How to unlock the screen of Xiaomi smartphone: the full guide

The situation when Xiaomi smartphone suddenly stops letting the owner into the system is one of the most stressful for any user, the reasons for this can be many: from banal forgetfulness, when you can not remember a complex pattern lock or a digital combination, to software failures of the MIUI operating system that block data entry, and do not rule out accidental tapping in the pocket or tricks of young children who could change the access parameters without the knowledge of adults.

Unlike older versions of Android, the Chinese company’s current shells have a strong security system closely linked to the cloud-based Mi Account service, which means that simple bypassing techniques that worked five years ago can only lead to a complete lockdown of the device by IMI. However, there are several proven ways to restore access to data or, in extreme cases, reset the settings to factory.

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand what type of lock is installed on your device, this can be a standard pin code, biometric facial recognition, fingerprint or complex password of a Google account. If the device is enabled with the function “Find the device”, any reset will require entering the username and password from the associated Mi Account, otherwise the phone will turn into a “brick”.

Standard methods of unlocking the screen

The most obvious but often ignored way is to use alternative input methods that could have been configured previously. MIUI You can use multiple authorization methods at the same time. If you forget the graphic, try switching to digital. PIN-code or normal password by pressing the corresponding button on the lock screen.

Often users rely solely on biometrics, forgetting that it is only a convenient addition to the basic method. If the fingerprint scanner or Face ID unlock system fails (for example, due to contamination of the sensor or changes in appearance), the system itself will suggest entering a backup password after several unsuccessful attempts. Don't ignore these interface prompts.

In some cases, a simple device reboot helps. If there is a temporary software failure that prevents the touchscreen or security module from working correctly, restarting can fix the error. To do this, press the power button and select "Switch off" or "Reset", then try to enter the password again.

• 🔑 Use the “Forgot Password” button on the lock screen if it is active and the device is connected to the Internet.
• 📱 Try unlocking your smartphone through a connected smartwatch or Mi Band bracelet if the Smart Lock feature is configured.
• 🔄 Perform a forced reboot, clamping the power buttons and increasing the volume at the same time 10-15 seconds.
• 🌐 Make sure the date and time on the device are correct, as desynchronization can block login to your account.

⚠️ Attention: After 5-10 Failed attempts to enter a password, the Xiaomi smartphone can block the ability to enter for a certain time (from the 30 Don't try to guess the combination during this period, the timer will increase with each error.

Using Mi Accounts for Remote Resetting

If standard methods have failed, and data access is critical, you should use the official cloud service from the manufacturer. The Find Device feature allows you not only to track the location of the gadget, but also to control its lock remotely, for this you need to log in to Mi Account on the blocked smartphone and turn on the Internet.

The process of unlocking through the web interface is as follows: you will need access to another device (computer or phone) and a browser. Going to the official website of the cloud service, you can send a command to unlock the screen. This action will delete the current password, but will not affect personal files if the backup function was active.

Importantly, this method only works if the device has previously been linked to an account and has an active network connection. SIM-The command will only be executed once it is connected to the network, which is an important security detail that prevents data theft.

It's also worth mentioning the Second Space feature, which creates an isolated environment in your phone. If you've locked the main space but remember the password from the second, sometimes you can log in, back up important data and then reset the main profile through the system settings without losing information in the second space.

Resetting settings via Recovery Mode

When the password is completely forgotten and cloud methods are not available, a radical but effective way remains – a complete factory reset via the Recovery Mode Recovery menu – which deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state.

To enter recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones, you need to turn off the device completely. Then simultaneously press the power button and the volume button (on some models, the volume button is reduced, but more often it is increased), you need to hold them until the Mi logo or menu with a black background and yellow/blue text appears.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Data item, select it and confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart.

⚠️ Warning: After being reset via Recovery, modern versions of Android will require you to enter a Google account that was synced to the device before being locked (FRP), which cannot be bypassed by a simple discharge.

Unlocking through computer and ADB

For advanced users who previously included debugging on their device USB (USB Debugging, there is the ability to unlock or delete a password file through a computer. This method requires installing drivers. ADB and availability of appropriate software on the PC.

The method is to connect the smartphone to the computer and send special commands through the command line, if access is allowed, you can delete the system file gesture.key or password.key, responsible for storing the graphics or digital key, after rebooting, the protection will disappear.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




adb reboot

However, on modern versions of MIUI with updated security patches, this method rarely works, since access to system folders without root permissions is closed. However, it is worthwhile, especially on older models of smartphones, this can save data without a complete reset.

• 💻 Install the platform SDK Platform Tools on your computer.
• 🔌 Connect your phone with the original cable and select File Transfer Mode (if the screen is responsive).
• 📝 Check the list of devices with the adb device command in the terminal.
• 🗑️ Execute commands to remove lock keys if the device is rooted.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try installing Google USB Driver Universal Drivers or Xiaomi dedicated drivers from the developer’s official website.

Specificity of blocking by Mi Account and IMEI

Special attention should be paid to the situation when the phone is blocked not by the user, but by a security server, this happens when you buy a device from hand, if the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, or when you buy gray devices with a cross-linked IMEI, in which case you will be required to enter a password from an account that you do not know.

Bypassing this locking software is almost impossible without losing the guarantee and stability of work. The official way is to contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase and a box from the device, employees can remove the lock, confirming ownership.

There are paid unlock services from Mi Account, but they come with risks, and often require flashing the device with system partition changes, which can cause the camera, sensors, or emergency calls to fail.

⚠️ Warning: Buying a used Xiaomi smartphone without checking for Mi Account binding is a huge risk. Always ask the seller to log out of your account and reset before transferring money.

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The only guaranteed way to remove the lock Mi Account without a password is to have an original check and contact an authorized service center.

Prevention and backup

To avoid the problem of lost access in the future, you need to prepare your device in advance. Regular backups in the Mi Cloud or on Google Drive will allow you to quickly restore contacts, photos and settings even after a complete reset.

Write complex passwords in a safe place. Using password managers or even a regular notebook stored in a safe place is better than relying on memory. It's also helpful to set up alternative login methods, such as fingerprint unlocking, which works faster and more reliable than graphic keys.

Remember to check the status of your account attachments periodically. If you plan to sell your phone, be sure to complete a full reset via the settings menu (Settings → About Phone → Reset) by logging out of all accounts first. This will save the new owner from problems and you from unnecessary questions.