How to remove the screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from fingerprint to PIN-code

Forgot the pattern lock on Redmi Note 7 or want to remove the annoying PIN-Locking the screen is an important security feature, but sometimes it becomes a hindrance: when you hand the phone over to your family, sell it, or just get tired of entering the password every time. In this article, we will analyze all working ways to disable the lock โ€“ from standard settings to a radical reset via Mi Account or Recovery Mode.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the type of lock, and Redmi Note 7 can be installed:

  • ๐Ÿ”ข PIN-code
  • ๐Ÿ”„ pattern lock
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Fingerprint (requires a backup) PIN)
  • ๐Ÿ˜Š Facial recognition (also linked to the PIN)

If you remember the current password, it's a simplification, and if you don't, you'll have to use workarounds, some of which will lead to data loss.

Before you act, check:

  • โœ… Is there a backup of important files (photos, contacts, messages)?
  • โœ… Is the phone linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account)?
  • โœ… Has the latest version been installed? MIUI? (In older versions, some options may not be available)
๐Ÿ“Š What type of lock you have installed?
PIN-code
pattern lock
Fingerprint.
Facial recognition
I remember.

1. disable the lock through settings (if you know the password)

The easiest and safest way is to remove the lock through the settings menu, which is suitable if you remember the current PIN, password or pattern lock.

Instructions:

  1. Unlock the screen in the usual way (enter PIN or draw a key).
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Passwords and Security โ†’ Screen Lock.
  3. Enter the current password for confirmation.
  4. Select the No option (or Swipe to unlock the swipe).
  5. Confirm the action.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for disabling the lock

Done: 0 / 4

If you have a fingerprint or facial recognition set up, delete them first in the Settings menu. โ†’ Passwords and security โ†’ Fingerprint data (or facial recognition) are always tied to the main thing. PIN-code, so you need to remove it first.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Once the lock is disabled, all biometric data (fingerprints, face) will be deleted automatically, and you will have to reconfigure it if you decide to return the protection.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (if you forgot the password) If you forgot the pattern lock or PIN, But the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account, and you can use the Mi Cloud lock reset feature, and this method only works under the following conditions: ๐Ÿ“ฑ The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network). ๐Ÿ”— Mi Account is active and confirmed. ๐Ÿ”„ Find the device is enabled in the settings. Step-by-step: On your computer or other phone, go to i.mi.com and log in under the same account as on Redmi Note 7. โ†’ Your device (Redmi Note 7) Press Unlock the device. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled) Wait for a successful reset notification (may take up to 5 minutes). Once unlocked through Mi Account, all data on the phone will remain intact, but you will need to reconfigure the screen lock. If this method does not work, move to the next method. What to do if Mi Account is not tied?If the Xiaomi account was not added to the phone or you do not remember the login data, this method will not work. In this case, only a reset via Recovery Mode (see next section), but it will delete all data from the device.

3. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (will delete all data)

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to reset your settings completely.

  • ๐Ÿ“‚ All user data (photos, videos, applications).
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ All passwords and lock settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts).

Data recovery after reset will be impossible

How to reset:

  1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7 with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons โ€“ you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
  4. Select Wipe Data โ†’ Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power buttons for confirmation).
  5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
  6. After the reset is complete, select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and at the initial setup stage, the lock will be disabled.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account, which was previously associated with the device. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will turn into a brick, in which case you will need official unlock through the Xiaomi service center.

๐Ÿ’ก

Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card (if any) this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of file damage on external media.

4. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities

For advanced users, there are ways to bypass the lock through the ADB debugging bridge or specialized programs like the Mi Flash Tool.

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Knowledge of working with the command line or firmware.

Example of commands for ADB (if USB debugging was enabled):

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

These commands delete files with lock data, but only work on unencrypted root-enabled devices.

For most Redmi Note 7 users, this method is not suitable due to:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ No root rights by default.
  • ๐Ÿ” Encrypted section /data newer MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Risk of damaging the system if incorrect actions.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. A mistake in commands can cause your phone to malfunction.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to disable a lock, users often face some problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Resetting through Mi Account does not workNo Internet connection or account not confirmedConnect to Wi-Fi or check email/SMS for confirmation
After reset, asks for an old passwordThe device was encrypted.Requires a complete flashing through Fastboot
I can't get into Recovery Mode.Wrong combination of buttonsTry Power + Volume Up or Nutrition + Volume Down
ADB does not see the deviceNot installed drivers or debugging disabledInstall Mi PC Suite and enable debugging in the developer settings

Another common problem is that the phone asks you to enter your password after you reset, even if the lock has been disabled, because of a MIUI malfunction.

  1. Enter any password 5 times in a row (wait for the message about the lock).
  2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions for resetting via Mi Account.

6. How to protect data after disabling the lock

By disabling the screen lock, you make the phone vulnerable to unauthorized access, to minimize the risks of:

  • ๐Ÿ” Install a password manager application (such as Bitwarden or KeePassDX) to store critical data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Enable remote control via Mi Cloud (Find device option).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Regularly back up through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use device encryption (in security settings) if you store sensitive information.

If you temporarily disabled the lock (for example, for repairs), return it immediately after work is completed.

  • ๐Ÿ”ข P.IN-code (minimum protection).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ pattern lock (convenient but less reliable).
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Print. + PIN (Optimal balance of safety and convenience).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn off the lock without losing data if I forget my password?
Yes, but only if your phone is linked to Mi Account and you have access to the Internet. Use the i.mi.com reset method. If your account is not linked or not connected, you can't save your data.
Why does the phone require a password from Mi Account after resetting via Recovery?
This is Xiaomi's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature, and if you had a Mi Account on your phone, you'll need to enter your data after the reset, and you can only unlock the device through an official service center without it.
How to remove the lock if the screen is broken and does not respond to touch?
Connect your phone to your computer through USB, set up Mi PC Suite and try to manage it from PC (if debugging is enabled) USB). The alternative is to connect the mouse through OTG-Adapter (Redmi Note 7 supports) If nothing helps, only reset via Recovery Mode.
Will Google Find My Device work for unlocking?
No. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 uses its own lock system, not associated with Google services. Find My Device feature will only help find or erase data from the phone, but not reset the password.
Can I return deleted data after resetting through Recovery?
Theoretically yes, but only if: ๐Ÿ“ The data was not overwritten with new files. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ You use professional tools like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. ๐Ÿ”ง You have root access (the default is not on the dropped phone) In most cases, recovery is impossible, so always back up.