How to unlock a Xiaomi phone if you forget the pattern lock – the full guide 2026

The forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi's smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. PIN-A pattern is easy to forget, especially if you rarely unlock the device or have recently changed it. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to restore access – from simple data entry Mi Account to complex manipulations through Fastboot.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally secure. Some lead to complete data loss (photos, contacts, messages), others require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14, including models from 2020-2026. If your phone is released earlier, check the compatibility of methods in the technical specifications of the device.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi 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).
  • 🔹 You remember the login (email/phone number) and account password.
  • 🔹 The device is not disabled function Find the device.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern? on English firmware).
  2. Select Log in to Mi Account and enter the data.
  3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  4. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled Find your device in the security settings, this method will not work. SMS Even with the right password – check your phone balance or network connection.

📊 How often do you use your Mi Account to back up?
Every week.
Once a month
Only when setting up the phone
Never.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you'll have a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, including photos, apps and settings. Use it only as a last resort!

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO). 🔘 On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) — Nutrition + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

Prepare a backup of important data (if you have access to a PC)

Check the button combination for your model-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11) may require Mi Account data entry after a reset, even if the account was not previously linked.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if you have access to your computer and USB debugging is enabled (configured before locking!). Otherwise, it won't work. The method requires installing ADB and Fastboot on your PC.

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
  3. Press Power + Volume Down to Enter Fastboot Mode.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, continue.
  6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) This method can block the bootloader if it has been unlocked before, and you will need to officially unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
Check the cable - use the original USB-Type C. Install Xiaomi drivers for your model (you can download it on the official website). Try another USB port (preferably 2.0). Disable the antivirus - it can block ADB.

4.Use of the "Find Device" function (Mi Cloud)

If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled on your phone, you can remotely unlock it via a web interface, which works even if the phone is turned off (the next time you connect to the Internet).

How to do this:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
  3. Press Find the device. → Unlock.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
  5. Set a new password or pattern lock the next time you turn on your phone.

In all other cases, the data will be deleted.

What to do if you forget your Mi Account and your pattern lock?
There are two options: Recovery Mode reset; phone records are sent to a service center; alternative methods (e.g., EDL) are risky and can cause the device to break.
Why does Recovery ask for Mi Account?
This is Xiaomi’s protection from theft — FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection) is activated when: 🔸 The phone had a Mi Account tied on it. 🔸 Find the device was not disabled. You can't get around it without your account information, you have to enter your username and password.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through my Google Account?
No. Unlike pure Android phones, Xiaomi devices do not support unlocking through Google Account. The only official way is Mi Account.
How to avoid blocking in the future?
Follow simple rules: 🔐 Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock (it is easier to remember). 📱 Link Mi Account and enable sync with Mi Cloud. 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup. 📝 Write down a pattern lock or PIN In a secure location (for example, in a password manager).