Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 In some regions, a popular smartphone with AMOLED-A display and retractable front-facing camera released in 2019, and despite being reliable, users often face unlocking problems: a forgotten pattern lock, a blocked Mi Account after a reset, or the need to unlock a bootloader to install custom firmware. In this article – current ways to unlock Xiaomi 9T 2026, including official and alternative methods.
It is important to understand that the methods of unlocking depend on the type of lock:
- 🔒 Screen lock (PIN, Password, pattern lock – requires resetting or bypassing Fastboot/Recovery.
- 📱 Mi Account – a binding to a Xiaomi account that blocks the device after a reset.
- 🔧 Bootloader – unlocking to install unofficial software (requires permission from Xiaomi).
Before you start, check:
- ✅ Is there a backup of data (unlocking often leads to its loss).
- ✅ Is the smartphone at least 50% charged (the process can take up to an hour).
- ✅ Is the original cable at hand? USB Type-C and computer with Windows/Linux.
1. unlock the screen Xiaomi 9T without data loss (if enabled debugging over USB)
If the Xiaomi 9T has previously been activated by USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock developer mode), you can bypass the screen lock using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: 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 reboottings.db-shm
- After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset.
⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't turned on before, it won't work, so you can move on to the full reset.
An alternative option for MIUI 12+ users is to use the Find Device function via i.mi.com.
- 🌐 Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
- 📍 Choose Xiaomi 9T device-list.
- 🔓 Click "Unlock Device" (only works when you are on active internet on your phone).
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USB debugging should be enabled beforehand. If not, use Recovery or Fastboot reset methods.
2. reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode (data loss)
If USB debugging is disabled and Mi is not tied, the most reliable way is hard resetting via Recovery Mode, which deletes all data, including photos, apps and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.
Instructions for Xiaomi 9T:
- Turn off your smartphone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears (release buttons when vibrating).
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Chinese), then: 🔧 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset). ✅ Confirm the action (Confirmation).
Reboot → Reboot to System
| Method | PC required | Data retained | Works with the Mi Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB (debugging included) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No (requires login after resetting) |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (if the firmware is untethered) |
⚠️ Attention: If on Xiaomi 9T You've turned on your Mi Account and you've forgotten your login details, and when you reset through Recovery, your phone will need to enter your login/password.
Turn off phone |Plug Power + Volume up |Plug in Recovery |Put in the Recovery menu |Select Wipe Data |Confirm reset-->
3 Unlocking Mi Account on Xiaomi 9T after reset
If Xiaomi 9T requires you to enter Mi Account data after a reset and you don’t remember it, it’s not officially possible to bypass the lock, it’s a protection against theft.
Method 1: Recovering password via email/phone
- 📧 Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- 🔑 Click "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions (access to the linked mail or SMS).
- 📱 After password recovery, enter the data on the phone.
Method 2: Appealing for Xiaomi
- 📄 Prepare proof of possession of the device (checks, box, IMEI).
- 💬 Write in support via the official website or chat in Mi Community.
- ⏳ Term of consideration - from 3 to 7 days.
Method 3: Bypass the test menu (for firmware up to MIUI 12)
Bypassing your Mi Account through the engineering menu (not working on new firmware)
⚠️ Note: Use of informal methods of bypassing the account (for example, through the use of SP Flash Tool or modified firmware can lead to blocking IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against these methods, updating the protection in new versions of the device. MIUI.
4. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi 9T for custom software installation
If you need to unlock a bootloader to install TWRP, Magisk or custom firmware (like LineageOS), follow the official procedure from Xiaomi. Since 2026, the rules have been tightened: you now need to link your account to your device and wait 72-168 hours for approval.
Step-by-step:
- Tie Xiaomi up. 9T Mi-account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronization. 🔗 Make sure the device is tied (the list should show Redmi). K20/Mi 9T).
- Apply for unblocking: 🌐 Go to the en.miui.com/unlock. 📝 Fill out the form (phone number and reason for unlocking will be required). ⏳ Wait. SMS confirmatory (usually) 3–7 days).
Mi Unlock Tool
- 🖥️ Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down).
- 🔓 In the program, press Unlock and wait for completion.
Requirements for successful unlocking:
- 📅 The Mi Account must have been created at least 30 days ago.
- 📱 The device must be linked to the account for at least 7 days.
- 🔋 Battery charge - at least 60%.
- 🔧 The phone should have an official firmware (not custom).
- The Mi Unlock Tool (should be the last version)
- Active Internet connection on PC.
- Lack of Chinese firmware (unlocking is often impossible on them).
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5. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official methods don't work, you can try alternative methods, which require technical skills and carry risks, but sometimes save in desperate situations.
Method 1: Fastboot (Mi Flash)
- 🖥️ Download the official firmware for Xiaomi 9T (codename davinci from Miui Download.
- 🛠️ Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers.
- 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and swipe the file flash_all.bat (It'll delete all the data).
Method 2: Using TWRP (if bootloader is unlocked)
- 🔓 If the bootloader is already unlocked, install TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- 📁 V TWRP reset via Wipe → Format Data (will remove encryption).
- 🔄 Reboot to the system.
Method 3: Bypassing EDL-regime (for “bricks")
EDL mode for the restoration of bricks
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi can cause the device to be blocked by the IMEI. This method is recommended only for the recovery of broken phones ("bricks").
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When unlocking the Xiaomi 9T, users often face typical problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | Account not tied to device or waiting is not completed | Wait 7 days from the moment of account linking |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | There are no Qualcomm drivers or faulty cables | Install drivers via Mi Flash Tool or use the original cable |
| After reset, requires an old password | The phone has FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption enabled. | Swipe the full firmware through Mi Flash with a clean all tick |
| Anti-rollback error | Trying to stitch the old version of MIUI over the new | Use only firmware that is newer than the current version |
How to avoid problems:
- 🔄 Always check the firmware version before installing (on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- 🔋 Do not interrupt the firmware process (may lead to a brick").
- 📡 Use a stable internet connection when unlocking bootloader.
7. Data recovery after unlocking
If you managed to unlock the Xiaomi 9T, but the data was lost, try to restore it:
Recovery methods:
- 📱 Backup of Mi Cloud: If sync is enabled, data (contacts, photos, notes) can be returned via i.mi.com.
- 💾 Local backup: If you did backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup, connect your phone to your PC and copy files from the folder MIUI/backup.
- 🔍 Recovery software: Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or DiskDigger can find deleted files (only if the data has not been overwritten).
What is usually not regenerated:
- 📱 Application settings and games (progress).
- 🔑 Saved passwords in the browser.
- 📁 Files deleted more than a month ago.
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If you regularly lose access to your phone, set up Smart Lock in Settings → Screen Lock → Smart Lock. This will unlock the device at a trusted location, device or voice.