Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation where access to the device is limited due to a forgotten password or pattern lock. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular model, and the problem of locking the screen is relevant to it. Modern Android security systems, in particular the MIUI shell, are designed to protect user data from outsiders as much as possible.
But there are times when the owner loses access to the device, which can happen after a system upgrade, a handheld purchase, or a simple forgetfulness, and there are several proven methods to restore access to the device's functionality, some ways to save data, others require a complete reset.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for different lock scenarios, how to use built-in recovery tools, Mi Accounts, and special download modes, and how to understand the risks of losing information before you take action.
Preparation for the release procedure
Before you start any manipulation of the smartphone software, you need to assess the current state of the device. If the phone turns on and responds to touch, but does not let go beyond the lock screen, your options are limited. In the case of complete sensor failure or hanging on the logo, the approach will be different. Battery charge should be at least 50-60% so that the process does not interrupt at a critical stage.
Special attention should be paid to the presence of a Google account and Mi Account. Once you reset your settings to the factory (Hard Reset), Android security will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was synced with the device previously, which is an anti-theft measure, and it is extremely difficult to get around it without account data.
⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember the password from your Mi or Google account, trying to reset may result in a device being completely locked (FRP Lock. Make sure you can log in after the reboot.
It is also worth preparing a computer with Internet access and high-quality USB-While many procedures can be done without a PC, having a backup control tool is never a bad thing. SIM-map, if there is even the slightest possibility of accessing the settings menu through voice assistant or other loopholes.
☑️ Preparation for the Redmi 9 Unlocking
Reset the lock via the Recovery menu
The most common and effective way to return access to Xiaomi Redmi 9 with a forgotten pattern lock or PIN is to execute Hard Reset via the Recovery menu.This method completely clears the device's internal memory by removing all user data, including photos, contacts and applications.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume button. The Recovery Mode menu will appear on the screen, which is controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
In the menu that opens, select English. Go to Wipe Data and confirm the choice. The system will warn you of data loss. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The reset process will take a few seconds, after which the Success message will appear.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Once you've successfully completed the procedure, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot, and Reboot to System. The first turn on of your smartphone after a reset will last longer than usual, 3 to 10 minutes. This is normal system behavior with files.
💡
Recovery reset removes all data without recovery, but is guaranteed to remove screen lock if FRP protection is not activated.
Use the “Find Device” function from Xiaomi
If the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) is turned on on on the blocked Redmi 9 and the device search function is activated, you can unlock it remotely, which allows you not only to determine the location of the gadget, but also to delete data or change the screen lock password, which requires access to another device with access to the network.
Go to the official website of the Xiaomi Cloud service, enter the Mi Account data that was used on the locked phone. After logging in, select Find Device. From your list of gadgets, select Redmi 9.
You'll have a few options available in the device management interface, and we're interested in Wipe Data, or in some versions of the interface, changing the screen password, and when you choose to clean, the device will receive a reset command similar to what you do with Recovery, and the main condition is that the phone must be online.
| Parameter | Requirement | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | Mandatory (Wi-Fi/Mobile) | The command is executed instantly |
| Mi Account | Authorization required | Access to device management |
| Geolocation | Preferably included | Mapping |
| Data retention | Impossible. | Complete resetting of settings |
This method is especially useful if the buttons on the phone itself are not working or the screen is damaged, but the sensor is partially responsive. The remote command will do all the dirty work for you. Once cleaned, the phone will reboot and require you to enter a password from the Mi Account to activate.
Unlocking with Google Find My Device
An alternative to Xiaomi's branded service is Google's standard tool, which is the same: remote control of your device through a Google account. If your Redmi 9 has geolocation and data enabled, it can be a lifesaver. It works at the level of the Android operating system, regardless of the MIUI shell.
Go to android.com/find from any browser, log in to the Google account that was the main one on your smartphone, try to contact the device, and if you have a connection, you will see the phone's location and action menu.
In older versions of Android, it was possible to simply change the lock screen password. In modern versions, including the current builds for Redmi 9, the function Clean the device is available mainly. Pressing this button initiates the remote Factory Reset. The data will be irretrievably deleted, but the locking screen will be removed.
It's worth noting that if the phone is offline, the command will queue up and execute as soon as the device connects to the network, a useful feature if you've lost the phone and hope the finder will connect it to Wi-Fi. However, it can take too long for an emergency unlock.
FRP (Google Account Lock)
Once you reset your settings through Recovery or remote command, the security system activates FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. The welcome screen will require you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to your phone before the reset, which is anti-theft protection, and it is almost impossible to circumvent it with legal methods without a password.
If you remember your login and you forgot your password, restore your account through your computer or other phone. Go to the Google account recovery page, follow the identification instructions (answers to secret questions, code from SMS to the linked number). After changing your password, wait 24 hours before trying to enter it on the dropped phone - this is a security requirement of Google.
There are sophisticated technical ways to bypass FRP through system vulnerabilities, using special boxes or paid services, but they require deep knowledge of Android, the presence of specific software and often carry the risk of turning a phone into a brick.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party hacking software FRP Be careful when downloading software from unverified sources, as you are risking your computer data.
In some cases, if the phone was bought by hand, the previous owner must remove the device from his account remotely via Google. Without this step, the phone will remain a useless piece of plastic and glass. Always check for no other accounts before buying used equipment.
Fastboot mode and device firmware
If standard methods don't help or the system is so damaged that the phone doesn't boot, you can use Fastboot mode.This mode is designed for low-level interaction with the device and is often used for flashing, USB-cable and utility Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.
To log into the Fastboot on Redmi 9, turn off your phone and press the volume button along with the power button. Hold them until an image of a rabbit repairing an android appears, labeled FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your computer. If the drivers are installed correctly, the PC will identify the device.
You can send a command to clear all partitions of memory via Fastboot. At the command line (with ADB drivers installed), this looks like fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase metadata. However, if the phone has Anti-rollback protection or Locked bootloader status on, these commands may fail or cause an error.
fastboot devices
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot rebootUnlocking the bootloader is a separate procedure that requires permission from Xiaomi through the Mi Unlock utility. This process is not quick: after submitting an application, you often have to wait from 7 to 168 hours. Only an unlocked bootloader allows you to install custom recaps (for example, TWRP), through which you can reset your password without losing data if you have a corresponding backup or exploit.
💡
To enter Fastboot mode on Redmi 9 turned off, press the volume and power button. To exit it, press the power button for 10-15 seconds before vibration.