Forgot the combination of the pattern lock on your Xiaomi Redmi and can't unlock your phone? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the device has been idle for a long time or used by children. The pattern lock is a convenient way to protect, but it can also become a headache if you forget it. Fortunately, there are several official and informal methods to unblock without losing data or with minimal consequences.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), you will learn how to do this through settings (if the phone is not already locked), using your Mi Account, and also what to do in extreme cases when there are no other options.
Why might the graphical key not work?
Before we get to the instructions, let’s understand why Xiaomi Redmi smartphone may not accept the entered combination:
- 🔄 System failure: After the update MIUI If you turn off the phone correctly, you can “forget” the saved key.
- 👶 Children's actions: If a child has entered the wrong pattern multiple times, the system can block attempts for 30 seconds or longer.
- 🔧 Sync error: When you change your Mi Account or reset your settings, the key may “fly».
- 📱 Hardware failure: Damage to the display or touchscreen sometimes leads to incorrect reading of gestures.
If you are sure you are entering the right combination but the phone is not accepting it, try restarting the device (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds), which helps to restore the lock screen to work in 30% of cases.
Method 1: Disable the pattern lock through settings (if the phone is unlocked)
If you can still log in (for example, use a fingerprint or a fingerprint). PIN-code, you can delete the pattern lock in 2 minutes:
- Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select Screen Lock.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code or password (if requested).
- Press Pattern. → Remove the pattern.
- Confirm the action by entering the current key or alternative unlock method.
After that, the pattern lock will be deactivated, and you can install another method of protection (or leave it without it).
I know the current PIN/password
There is access to the phone settings
Battery charge > 20%
Backup copy of data created
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⚠️ Note: If the option Request Password When Downloading is enabled in the settings, after removing the pattern, the phone may require input PIN-It's a security measure, every time you turn on it. MIUI, which can be disabled in the Additional settings section → Protection.
Method 2: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
If your phone is locked but you have a Mi Account linked and confirmed, use the Find Device feature:
- On your computer or other phone, go to i.mi.com.
- Sign in with the same account as the blocked Redmi.
- Select your device in the list → Find the device → Unlock.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
After 5-10 minutes, the phone unlocks automatically (internet connection is required), which works on MIUI 12/13/14 and later, but may not work if:
- 🚫 Mobile Internet is off on the phone./Wi-Fi.
- 🚫 Mi Account has not been confirmed by email/SMS.
- 🚫 The device was reset to factory settings after linking the account.
What to do if the “Find the device” does not work?
Method 3: Reset the pattern lock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If previous methods didn’t work and the data on the phone wasn’t critical, you can reset the key via Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and an ADB/Fastboot driver installed.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect Redmi to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Enter the command to reset the key: fastboot erase userdata or (for new models): fastboot erase locksettings
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data on the phone will be deleted, a method that is suitable if you do not have important information or have a backup.
⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata team deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps. MIUI 14 and later may require additional authorization through Mi Account after resetting.
Method 4: Hard Reset (Hard Reset) through Recovery
If other methods are not available, the last resort is a complete reset via the Recovery menu, which is guaranteed to remove the pattern lock, but also erases all data on the phone.
Instructions:
- Turn off Redmi. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
- Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code from Mi Account).
- After reset, select Reboot.
The phone will reboot in factory condition. Newer Redmi models (like the Note 12 Pro+) may need to be linked to the same Mi Account as before after a reset.
| Method | PC required | Data retained | Difficulty | It works without the internet. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ Easy. | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi Account (Finding the device) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ Middle-Average | ❌ No. |
| Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. | ✅ Yes. |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Middle-Average | ✅ Yes. |
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deeper:
- 🔐 Hardware lock: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K50) After several unsuccessful attempts to enter the key, hardware protection is activated, which requires contacting the service center.
- 📦 Damaged firmware: If the phone doesn't boot even to Recovery, you'll need to flash it through EDL-The mode (only for experienced users).
- 🔧 Touchscreen malfunction: If the display doesn't respond to touch, try connecting the mouse through OTG-adapter.
In such cases, we recommend contacting the official Xiaomi service center, the cost of unlocking will be from 500 to 2000 rubles (depending on the model and the reason for blocking).
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Before resetting your phone, check if Mi Cloud Data Protection is enabled in your account settings. If it is active, you will need to enter your Mi Account login and password after the reset, otherwise the phone will remain locked.
How to avoid problems with the pattern lock in the future?
To avoid getting blocked again, follow these tips:
- 🔑 Use the backup. PIN-Code: When setting up a pattern lock MIUI Always suggest you create a spare PIN. Write it in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or notebook).
- 📱 Link Mi Account: Without a confirmed account, unlocking your phone will be almost impossible.
- 🔄 Regularly back up: Use Settings → System system → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive.
- 👨👩👧👦 Set up Child Mode: If children use the phone, turn on Parental Controls in the security settings.
Also avoid using too simple patterns (such as the letters "L" or "Z") - they are easy to find, the best option is a combination of 5-7 dots with intersections.
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If you often forget passwords, consider alternative unlocking methods: fingerprint, facial recognition, or Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted places).