How to remove a graphical password on Xiaomi, if you forget the combination: official and alternative methods

The forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi's smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. PIN-The problem is, after 5 failed attempts, the system blocks input for 30 seconds, and then offers only radical measures -- resetting to factory settings.

In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways Xiaomi unlocks (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models), from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using Fastboot and ADB. Importantly, not all methods will save your data – some lead to a complete reset. So try the safe options first.

If you are reading this article from another device, prepare in advance: a USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models), a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed, and access to mail/phone tied to Mi Account.

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1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and most recommended way is to use a Mi Account if it was tied to the device before locking. Xiaomi allows you to reset your graphical password through the web interface, but with important restrictions.

First, the device must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network); second, Find Device must be activated in the settings. You can check this on i.mi.com - if the smartphone is displayed in the list of devices, the chances of success are high.

Step-by-step:

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
• 📱 In the Devices section, select a locked smartphone.
• 🔒 Press Find the device. → Unlock.
• 📧 Confirm the action through SMS or email (depending on your account settings).
• ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – the password will be reset and the device unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: If after unlocking the system requires you to enter the old password for confirmation, this method will not work.

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2. Reset graphical password via Recovery (without loss of data)

This method is suitable for devices on MIUI 12 and later, where the function of Reset password without deleting data is implemented. Importantly, this method works only if the smartphone does not activate data encryption (checked in the settings Security → Encryption).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo (Recovery Mode) appears.
3. Choose a language (usually English or English).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Reset Lock Screen Password.
5. Confirm the action – after the reboot, the graphic password will be reset.

🔹 What to do if there is no Reset Lock Screen Password? This means that your device has activated encryption or an outdated version. MIUI. In this case, go to the method with Fastboot.

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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool.Warning: wrong actions in the Fastboot can lead to a device blink (breakdown).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (Drivers for Xiaomi can be downloaded here).
• 📱 USB-TypeC Cable (Original, Undamaged).
• 🔧 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (download only from official sources!).

Step-by-step action:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
2. Connect to your computer – Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
4. At the bottom of the program, select clean all and lock (this will delete all data, but unlock the bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

Critical: After you have been firmwareed through Fastboot, the smartphone will be completely reset, including internal memory (photos, messages, apps). If there were important files on the memory card, retrieve it before the procedure.

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4. Complete reset via Recovery (last resort)

If the previous methods didn't work, all that remains is hard reset, a factory reset, which deletes all data, including accounts, photos, messages and installed apps, and only use if other options are exhausted.

How to make a hard reset:

• 🔄 Turn off your smartphone.
• 🔧 Hold the Loud up. + Meals for entering Recovery.
• 📛 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models, the item may be called Factory Reset).
• ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and activated anti-rollback feature, resetting via Recovery can lead to locking the bootloader, in which case you will need official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

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5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities

For users familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to delete a password file via the command line.Condition: USB debugging must be enabled on the smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then enable Debugging over USB).

Instructions for ADB:

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

If the debugging wasn't enabled before the lock, it won't work, and then you can try utilities like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey, but they're paid and don't guarantee 100% results.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, check reviews on forums (such as 4PDA). Many programs contain malicious code or do not support new Xiaomi models.

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6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If you don’t succeed, contact the official service center. Xiaomi has a support program to unlock devices if there is proof of ownership (check, box tied to Mi Account).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Passport or other identity document.
• 📦 Smartphone box (with serial number).
• 📧 Access to email linked to Mi Account.
• 💳 Check of purchase (if saved).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services often offer "unblocking through" EDL" (emergency mode, but this violates Xiaomi's policy and can lead to loss of warranty, and such methods require a fee (from 1000 to 5000 rubles) and are not always legal.

💡

The official service is the only legal way to unlock without losing data if other methods fail, but the process can take up to 7 business days.

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7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple recommendations:

• 🔐 Use it. PIN-code instead of a graphical password, it is easier to remember.
• 📝 Write backup of your password in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or notebook).
• 🔄 Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 🛡️ Activate Smart Lock (Settings) → Security → Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in trusted locations (home, work).

It is also useful to configure emergency information on the lock screen (Settings → Lock screen → Emergency Information) and add an alternate phone number or email to communicate in the event of a device loss.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi