Locking the screen on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO — It's an important privacy tool, but sometimes it becomes a hindrance. PIN-The code is unpredictably activated every time you unlock it, or the pattern lock is triggered unpredictably. Or maybe you bought a used phone with a lock already configured and want to remove it. In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to disable the screen lock on Xiaomi devices running the lock. MIUI 12/13/14, including nuances for different models and firmware versions.
Before you start, consider that disabling the lock reduces the security of the device. If you do, we will show you how to do it without losing data (in most cases), and also tell you what to do if the standard methods do not work. PIN-code in the settings before reset via Fastboot - here you will find a solution for any situation.
1. Standard disabling of lock through settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI options. It is suitable if you know the current password, PIN or pattern lock. The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older models on the MIUI 12+.
To remove the blockage:
- 📱 Open the Settings app** (cog icon on the home screen).
- 🔒 Go to Passwords and Security (on some firmware – Screen Lock and Passwords).
- 🔑 Select Screen Locking → enter the current password/PIN/graphical key.
- ❌ Click Remove Screen Lock (or No if the system suggests selecting a new method).
- ✅ Confirm the action - the lock will be disabled.
On some devices (e.g., POCO F4 or Redmi K50), the path may be slightly different:
Settings → System → Additional → Lock and Protection → Screen LockBattery charge > 30% | Wi-Fi connection (to sync your account) | Backup of important data | Check version of MIUI (Settings → About phone)
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Important: If you use a fingerprint or facial recognition, you have to delete it separately in the Fingerprint Data or Face Recognition section, which does not automatically turn off when you remove the main lock.
2. disable the lock through the Mi Account (if you forgot the password)
If you forget your pattern lock or PIN, but your phone is tied to your Xiaomi account, you can reset the lock via a website, which only works when you are actively connected to the Internet and synced.
Instructions:
- 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com from your computer or other device.
- 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to a locked phone.
- 📱 In the Devices section, find your smartphone and select Find the device.
- 🔄 Press Unlock the screen. → confirm the action through SMS email.
- 📲 After 5-10 minutes, the screen lock will be reset (the phone must be connected to the network).
Why might the method not work?
⚠️ Note: Once unlocked via Mi Account, the system may require you to set a new password.If you want to remove the lock completely, repeat the steps from the first section.
3.Reset lock via Recovery mode (without data loss)
If standard methods don’t work and Mi is not tied, you can try resetting the lock via Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices running MIUI 12-14 and does not require a PC connection, but does not work on all models.
Step-by-step:
- 🔄 Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
- 🔧 Hold the Loud up. + Power before the Mi logo appears (this will launch Recovery Mode).
- 📛 With volume buttons, select the language (usually English or ).
- 🔓 Go to Wipe Data → Wipe Lock Settings (on some firmware - Erase Lock).
- ✅ Confirm the action of the power button.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone (Reboot).
| Model phone | Does it support Wipe Lock? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | It's working on MIUI 13+. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | ✅ Yes. | You may need to re-authorize your Mi Account. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | ⚠️ Partially. | On some firmware, the option is missing |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | ❌ No. | Fastboot required |
⚠️ Note: On devices with data encryption (on by default on the MIUI 14) this method may result in the loss of all files if the phone was not unlocked through the Mi Account in advance.
Through settings | Through Mi Account | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot | Never Unblocked
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4 Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)
If the previous methods didn't work, you're left unlocking through Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but erases all data (unless there was a backup).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- 📥 Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link to your Mi Account).
Instructions:
- 📵 Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode.
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (cmd or Terminal).
- 📌 Check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- 🔓 Enter the command to reset the lock: fastboot flashing unlock (if the bootloader is locked, first run fastboot oem unlock).
- ✅ After successful execution, restart your phone: fastboot reboot
fastboot erase frpThis command resets Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which sometimes helps to remove the lock without completely resetting.
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⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Official permission to unlock through Mi Unlock may be required. 72 hours.
5. Features for different versions of MIUI
The process of disabling the lock may vary depending on the firmware version, and the key differences for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 are as follows:
| MIUI version | The path to lock settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Settings → Password and security → Screen lock | Supports reset via Recovery without data loss. |
| MIUI 13 | Settings → Locking the screen and passwords | Requires confirmation via Mi Account when resetting. |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → System → Additional → Blocking and Protection | Automatic data encryption – resetting the lock can result in file loss. |
Nana MIUI 14 (For example, on Xiaomi. 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12 Pro) it is impossible to disable the lock without a password - the system requires the input of the current PIN/And then you can even reset it with Recovery, and in those cases, you can only use Fastboot or call a service center.
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On MIUI 14, resetting the lock via Recovery or Fastboot results in automatic data encryption. Without a backup, files will be lost!
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you disable a lock, you often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 "Incorrect password when entering: Make sure you use the correct keyboard layout (e.g. English for digital). PIN). If you forget your password, try unlocking it through your Mi Account.
- 📵 Phone not visible in Fastboot: Install Xiaomi drivers (official site) and check the cable (better use the original one).
- ⚠️ "Device locked Mi Account": This means the phone is tied to the account. either enter account details after the reset or unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔓 After reset, asks for the old password: This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP). The solution is to enter the last synchronized Google account or Mi Account.
If none of these methods worked, it is possible that anti-theft protection is activated on the phone (for example, on corporate devices), in which case only contacting the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone will help.
7. Alternative ways to unlock (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can try informal solutions, but they require experience and can violate the warranty. Use them at your own risk!
Method 1: Reset via ADB (without data loss)
It works if the phone is debugging on USB and it is connected to the PC:
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
rebootMethod 2: Firmware via EDL Mode
It requires a special cable (EDL cable) and firmware for your model, and for detailed instructions, look for the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods can result in a device blink (complete inoperability) or loss of IMEI. Without experience, it is better to contact specialists.