The situation when your favorite smartphone Redmi or Xiaomi suddenly refuses to let the owner in the system, familiar to many, the screen goes out after many unsuccessful attempts to enter, and the panic grows with every minute, PIN-code or binding to a Mi Account, can be solved with the right approach.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the current methods of restoring access to the device, from standard reset procedures to more complex manipulations through the engineering menu. It is important to understand that the method of action depends on the version of the MIUI operating system and the type of protection installed. Modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13 and later) have enhanced FRP protection, which requires you to enter Google account data after the reset.
Before you start taking action, you need to evaluate the criticality of the data stored in the memory of the phone. Some ways allow you to save photos and contacts, others will require a full formatting of the device.
Use the Find Device function to remotely unlock
The most civilized and safe way to block is to use a cloud service from the manufacturer. Find Device is built into the default MIUI shell and allows you to control your smartphone remotely through any browser. Successful application of this method requires that the locked device was logged in to the Mi Account, and also enabled data transfer or Wi-Fi.
The process of unlocking through the web interface is as follows: you need to go to the official website of the Xiaomi cloud service and log in under the same account that is used on the phone. After logging in, select your device from the list of available gadgets. In the management menu, find the option “Unblock” or “Erase data” if a full reset is inevitable.
What to do if the phone is offline?
It is worth noting that this method is only effective if you remember the password from your Mi Account. If the problem is precisely the loss of access to the cloud profile, this method will not help, and you will have to resort to more radical measures described below. Also make sure that your Redmi model is displayed on the site, since synchronization sometimes takes time.
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Remote unlocking via Find Device is possible only with an active Internet connection on a locked device and knowledge of the password from the Mi-account.
Resetting settings via Recovery (Hard Reset)
If remote methods are not available, a recovery mode known as Recovery Mode comes to the rescue, which is an embedded environment that allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main operating system, and enters this mode with a combination of physical buttons, making the method universal for all Xiaomi and Redmi models.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while keeping the volume high. A multi-point menu should appear on the screen, which is controlled by the volume button, and the choice by the power button.
In the menu that opens, select Wipe Data and then Wipe All Data. The system will require confirmation, usually a Confirm button. After completing the cleaning process, which can take a few minutes, select Reboot to reboot. It is important to understand that this method deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and applications, returning the phone to factory state.
⚠️ After resetting via Recovery on modern versions of Android will work protection FRP. You will need to enter the login and password from the Google account that was previously synced with this device.
Unlocking the Google Find My Device
An alternative to Xiaomi’s branded service is Google’s standard tool, Find My Device, which is especially relevant if you don’t remember your Mi Account details but know your Google email password, and it works like the previous one: remotely managing your device via a web interface.
Go to Android Find My Device and log in to your Google account. The system will try to locate your Redmi. If your device is online, you will have several options available: Call, Lock and Clear. To remove the lock, you need to select a cleanup option, which is essentially the equivalent of Hard Reset.
The advantage of this method is its independence from Xiaomi services. However, as with Recovery, all data on the phone will be irretrievably lost. Also, if the smartphone is in flight mode or does not have access to mobile Internet, you will not be able to execute the command until the network is available.
Unlocking the lock via Fastboot and computer
For more advanced users who are experiencing problems booting the system or want to perform a deep reset, there is a Fastboot mode. This mode allows you to interact with the device at a low level through a computer using special utilities. USB-cable and PC with installed drivers ADB.
To put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, turn it off and press the volume down and power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT. Connect the device to your computer. You can use Windows command line or specialized software, such as Xiaomi, to control it. ADB/Fastboot Tools.
One useful command to try to reset settings without logging in to the menu is the userdata partition clear command. In the command line, once the device is connected, you can type:
fastboot erase userdataThis command forcibly erases the user data partition, which leads to a reset, but on new devices with Verified Boot protection enabled, this command can be blocked if the device bootloader is locked, in which case the bootloader will need to be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock service, which requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours.
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If the fastboot command doesn’t execute, try reconnecting the cable to another one. USB-port or use the original cable supplied with the telephone.
Compatibility table of unlocking methods
Choosing the right method depends on a variety of factors, including device model, MIUI version, and lock type. Below is a comparison table to help you navigate the options available and their implications for your Redmi model.
| Method | Data retention | Demands the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find Device (Mi) | No (full reset) | Yeah (on the phone) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No. | Medium |
| Google Find My Device | No. | Yeah (on the phone) | Low. |
| Fastboot (erase) | No. | No (PC needed) | Tall. |
| Service centre | Depends on the case. | No. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, most effective methods lead to data loss, as dictated by Android’s current security policy to protect user information in the event of device theft, and if data retention is a priority, the only option is to recall a password or use previously created backups in the cloud.
Bypassing FRP and (FAQ) protection
Protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection is the main obstacle after resetting. If you perform Hard Reset, but do not remember the password from the Google account, the phone will turn into a brick with limited functionality. FRP You can only enter the correct account data that was synchronized earlier.
There are various workarounds that often require connecting your phone to Wi-Fi and performing complex browser manipulations or accessibility settings. However, such methods are constantly closed by Google security updates and can be unstable. For the average user, the most reliable way is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center with a check for a purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Using unofficial hacking programs FRP This may result in the final locking of the device. IMEI or malware infecting the system. Be careful with third-party software.
To conclude, we will consider the most common questions that users have when trying to unlock their gadgets Redmi and Xiaomi.