How to open Xiaomi Redmi 7: unlock the bootloader, reset password and restore the system

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to its robust hardware and MIUI support. But what to do if the device is locked? The reasons may be different: a forgotten pattern lock, a firmware failure, buying a used phone with a tied Mi Account, or having to unlock a bootloader to install custom firmware. In this article, 5 proven ways to return access to the Redmi 7, including official methods from Xiaomi and workarounds for experienced users.

It’s important to understand that unlocking procedures vary depending on the type of lock, for example, resetting a graphical password through Recovery will take 10 minutes, and unlocking a firmware bootloader will require a wait of 7-30 days (due to Xiaomi’s policy), and we’ll review each scenario with step-by-step instructions, risk warnings, and alternatives if the standard method doesn’t work.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – at least 50% (at a charge below 30%, the phone may turn off during the process).
• 📋 Availability of a backup of data (unlocking often results in a complete reset).
• 🔧 Cable USB Type-C – Original or certified (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (Some methods require a Mi Unlock Tool).

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code through recovery

If you forget the lock screen password, but remember the data from the Mi Account attached to the phone, the fastest way is to reset via Recovery Mode. This method does not require a connection to a PC and works even when the Internet is off, but will delete all user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 7 with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, the phone will prompt you to log into the Mi Account that was previously linked. If you do not remember the username / password, go to the section about unlocking the account.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was enabled Find Device, after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you do not remember it.

2 Unlock the Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

Xiaomi smartphones link the hardware ID to the Mi Account, so after a reset via Recovery or firmware, you may be asked to enter a login / password. If you do not remember the data or bought a used phone, there are two options:

Official method (requires proof of ownership):

• 📄 Go to account.xiaomi.com and select Forgot Password».
• 📧 Specify the email or phone number associated with the account. If they are not, try to restore it through the Backup email.
• 📎 If your account is not your (used phone), contact Xiaomi with a check of purchase and IMEI device.

Alternative method (for experienced users):

If the official method did not work, you can try to bypass the lock through the EDL-The emergency mode (emergency firmware) will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 🔗 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 7 (Fastboot version).
• 🔧 A jumper for closing contacts on the board (or box for unlocking).

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial methods to unlock Mi Account (for example, through paid services) may lead to blocking IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against such bypasses, so it is better to try the official ways first.

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) for firmware

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and has limitations.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account that is tied to the phone.
3. Put Redmi 7 into Fastboot mode: Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock in the program. If your account is not tied to your device in advance, a waiting message (usually 72-720 hours) will appear.

After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash Redmi 7 through Fastboot or TWRP.Remember: unlocking the bootloader erases all data and can deprive you of warranty.

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Before unlocking the bootloader, check if your Redmi 7 model supports TWRP installation. Some versions (such as those with a Snapdragon 632) have unofficial recovery protection.

4. Reset via Find Device (remote unlock)

If Redmi 7 has enabled Find Device, you can try unlocking your phone remotely, and this only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔑 You remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the device.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi 7 from the list of devices.
3. Click Erase Device and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.

⚠️ Note: If after a remote reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, then the account was not untied from the device. In this case, only unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section 3) will help).

5. Hardware reset (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 7 doesn’t respond to buttons, hovers on the logo, or goes into a “bootloop,” you can try a hardware reset via Test Point, a method that requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for advanced users.

What you need:

• 🔧 Torx screwdriver T4 disassemble.
• 🔌 The jumper (can be used clip or tweezers).
• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool installed.

Steps:

1. Turn off your phone and remove the back cover (carefully so you don’t damage the plumes!).
2. Find Test Point contacts on the motherboard (usually signed or located near the battery).
3. Close the contacts with a bar and connect the phone to the PC via USB.
4. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing has worked)

If the standard methods do not work, radical measures remain:

• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone (if it is guaranteed).
• 💰 Use paid unlock services (for example, DC-Unlocker or Octoplus).$ depending on the complexity.
• 🔄 Buy a motherboard with an unlocked bootloader (relevant for used phones).

Before you pay for the unlock, check:

• Is the phone locked by the operator (if purchased on credit or under contract)?
• Is the device blacklisted by IMEI (check out imei.info).

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If the Redmi 7 is locked because of unpaid credit or theft, none of the methods described will work, in which case the phone can only be used as a brick or for parts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 7