How to unlock Xiaomi 9A: all the ways from the official Mi Unlock to bypass FRP

Xiaomi Mi 9A

Mi Account

All the current ways to unlock

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the type of lock, whether it's a locked screen (PIN, pattern lock, password), a binding to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account Lock), or FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection after a reset, and we'll look at each case separately, taking into account the nuances of the firmware and the version of MIUI.

If you're not sure about your abilities, you should go to the service center, and if you do something wrong, you can lose data completely or your device will get bricked up (turns into a brick), but if you're willing to do it yourself, you can do it.

1. unlock screen: PIN, pattern lock, password

The most common problem is the forgotten way to unlock the screen, and if you had a Google or Mi Account linked, the chances of getting access back are high.

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet)

If the lock screen has a button "Forgot your password?", try:

  1. Click on it and enter the login / password from your Mi Account.
  2. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  3. Create a new PIN or pattern lock.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and it is also not available if you have previously reset your settings without detachment of your account.

Method 2: Recovery Reset (Data Loss!)

If you can't unlock through your account, you have to reset hard.

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
  4. After the reset, the phone will restart.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 12+ After the reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account (if it was linked). FRP β€” Its circumvention is described below.

πŸ“Š What type of lock your Xiaomi has 9A?
Forgot the pattern lock/PIN
Phone requires Mi Account after reset
FRP-blocking (Google Account)
Another option

2 Unlock Mi Account Lock (if the phone requires a Xiaomi account)

If, after resetting or flashing, the phone requests data from the previous owner's Mi Account, you'll need official unlocking or workarounds. Xiaomi has tightened protection, so there are no easy ways anymore - but there are solutions.

Official method: Communication with previous owner

The best way to do this is to ask the previous owner:

  • πŸ“± Untie your device from your account via account.xiaomi.com (Devices section").
  • πŸ“§ Send you a login and password to unlock (if you trust).

If you cannot contact us, you will have to use alternative methods.

Unofficial method: EDL-mode bypass (for experienced)

This method requires a PC, USB-TypeC cable and special tools:

  1. Download the Mi Flash Unlock Tool (not to be confused with Mi Unlock for bootloader!).
  2. Put your phone into EDL (emergency boot) mode with a button combination or short circuit test points (disassembly required!).
  3. Sweep the device through MiFlash with account verification disabled (you need firmware with a patch).

⚠️ Attention: Method C EDL may result in loss IMEI Use only if you understand the risks!

Stock up on the original. USB-cable|Download Mi Flash Unlock Tool|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Find test points for EDL (if necessary)|Backup of important data (if the phone is partially working)-->

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Xiaomi 9A

FRP is a protection from Google that works after resetting if the device was tied to a Google account. on Xiaomi 9A with Android 9/10 bypass is possible, but requires manipulation with Recovery or Fastboot.

Method 1: Bypassing Wi-Fi settings (for MIUI 11-12)

  1. On the welcome screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Go back and click "Add Network".
  3. In the network name field, enter any text, highlight it and click "Share".
  4. Select "Gmail" and the account sign-in window opens, and you can add your Google Account and bypass FRP.

Method 2: Using Fastboot (PC required)

If the first method didn’t work, try:

fastboot erase frp


fastboot reboot

This command removes FRP data from the frp section. Once the phone is rebooted, it won’t require an old Google account.

FRP bypass methodYou need a PC?DifficultyRisk of data loss
Through Wi-Fi setup❌ No.Low.❌ No.
Fastboot (erase frp)βœ… Yes.Medium❌ No.
Firmware through EDLβœ… Yes.Tall.βœ… Yes (full reset)

4. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader) on Xiaomi 9A

If you want to flash custom firmware or get root rights, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows you to do this through the Mi Unlock tool, but with restrictions.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be tied to your phone!).
  3. On your phone, turn on Developer Options (7 times click on "Version") MIUI" customized).
  4. Activate "OEM Unlock" and "USB Debugging".
  5. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
  6. Run Mi Unlock and follow the instructions. Usually, unlocking takes 72-168 hours of waiting (this is not a bug, but a security measure from Xiaomi).

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be reset and the warranty will be canceled, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

πŸ’‘

If Mi Unlock is giving you a "Couldn't unlock" error, make sure your account is logged in for at least 30 days.

5. Alternative methods: ADB and custom firmware

If standard methods don’t help, you can try advanced methods, but they require technical skills.

Method 1: Remove gesture.key via ADB (to unlock the screen)

If you have USB debugging enabled, connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb shell


su




cd /data/system




rm *.key

After the reboot, the lock will reset. It doesn't work on all versions of MIUI!

Method 2: Custom Recovery (TWRP) firmware

You need an unlocked bootloader to install TWRP.

  • πŸ”§ Delete the lock files manually through File Manager in TWRP.
  • πŸ“± Switching a modified firmware without checking your account.
  • πŸ”“ Drop it. FRP scripted.
What happens if you run the wrong firmware?
Incompatible firmware can lead to: - IMEI loss (no network). - Device Brik (not enabled). - Sensor or camera problems. Always check the model (Xiaomi 9A has laurus encoding) and MIUI (Global/China/EEA).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same unblocking errors, and here are the most common ones:

Mistake 1: Mi Unlock is incorrect

Always download the latest version of the tool from the official website, and older versions may not support new models or give the error "Couldn't verify device".

Error 2: Battery discharge during the process

Xiaomi 9A can suddenly turn off if the charge is below 30%, it will interrupt the firmware and lead to a breeze. Always charge the phone before manipulating!

Mistake 3: Using a non-original cable

Cheap cables often don’t transmit data to Fastboot/EDL. Use Xiaomi’s proprietary cable or a quality USB-TypeC with data support.

πŸ’‘

If your phone is not identified in Fastboot, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), disable the antivirus and check the drivers (install Mi Phone Manager).

7. When unlocking is not possible: what to do?

In some cases, you can not unlock Xiaomi 9A yourself:

  • πŸ”’ Phone Stolen and Locked via Find Device (Police Requirement).
  • πŸ› οΈ The fee is damaged (for example, after a failed firmware in the EDL).
  • πŸ”„ Device with MIUI China and a linked Chinese account (unblocking is possible only through the service).

In such situations, there are two options:

  1. Contact an authorized Xiaomi service center (a check or proof of purchase is required).
  2. Buy a fee with unlocked EFS (expensive and risky - there may be problems with IMEI).

If the phone is blocked due to debts on the loan (for example, through a telecom operator), unlocking is possible only after repayment of the debt.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock the Xiaomi 9A without losing data?
Yes, but only if you have USB Debugging enabled and you can use ADB to delete lock files (gesture.key, password.key) otherwise the data will be erased.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The price depends on the type of lock: πŸ”“ Screen unlocking: 500–1500 β‚½. πŸ“± Mi Account reset: 1500–3000 β‚½ (if there's no check). πŸ”§ Bypass FRP: 1000–2000 β‚½. Xiaomi may refuse official services if the phone is bought with hands.
Can I unlock the Xiaomi 9A through the engineering menu?
No, the engineering menu (#4636###) does not contain features for resetting the lock, but is designed for network diagnostics and hardware tests.
What if there is no network after unlocking?
This means that the section has been damaged. EFS (keeper IMEI). Try: Restore IMEI through TWRP (You need a backup, you need to flash the original firmware through MiFlash with a "Clean All" checkpoint, and you need to contact the service to flash the module. EFS. ⚠️ Self-recovery IMEI It may be illegal in some countries!
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi 9A?
Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot. If the bottom of the screen says "Unlocked" - the bootloader is unlocked. If "Locked" - locked.