How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 5 if you forget the pattern lock: all working ways

The forgotten pattern lock on the Xiaomi Mi 5 is a situation that even power users face. Unlike today’s biometric unlocked models, this 2016 smartphone relies on classic security techniques, making it difficult to restore access. The main problem is that without the right actions, you risk losing all data on the device or completely blocking it forever.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, from the most secure (via Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot).We will focus on the nouns of working with Xiaomi Mi 5 based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, as standard instructions for other models may not work here, and you will learn how to avoid common errors, such as blocking an account after repeated unsuccessful attempts to enter a password.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)

If the Xiaomi Mi 5 had a Mi Account attached, the chances of getting back without losing data are as high as possible, and this method works even when the Internet is off, since authentication goes through Xiaomi servers.

Here's how to do it:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot pattern? in English firmware).
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
• 🔐 Confirm the entrance through SMS or mail (depending on security settings).
• 📱 After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new pattern lock.

Important: If you do not remember the data from the account, try to restore them through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Note that after 5 unsuccessful attempts to log in, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 7 and older, the account recovery function can be manually disabled in the security settings. If the password button is missing, proceed to the next method.

2. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for power users)

The method is suitable if the Xiaomi Mi 5 is debugging on USB and has access to the computer, the advantage: the data on the phone will be saved, but you will need minimal command line skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the ADB installed.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
4. After the device is restarted, the pattern lock will be reset.

Why this method may not work:

• 🚫 Debugging by USB disabled in the developer settings.
• 🔒 There are no root rights on the device (the su command will not execute).
• 🔌 It is a non-original cable, which is why ADB does not recognize the device.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Xiaomi Mi 5 The file with the pattern lock may be called otherwise, for example locksettings.db. In this case, the command to delete will be: rm /data/system/locksettings.db

3. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (data loss)

If previous methods failed, the radical method is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and installed apps, and use this method only as a last resort.

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi 5:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

What to do after the discharge:

• 📱 Set up your phone as new by connecting your Mi or Google account.
• 🔄 Restore data from backup (if it was created earlier).
• 🔒 Install a new pattern lock or PIN-code, but write it down in a safe place.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if the Xiaomi Mi 5 has a bootloader unlocked. It requires a command line and a Mi Flash Tool installed. All data will be deleted, but you will get a completely clean system.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Xiaomi Mi 5 (for example, miui_MI5Global_V12.5.1.0.RFAMIXM_...) from en.miui.com.
2. Uncancel the firmware file into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping Volume Down + Power button.
4. Connect the device to the PC and open the Command Prompt in the firmware folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, perform a full flash flash all

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔌 Waiting for device – check drivers or cable.
• 🔒 Device is locked – unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📦 Invalid sparse file format – download the firmware again (the file may be corrupted).

5. Alternative methods: bypassing the lock through service centers

If independent attempts were unsuccessful, it remains to contact the service center. Official partners of Xiaomi can unlock the device according to documents confirming ownership (check or warranty card).

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Passport of the owner.
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if retained).
• 📱 Smartphone with a charge of at least 30%.

Advantages of the service center:

• ✅ Data security (in some cases).
• ✅ Official guarantee for the work performed.
• ✅ Possibility of diagnosing other malfunctions.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Waiting time (1 to 5 days).
• ❌ Paid service (as opposed to independent methods).

💡

Before you visit the service center, back up your phone's IMEI. Type in the dialer *#06# and record the numbers that you see, which will help you recover the network from flashing if it goes missing.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN-code or password in addition to the pattern lock. Set it up in Settings → Screen locking → Reserve password.
• 📧 Link your Mi Account to Google, making it easier to restore access.
• 🔄 Regularly back up important data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 📝 Write down your graphical key or password in a secure location (such as in Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).

What not to do:

• ❌ Install unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader - this will lead to a brick (breakdown) of the device.
• ❌ Trying to crack the lock through dubious programs is a high risk of infection with viruses.
• ❌ Entering a pattern lock at random more than 5 times will lock the device for 24 hours.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid data loss is to back up regularly, and even if you forget the pattern lock, it takes no more than 10 minutes to recover from the backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 5