How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your graphical password without losing data

The forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. The main problem is that most standard instructions suggest resetting the device to factory settings, resulting in complete loss of data — photos, messages, contacts and installed applications. However, there are legal ways to get around the lock without formatting memory if you act quickly and correctly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven Xiaomi unlock methods (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12, and others on MIUI 12-14) that allow you to save data. Importantly, the effectiveness of the method depends on the firmware version, the status of the Mi Account and the developer settings. Some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so start with the simplest option and move to the complex only when necessary.

We warn you that attempts to crack passwords with third-party programs (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool) often result in blocking IMEI or activating Anti-Rollback protection.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the most reliable way)

If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached and confirmed (even if you don’t remember the password), this method will work 90% of the time. The manufacturer has specifically designed this option to restore access, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
• 📱 Enter the username (email or phone number) from the Mi Account associated with the device.
• 🔑 Confirm the entrance through SMS or backup email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 📲 After successful authorization, the system will offer to reset a graphical password or set a new one.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember your Mi Account details, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. Use a linked phone number or email. At the very least, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

2.Using Fastboot and ADB mode (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if the phone is debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging via USB). If debugging is disabled, the method will not work!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded as part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and put it into Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:
3. Check the connection of the device:
4. If the phone is determined, enter the command to unlock:
5. After rebooting, try to log in without a password or ask for a new one.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download Android SDK Platform Tools|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (if possible)|Prepare original USB-cable-->

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), the fastboot oem unlock command may not work due to anti-Rollback protection. ADB recovery:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

This command deletes the file with the graphical password, but requires root access or an unlocked bootloader.

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (without data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied and the USB debugging is disabled, you can try to bypass the lock via stock Recovery, which works on MIUI firmware before version 12.5. Newer versions may require TWRP (custom Recovery), but installing it leads to a loss of warranty.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (don’t be afraid of the name – the data won’t be deleted!).
4. Go to Mounts and Storage → Format /data and confirm the action.
5. Reset the device. Once turned on, the password should reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO F3) This method can lead to a request for a password after the reboot. If this happens, try repeating the steps or moving on to the next method.

4. Bypassing the lock via the Find Device service (if synchronization is enabled)

Xiaomi offers the official Find Device service, which allows not only to track the device, but also to unlock it remotely.

• 🌍 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Account is enabled.
• 📍 The "Find Device" function is activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

How to unlock:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

💡 Useful tip: If the phone is discharged and not connected to the network, charge it to at least 20%. Find Device service will not work if the device is turned off or is in power saving mode.

5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

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

⚠️ Note: Methods using the Mi Flash Tool or EDL If you're not sure, you need to match your firmware version exactly. If you're choosing a firmware file, you can get your phone permanently broken ("brick.

💡

Before using the Mi Flash Tool, be sure to check the phone model in Fastboot mode with the fastboot getvar product command. This will help avoid installing incompatible firmware.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all methods are exhausted and the phone is still locked, there are two options:

1. Reset to factory settings via Recovery (Wipe Data → Factory Reset) This will delete all data but unlock the device.
2. Contact Xiaomi Service Center, provide proof of purchase (check, box, warranty card) and passport, and in most cases, specialists will be able to unlock the phone without losing data in 1-3 days.

🔹 Important: If the phone has enabled data encryption or protection through Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection, factory reset may require you to enter your Mi or Google account details after you reboot!

💡

If the phone was bought by hand and the previous owner did not unblock the Mi Account, it is officially impossible to unlock it, in which case only a complete reset with loss of data or contact the previous owner remains.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi