Forgot the screen unlock combination on Xiaomi Redmi 9?pattern lock is a handy alternative PIN-code, but if you forget it or the phone is locked after unsuccessful attempts to enter, the situation becomes critical. Unlike other brands’ touchscreen smartphones, Xiaomi devices have several unique ways to reset locks – from standard Hard Reset to recovery via Mi Account.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for disabling the pattern lock on Redmi 9, including those that store user data. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB or tied Mi Account). If you did not do this in advance, some instructions will not be available — but there is always the option of a full reset.
Why Your Phone Needs a pattern lock and What to Do
The pattern lock on Redmi 9 can block access to the device in several cases:
- 🔒 Forgotten combination is the most common scenario, especially if the key was installed a long time ago or entered by another person.
- 👶 Childhood prank - a child could accidentally change the key in the security settings.
- 📱 System failure - after the update MIUI or incorrectly shut down the phone may require unlocking, even if it was not before.
- 🔄 Repeated incorrect input – after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, Redmi 9 is blocked for 30 seconds, and then may require a Mi Account.
Before you start resetting, check:
- ✅ Do you have access to a Mi Account linked to your phone (if so, use the method) №2).
- ✅ Whether debugging was included USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode).
- ✅ Is there a backup of the data (if not, try methods without resetting).
If the phone is locked after the update MIUI, Try restarting it in Safe Mode (the method) first. №This will help if the problem is caused by an application conflict.
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (without data loss)
The most reliable method is if you have previously linked your device to a Mi Account. This is suitable for Redmi 9 on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).
Conditions:
- 📧 Phone is linked to Mi Account (checked when first enabled).
- 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 📱 There is a button on the lock screen: Forgot the password? or Forgot pattern?.
Step-by-step:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (if there is no button, go to the method). №3).
- Enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the phone.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new pattern lock or disable the lock altogether in Settings → Screen Lock.
Check that the phone is connected to the internet.|Make sure you remember the username/password from your Mi Account.|Click "Forgot your password?" on the lock screen|Confirm the unlock through SMS/email-->
What if the "Forgot password" button is not? It means that:
- 🚫 Mi Account is not tied to phone.
- 🚫 The device was reset to factory settings without an account detachment (hard reset required).
- 🚫 There is custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the recovery function through Mi is disabled.
💡
If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com before unlocking it, which will take 5-10 minutes and save the data to your phone.
Method 2: Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if Redmi 9 has been enabled debugging over USB (Settings → For developers → debugging over USB).It is the only way to remove the pattern lock without losing data, but it requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the phone is identified (the serial number appears), go further. If not, install the drivers.
- Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
- After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It doesn't work if the debugging is USB was offline.
- ❌ On some versions MIUI (MIUI 13+) It may be necessary to unlock the loader.
- ❌ If the phone is not recognized, try Fastboot mode (shut down Power). + Loudness down when switched on).
Method 3: Hard Reset (complete reset)
If the previous methods didn't work, you get a hard reset, which is the complete deletion of all the data from the phone, including the pattern lock, which works 100 percent, but it erases:
- 📸 Photos and videos (unless synced with Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
- 📱 Applications and their data (save games, settings messengers).
- 📞 Contacts (unless saved in your Google or Mi Account).
How to make Hard Reset on Redmi 9:
- Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the reset.
- Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
| Action. | The result | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Power + Volume up | Entrance to the Recovery menu | 5-10 seconds |
| Choice of Wipe Data | Deletion of all user data | 1-2 minutes |
| Confirmation of Wipe All Data | Resetting the pattern lock | 30 seconds |
| Reboot to System Reboot to System | The phone is ready to be set up as new | 1-3 minutes |
💡
Hard Reset is the only method that is guaranteed to work on any Redmi 9, regardless of MIUI version or account status.
What to do after Hard Reset:
- 🔄 Restore data from a backup (if it was created in Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
- 📲 Install the pattern lock again or choose another locking method (PIN, fingerprint).
- 🔒 Link your Mi Account so that you can restore access without resetting in the future.
Method 4: Safe Mode to bypass the lock
If the pattern lock appears after installing a third-party application (such as a launcher or antivirus), you can try to remove it in Safe Mode.
How to get into Safe Mode on Redmi 9:
- On the lock screen, press the Power button before the turn off menu appears.
- Slip and hold the option to turn off (or power off) 3-5 seconds.
- Confirm the transition to safe mode (OK).
- After the reboot, the Safe Mode will appear at the bottom of the screen.
In safe mode:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Apps and remove suspicious programs (e.g. Screen Lock, App Lock).
- 🔒 Try changing the pattern lock to Settings → Screen locking.
- 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.
💡
If you still need a key in Safe Mode, but you remember it, enter it and disable it immediately. If not, go to the ADB or Hard Reset method.
Restrictions of Safe Mode:
- ❌ Does not work if the key is installed by the system (not by third-party software).
- ❌ It does not reset the key forever, only allows temporary access.
- ❌ On some versions MIUI Safe mode may not start due to blocking.
Method 5: Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all the independent methods do not work, you need to contact the official service center Xiaomi. This is a paid service, but it is guaranteed to unlock the phone without the risk of damaging it.
What will be required:
- 📄 Proof of purchase (Redmi 9 must be guaranteed or purchased officially).
- 🆔 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
- 💳 Payment for the service (cost depends on the region, an average of 1000-3000 rubles).
Pros and cons of the method:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed unlocking | Paid service |
| Preservation of warranty (if the phone is warranty) | It takes time (1-3 days) |
| No risk of damaging your phone. | Not all services work with unlocking |
How to find the official Xiaomi service:
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Choose a country and a city.
- Find the nearest service center with the Authorized mark.
- Check by phone if they are unlocking the pattern lock.
💡
Xiaomi’s official services can unlock your phone even without a check if you confirm your purchase through a serial number (it can be recognized on the box or under the battery).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to disable the pattern lock on Redmi 9, users often face typical problems.
⚠️ If after incorrect key entry the phone requires to wait 30 seconds, do not turn it off forcibly - this can lead to a system failure and the need for Hard Reset.
Error 1: ADB does not see the device
- 🔌 Check the cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥️ Install drivers via Mi PC Suite.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
Error 2: After Hard Reset requires a Mi Account
This means that the phone has been enabled with Mi Account protection.
- 📧 Enter the associated account details.
- 🔧 If you don’t remember your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
- 📞 Contact the service center with documents on the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 9 with your hands and the previous owner did not untie your Mi Account, you can unlock the phone only through the service center with proof of ownership (purchase agreement).
Error 3: Safe Mode is not running
Some Xiaomi firmware has disabled Safe Mode.
- 🔧 Try to clamping the power. + Volume down when turned on (sometimes this triggers Safe Mode).
- 📱 Use it. ADB or hard reset.