How to bypass the lock of the Xiaomi smartphone: from the pattern lock to Mi Account

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or the phone locked after unsuccessful attempts to enter? The situation is familiar to many: the smartphone turns into a “brick”, and access to photos, contacts and applications is lost in an instant. Fortunately, even the strict security system MIUI has loopholes to unlock – the main thing is to know what tools and in what sequence to use.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to bypass locks on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard methods through Mi Account to advanced techniques using ADB, Fastboot and even hardware reset. Particular attention will be paid to the new models of 2023-2026 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 and Dimensity 9000+ chips, where traditional methods may not work due to enhanced protection.

We warn you right away: some methods require technical skills, and the wrong actions can lead to complete loss of data or “bricking” of the device. If you are not sure about yourself, you should contact the service center. For others, we have prepared the most detailed instructions with explanations of each step.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or Mi Security.
4. Follow the system’s prompts to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation via the Internet. SMS to the number associated with the account – make sure you have access to it.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost and the phone is not synced to the cloud, it will be hard reset via Recovery mode, which will delete all data on the device, including photos, messages and installed apps, but will return access to the system.

It is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except for devices with a locked bootloader and activated Anti-Rollback function (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds)

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

Prepare a PC with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed (in case reset doesn’t help)

Download stock firmware for your model (useful for flashing)

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Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it is getting stuck - pinch Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F5/Xiaomi 12T: Power + Volume up + Volume down (hold 5-7 seconds).

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

yes

Reboot

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) may require the old Mi Account password to be reset even if the account was not tied! This is anti-theft protection. EDL.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (you have previously activated) OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings).
• 🖥️ You have a PC with installed ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 The phone is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode (checked by the command of fastboot devices).

Instructions:

1. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install the Mi Flash Tool drivers.
3. Fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp
4. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

💡 Useful tip: If after the restart, the phone again requires a password, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

4. Unlocking through EDL (Engineering Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the “last hope” for unlocking Xiaomi when other methods fail. It allows you to flash the device without any protections, but requires:

• 🔧 Special cable. EDL (or ability to connect on board).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and stock firmware for your model.
• 🔐 Authorized Mi Account (for new models).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive and install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Put your phone in EDL mode: For older models: press Power + Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable. For new ones, you need a testpoint (closing contacts on the board) or an authorized cable.

Mi Flash Tool

Clean All

📌 Key conclusion: EDL — The only way to get around Anti-Rollback and unlock Mi Account-based devices, but it requires technical skills.

5. bypassing the pattern lock through ADB (without loss of data)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging), and the lock is set in the form of a pattern lock, you can try to delete the key file through ADB. This method saves data, but only works when conditions are met:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB was activated prior to blocking.
• 🖥️ PCs are installed. ADB and driver.
• 📱 The phone is connected to the computer and is determined in ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Check the connection: Adb devices If the device is displayed – move on.
3. Delete the pattern lock file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place. If this method does not work, try repeating commands with su rights (to root).

6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If you failed to make any independent attempts and the data on your phone is critical, contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔐 Guaranteed unlock without risk of damaging the device.
• 📄 Preservation of the guarantee (if it is still valid).
• 🛠️ Data recovery (in some cases).

What will be required:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🔑 Mi Account information if it was linked.
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services may offer “unlock in 5 minutes” but often use illegitimate methods (e.g. firmware through the Internet). EDL This can lead to a lockdown. IMEI or problems with future updates.

7. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

In some situations, the unconventional solutions help, and let's look at them in the table:

💡 Useful tip: If the phone is locked due to multiple misentry of the password, wait 24-48 hours. Xiaomi can temporarily unlock the device for a second attempt.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi