Forgot the screen unlock combination on Xiaomi Redmi?pattern lock is a handy alternative PIN-It's a code, but if you don't remember it, it turns into a brick. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to reset the lock, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (via Fastboot or Recovery). 12/11/10, Redmi 9/10/A and other, including nuances for devices with MIUI 14/13.
Important: not all ways to save user data. For example, resetting through Recovery erases all the contents of memory, including photos, contacts and applications. If your phone is synchronized with a Google Account or Mi Cloud, some of the data can be restored later. Before you start, check the battery power - it should be at least 30% to avoid sudden shutdown during the procedure.
If you have never set up or remember Mi Account data, you can go straight to the Fastboot or EDL Mode sections, which require a PC but work without even having an account attached. Older models (Redmi 4/5) may need a special cable to put them into EDL mode, as weβll discuss below.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The easiest and safest method is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
- π Synchronization is enabled on the device (checked in the account settings).
After 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, the button Forgot the password will appear on the screen. Click on it and follow the instructions:
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the specified address/number).
- Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
If the buttons Forgot your password? no, try entering the key at random before the Repeat message appears in 30 seconds. After that, the button should appear. Some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) may need to connect to Wi-Fi to activate the recovery function.
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If you do not remember the information from Mi Account, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. Use the backup email or phone number provided during registration.
2. Reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode
It's suitable for devices that don't have a Mi Account tied or no Internet access. Attention: it completely erases all the data on your phone, including apps, photos and settings. Use it only if other options haven't worked.
Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons β you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
- Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on some versions).
- Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
- After reset, select Reboot to reboot.
On the newer models (Redmi Note 12/11), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese. Focus on icons: the item you want is usually marked with a trash can image or a sign (clear data). If the phone requests a password for Recovery, this method will not work, go to Fastboot.
Turn off the phone.|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Prepare a backup copy (if available)|Know the key combination to enter Recovery-->
3. Delete the pattern lock via Fastboot (for advanced)
The method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a Bootloader unlocked. Suitable for Redmi models where the bootloader is already unlocked (for example, after firmware custom software is installed). If Bootloader is blocked, this method will not work - you need to first unlock it through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).
Step-by-step:
- Install Platform Tools on PC (includes fastboot and adb).
- Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Enter the command to delete the pattern lock: fastboot erase userdata or (for some models): fastboot erase locksettings
- Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
Once rebooted, the phone will be like a factory reset.This method doesn't require a Mi Account attached, but deletes all the data. If the fastboot erase locksettings command doesn't work, try unlocking Bootloader first through the official Xiaomi tool.
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Using EDL mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone directly without locking, which is the most difficult method, but it works even on locked Bootloaders. Attention: wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick. Use only if other methods have not worked.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer.
- π Xiaomi Cable EDL (regular USB contact-closing).
- π¦ Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- π οΈ Mi Flash Tool Programming.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Close the contacts on a USB connector (or use a special EDL cable) and connect to a PC. The phone should be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Install the QDLoader driver (can be found in the archive with the Mi Flash Tool).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
- Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
Once firmware is in place, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data will be deleted.This method is suitable for Redmi on Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi). 9T). For models on Mediatek (e.g. Redmi) 10A) You'll need another software β SP Flash Tool.
Mi Account|Recovery Mode|Fastboot|EDL Mode|Never blocked-->
5 Unblocking through Google Account (for older versions of MIUI)
On devices with MIUI versions 8β11 (released before 2020), you can reset the pattern lock via Google Account. In newer versions (MIUI 12+), this feature is removed, but if you have an old model (Redmi 4/5/Note 7), try:
- After 5 failed attempts to enter the key, the button Forgot the pattern lock will appear.
- Click on it and select Login via Google.
- Enter the data from the Google account that was linked to the phone.
- Create a new key or PIN-code.
If this method does not work, then your device has been disabled sync with Google or installed a new version of MIUI. In this case, use other methods from this article.
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The Google Account method only works on MIUI 8-11, and on newer versions (MIUI 12+), it is disabled for security reasons.
6. Alternative methods and warnings
If none of these methods worked, consider the following options:
- π§ Contact the service center: official Xiaomi centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (guarantee card or check.
- π± Flip-through TWRP: If the phone has custom Recovery installed (for example, TWRP), You can manually delete key files (/data/system/gesture.key or locksetting.db).
- π Buying an unlock code: Some sites (e.g. eBay) sell codes to unlock Bootloader on the Internet. IMEI. Risky - you can run into scammers.
Warnings:
β οΈ Note: Do not use programs like Miracle Box or UFi Box without experience. They can damage the firmware and the phone will stop turning on. Official service centers refuse warranties if they detect traces of such software use.
β οΈ Note: If you bought a Redmi with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, it is almost impossible to unlock the phone without his data. EDL service-seeking.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | PC required | Data retained | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | β No. | β Yes. | β Easy. | All models with an associated account |
| Recovery Mode | β No. | β No. | ββ Middle-Average | All models except the blocked Recovery |
| Fastboot | β Yes. | β No. | βββ Hardly. | Models with unlocked Bootloader |
| EDL Mode | β Yes. | β No. | ββββ Very difficult. | All models (requires cable/close) |
| Google Account | β No. | β Yes. | β Easy. | MIUI 8β11 (older models) |