Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to reliable hardware and support MIUI. But what to do if you forget your password, pattern lock or attached MI-In this article, 5 working ways to unlock, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the features of the firmware and hardware platform Redmi 7 (codenamed onc).
It's important to understand that the method of unlocking depends on the type of lock, for example, resetting through Recovery will delete all data, but it won't help if the device is tied to the lock. MI-Unlocking through Fastboot or the official Mi Unlock Tool requires prior preparation (included) OEM-We will analyze each scenario with the nuances of Redmi 7 based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor.
Warning: Some methods can lead to a loss of warranty or IMEI blocking (for example, if the firmware is incorrect through EDL).If the phone is bought with hands, check the lock status through the official Xiaomi website on IMEI.
1 Unlocking through Recovery (Hard Reset)
The easiest way to reset is through stock Recovery, but it only works if:
- ๐ There's no tether on the phone to MI-account (or it is disabled in the settings).
- ๐ฑ The device responds to power and volume buttons.
- ๐ You agree to complete loss of data (photos, contacts, messages).
Instructions for Redmi 7:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
- After reset, reboot to Reboot โ Reboot to System.
Turn off phone |Plug Power + Volume up |Select Wipe Data |Confirm reset |Reboot device
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Challenges and solutions:
- โ Does the sensor in Recovery not work? Use volume and power buttons.
- โ There's a "This" error. MIUI So the firmware is damaged โ you need to flash it through Fastboot.
- โ After discharge, it requires MI-- Go to the way you do it. โ3 or โ4.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
2 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If Redmi 7 has MI-account binding enabled, resetting via Recovery won't help - after rebooting, the phone will require you to enter a login and password.
Option 1: Remember your account details
- ๐ง Try to restore the password through the recovery page (you need access to an email or phone).
- ๐ If your account is linked to a number, please request SMS-code.
Option 2: Untie the account through an official tool
Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but with restrictions:
- โณ You need to wait 3 to 30 days (depending on your account activity).
- ๐ Confirmed is required. MI-phone-linked account.
- ๐ฑ The device should be on. OEM Unlocking (in Settings) โ For developers).
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
- Sign in to the program under the same account as on the phone.
- Put Redmi 7 in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
- Connect your phone to your PC and follow the instructions in the program.
1. Use another. USB-cable (original).
2. disable the antivirus on the PC.
3. run the program on behalf of the administrator.
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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)
If stock Recovery is not available or you need to bypass the lock MI-You can flash your phone through Fastboot, which is a method that works for Redmi 7 with an unlocked bootloader).
Important: Fastboot removes all data and can result in IMEI blocking if you use unofficial files!
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers.
- ๐ Official firmware for Redmi 7 (download from Xiaomi website).
- ๐ง MiFlash or Fastboot Enhance.
Instructions:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi7_fastboot).
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
- Connect to your PC and start MiFlash.
- Select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
- Press Flash and wait until it is finished (5-10 minutes).
Yes, I did it myself | No, but I want to learn | I tried it but I didn't. | I've never heard of it.
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Mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| flash not allowed in locked state | bootloader locked | Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool (method) โ2) |
| critical partition flashing is not allowed | Trying to sew informal firmware | Use only official files from Xiaomi |
| Phone is not defined in MiFlash | No Qualcomm drivers | Install drivers via MiFlash (Driver button) |
4 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader.The method works on Redmi 7, but requires:
- ๐ Special cable (EDL cable) or circuits of the circuit board.
- ๐ป MiFlashPro or QFil.
- ๐ Official firmware in.mbn format.
WARNING: The wrong firmware through EDL can turn a phone into a "brick" (full lock)! this method is recommended only for power users or in service centers.
Instructions:
- Transfer the phone to EDL: Method 1: Use EDL cable (closes pins 1-8 on the USB connector). Method 2: Open the case and close the test points on the board (a soldering iron is required).
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
MiFlashPro
Flash
Where to find test points for EDL on Redmi 7?
5. Alternative methods (without loss of data)
If you need to unlock Redmi 7 without a data reset, try these methods:
Method 1. via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If USB debugging was previously enabled on the phone, you can delete the password file via the command line:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootMethod 2. Through Xiaomi service centers
- ๐ Official service centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card).
- โฑ๏ธ Unblocking period โ from 1 to 5 working days.
- ๐ฐ Cost: ~1000-3000 rubles (depending on the region).
Method 3. Through third-party services (at your own risk)
There are services on the Internet that offer unlocking MI-account for money (e.g. MiCloud Unlock:
โ ๏ธ Attention: 80% of these services are scams, they can steal your data. MI-Use only trusted platforms with forum reviews (e.g., use trusted platforms with forum reviews, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When unlocking Redmi 7, users often face typical problems:
Error 1: "This device is locked" in Fastboot
- ๐น Reason: bootloader is blocked.
- ๐น Solution: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool (method) โ(2) or use EDL.
Error 2: After resetting requires the old MI-account
- ๐น Reason: Find Device is enabled on the phone.
- ๐น Solution: Untie your account via i.mi.com or flash through Fastboot/EDL.
Error 3: The phone does not turn on after the firmware
- ๐น Reason: Incorrectly selected firmware (for example, for another model).
- ๐น Solution: Re-swipe with the correct version MIUI (for example, V12.5.1.0.QFLMIXM global version).
Compatibility of firmware with model (Redmi 7 = onc).
2. MIUI version (Global/Chinese).
3. loader status (unlocked/locked).
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7.How to protect Redmi 7 from future lockdown
To avoid facing the problem of unlocking again, follow these tips:
- ๐ Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock (it is more difficult to forget).
- ๐ Write down the data. MI-account in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or notebook).
- โ๏ธ Turn off Find Device if you are not using (in Settings) โ Mi Account โ Find Device).
- ๐ Make backups regularly through Settings โ System system โ Backup.
- ๐ก๏ธ Turn it on. OEM Unlocking in advance (in Developer Settings) if you plan firmware.
Additional protection:
Set up a Smart Lock in Android so that unlocking happens automatically in secure places (such as at home or when connecting to a trusted Wi-Fi network). โ Screen locking โ Smart Lock.