How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi if you forget the pattern lock: official and alternative methods

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that one in five users faces, and according to service centers, 63% of screen lock requests are due to the loss of a password or pattern. PIN-The pattern lock is harder to remember visually, especially if you rarely unlock the device. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, both through official Mi Account tools and through technical workarounds.

Many users panic for fear of losing personal data, such as photos, correspondence or work files. However, not all unlock methods require a factory reset. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from the simplest (using a Xiaomi account) to advanced (via ADB or Fastboot). Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the version of MIUI, the Redmi model and the availability of backups. For example, on devices with a MIUI 14+ and a Snapdragon chip, additional recovery options are available.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have a Mi Account (mail/phone) attached)?
• 📱 Is the latest version installed on the smartphone? MIUI?
• 🔌 Is there access to a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers?

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi uses is to use a linked account. It works on all Redmi models (from Redmi 5 to Redmi Note 13 Pro+), if you previously logged in to Mi Account and enabled synchronization.

1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot Password?" (or "Forgot pattern?" on English firmware).

2 Enter the username (email or phone) and password from Mi Account.

3. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email code.

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Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device, you will need to enter code from the Mi Security or SMS application. Without access to the backup number, unlocking is impossible.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 No data reset required.
• 🕒 Takes less than 5 minutes.
• 📱 It works even on blocked loaders.

If the button “Forgot your password?” is missing, it means:

• 🚫 Mi Account is disabled on the device.
• 🌐 Use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🔧 Activated mode OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi Redmi, always check whether the previous owner’s Mi Account is tied to it. You can do this in the Settings → Xiaomi Account menu.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you'll have to hard reset through Restore mode, which deletes all the data on the device, including photos, apps and settings, and is suitable for Redmi models based on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After restarting, set the device as new.

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Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 or Redmi Note 11 Pro) after reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account associated with the device previously (FRP Lock).

Turn off the smartphone from charging |

Take it down. SIM-card and memory card (if any)|

Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%|

Prepare the data for the Mi Account (if necessary)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if the device is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. It's rare, but if you've activated developer mode before, the odds are high. MIUI 11–14.

Steps:

1. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
4. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

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Note: On newer models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60) this method may not work due to enhanced MIUI protection.

If adb devices do not show the device:

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable (use the original cable).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and smartphone.
• 📋 Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).

4.Use of Mi Flash Tool (for firmware)

The last method is to completely flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔓 You forgot your pattern lock and Mi Account data.
• 📦 You have a backup of your data (or it doesn’t matter).
• 🖥️ There is access to a Windows PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and the firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Fastboot ROM).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

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Note: Fastboot firmware deletes all data and can lead to locking the bootloader if unofficial firmware is used. On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi 13C, Redmi A2+), you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Xiaomi account with a device-linked connection).

Where to download the official firmware:

• 🌍 Official website: MIUI Downloads.
• 📁 Forums: 4PDA, XDA Developers (for custom firmware).

💡

Fastboot is the only way to unlock Redmi if both the pattern lock and Mi Account data are forgotten, but this is an extreme measure, as it leads to complete data loss.

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

Redmi devices until 2019 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Redmi 5 Plus) sometimes run workarounds closed in newer versions of MIUI.

Method 1: Calling a blocked smartphone

1.From another phone, call the blocked Redmi.

2. Accept the call and, without completing it, quickly go to the settings (sometimes this allows you to bypass the lock screen).

3. Disable the pattern lock in Settings → Security → Screen lock.

Method 2: Use of emergency call mode

1. On the lock screen, tap "Emergency Call".

2. Enter ##4636## and this will open the testing menu.

3. Return to the home screen via the Back button (sometimes this will unlock the device).

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Note: These methods only work on MIUI 9-10 and can cause system failures, and on newer firmware (MIUI 12+), they are blocked.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center, you will need a confirmation of purchase (check or box) and a passport. The cost of unlocking is from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles.
2. Use paid unlocking services, such as DC-Unlocker or Octoplus, and risk: malware may be installed.

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Take with you documents on the phone (guarantee card, check).
• 🔋 Charge the device to at least 50%.
• 📧 Make sure you have access to the email linked to your Mi Account.

The cost of unblocking in unofficial services:

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi