How to unlock Redmi Note 10S if you forget your graphical password: all working ways

Forgetting a graphical password on a smartphone is a frustrating situation, but it's not a hopeless one. Especially if you're talking about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S with its unique MIUI firmware and protection through Mi Account. Unlike older models, a simple Recovery reset won't work here, because the system can require login and password entry even after a hard reboot.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of unlocking – from official (via Xiaomi account) to technical (using ADB and Fastboot). Importantly, some methods will lead to data loss, so first check whether the phone is connected to the Mi Cloud – this is a chance to restore contacts and photos after unlocking.

If you've never set up a Mi Account or don't remember the data from it, don't panic. There are workarounds, but they will take more time and possibly additional hardware (USB-TypeC cable, computer). The main thing is not to try to guess the password repeatedly: after 5 failed attempts, the Redmi Note 10S will lock for 30 seconds, and after 20 - may require a complete reset.

We warn you that methods using third-party software (such as the Miracle Box or SP Flash Tool) can “brick” the phone if you are an inexperienced user, and we recommend starting with the safest options and moving to radical ones only as a last resort.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and legal method is to use a Xiaomi account that is tied, and it works even if you don't remember the graphical password, but remember the email and the password from Mi Account.

1.On the Redmi Note 10S lock screen, enter any incorrect pattern lock 5 times in a row.

2. A message will appear: "Forgot your password? Unblock it through Mi Account."

3. Click on this caption and enter the email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.

4.After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and the old pattern lock will be reset.

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Note: If you have not previously connected your Mi Account or do not remember the data, this method will not work. Also note that after unlocking this method, all notifications and certain settings will be reset (for example, fingerprints).

• ✅ Works without data loss (unless you have reset your settings before).
• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ❌ Not suitable if you forget the password from Mi Account.
• ❌ It may not work on custom firmware (unofficial). MIUI).

If this doesn't work, go to the next one. But first check if Find Device is activated in the Mi Cloud settings. If so, you can unlock your phone remotely via i.mi.com (Device Management).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all the data from your phone (photos, apps, contacts), but return access to the system. On the Redmi Note 10S, the procedure looks like this:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).

2. Press the power button and the Volume Up button at the same time.

3. Hold them until the MI logo and Recovery Mode menu appear.

4. In the menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).

5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.

6. Once completed, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and at this point you can set a new graphical password.

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Note: On some versions MIUI After Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was linked to the phone earlier. email/Password, phone will stay locked! FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).

If you reset your phone and you need Mi Account data that you don't remember, go to the ADB or Fastboot method, but first check if USB debugging is activated in the developer settings. If so, the chances of unlocking without losing data increase.

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download Xiaomi drivers on PC (if you plan to use them) ADB)|Prepare a backup of the data (if the phone has been unlocked previously)|Make sure you know the data from the Mi Account (if tied)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

Method for experienced users who have pre-installed debugging USB (USB Debugging) in the developer settings. If this function is activated, you can delete the file with the graphic password through ADB (Android Debug Bridge without dropping your phone.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (Original, Undamaged).
• 📱 Phone with debugging enabled USB and computer-assisted.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 10S to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder (or use PowerShell).
3. Enter the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. The phone will reset and the graphical password will be reset.

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Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't included in advance, it won't work. MIUI After such unlocking, the protection may work, and the phone will require input. PIN-password or code from your Google account.

If ADB does not recognize the device, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable.
• 📋 Enable Transfer Files Mode (MTP) plug-in.

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If the phone doesn’t show up after the adb device command, try entering an adb kill-server and then an adb start-server before reconnecting.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (firmware)

The most radical method is to run your phone through Fastboot mode, and it's good if you:

• ✅ Mi Account is not tied or data is lost.
• ✅ Debugging by USB not included.
• ✅ You are ready to lose all your data.

This will require:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 10S (the version of MIUI must coincide with the current one).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
3. Download the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume Down).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer.
4. In the program, select Clean All mode (full reset) and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will turn on as new, a method that is guaranteed to delete all data but bypasses the Mi Account lock (if the firmware is official).

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Note: Firmware via Fastboot can cause IMEI loss or network problems if you use informal builds.Always download firmware from Xiaomi's official website.

5. Bypass FRP-lock (if required by Mi Account after reset)

If, after Hard Reset or firmware, the phone requests Mi Account data that you don't remember, it's FRP-blocking. On the Redmi Note 10S, you can bypass it in a number of ways:

Method 1: Emergency Call (Emergency Call)

1. On the Mi Account Enter screen, click Emergency Call.
2. Enter #4636## (Engineering menu opens).
3. Go to Usage Statistics → press the badge ⋮ (three-point) → Settings.
4. Turn on USB Debugging and connect your phone to your computer.
5. Use ADB to remove FRP: adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

Method 2: Mi Flash Tool (for experienced users)

1. Download the MIUI FRP-bypassing firmware (see 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
2. Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.
3. After the reboot. FRP-lockdown will be lifted.

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Note: FRP circumvention may violate Xiaomi’s warranty, and some methods only work on certain versions of MIUI. If the phone is bought by hand, the previous owner could have tied his Mi Account — in which case unlocking without his data is almost impossible.

6. Alternative methods (for rare cases)

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center, provide a check or a box from your phone, which will help confirm ownership, and in some cases, unlocking is done free of charge under the guarantee.
• 🔧 Use the box to unlock (e.g. Miracle Box or UFi Box) This is a paid method that requires special equipment.
• 📧 Restore access to Mi Account. If you remember your email but forgot your password, try to restore it via account.xiaomi.com (access to your linked phone or mail will be required).

Forums often recommend using programs like Dr.Fone or iMyFone LockWiper, but we don’t recommend them for two reasons:

1. They are paid (cost from $ 30).
2. There is no guarantee that they will work on the Redmi Note 10S with the latest version of MIUI.

If the phone was purchased from hand and tied to someone else’s Mi Account, the only legal way out is to contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their account via Mi Cloud.

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On the Redmi Note 10S with MIUI 13/14, most of the hacks to bypass the lock have stopped working due to tighter security, and official methods (Mi Account, Hard Reset) remain the most reliable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi Note 10S