How to unlock the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a popular budget smartphone, but even it is not immune to situations where the user forgets the password, locks after unsuccessful attempts to enter or encounters a binding to the Mi Account. Unlike flagship models, there is no fingerprint scanner, which complicates alternative ways to unlock. However, solutions exist — and we have collected all the current methods for 2026, including bypassing the lock without losing data.

It's important to understand that the type of lock determines the algorithm of actions.

• 🔑 P.IN-code/pattern lock – user password set by the owner;
• 📱 Blocking Mi Account – binding to Xiaomi account after resetting settings;
• ⚠️ Hardware locking - a consequence of failed firmware or system damage;
• 🔄 Factory locking – on new devices at the first turn on.

In this article, only working methods with the features of the Redmi 9C (M2006C3LG model), including the nuances of MIUI firmware and manufacturer restrictions, no universal "magic" programs, only official and semi-official methods with risk explanations.

1. Unlocking PIN-code-key

If you forgot your screen unlock password but remember the Mi Account, the easiest way to do this is to use the "Forgot Password?" feature on the lock screen, but on Redmi 9C, this option doesn't always work because of MIUI limitations.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times and the message "Repeat in 30 seconds" will appear.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap on Forgot your password? (if the button is missing, go to the next method).
3. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device.
4. Follow the system's instructions for resetting your password.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is not connected to the Internet, the "Forgot Password?" button may not appear, in which case connect to Wi-Fi or use mobile data (if you have a mobile phone). SIM-card).

If the button is missing or the Mi Account is not tied, there are two options:

• 🔧 Recovery reset (data loss but works without Mi Account);
• 💻 Use of the ADB (requires PC and included debugging USB).

2 Unblocking through Mi Account (if requesting an account after reset)

Scenario: You reset the Redmi 9C to factory settings, but once you turn on, the device requires you to enter the Mi Account data that was previously tied, which is anti-theft protection, and you can only get around it officially with your username/password.

If your account is yours, but you don’t remember the data:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and restore access via email or phone.
3. If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS-code.
4. After recovery, enter the data on the smartphone.

If your account is not yours (the device is hand-built), options are limited:

• 📄 Contact the previous owner for account details;
• 🛠️ Xiaomi’s official unlocker (paid, requires proof of purchase);
• ⚠️ Unofficial services (risk of fraud or blocking) IMEI).

💡

Before buying used Xiaomi, always check if the Mi Account is untied! ask the seller to reset the settings with you and make sure that after the reboot there is no request to enter the account.

3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If other methods don't work, you have to hard-reset through the recovery mode, which will delete all the data on the device, but unlock it. On Redmi 9C, the procedure is standard for MIUI:

Turn off your smartphone.

Press the buttons Power + Volume up

Wait for the Mi logo to appear.

Select a language (if the menu appears)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Press the Power Button and Volume upwards for 5-10 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9C After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-enter Mi Account if the device was linked to the account.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 Wipe Data - erasing data;
• 🔄 Reboot - reboot;
• 📱 Connect with Mi Assistant – PC connection (not required for resetting).

4. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

This is a good method if Redmi 9C has USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer, it allows you to delete the password file without completely resetting it, and it only works when you have active debugging (unless you have it on in advance, it is useless).

What you need:

• 💻 Android computer SDK Platform-Tools;
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality);
• ⚡ Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Redmi 9C to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your device) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. After resetting, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Note: If the device freezes or stops turning on after the instructions are executed, then the file system has been damaged.

5. Official unlock through Xiaomi (for Mi Account)

If Redmi 9C is blocked on the account of the previous owner, and it is impossible to contact him, there is an official way - contacting Xiaomi support.

How it works:

1. Gather the documents: 📄 Check or contract of sale (with indication) IMEI device); 📱 Photo of the box and smartphone (IMEI on the label and in the settings should match); 🆔 Passport or other document confirming identity.

Xiaomi service center

Pay for the unlock service (check the cost with the operator).

1 to 5 working days

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Legally – does not violate Xiaomi’s policy;
• ✅ Without the risk of blocking IMEI;
• ✅ It works even on new firmware with enhanced protection.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Prolonged process;
• ❌ Requires documentary evidence;
• ❌ Paid.

💡

Official unlocking is the only safe way to bypass Mi Account unless you are the first owner of the device.

6. Alternative methods (risks and cautions)

You can find dozens of Xiaomi “magic” software and instructions on the Internet for unlocking in 5 minutes, most of them scams or high-risk methods, and we’ll list the most common ones, but we don’t recommend using them unless absolutely necessary.

Competitive methods and their risks:

The only relatively safe alternative method is firmware via Fastboot with Xiaomi’s official ROM, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and is only suitable for power users.

If you still decide on informal ways, follow the rules:

• 🔍 Check sources (forums) 4PDA, XDA-Developers);
• 🔒 Download firmware only from official resources;
• 📡 Use proven tools (Mi Flash Tool, Fastboot);
• 📝 Make a backup. IMEI and NVRAM before-fixing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi 9C