How to change or reset the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: 5 ways

The pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a convenient way to protect data, but sometimes it turns into a headache. You might forget the combination after a long break in use, buy a used phone with someone else's password or just want to change the pattern to a more complex one. PIN-When it comes to code, the pattern lock is not always easy to recover using standard methods, especially if you haven’t linked the device to your Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the pattern lock on Redmi, from simple (through settings) to radical (reset via Recovery).We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and smartphone models, as the algorithms may differ. If you are afraid of losing data, prepare a backup copy in advance or check the section on recovery without loss.

Warning: some methods require proof of identity through Mi Account, and in case of a hard reset, all data on the phone will be erased.

1. How to change the pattern lock through settings (if you know the current one)

If you remember the current pattern, the easiest way to change it is to change it from the security menu, which works on all Redmi models (from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and does not require a data reset.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Screen Lock (or Lock Screen in MIUI 14).
3. Enter the current pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Press the pattern lock and draw a new pattern (at least 4 dots).
5. Confirm the new key by re-entering.

Important: If you have the option to Require Password at Startup, you may need to enter after changing the key PIN-Fingerprint or code to confirm.

Make sure your phone is charged (>30%)

Connect to Wi-Fi (for synchronization of Mi Account)

Remember the backup PIN (if set)

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

2. Reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (if you forgot the pattern)

If you don't remember the pattern lock, but your phone is linked to your Mi Account, you can use the "Forgot Password?" feature, which only works when you're connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile).

Step-by-step:

• 🔹 On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times.
• 🔹 Will you see a message Forgot the pattern lock? – click on it.
• 🔹 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (if two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm with a code from the SMS).
• 🔹 After authorization, the system will prompt to Reset the pattern lock or Install a new one.

⚠️ Note: if you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone isn't tied to the account, this method won't work.

3. Unlocking through Recovery (Hard Reset) mode

Recovery is a radical method that removes all data on your phone, including apps, photos and settings, and only use it if other methods have failed.

How to log in to Recovery on Redmi:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release when the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

Further action:

• 📱 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 📱 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
• 📱 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 📱 After resetting, restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Note: on new models (Redmi Note) 11/12, Redmi K50) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember your account, your phone will turn into a brick».

Reset via Mi Account|Recovery (Hard Reset)|ADB-team|I went to the service center.|Never blocked.-->

4. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for advanced)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the pattern lock through the computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method saves data, but requires pre-preparation.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset, but may need to be entered PIN-password or code (if additionally set).

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If the adb device command does not find the device, try reinstalling the drivers or using another device. USB-On Windows, Mi can help. PC Suite for Automatic Driver Installation.

5 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

On some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi K40), access to Recovery can be blocked with a graphical key, in which case Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash Tool utility will help.

⚠️ Note: this method is only suitable for users who have previously unlocked the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.

Steps:

1. Turn off the phone and log in to Fastboot (clamp Power + Volume down).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
4. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (the device should appear).
5. Select Clean All and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and then the phone will reboot in the factory state.

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Fastboot removes all data, including internal memory. If your phone has important files, try extracting them first through ADB (section 4) or contact the service center.

6. Alternative methods: service center and third-party utilities

If neither method works, there are two options:

⚠️ Warning: Avoid programs that promise “unlock in 5 minutes” – most of them are fraudulent or contain malware. If you decide to use third-party utilities, download them only from official sites (for example, Wondershare).

On Redmi models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, Redmi 10A) it sometimes helps to reset through the engineering menu (#3646633##), but this method is unstable and can cause a system failure.

7. How to avoid pattern lock problems in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Link your phone to your Mi Account and remember the login details.
• 📱 Set up a backup. PIN-code in lock settings (Settings) → Passwords and security → Screen locking → Reserve password).
• 🖥️ Regularly back up through Settings → System and device → Backup.
• 📝 Write down the pattern lock in a secure location (for example, in the Mi Cloud password manager).

It is also useful to enable Smart Lock, a feature that automatically unlocks your phone in trusted places (such as at home or work). → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.

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If you often forget passwords, use a fingerprint or facial recognition instead of a pattern lock, which is more reliable and doesn't require memorizing combinations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi