How to unlock the screen on Xiaomi if you forget your password or pattern lock

Why Xiaomi’s screen is blocked and what to do about it

A locked screen on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, and the reasons range from trivial forgetfulness (password or pattern lock) to failures after a MIUI update. But whatever the reason, the main thing is not to panic. 90% of the time, the device can be unlocked without data loss if you follow proven algorithms.

Modern models of Redmi, POCO Xiaomi (starting with the Mi 8 and newer) use multi-level protection: from standard PIN-But even the most advanced biometrics can't save you if you forget your backup password. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to restore access – from simple data entry Mi Account to complex manipulations through Fastboot.

It's important to understand that the newer the MIUI model and version, the harder it is to get around the lock. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, unlocking through ADB may not work without first activating the debugging over USB. But on Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12, this method often helps. So before you start, check the model and the firmware version, this will save time.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI, if you previously:

• 🔹 Log into a phone account.
• 🔹 Connected the device to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔹 Do not turn off the function "Find the device" in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Follow the system’s prompts to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, restore them on the official website account.xiaomi.com. Using third-party services to "hack" the account is fraught with blocking IMEI device.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.

Check if the “Find Device” function is enabled in your account settings

Prepare an email/phone and password from Mi Account

Have access to mail or SMS to confirm

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Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, the radical method is hard reset through recovery mode, which erases all the data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Step-by-step instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Hold the combination: 🔹 Loudness up + Food for most models 🔹 Loudness up + Loudness down + Power for some older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X)

Mi

Recovery Mode

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 With pure Android, the Recovery menu may be different.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔹 The device is debugging on USB (USB Debugging)
• 🔹 You can access a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool
• 🔹 You are ready for possible data loss (depending on the selected teams)

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (logo Fastboot)
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK) and execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number appears), continue.
5. To reset your password without losing data (does not work on all models), type: fastboot erase frp Then restart your phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase userdata or fastboot erase persist commands will result in a complete data reset! Use them only if you are ready to lose all information on the device.

💡

Before working with Fastboot, back up your data via Mi PC Suite if your phone is at least somehow responsive to your computer connection.

Method 4: Use ADB (if debugging was enabled)

If the phone has previously been activated debugging over USB (USB Debugging in the developer settings), you can try unlocking the screen through ADB. This method saves data, but requires preliminary preparation.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
2. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK).
3. Check the device connection: Adb devices If the phone appears in the list, follow the following commands.
4. Delete password files (works on the MIUI beforehand 12): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ and new models (Xiaomi) 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12) This method may not work because of the increased protection, so try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

It runs the wizard setting a new password.

Method 5: Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If you don't succeed, contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock your device without risking damage or loss of warranty.

• 🔹 Guaranteed result (if the phone is not blacklisted) IMEI)
• 🔹 Maintenance of official guarantee
• 🔹 Data recovery (in some cases)

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Passport holder (or power of attorney if your phone is not yours)
• 📱 The device itself with a battery charge of at least 30%
• 💳 Checks or warranty card (if any)
• 📧 Data from Mi Account (if linked)

The cost of unlocking in 2026 varies from 1500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of the work. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the price can reach 5000 rubles due to the complexity of hardware protection.

Official reset via Mi Account

Hard Reset in Recovery Mode

Fastboot or ADB

I went to the service center.

I haven't tried it yet, I'm looking for a solution.

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Method 6: Bypassing the lock via EDL Mode (emergency method)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader.

• 🔹 Knowledge of firmware and tools like Mi Flash Tool or QFil
• 🔹 Having the right firmware for your model
• 🔹 Special cable (or ability to solder the device into the EDL testpoint)

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL Mode can turn a phone into a brick, a non-functional device that is not switched on or detected by a computer:

• 🔸 You have experience in Xiaomi devices
• 🔸 You have found the exact firmware for your model and region
• 🔸 Ready for possible loss IMEI or serial number

Short instructions (for experienced users):

1. Download firmware in.tgz or.fastboot format for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL Mode: 🔹 Through a button combination (e.g. Volume up) + Loudness down + Power on a phone turned off) 🔹 Through testpoints (requires disassembly of the device)

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

💡

EDL Mode is the last chance to bring the phone back to life if other methods have failed, but without experience, it is better to consult specialists to avoid aggravating the situation.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock, users often make critical errors that can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device, the most common of which are:

⚠️ Warning: If after a failed unlock, the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, do not try to repeat the actions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions