How to unlock a pattern lock on Xiaomi smartphones: from Mi Account to Hard Reset

A forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi can turn into a real headache, especially if the phone stores important data. PIN-If you have a code or a password, you can't always recover the lock pattern through standard methods -- there's no prompts, and there's a very limited number of attempts to enter. But there are both official and alternative ways to unlock that work even on the latest Redmi models, POCO mi.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from the safest (via the Mi Account tied) to the radical (full reset via Fastboot), each one illustrated by step-by-step instructions, warnings about possible risks and tips on how to minimize data loss. The effectiveness of the method depends on the version MIUI, Models of the device and the availability of backup copies.

If you have never set up a backup or do not remember the data from your Xiaomi account, do not panic: even in this case, there is a chance to return access without losing files.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

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

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
4. After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com.Use the linked email or phone number.

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, this method will not work.

2. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone has previously enabled Developer Mode and activated USB debugging. This is one of the few ways to bypass a pattern lock without resetting data, but it requires pre-preparedness.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




3. Enter the command:




adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key




4. Reset the device:




adb reboot




5. After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset.

Make sure the debugging is done USB included|Download ADB Tools from the official website|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Use the original USB-cable-->

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 13/14 This method may not work due to increased protection, and after completing the command, some system applications may be malfunctioning, in which case you will need to reset to factory settings.

3 Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If USB debugging is disabled but the bootloader is unlocked, you can try removing the key file via Fastboot, which works on most Redmi and POCO models, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Fastboot.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
5. Delete the pattern lock file: fastboot erase gesture
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

If the key does not reset after the reboot, try an alternative command:

fastboot erase locksettings

Yes, successful | Yes, but there were mistakes | No, I'm afraid to take risks | I don't know what it-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 This method will not work without first unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. 720 Waiting hours (according to Xiaomi rules).

4.Reset via Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If previous methods didn't work, there's a radical way to do this: Hard Reset, a recovery mode that erases all user data, including photos, contacts, and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Instructions for MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset (usually you need to enter Yes or press the power button).
6. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K40, POCO F4) After the reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account if the device was linked to the account. Without data from the previous owner, the phone will turn into a brick".

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If all self-attempts fail, you just have to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center, which is the only legal way to unlock the device without the risk of damaging it, especially if:

• 🔒 Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account (hand-held purchase).
• 🛠️ Device for warranty (self-dumping can cancel it).
• 📱 The model with enhanced protection (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (for proof of possession).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge) >50%).

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of unlocking. In some cases, the service may offer to reflash the device with data storage (for example, through the use of a device that is not available). EDL-The regime), but this is not guaranteed.

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Xiaomi’s official service centers never ask for a password from Mi Account by phone or email. If you are offered to “buy unlock” through third-party sites, it is a scam.

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock the Internet, from using TWRP to special programs like the Miracle Box or UFi Box.

• 🚨 Requires an unlocked bootloader (which itself resets data).
• 💻 They only work on older versions. MIUI (up to 10th inclusive).
• 🛡️ May contain malware (especially "free" software).

If you do decide to experiment, consider the risks:

• 🔥 Device brick (complete failure).
• 📵 Loss of loss IMEI (phone will stop catching the network).
• 🚫 Cancellation of the guarantee.

The only relatively safe alternative method is to use TWRP (castomy recovery), but it requires:

1. Unlocked bootloader.
2. Installed TWRP for your model.
3. Backup copy of the data (if any).

Instructions via TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP (usually Power + Volume Up).


2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.




3. Delete the files:




/data/system/gesture.key




/data/system/locksettings.db




4. Reset the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi