Why Redmi 9 is blocked and what to do
The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a problem that even experienced users face. The smartphone is blocked after 5 failed attempts of entering, and after 30 attempts it may even require the entry of Mi Account data. Unlike older Xiaomi models, where it was enough to reflash the device, modern versions with MIUI 12+ have enhanced protection: binding to a Xiaomi account and data encryption. This means that a simple reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) will not always help - the phone can remain locked during the activation stage.
In this article, we'll look at 7 proven ways to unlock the Redmi 9 (including the Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), from the simplest to the most technically complex. Importantly, not all methods will save your data β some lead to a complete reset. So try the options first without losing information, and then move on to radical measures. If you are not sure about your actions, you better contact the service center β the wrong manipulation can turn your phone into a brick.
Method 1: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)
The most reliable and official method is to use a Mi Account attached to you, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your computer. PIN-code, but remember the username / password from the Xiaomi account:
- On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message βForgot your password?β appears.
- Slip on this label and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
- Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
β Pros: does not require data reset, works on all versions MIUI, does not violate the guarantee.
β Cons: If you don't remember the Mi Account, it's useless, and it doesn't work if you didn't have your account linked to your phone.
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If you donβt remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com.Use the linked email or phone number.
Method 2: Reset via Find Device (remote unlock)
Find Device (similar to Googleβs Find Phone) allows you to remotely unlock Redmi 9 if:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- π Synchronization with Mi Account is enabled.
- π Find Device is activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your Redmi 9 from the list of devices.
- Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.
- Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).
What if the Device canβt see the phone?
Important: After remotely unlocking, the phone may require re-entering the Mi Account password the next time it is turned on.
Method 3: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)
If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to do a hard reset through Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, and use it only as a last resort!
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
- Select "Wipe Data" β "Wipe All Data and confirm.
- After reset, select "Reboot".
Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Prepare data for the Mi Account login (required after reset)
Download the latest firmware for Redmi 9 (in case of errors)
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β οΈ Note: On Redmi 9s models MIUI 13+ After Hard Reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account, which was tied to the phone earlier. If you do not remember them, the phone will turn into a brick".
Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)
The Fastboot method is suitable if Hard Reset fails because of its Mi Account binding, USB-The method is to run the phone through the official Mi Flash Tool, bypassing the lock.
What you need:
- π» Windows computer (7/10/11).
- π Original. USB-cable (do not damage the port!).
- π₯ Firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official website).
- π Mi Flash Tool (Last version).
Instructions:
1. Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from Xiaomi website).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
5. Press Refresh β the program must determine the device.
6. Select Clean All and press Flash.
7. wait for the end of the process (5-10 minutes).β οΈ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If the firmware process is interrupted, your phone may fail. Use a laptop with a charged battery or UPS.
Hard Reset via Recovery
Mi Account
Find Device
Fastboot/ADB
I've tried nothing.-->
Method 5: Bypassing a lock through ADB (Save Data)
If you managed to enable USB Debugging before locking, you can try unlocking your phone through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without losing data. This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, but it sometimes saves you.
What needs to be done:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R β cmd).
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot
After restarting, the phone should unlock. If not, try again or try other commands:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericπ‘
The ADB method only works if USB debugging was enabled before the phone locks. On Redmi 9 with MIUI 14, this method is often blocked by security.
Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center
If all independent attempts to unlock failed, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides the unlock service for a fee (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the region).
- π Guaranteed result (if the phone is not blacklisted).
- π Preservation of the guarantee (if it is still valid).
- π‘ Safety β No risk of βbricking".
How the process goes:
- Find the nearest Xiaomi service center.
- Bring your passport and check (if any).
- Pay for the diagnosis (usually 500-1000 rubles).
- Sign consent to the data reset (if required).
| Town | The cost of unlocking (2026) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow | 1500β2500 β½ | 1-3 days |
| St. Petersburg | 1200β2000 β½ | 1-2 days |
| Kazan | 1000β1800 β½ | 1 day |
| Novosibirsk | 1300β2200 β½ | 2-3 days |
Method 7: Alternative methods (at your own risk)
If the official methods did not help, you can find "gray" methods of unlocking on the Internet, for example:
- π§ Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode β requires special cable and knowledge.
- π» Use of exploits (e.g., to bypass Mi Account on older versions) MIUI).
- π± Replacing the motherboard is a last resort if the phone is locked at iron level.
β οΈ Attention: These methods may violate warranty, cause data loss or permanently disable the phone.We do not recommend using them without experience, 4PDA) Often outdated or malicious instructions are distributed.