How to Open Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways to Unlock (2026)

Why Redmi 9 is blocked and what to do

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget phones, but even it is not immune to unlock problems. Users face a locked screen for various reasons: a forgotten password, a pattern lock that a child changed in games, or binding to a Mi Account after resetting. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center, the main thing is to choose the right method.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC, M2004C3LGG, etc.) works on the basis of MIUI with a unique security system. For example, after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the device requires to wait 30 seconds, and after 10 attempts it is blocked for 5 minutes. If you see the message "Device is locked. Try again in 24 hours", then brute force protection works, and standard methods will not help.

In this article, we will look at 5 working ways to unlock, including official (via Mi Account) and alternative (using ADB and Fastboot).

Method 1: Unblocking through Xiaomi account (official method)

If your Redmi 9 is tied to a Mi Account, it's the fastest and safest way to unlock, and works even when your screen password is forgotten, but requires:

• 📱 Access to another device (PC, tablet or second phone) with the Internet.
• 🔑 Login and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the smartphone.
• 📧 Confirmed email or phone number in your Mi Account profile.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen Redmi 9, click the button "Forgot your password?" (appears after 5 unsuccessful attempts).
2. Select "Unblock with Mi Account".
3. Enter your username (email or phone) and password from your account. If you do not remember the password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
4. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
5. Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work, in this case you will need to reset via Fastboot (mode 4) or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Method 2: Unlocking with Find Device (Remotely)

Find Device (similar to Google’s Find My Phone) allows you to unlock Redmi 9 remotely if:

• 🌐 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery charge over 15%.
• 📍 Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

How to unlock:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
2. Select the locked device (Redmi 9) in the list.
3. Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.
4. Wait for notifications on your smartphone (can take up to 5 minutes).

If the device does not appear on the site, check:

• 🔄 Internet connection (try restarting the router).
• 🔄 Mi Account status (possibly blocked for suspicious activity).

💡

If Find Device can't see the phone, try connecting Redmi 9 to charge and wait for the internet to turn on. Sometimes rebooting by pressing the power + volume button up for 10 seconds helps.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (without data loss)

The method is suitable if Redmi 9 was enabled debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Settings for developers → Debugging over USB). This is the only way to unlock the phone without reset, saving all the data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm debugging access on your phone (if you request it).
3. Open the command line in the adb folder (Shift + right mouse button → “Open command window”).
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb reboot
5. After rebooting, the pattern lock/password will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work. Don't try to connect to Redmi 9 in Fastboot mode, it will result in a complete data cleanup.

Install Xiaomi drivers|Download ADB Tools|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect the original cable-->

Method 4: Hard reset via Fastboot (full cleaning)

If previous methods failed, it would be a complete reset via Fastboot mode, which would delete all data, including photos, apps and settings, but would return access to the phone.

• 🔒 Password is forgotten and Mi Account is not tied.
• 📱 The phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account.
• 🔧 Debugging by USB not included.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9 (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
4. Select the "Clean All" option and confirm the reset.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will turn on as new. If you request a Mi Account, use yours or create a new one.

💡

Fastboot reset is the last option if other methods fail, and then the phone will be clean, but all data will be lost.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact an authorized service center.

• 🔐 Phone linked to someone else's Mi Account (after hand-purchased).
• 🛠️ Firmware or bootloader damaged.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (mechanical breakdown).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (proof of possession).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📱 Charger (the battery must be charged at least 30 times%).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the complexity. In some cases, the wizard can save the data, but there are no guarantees - it all depends on the model and the reason for the lock.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi 9, users often make critical errors that can lead to complete data loss or even “bricking” the phone.

Error 1: Using unofficial firmware

Downloading firmware from dubious sources (not from the official website) can lead to:

• 🐛 Poose. IMEI (phone will stop catching the network).
• 🔴 Continuous reboots (bootloop).
• 🚫 Blocking Mi Accounts for Suspicious Activity.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the Fastboot Process

If you turn off the cable or log out of the program during a reset via the Mi Flash Tool, the phone can:

• 🔄 Hang on to the Redmi logo.
• 📵 Stop switching on (requires flashing through) EDL-regime).

Error 3: Incorrectly entering ADB commands

Misprints in commands (e.g. gesture.keu instead of gesture.key) will result in:

• 🔑 Password won't reset.
• 📱 The phone may stop recognizing the touch of the screen.

⚠️ Note: If, after unlocking, ADB Redmi 9 screen started to glitches (spontaneous presses, non-functioning zones), perform calibration in the engineering menu: dial # # # # #6484## → "Test Mode" → "Touch Screen Test".

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions