How to remove the pattern lock from Xiaomi Redmi without losing data: proven ways of 2026

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that one in five users face. The main problem is that most standard unlock methods (such as resetting via Recovery) lead to complete loss of data - photos, contacts, messages. However, there are legal ways to bypass the lock without formatting internal memory if you have previously activated certain functions or have access to a computer.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, POCO X3/X4 and other devices based on MIUI 12-14. Importantly, the effectiveness of methods depends on the firmware version, the presence of Mi Account and the status of OEM Unlock. Some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so if you read this BEFORE blocking, immediately activate all options from the Prevention section.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if your Xiaomi Redmi has a Mi Account attached (even if you don’t remember the password). Xiaomi provides an official tool for resetting the pattern lock via the web interface, but with limitations:

• 📱 The device must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 On the smartphone should be activated synchronization with Mi Cloud (checked in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• ⏳ After 5 failed attempts to enter the key, the button “Forgot the password” will appear?».

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, click “Forgot your password?” (appears after several incorrect attempts).
2. Enter the username and password from Mi Account. If you do not remember, restore it via account.xiaomi.com.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
4. Install a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If the device has enabled the option “Find the device” (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Find the device, after unlocking, additional confirmation may be required through SMS.

2. Use Safe Mode (if the key is recently installed)

Safe Mode allows you to temporarily disable third-party applications, including those responsible for locking the screen.

• 🆕 The pattern lock was installed less than 24 hours ago.
• 📲 There is no factory reset via Recovery on the device.
• 🔧 You can physically interact with your phone (power and volume buttons).

How to activate Safe Mode:

1. Turn off Redmi with a long press of the power button.
2. Hold the volume button and turn on the phone without letting it go until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the button when the “Safe Mode” appears at the bottom of the screen.

In this mode:

• Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock.
• Enter the old one. PIN-If you do not, reset the key via Mi Account (see Section 1).
• Restart your phone in normal mode.

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If Safe Mode is not activated, try the Power button + Volume Up combination – on some Redmi models (like the Note 8 Pro) this works.

3. Unlock through ADB (pre-setting required)

The method is for advanced users who have enabled USB debugging beforehand (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → USB debugging). If this option is not activated, the method will not work.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, do not damage the connector!).
• 📦 Established ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm your trust in the device (if you request it).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset. If the adbd cannot run as root error appears, then the bootloader is not unlocked on the device (see section 5).

Install ADB on PC| Enable USB debugging on Redmi| Connect the original cable | Check trust in the device | Download drivers for Xiaomi-->

4. bypass the key through Google password reset (for older versions of MIUI)

This method worked on Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 9-11 Android 8-9, But in the newer versions, Xiaomi has disabled it for security reasons, but on some devices (e.g., Redmi). 5/6/7) It might work.

Conditions:

• 📧 Google account is linked to the phone.
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" (not to be confused with Mi Account!).

How to reset:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong key 5 times until “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Select “Restore via Google” (if the option is available).
3. Enter the login and password from the Google account that was linked to the device.
4. Install a new pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ If you don't have a "Restore through Google" button, you can go to other ways.

5. Unlock bootloader and firmware (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you just unlock the bootloader and flash the device through Fastboot, which erases all data but returns access to the phone, and is suitable for Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3 and others with Qualcomm chipsets.

What will be required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Unlock Tool installed.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (C or microUSB type, depending on the model).
• 📄 Mi Account linked to the device (required!).
• ⏳ 72 hours waiting (unless the bootloader is unlocked).

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off your phone and press the power + volume button to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).
4. Click Unlock and wait until the process is complete (may take up to 3 days if the device is new).
5. After unlocking, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware (you can download it on new.c.mi.com).

Important: Once the firmware is fully cleared, to avoid data loss in the future, set up automatic backup in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.

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Unlocking the bootloader is the only way to get back access to the Xiaomi Redmi if the pattern lock is forgotten and other methods have failed.However, this leads to complete data loss and requires a wait of up to 7 days.

6.Prevention: How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock, follow 5 simple steps right now:

• 🔐 Set up a backup. PIN-code → Passwords and security → Screen locking → Reserve password.
• ☁️ Activate Mi Cloud and enable backup (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).
• 🖥️ Put the debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📝 Write down the pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).
• 🔄 Check regularly if your Mi Account is linked to your device (Settings) → Xiaomi account).

What not to do:

• ❌ Don’t set complex keys that are hard to remember (e.g. zigzags through all 9 dots).
• ❌ Don’t turn off sync with Mi Cloud – it’s the only way to recover data after a reset.
• ❌ Do not use unofficial firmware (custom) ROM), If you are not sure about their safety, they can block access to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi