How to Reboot a Locked Xiaomi Redmi Phone: 5 Ways to Work

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi or the phone locked after unsuccessful attempts to enter the pattern lock? The situation is familiar to many users – the smartphone turns into a “brick”, does not respond to touch, and the screen is lit by the words “Device locked.” In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to reboot and unlock, including emergency modes, reset via Mi Account and even low-level recovery via EDL.

It's important to understand that the methods vary in complexity and consequences. Some allow you to save data (for example, unlocking through a Xiaomi account), others lead to a complete reset (Hard Reset), we will describe each option in detail, specify the Redmi models on which it works, and warn against typical errors. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact a service center, especially if you store critical data on your phone.

1.Reboot via power and volume buttons (Soft Reset)

The safest way, which works on all Redmi models (from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 12 Pro+), is not to delete data, but simply force the system to restart, suitable if the phone is getting stuck on the lock screen or does not respond to touch.

Instructions:

• 🔋 Hold the power button (on) for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
• 🔄 If the phone doesn't reboot, try the combination: Power button + Increased volume (hold 10-20 seconds).
• 📱 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The power button may work. + volume-reducing.
• ⏳ After the vibration and appearance of the Xiaomi logo release the buttons – the phone will boot in normal mode.

If the lock screen reappears after the reboot, then the problem is not in the freeze, but in the wrong password entry or activation of the Mi Account protection.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10/11 s MIUI 13+ Long-term button retention can trigger a Fastboot instead of restarting, in which case release the buttons immediately after the vibration.

2 Unlocking through Mi Account (if your Xiaomi account is tied)

If you have previously logged in to Mi Account and remember your username/password, this method will unlock your phone without losing data.Works on all Redmi models with MIUI 8 and later, but requires an Internet connection (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the entrance through SMS-account code.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will suggest resetting the lock password or unlocking the device.

If the phone requires you to enter the old password after unlocking, try rebooting it (see method 1).

3. Hard Reset (full reset via Recovery)

Hard Reset is a last resort that deletes all data (photos, contacts, apps) and returns the phone to factory settings. Use it only if other methods have failed or you are ready to lose information. The method works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi K40 and others.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button until the screen goes out).
2. Press the combination: Power button + Volume Up (on Redmi 5/6/7) or Power button + both volume buttons (on Redmi Note 9/10/11).
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 10-15 seconds).
4. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then:

Once rebooted, the phone will look like new, you’ll need to go through the initial setup (select language, connect to Wi-Fi) and log in to Mi Account if it was previously tied, without which some features (such as unlocking the bootloader) may not be available.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 12.5+ Hard Reset may require you to verify your old account (even if you reset it), it's anti-theft protection, and if you don't remember your account details, the phone will become a brick, you'll need to unlock it through the device. EDL (see method 5).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery is not available or the phone doesn't respond to buttons, you can try unlocking it via Fastboot, USB-Mi Flash Tool cables and utilities.It is suitable for Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or if you are ready to unlock it (this erases all data!).

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (official website of Xiaomi).
• 📱 Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + volume down until the screen with Fastboot (Android robot labeled Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one installed, in which case you need to download a new firmware or use method 5 (EDL).

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (for EDL mode).

2. Use another USB-Port (preferably 2.0, not 3.0).

3. disable the driver signature in Windows (to do this, enter in the command line on behalf of the administrator:

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on

5 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a phone even if it is completely locked or bricked. The method is complex, but works in 99% of cases, including phones with a locked bootloader. Suitable for all Redmis on Qualcomm processors (most models except some on Mediatek).

What will be required:

• 💻 Windows computer.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (required original!).
• 📦 Mi Flash Pro (alternative to the standard Mi Flash Tool).
• 📱 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔑 Xiaomi account with unlocked rights (for some models).

How to put your phone in EDL mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Open the back cover and disconnect the battery (if it is removable, like on the Redmi 4X/5A).
3. Connect. USB-cable to the computer, but not to the phone!
4. Press both volume buttons on your phone and, without letting them go, connect the cable.
5. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the computer detects a new device (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

Next:

1. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware.
2. Click Select and specify the path to the firmware file.
3. Select Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after the firmware) or Clean all.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 15 minutes).

After firmware, the phone will restart as standard. If an SLA Auth error appears, then your Xiaomi account does not have the right to firmware through EDL. In this case, you will need an authorized account (you can buy access from official Xiaomi partners).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL on the redmi MIUI 14 may result in a blockage IMEI, If you use unofficial firmware, always check the version. MIUI on the Xiaomi website before the firmware!

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods worked or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the best option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 Phone requires old Mi Account, data from which is lost.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware, the phone does not turn on ("brick»).
• 📱 This device is locked (bootloader blocked).
• 🔧 We need to rebuild. IMEI post-flip EDL.

The cost of unlocking in the service depends on the model and the problem:

• 💰 Recovery IMEI: 1500–3000 ₽.

Advantages of the service center:

• ✅ Guarantee for work performed (usually 3-6 months).
• ✅ Official firmware and tools are used.

The addresses of Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the official website. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in unlocking, since not all centers provide this service.

💡

If the phone is locked due to theft (Blacklist status in Mi Account), none of the ways will help - unlocking is possible only through the police or an official request to Xiaomi with proof of ownership.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid facing Redmi’s lockdown again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition in addition to a password.

If you often forget passwords, set up a Smart Lock in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Smart Lock.
2. Add reliable devices (such as smartwatches or Bluetooth headphones).
3. Set up the unlock by location (such as at home or work).

It is also useful to enable the device to be found in Mi Account:

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in and select your phone.
3. Activate Find the Device and Remote Lock.

This will allow you to unlock your phone remotely if you lose it or forget your password.

💡

If you change passwords frequently, use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to help store data from Mi Account and other services in one secure place.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi unlocking