How to unlock the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi: from Mi Account to Fastboot

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that one in five users face. According to service center statistics, 18% of device locks are due to loss of password or unlock pattern. The problem is complicated by the fact that the manufacturer is actively implementing security mechanisms that make a simple oversight a serious technical task. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official solutions to engineering methods that work even on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15.

It’s important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors – whether it is tied to the Mi Account device, whether debugging is enabled over USB, whether custom firmware is installed. We will not offer universal “magic buttons”, but will give a detailed analysis of each scenario taking into account the specific features of specific Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4X to Redmi 13C).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account – the official method

This is the safest way that the manufacturer recommends, and it works if:

• 📱 The device is linked to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember your password)
• 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• ⏳ It’s been at least 72 hours since the last login.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the linked email/phone.
3. If you do not remember the password from the account, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.
4. After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new pattern lock.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader)
• ❌ If the smartphone was purchased “with hands” and the previous owner did not untie the account – you will need his participation
• ❌ On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Additional confirmation may be required through SMS

⚠️ Note: If the system fails to log in, “This device is linked to another account,” it means that the smartphone is listed as stolen or sold without a detachment.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode - a radical solution

When Mi Account is not available and other methods have failed, there is a hard reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all data from the device but is guaranteed to unlock it, and is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi K60.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English and Chinese)
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares, the item may be called Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

Important nuances:

• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged – an interrupted reset can cause the device to “brick”
• 📱 On some models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8) may require additional pressing of Volume Down after the logo appears
• 🔒 After reset, the device may require input from the previous Mi Account (Factory Reset Protection feature)

3.Use of ADB-Teams (required debugging of the USB)

If the device has previously been enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can unlock the pattern lock without losing data.The method works on all versions of Android, but requires a computer and installed drivers. ADB.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (original or high quality).
3. Open the command prompt in the folder with adb.exe (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your device) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

What to do if the teams are not working:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website
• 🔄 Restart your computer and smartphone
• 📱 On some firmware (MIUI 13+) You may need to use the adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED pre-action

⚠️ Warning: If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after the commands are executed, don’t panic – this is the normal reaction of the system to delete the lock files. 10-15 minutes or perform a forced reset (Loudness up) + Meals for food 20 seconds).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader) is unlocked on the device)
• 💻 Access to a computer with installed Fastboot drivers
• 📦 You have a stock firmware for your Redmi model

Step-by-step process:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic).
3. Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device b) Press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap
4. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
5. Execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices
6. Run the firmware: fastboot flash all or for new devices: fastboot update name file.zip

Warnings:

• 🚨 Continuous power is critical – if the process is interrupted, the device can turn into a “brick"
• 📵 On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You may need an additional fastboot oem edl command to transition to mode. EDL
• 🔧 After firmware be sure to reset through Recovery (Wipe Data), otherwise there are possible system glitches

5. Alternative methods for specific cases

When standard methods don’t work, you can try less well-known, but sometimes effective solutions.

Calling method (for MIUI before version 12):

1. From another phone, call the blocked Redmi.
2. Accept a call on a locked device.
3. Without completing the call, quickly go to the settings and turn off the pattern lock.

On Redmi models with MIUI 13+, this method is blocked – after receiving the call, the lock screen remains active.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking documents in authorized centers. The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Passport of the owner (or power of attorney if the device is not yours)
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if retained)
• 📱 The device itself with a charge of at least 50%
• 📧 Account information (if you are a member)

Timeline and nuance:

• ⏳ Standard release date — 1-3 workday
• 🔒 In 80% of cases, the data is stored (but not guaranteed)
• 📍 The official service addresses can be found on the Xiaomi Service website
• 💰 The cost may increase if you need to replace the firmware or repair the loader

💡

Before visiting the service center, take photos of IMEI (on the sticker under the battery or in the documentation) and the serial number of the device (on the box), which will speed up the identification process and reduce the risk of fraud.

7.Prevention: How to avoid blocking in the future

The best way to deal with a locked device is to prevent this from happening, and here are the proven prevention methods:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN-code: when creating a pattern lock MIUI Always suggest setting a backup digital password – write it down in a secure location
• ☁️ Regularly sync data with Mi Cloud: this will allow you to quickly recover information even after a reset.
• 🔧 Turn it on. USB Debugging in Developer Settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers)
• 📋 Create a text file with important information (IMEI, Serial number, account data) and store it in the cloud or on a separate medium

Settings that should be changed right now:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Blocking apps and disabling system applications locking will reduce the risk of accidental locking.
2. In Settings → Accounts → Mi Account, check that the device is linked to the account and sync is enabled.
3. Install the Find Device app and set up remote control – this will help unlock the phone through the web interface.

💡

Even if you use a pattern lock, set the unlock to your fingerprint or face. In emergency situations, biometrics often saves you when you forget your primary password.

Frequently asked questions