How to turn off the pattern lock on Xiaomi, if you forgot it

The situation when the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone forgets the installed pattern lock or digital pin code is one of the most stressful for the user. The lock screen turns into an insurmountable barrier that hides all important data, contacts and photos. Modern versions of the MIUI shell and the Android operating system provide a high level of protection, making it almost impossible to easily guess the combination.

There are several proven methods to restore access to the device, and the specific method depends on the version of the operating system, whether you have a Mi Account or a Google account, and whether USB debugging is enabled. In this article, we will look at all the current solutions, from standard recovery tools to more complex technical procedures.

Before taking action, you need to be clear about the risks, some methods require the complete deletion of user data, while others allow you to save information, and it is important to act consistently and carefully read each step of the instructions, so as not to aggravate the situation by software locking the device.

Using a Mi Account to Reset a Password

The most civilized and safe way to unlock a Xiaomi phone without losing personal files is to use a feature built directly into the MIUI shells. If you have previously logged in through your Mi Account and enabled the Find Device feature, then you have a great chance to regain access to the gadget. This method only works if you have an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

First, you have to type in the wrong pattern lock or password several times in a row. Usually, after the fifth attempt, the system will offer the option "Forgot the password" or "Forgot the pattern lock." When you click on this button, you will see the authorization window. Here you need to enter the username and password from your Mi Account. After successful verification of the data, the system will suggest reset the current method of locking the screen.

⚠️ Note: If Find Device was disabled in the security settings before locking, this method will not work and you will have to look for alternative ways.

It is important to note that once unlocked through a Mi Account, it is strongly recommended that you set a new, more secure password immediately and write it in a secure location, and it is also worth checking your cloud sync settings to make sure your data is saved regularly.

📊 What type of locking method do you use most often?
pattern lock
Digital. PIN-code
Fingerprint.
Facial recognition

Remote Unlocking through Google

Owners of devices with a “clean” Android or older versions of MIUI can use Google Find My Device, a tool originally designed to find lost phones, but also allows you to control access to them.

The unlocking process is done from any other device that has Internet access. You need to go to the official Google service website, enter your account information. Once the system determines the location of your Xiaomi smartphone, several options will appear in the control menu: "Call", "Block" and "Clear".

Choosing the Lock option allows you to set a new temporary password that will replace the forgotten pattern lock, and by entering a new code on the site, you can use it to log in to your phone, but it is worth considering that on new versions of Android, this feature may be limited by security policies.

  • 🔹 Make sure your phone is connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile internet).
  • 🔹 Know the login and password from the Google account linked to the phone.
  • 🔹 Have another device (computer or tablet) on hand to log in to the service.

If the phone is offline, the unlock command will queue up and run automatically as soon as the device is online.This can take some time, so be patient and don't try to reboot the gadget again.

Resetting settings via Recovery Mode

If the software methods through the accounts did not help, the radical but effective way is to completely reset the device to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which is guaranteed to remove the screen lock, but leads to the complete removal of all user data: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely, then you need to pinch a certain combination of buttons. On most Xiaomi models, this is the simultaneous pressing of the power button and the volume buttons, you need to hold them until the Mi logo or the Recovery menu appears.

Procedure:


1. Turn off the phone.




2. Clutch Volume Up + Nutrition.




3. Wait for the menu to come out.




4. Select "Wipe Data" -> "Wipe All Data".




5. Confirm the action of the power button.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (moving up/down) and the power button (confirming selection) can be controlled. The interface language can be English or Chinese, so it is important to navigate by the location of the items. After reset, the phone will restart, and you will get a clean device that requires initial configuration.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, the system may request confirmation of ownership of a Google or Mi Account that was previously synced with the phone (protection) FRP).

☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset

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Use of debugging by USB and ADB

For advanced users who have pre-installed USB Debugging in the Developer Menu, there is a way to reset your password without losing data, a method that requires a computer, an ADB driver installed, and basic command-line skills.

The method is to delete the system file that stores the hash of the pattern lock or password.The file is usually located on the path /data/system/gesture.key or /data/system/password.key. Deleting this file makes the system think that the lock is not installed.

To implement this plan, connect your phone to your PC through USB-Open the command line on your computer and enter the command to enter the shell. ADB. Next, you need to get superuser rights (root), if any, or use special utilities that can work with the Android file system through the Internet. ADB.

adb shell


cd /data/system




rm gesture.key




rm password.key




reboot

It is worth noting that on modern versions of Android with data encryption, this method rarely works, since without unlocking the screen, access to the /data file system is closed, but on older models or custom firmware, this method remains very relevant.

What if the ADB can’t see the phone?
If the computer does not make sounds when connecting and does not display the device in the Device Manager, drivers may not be installed. Download the Xiaomi universal driver from the official website or use the Mi application PC Suite, try replacing it. USB-We've systematized the basic methods in the table to make it easier for you to choose the right option. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, which are critically important to consider before starting the procedure. Data Saving Method Necessary Internet Complexity Mi Account Yes Low Google Find My Device No (partially) Yes Low Recovery Mode (Hard Reset) No No Average ADB Command Yes No High As can be seen from the table, the most convenient for the user is to reset through Mi Account, as it allows you to save all information. However, if the Internet is disabled or the account is not tied, the only working option is to reset via Recovery, despite the loss of files. After successful unlocking or buying a new device, it is extremely important for Xiaomi to correctly configure the system to avoid a variety of security from the modern photo-typed situation, which is the first time. This data is stored in a secure processor module and cannot be read remotely. Leave the pattern lock as a backup method, but choose complex combinations that are difficult to see from the outside. 🔸 Check sync with Mi Cloud and Google Photos regularly. 🔸 Write down your account password in a notebook or use a password manager. 🔸 Don't turn off device search, even if you're worried about privacy. It's also helpful to back up your system. In your phone settings, look for "Advanced Settings" and select "Backup Recovery." Creating a backup on an external drive or in the cloud will quickly restore the performance of the gadget in the event of critical failures. ⚠️ Warning: Never keep passwords and pin codes in notes on the phone without additional protection, as when the screen is locked, access to them will be closed. Compliance with these simple digital hygiene rules will help you feel confident about using any smartphone features. Remember that data security is a continuous process that requires attention and regular maintenance. What happens if you enter the wrong password too many times? After a certain number of failed attempts (usually 5-10), the phone will be locked into a time interval: 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc. With each new series of errors, the lock time increases. If you enter the wrong code 20-30 times, the device can lock permanently or offer a factory reset. Can Xiaomi be unlocked without losing data through service centers? Official service centers, Xiaomi is engaged in the rule of locking the screen without loss of security and security considerations. They can overfish the device, which will also delete the information. The only chance is that you have a Mi Account with a search function. Does Recovery reset work on encrypted phones? Yes, Recovery reset works even on encrypted devices. However, after resetting and resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synchronized before reset. This is a stealth protection (FRP), which is almost impossible to get around without the owner's data. How to enable debugging over USB if the phone is already locked? Unfortunately, enable debugging on the USB on the screen, which is not possible for those who are locked in the system.