
5. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If Redmi 9 has previously been activated by USB debugging, you can try resetting your password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which saves data, but only works if two conditions are met:
- USB debugging is included in the developer settings.
- The computer is authorized on the device (there was a confirmation of the connection via USB).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line and type in: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
- After resetting, the password will be reset.
πΉ Note: MIUI 13+ This method may not work due to security changes, and root rights are required, which are disabled by default on Redmi 9.
6.Official Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods did not help, you can contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.
- π Phone requires data input from previous Mi Account after reset.
- π΅ The device does not respond to buttons (hardware failure).
- π§ You need to save data, but self-unblocking is impossible.
What will be required:
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π Passport (for proof of identity).
- π± The device itself (preferably with a charge) >20%).
β Pros: guaranteed result, preservation of the guarantee (if it is valid).
β Cons: paid service (from 1000 before 3000 ruble), waiting time (1-3 day-day).
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Contacting the service center is the only legal way to unlock Redmi 9 with a Mi Account tied if you donβt remember your account details.
Comparison of Redmi 9 Unlocking Methods
| Method | Data retention | Mi Account required | Difficulty | Time. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | β Yes. | β Yes. | ββ (easily) | 2-5 minutes |
| Find Device | β Yes. | β Yes. | ββ (easily) | 5-10 minutes |
| Recovery Mode | β No. | β No. | βββ (middle-of-the-road) | 10-15 minutes |
| Fastboot | β No. | β No. | ββββ (difficult) | 20-30 minutes |
| ADB | β Yes. | β No. | ββββ (difficult) | 15-20 minutes |
| Service centre | β /β (dependency) | β No. | β (simple) | 1-3 days |