Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Or did the phone lock after resetting due to a tie to Mi-account? Situations where a smartphone turns into a "brick" are familiar to many owners of Xiaomi, POCO or Black Shark devices. Unlike Samsung or iPhone, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Xiaomi has several official and informal methods of restoring access - from simply entering a backup PIN to complex manipulations with Fastboot.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Unlocking methods based on the latest versions MIUI 14/15 New models (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or POCO F5). Important: The methods differ depending on the type of lock – it can be a pattern lock, PIN-Mi-account code, password or lock after reset, and we will also explain what actions can lead to complete data loss or device “brick” and how to avoid them.
1 Unblocking through a backup PIN or Google account
The easiest way is if you remember the backup. PIN-code (set when you create a pattern lock) or data from a Google account tied to the device.This method works on most Xiaomi models before the device is created. MIUI 12 inclusive, but in new versions (e.g, MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13T) It may be disabled by default.
What to do:
- 🔢 On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times - the message "Repeat in 30 seconds" will appear and the button Forgot the password?.
- 📧 Click on it and select Enter backup. PIN (If you have installed it, or log in via Google.
- 🔑 To unlock through Google, enter the login and password from the account that was tied to the phone before blocking.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Unblocking through Google may not work due to Xiaomi's security policy. in which case, move on to the next way.
If a backup PIN is not set and your Google account is not tied (or you don’t remember it), you’ll have to use more radical methods, such as a Recovery or Fastboot reset.
2. Recovery Mode reset (without data loss?)
Recovery Mode is an emergency boot mode that lets you reset your phone to factory settings. On Xiaomi, it runs with a combination of buttons and can save you if you forget your pattern lock. Recovery removes all data (photos, contacts, messages) except files on the SD-map.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
Once rebooted, the phone will be like new — but without your data. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), a Recovery reset may require you to enter a Mi-account password, even if it wasn't there before locking!
Turn off the phone from charging
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged
Prepare a backup copy (if you have access to the PC)
Remember the data from Mi-account (if the phone is tied)
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⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Wipe All Data can be called Factory Reset. Not to be confused with Wipe Cache, it won't reset the lock!
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If resetting via Recovery doesn’t help (for example, because of Mi-account locking), the Fastboot method, a firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone or reset protection, requires a computer, a USB-TypeC cable, and Xiaomi drivers installed.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Fastboot ROM).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
- After completion (5-10 minutes), the phone will restart in factory condition.
⚠️ Critical nuances:
- 🔧 Fastboot Firmware Deletes All Data, Including Files in Internal Memory.
- 🔒 If the phone was tied to Mi-account, after firmware you will need to enter a login / password from it.
- 🛠️ New models (Xiaomi 14, POCO F5) You may need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
4 Unlock Mi-account: the official method
If the phone is locked after being reset due to a Mi-account binding, the official way to unlock is to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.This is true for models with MIUI Global or MIUI China, where the account lock is enabled by default.
What will be required:
- 📄 Check or box IMEI telephone (proof of purchase).
- 📧 Access to email linked to Mi-account.
- 📱 Serial number of the device (can be found via Fastboot command fastboot getvar sn).
The unlocking process:
- Go to the Mi-account page and select Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form, attach a photo of the check and IMEI (located under the battery or on the box).
- Expect a support response (from 3 days to 2 weeks).
| Model phone | Unlocking time | Documents required |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 5-7 days | Check, IMEI, serial number. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 3-5 days | Check or guarantee card |
| POCO F4 GT | 7-10 days | IMEI + Photos of the box |
| Black Shark 5 | 10-14 days | Contract of sale |
⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased from hand without a check, official unlocking is not possible, in which case only informal methods (for example, firmware through the check) remain. EDL, But it's risky!).
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Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the status of Mi-account through the Mi Verify website. Enter IMEI - the system will show whether the phone is linked to the account.
5. Alternative methods: bypassing the lock without losing data
If the standard methods didn't work, and the data on the phone is critical, you can try informal methods, which are suitable for power users and require an unlocked bootloader.
Methods with minimal risk:
- 🔓 ADB-Unlocking (works if debugging is enabled) USB): Connect your phone to your PC, open the cmd and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key Then restart the device – the pattern lock will reset.
- 📱 Firmware through TWRP (Custom recovery: allows you to backup data before resetting.
- 🔧 Use exploit (e.g. Mi Account Unlock Tool for older models).
⚠️ Risks of alternative methods:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty – unofficial firmware cancels Xiaomi warranty.
- 💥 «Brick Device – A firmware error can make your phone inoperable.
- 🕵️ Data Leakage – Some Tools Require Sending IMEI server-side.
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If the phone is locked after buying from hands and the seller has not untied the Mi-account, return the device or demand compensation. Unlocking in this case can cost up to 50% of the price of the smartphone.
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:
- 🔐 Set up a backup. PIN for the pattern lock (in Settings) → Screen locking).
- 📧 Link to Google Account (Even if you use Mi-account).
- 🔄 Regularly do backup through Settings → System system → Backup.
- 📱 Turn off Mi-account lock if you are selling your phone (in Settings) → Mi Account → Delete the account).
You should also disable automatic locking via Find Device (similar to Find My iPhone) if you do not use this feature. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Find Device and deactivate the option.
If you plan to flash your phone or install custom ROMs (like LineageOS), unlock the bootloader in advance through Xiaomi’s official website. On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60), this takes up to 720 hours of latency (30 days)!