How to Change or Reset a pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi: All the Working Techniques of 2026

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi or want to change it to a more reliable one? This problem is familiar to many users — according to statistics, one in five owners of Xiaomi smartphones at least once blocked themselves due to errors in entering the pattern. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and alternative ways to unlock that work even without losing data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for changing the pattern lock, from standard (via settings and Mi Account) to technical (using ADB or Recovery mode). We will focus on the nuances for different Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 9A) and explain why some methods may not work on MIUI 14/15 firmware with enhanced protection.

We warn you right away that if the data protection function is activated on the phone when blocking (in MIUI it is called Privacy Protection), then some methods will not be available, in which case you will have to sacrifice user files - but we will show you how to minimize losses.

1. How to change the pattern lock through settings (if the phone is unlocked)

If you haven’t already locked the device, but want to change the current pattern to a more complex one (or make it easier), do it through Xiaomi’s standard menu, which takes less than a minute and requires no additional tools.

The instructions are valid for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-15, including Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/10A and POCO X5:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section → Screen locking.
3. Enter the current pattern lock or PIN-proof-code.
4. Select a pattern lock and draw a new pattern (at least 4 dots).
5. Confirm the change with re-entry.

Note that if you have the "Show Pattern" option enabled (in lock settings), the new key will be visible when you type it, which is convenient but reduces security. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The pattern can be illuminated even when turned off due to Always-On Display.

⚠️ Note: If you use dynamic locking (changing pattern), it cannot be changed through the standard menu. → Display. → Dynamic lockdown.

💡

On Xiaomi Redmi, you can install an invisible pattern lock — touch the screen in random places outside the dots when creating a pattern. The system will remember the coordinates, but the key will be invisible to outsiders.

2. Reset the pattern lock through the Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable way to unlock Redmi if you forget the pattern lock is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi, Released devices after 2018, and does not require a data reset.

Step-by-step:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern? on English firmware).
• 📱 Choose the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
• 🔐 Enter. email/Phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
• 📲 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• ✅ Install a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

If after entering data from Mi Account there is an error "Server is not available" or "Incorrect password", check:

• 🌐 Internet connection (sometimes helps switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data).
• ⏳ Time and date on the phone (if they are lost, sync with Xiaomi servers does not work).
• 🔄 Availability of updates MIUI (Some versions of the firmware have bugs with authorization).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with a locked bootloader (e.g. global versions of the Redmi Note 10 Pro) after 5 failed attempts to sign in via Mi Account, the phone may require Factory Reset. ADB (section).

3.Unlocking through Google account (for older versions of MIUI) Before MIUI 12 (2020) on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, you could reset the pattern lock through a Google account. Now this method only works on devices with firmware older than MIUI 11 or custom builds (for example, LineageOS). If you have a new model (for example, Redmi 12 or POCO F5), this method will probably not work. How to check the MIUI version on a locked phone? Press the power button and increase the volume - the Recovery menu will indicate the firmware version of the data via the Google account, then you will use the graphics via the device, click the device for the message, "Take it for the device, click on the graphics on the device, and then you will be locked in the device for the device for 30 seconds. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-If the login button is not available through Google, then: 📱 Sync with Google is disabled on the phone (check in the account settings on another device). 🔄 A new version has been installed MIUI, where this method is disabled. 🔒 The phone is linked to a corporate account (e.g., through Android Enterprise). Why did Xiaomi remove the unlock through Google? MIUI 12, the manufacturer tightened security policies to prevent unauthorized access to devices.In the past, attackers could reset a lock via Google even if the phone was stolen. Now this method is left only for older models or devices with unlocked bootloader.

4. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (without data loss)

If the previous methods did not work, and you do not want to reset your phone to factory settings, try to delete the file with the pattern lock via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires preliminary preparation (on debugging over USB), but allows you to save all data.

Important condition: USB debugging must be activated before the phone locks, and if you haven't activated it beforehand, this is not the right way to do it.

Instructions for Windows/macOS/Linux:

1. Download and install ADB Tools (or use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: 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
4. After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but you will need to install a new pattern lock.

If the phone still requests a graphical key after executing the commands, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+ 5G) If the standard commands don't work, try to delete: rm /data/system/lock_pattern.aut Or check the list of files in /data/system/ via ls.

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (before locking)|Use the original USB-cable|Check the connection of the adb device team-->

5. Reset via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last resort is a hard reset through recovery mode, which erases all data on the phone (photos, contacts, messages), but returns access to the device, suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models, including the new ones (Redmi 13C, POCO X6).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm.
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

On some models (such as the Redmi 9T or Redmi A2), the Recovery menu may look different. If you can't see the Wipe Data item, try:

• 🔧 Select Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache, then try again.
• 🔄 Flash your phone via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Once reset, the phone will be like new, you will need to reconfigure Mi Account, Wi-Fi and other settings, and if you backed up your phone via Mi Cloud or Google Drive before locking it, you can recover the data.

💡

Hard reset via Recovery is the only way to unlock Xiaomi Redmi if sync with Mi Account is disabled and ADB does not work. However, this method erases all data without the possibility of recovery (if there was no backup).

6. Alternative ways: Unlocking through Find Device and Service Center

If you’ve exhausted all home methods, there are two options: remotely unlock through Xiaomi’s Find Device service or contact an official service center.

Method 1: Remote unlocking via i.mi.com

Find Device, Google's Find My Phone, not only tracks the phone, but also unlocks it remotely.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the blocked Redmi from the list of devices.
3. Click Unlock Device (or Unlock Device).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Limitations of the method:

• 📍 The phone must be connected to the internet.
• 🔋 Battery level - at least 15%.
• 🔒 The device must be enabled with the Find Device function (checked in Settings). → Mi Account → Find Device).

Method 2: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If your phone is locked and none of the methods worked, contact the official service center.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
• 🔐 Data from Mi Account tied to phone.

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. New devices (released after 2022) are guaranteed - unlocking can be free.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future: safety tips

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

• 🔑 Use the backup. PIN-code - when creating a pattern lock MIUI It suggests setting a backup digital password, write it down in a secure place (e.g., Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
• ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud – this will allow you to unlock your phone through i.mi.com even without access to the device itself.
• 📱 Set up Smart Lock – the feature will automatically unlock your phone in safe places (such as at home or work). → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.
• 🔧 Check the debugging routinely USB — If it is disabled, the method ADB will be unavailable.
• 📲 Install a device management app (like Google’s Find My Device or Mi Remote) to help unlock your phone remotely.

Also avoid:

• ❌ Too simple patterns (such as the letters "L" or "Z" - they are easy to pick up).
• ❌ Using the same key on multiple devices.
• ❌ Disconnect sync with Mi Account or Google.

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative methods of blocking:

• 👆 Fingerprint scanner (available on Redmi Note 10 and later).
• 👀 Facial recognition (works even in a mask) MIUI 14+).
• 🔢 PIN-code (less reliable, but easier to enter).

💡

The most reliable way to protect – a combination of a pattern lock + This makes it harder to hack, but it allows you to quickly unlock your phone in everyday situations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi