How to disable graphical password on Xiaomi: all ways (including the forgotten key)

Forgot the screen unlock combination on Xiaomi or just want to go to the PIN-A graphical password is a convenient security feature, but sometimes it becomes a problem. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable it, from standard settings to emergency methods for loss of access, POCO and Mi on base MIUI 14/15 (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5).

It's important to understand that the procedure is different depending on whether you remember the current key or not. If the phone is locked completely, you will need to manipulate your Mi Account account or even reset to factory settings. We detailed each scenario with the nuances of firmware and Android versions.

1. Standard disabling of graphical password (if you know the current key)

The easiest way is to deactivate the lock through the settings menu, which will take no more than a minute and will not affect the data in the phone, suitable for all Xiaomi devices with the current version of MIUI.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
• 📱 Select the Lock screen option (may be called the Lock screen in older versions).
• 🔄 Enter the current graphical password to confirm.
• ❌ Click Delete Graphic Password or No in the Lock Type Selection Section.
• ✅ Confirm the action – the system will suggest to install an alternative method (PIN, print or leave the screen unprotected.

If after deleting the key, the system requires you to specify another way to unlock, select Skip (if available) or set a temporary PIN, which can then be removed in a similar way.

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Some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9) may still request a PIN when you turn on the phone after disabling the graphical password. This is standard MIUI behavior - delete the PIN in the same way.

2. Disconnect via Mi Account (if you forgot the key but the account is tied)

If you don't remember the graphical combination, but the phone is tied to your Mi Account, you can reset the lock via Find Device, which only works when you have an active Internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

Step-by-step:

1. From your computer or other phone, go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account as you logged in on your locked device.
2. In the menu, select Find the device → [Your Xiaomi model].
3. Click Unlock Device (the function is only available if the phone is connected to the network).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the account security settings).
5. Wait for a notification of successful unlocking (can take up to 5 minutes).

After that, the graphical password will be reset, but all data on the phone will remain intact.The next time you turn on, the system may require you to enter Mi Account details to confirm ownership.

3. Reset graphical password via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn’t work and the data on the phone isn’t critical, you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader (on some models), Suitable for Xiaomi based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most modern devices).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link to your Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the Power Button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.




3. Connect the phone to the computer.




4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.




5. Enter a command to check the connection:


   fastboot devices


(Serial number of the device must be displayed).




6. perform the lock reset:


   fastboot erase frp
   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: This procedure removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, only use it if other methods have failed and you have a backup.

4. Unlock via Recovery Mode (without data loss on some models)

On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro) you can reset your graphical password through Recovery Mode without completely resetting.This method doesn’t work on all firmware, but it’s worth trying if other methods aren’t available.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
3. Choose a language (if available).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Lock Settings (the name may vary).
5. Confirm the action – the phone will restart without a graphical password.

If there is no Wipe Lock Settings, then your version of MIUI does not support this method, in which case only a full reset (Wipe Data) remains, but it will delete all data.

5.Official reset via Xiaomi Service Center

If you fail to make any independent attempts and the data on your phone is critical, contact your Xiaomi authorized service center.

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
• 📱 The device itself with a charge of at least 30%.

Service centers can unlock your phone without losing data if:

• 🔐 The device is linked to your Mi Account and you remember your username/password.
• 📱 The phone is not in the status of "lost / stolen" (checked by the IMEI).
• 📅 The warranty period is still in place (accelerates the process).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and complexity, on average, the procedure takes from 1 to 3 working days.

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The official service is the only way to unlock Xiaomi without losing data, if you have forgotten your password and no Mi Account tied.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

In rare cases, the solutions that are not standard are helpful. Let's look at two scenarios:

The ADB method is suitable if you have previously enabled USB debugging in the developer settings.

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line and type: Adb devices (the device should appear in the list).
3. Execute the file deletion command with a graphical password: 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

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 This method often doesn't work because of the changed password structure, and don't try it if you're not sure about your skills, you're at risk of getting a brick".

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable a graphical password, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "Wrong password" when entering a pattern lock: Make sure you enter the combination correctly - it is important for Xiaomi not only the combination of points, but also the order of their connection.
• 🌐 "No Internet connection when unlocking via Mi Account: Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-active rate card on some models (Redmi) A1, POCO C50) You may need to restart to activate the network.
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot mode: Check the cable (better use the original), install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers and try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔒 "Device locked after reset": If the phone requires an old password after Wipe Data, the locksettings.db file has not been deleted. Repeat the reset or swipe the phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

If you get an error "This device is locked" in Fastboot, the bootloader is locked.

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device (can take up to 72 hours).
4. Unlock the bootloader through the program.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions