How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget the screen lock password: all working methods

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-The situation is unpleasant, but not hopeless. The manufacturer has provided several official and informal ways to unlock - from restore through Mi Account to completely reset settings. The main thing is not to panic and follow the instructions carefully, so as not to turn a temporary problem into a loss of all data.

In this article, we will discuss Xiaomi’s 5 working methods for unlocking (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models), their pros and cons, and give a checklist of actions to minimize risks. Importantly, if the device is enabled with Find Device, the chances of recovering access without losing data increase by up to 90%.

First, determine what type of lock is installed on your Xiaomi:

• 🔢 PIN-code or password (numbers/letters)
• 🎨 pattern lock (pattern pattern)
• 👤 Fingerprint/Face (if the primary password is forgotten, biometrics won’t help)

It depends on the choice of unlocking method, and also check whether the smartphone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) - this is critical for some ways.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method by Xiaomi is to restore access through the linked Mi Account.

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi/mobile)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from the Mi Account
• 🔄 Find Device is activated in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
4. Create a new screen lock password.

⚠️ Note: If after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, a message appears "Try again in 24 hours", wait for the specified time or use alternative methods. Also note that when you change your password through Mi Account, you can reset the settings of Google Pay and other services tied to biometrics.

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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it on the official website account.xiaomi.com via the attached email or phone. Do not use third-party services to "hack" the account - this is fraud!

2. Reset password through Recovery mode (without loss of data)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, try resetting your password through Recovery Mode.This method works on most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note). 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12), but requires OTG-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select a language (English / Chinese) and go to Advanced → Wipe code.
4. Connect. OTG-cable with a flash drive on which the file is located password_remove.zip (You can download it on the forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
5. Select a file and confirm the installation. Once you reboot, the password will reset.

⚠️ Attention: File password_remove.zip Must conform to the version MIUI Installing an inappropriate file can cause a blink. Check the version before downloading. MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).

3. Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If previous methods didn't work, there's a radical way to do this: Hard Reset, which will delete all the data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, but it'll unlock the screen, and use it as a last resort!

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

After the reset, the phone will turn on as new. You will need to go through the initial setup, including binding Mi Account and recovering data from the backup (if any).

4 Unlock via Fastboot and ADB (for power users)

If you know me, ADB (Android Debug Bridge and Fastboot, you can try to delete the password file manually, USB-cable and enabled debugging by USB (If it was activated before the lockdown).

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the switched off Xiaomi to your computer by clamping Volume Down + Power (Fastboot mode).
3. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) run: fastboot devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. mount the data section: fastboot shell mount /data
5. Delete the password files: rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db
6. Reboot the device: reboot

⚠️ Warning: Wrong commands in Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI If you're not sure what you're doing, you can call the service center.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If you fail to do so, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center to unlock the following:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of possession)
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity)
• 📱 The device itself (even when switched off)

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model and region.

• 🔧 Software Unlocking (if possible)
• 🔄 Data storage reflashing (not always available)
• 📱 Full reset with the issuance of the device “as new"

✅ Pros: Guaranteed result without risk of damaging the phone.

❌ Cons: Waiting time (1 day to week) and possible data loss.

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If Xiaomi has enabled Anti-Rollback, a self-flashing can lock the device permanently, in which case the service center is the only way out.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here’s how to prevent them:

🔹 "Unknown team in ADB/Fastboot

• Check that Platform Tools are added to the PATH variable.
• Use the command line on behalf of the administrator.

🔹 "Device not "detected" in Recovery

• Try another cable (preferably the original one).
• Connect the charger – sometimes it helps.

🔹 "Mounting error /data" fastboot

• Check if the boot loader is unlocked (fastboot oem device-info).
• If not, unblock it through the official Xiaomi tool.

🔹 "After reset, requires an old password"

• This means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is active.
• Log in to the Mi Account that was tied before the reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions