Forgot the password from Redmi Note 9: what to do to unlock the phone without losing data?

Introduction

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a problem that thousands of users face every day, unlike the newer models with biometric unlocking (fingerprint or Face). ID), Redmi Note 9 owners often rely on the same PIN-If you typed it wrong 5 times in a row, the phone will lock for 30 seconds, and after 20 failed attempts, it may even require a hard reset.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to unlock (from simple to radical), assess the risks of data loss, and explain how to minimize damage. Importantly, not all methods work on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 and later, and you’ll learn why a Mi Account reset may not work if the phone is not tied to the account in advance.

Before you start, answer the key question: do you need to save data (photos, messages, contacts) or are you willing to sacrifice it for access?

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone was tied to Mi Account before locking.
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the login/password from your account (or you can restore it through your account). email/SMS).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email code.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not tied to your account or you don’t remember the login details, this will not work, and Xiaomi may request additional verification (such as a linked phone number) if the account is old or suspicious.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.

Check if you remember the email/phone from Mi Account

Prepare a backup email/SMS for recovery

Charge your phone at least 30%-->

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which removes all the data from your phone, including photos, apps and settings. Use it only as a last resort!

The following is a step-by-step guide for Redmi Note 9:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of Power + Volume Up.
2. Press the Power and Volume Up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English menu).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 9 firmware (especially with the MIUI 12.5+) After the reset, you may need to enter the data of the old Mi Account that was tied to the phone (FRP If you don't remember your account, the phone becomes a brick».

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. That's rare, but if you've ever set up a Redmi Note 9 for development, try it.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Established ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter the commands in order:




adb devices




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key (or password.key for PIN-code)




4.Reboot phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: This method only works on unencrypted devices.If the Redmi Note 9 settings enabled encryption (defaulted on older versions). MIUI), The team will not work and the data will be lost.

💡

Before using ADB, check if the phone in the system is determined by the adb device command. If the list is empty, the drivers are not installed or debugging is disabled.

4. Firmware through Fastboot (extreme case)

If all the previous methods didn't work, you're left with a complete Fastboot flashing, which is the riskiest way, because:

• 🔧 Requires technical skills (an error can turn a phone into a brick»).
• 📉 Xiaomi’s warranty will be cancelled.
• 🗃️ All data will be erased without recovery.

What needs to be done:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) from Xiaomi.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot and adb.
3. Download your phone in Fastboot Mode: Press Power + Volume Down.
4. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for the Redmi Note 9 has regional restrictions. ROM) Global model: Google services may stop working, NFC or 4G-ranges.

💡

Fastboot firmware is the only way to bypass FRP Lock (request the old Mi Account after reset), but requires strict adherence to instructions.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of losing data, it is better to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔧 Guaranteed unlocking without the risk of “bricking».
• 📄 Preservation of warranty (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 💾 The ability to recover some data (in some cases).

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📱 Phone box (if saved).

The cost of the service in 2026:

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services may offer 5-minute unlocks at a low cost, often by scammers who either install spyware or use illegal firmware with viruses. Check reviews and licenses!

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having a forgotten password problem on Redmi Note 9, follow the following simple rules:

• 📝 Write it down. PIN-code to an encrypted password manager (e.g. Bitwarden or KeePass).

Also set up Smart Lock in Android:

1. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Smart Lock.
2. Add reliable devices (such as smartwatches or cars).
3. Set up the unlock by location (such as at home).

💡

Even if you use a fingerprint, don’t turn off the backup. PIN-Biometrics may fail (e.g., if sensor damage or cold hands are affected).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 9