How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget the pattern lock: step-by-step instruction 2026

Forgetting the pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone is a frustrating situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Even if you have entered the wrong pattern several times and the device has been blocked, there are official and alternative methods of restoring access. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to radical (complete reset via Fastboot).

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether the Mi Account was tied, whether debugging is enabled over USB, whether there is a backup of data. We will describe each option in detail, indicate its pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors that can lead to data loss or “bricking” of the device. If you are the owner of a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or another modern Xiaomi smartphone on MIUI 14/15, the instructions below are suitable for you.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30%, otherwise the risk of disconnection during the procedure).
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (required for authorization via Mi Account).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (preferably original to avoid PC connection issues).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if you've previously linked a device to a Xiaomi account. It works on most models, including the Redmi 10/11, POCO F4, Xiaomi 13T, and doesn't require a data reset. Here's how to do it:

1. On the lock screen after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock will appear button "Forgot password?" or "Forgot pattern?".
2. Select the option "Sign in with Mi Account".
3. Enter your Xiaomi account email/phone and password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
4. After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work. In this case, you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 All data on the phone is saved (photos, messages, applications).
• ⚡ Quickly, it takes no more. 2-3 minute.
• 📱 It works even without a PC connection.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Not suitable if you forget the password from Mi Account.
• 🔒 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra may require confirmation via SMS, even if the account is attached.

2. reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you'll have to resort to resetting, which will delete all data on the device, including apps, contacts and media files, but will return access to the smartphone, and this manual is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination Volume up + Power button and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" (or "Clear Data") and then "Wipe All Data" with the volume buttons.
4. Confirm the action by choosing "Confirm".
5. After the reset is complete, select "Reboot" to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied after reset.If you don't remember them, the phone will turn into a brick - you will need to unlock through Fastboot (more on this below).

Turn off the phone.

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 50%)

Prepare a button combination for your model (see table below)

Download the firmware for recovery (if you plan to re-flash after resetting)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has enabled debugging on USB and there is access to the computer, you can delete the file with the pattern lock through ADB. This method saves data, but requires prior preparation. 10-14.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → Type cmd) and execute commands in order: 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
3. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 14+ This method may not work because of the increased protection. USB not activated in advance, connect through ADB fail.

💡

If the su command doesn't work, the device doesn't have root permissions. Try skipping it and delete files without it.

4 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is tied)

If the phone requires data input from Mi Account after resetting via Recovery, and you do not remember them, you can try unlocking the device via Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, POCO F3, Redmi K40).

Procedure:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and install drivers (if necessary).
3. Download the Mi Flash Unlock utility from the official Xiaomi website.
4. Sign in to the utility under your Mi Account (should be tied to the phone!).
5. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader.

Important: Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot erases all data on the device and can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions (anti-theft protection).

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔐 The phone is locked through the previous owner’s Mi Account.
• 📱 The device does not respond to buttons (not included in Recovery or Fastboot).
• 🔧 Requires flashing or repair of hardware.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Note: Do not contact unofficial services that offer “Mi Account bypass in 5 minutes” and often lead to device failure or unlicensed software installation.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

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

• 🔑 Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock, it is more difficult to forget.
• 📝 Write your key or password to a secure location (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📱 Attach Mi Account and enable data synchronization.

It’s also helpful to set up a Smart Lock in Android so that unlocking happens automatically in secure places (such as at home or at work). → Screen locking → Smart Lock.

💡

Even if you are sure that you will not forget the pattern lock, configure alternative ways of unlocking (fingerprint, facial recognition) – this will save time in emergency situations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi