Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi: how to unlock your phone without losing data (and when it’s impossible)

Forgetting the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi is a frustrating situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Unlike iPhones, where unlocking without an Apple ID often means losing all data, Xiaomi smartphones offer several ways to solve the problem. However, it is important to understand that models with a MediaTek chip (for example, Redmi 9A, 10A) are more likely to save data than Snapdragon devices (Redmi Note 10 Pro, 11 Pro+), where reset via Fastboot usually erases everything.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (using ADB or Recovery mode), each method illustrated with screenshots and accompanied by warnings about possible risks. If you are not sure about your Redmi model, check it in the settings along the Settings path → About Phone → Model – this will help you choose the right algorithm for actions.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest way to do this is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them).
• 🔄 The "Find the device" function was activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the details.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation of ownership of the device through the tied number - without it, unlocking is impossible.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you'll have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. On Redmi models with MIUI 12/13/14, the path to Recovery may be different, below is the universal instruction.

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Make sure there are no important unsaved data on your phone.

Prepare. PIN-code SIM-Cards (required after resetting)-->

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is getting stuck – press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most Redmi: Power + Volume up. For older models (Redmi 4/5): Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may require you to enter data on the Mi Account that was previously linked (even if you don’t remember it) after a reset, which is anti-theft protection, in which case you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is fine if the phone has been debugging USB before locking. This is rare, but if you've previously connected Redmi to your computer for development or modifications, there's a chance.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, do not damage the port!).
• 📋 Knowledge of the command line (or willingness to follow instructions).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
2. Check the connection command: adb devices If the device is displayed, move on. If not, install drivers or try another cable.
3. Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for newer versions of MIUI: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of the increased protection, and after the reboot, the phone may request PIN-code SIM-cards or data.

💡

If ADB not seeing the device, try to turn on Fastboot mode (clamp Power) + Volume down) and use the command fastboot devices. You may need to unlock the bootloader, which will lead to a complete reset.

4.Use of the service "Find the device" (Mi Cloud)

If you have Find My Device enabled on your phone, you can try unlocking it remotely, which works even if your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi but has a mobile network.

Instructions:

1. Go to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com/) and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the blocked Redmi from the list of devices.
3. Click Delete Data (or Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action via SMS/email.

After that, the phone will be reset to factory settings and the pattern lock removed, minus the method: all data will be erased, including photos and messages.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, the official service remains. Xiaomi can unlock the phone upon presentation:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passports (for proof of identity).
• 📱 The device itself (must be in good condition).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region, in some cases, the service may refuse if the phone is listed on a blacklist (for example, was stolen).

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops with "unlock in 5 minutes" offers. Often, these "specialists" use exploits that can be exploited:

• 🔴 Forever lock the bootloader (bootloader).
• 🔴 Install malware.
• 🔴 Deprive the warranty (if the phone is guaranteed).

💡

Xiaomi’s official service is the only legal way to unlock without losing data if other methods have failed, but there is no guarantee of data retention: it depends on the service center’s policies.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

You can find tips on how to unlock through firmware (Fastboot) or bypass your account (Mi Account) using special programs (for example, Mi Flash Tool).

• 🚨 They can lock the phone forever).
• 🚨 Requires unlocking bootloader, which erases data.
• 🚨 Violate the terms of the guarantee.

If you do decide, here is a short algorithm for firmware via Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from [en.miui.com](https://en.miui.com/download.html).
2. Unpack the archive and put the files in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect to your PC and run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).

⚠️ Note: On models with Snapdragon (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the firmware via Fastboot necessarily erases data. On MediaTek (e.g. Redmi). 9C) The chance to keep the information higher, but not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)