How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi without a password and fingerprint: all working methods

A forgotten password or a suddenly lost fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi Redmi can become a real headache, especially if the phone stores important data and there is no backup. Fortunately, there are legal (and not so) ways to regain access to the device, from an official reset via Mi Account to technical manipulations with Fastboot and ADB.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven unlocking methods that work on most Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and others). Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), while others can lead to complete loss of data without the possibility of recovery.

1. Official reset via Mi Account (without loss of data)

The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi uses is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account
• 📲 The device is enabled synchronization with the account

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

✅ Pros: does not require resetting settings, data is saved.

❌ Cons: Does not work without the Internet or if the account is not tied.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted your Mi Account. In this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

2. Unlock via Recovery Mode (reset to factory settings)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you'll have a hard reset through Recovery Mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the menu in Chinese/English.

Further action:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 📛 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🔙 After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare a backup copy (if you have access to the PC)

Remember your Mi Account information (if tied)

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⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (especially those released for the Chinese market), the Recovery menu may be entirely in Chinese. To make no mistake, focus on the last item on the list - it is always a reboot.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔌 Mi Account protection is disabled on the phone (otherwise authorization will be required).
• 🖥️ You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Fastboot tool.
• 🔧 You are ready for possible data loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack.
4. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot devices

(Your Redmi serial number should be displayed).

fastboot oem unlock

(This will unlock the bootloader, but delete all the data!)

fastboot reboot

(Reboot)

⚠️ Newer Redmi models (2022 and later) may require Mi Account to be linked to the device even in Fastboot. If you see this device is bound to a Mi Account, try the method with a new device. ADB (See the following section or contact the service.

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If the fastboot oem unlock command doesn’t work, try fastboot flashing unlock first (some firmware requires two-step unlocking).

4. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

This only works if you've previously enabled USB debugging in the developer's settings. If not, skip this section.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to the PC.
2. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

adb devices

(The serial number of the device must appear).

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

(Deletes the file with the password of the pattern lock).

adb shell rm /data/system/password.key

(Deletes the PIN/password file).

adb reboot

(Reboot)

If you don't, try entering any password (e.g., 1234), sometimes the system skips after you delete the keys.

5. Bypassing the lock through Xiaomi service centers

If all of the above methods do not work, you can contact the official service center of Xiaomi. This is the safest way, but it has its nuances:

Conditions of unblocking through the SC:

• 📄 Presence of a check or box with IMEI, proof-of-purchase.
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone is officially purchased).
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles).

What the service does:

1. Checking the legality of the phone.
2. Reset protection through special software (if Mi Account is not tied).
3. Restore the firmware if necessary.

⚠️ Risks of unofficial services: Some "masters" offer to unlock Redmi in 5 minutes through "secret commands:

• 🔓 Set up your firmware with a backdoor.
• 📱 Stealing phone data.
• 💸 Take the money and not return the phone.

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Official service center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is bought from hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account.

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

There are a few more ways to unlock the Xiaomi Redmi online, but most of them are either outdated or carry risks. We'll list them for the sake of completeness, but we don't recommend using them unless absolutely necessary:

Competitive methods:

• 🔗 Find My Device reset – only works if the phone is connected to a Google account and has Internet access.
• 📱 Use of third-party software (such as Dr.Fone or Tenorshare) 4uKey) — They may contain viruses or not work on new firmware.
• 🔧 Firmware through SP Flash Tool – the risk of “bricking” the phone if the wrong version of the firmware is selected.

Why not take the risk:

• 🚨 Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi tightened protection against unauthorized unlock.Most hacks stopped working.
• 📉 Third-party programs often require payment but do not guarantee the result.
• 🔒 After unsuccessful manipulations, the phone can lock forever (requires a replacement motherboard).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi