How to unlock Xiaomi phone if you forget the lock code

When the screen of a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone suddenly becomes inaccessible due to a forgotten password, many users panic. This can happen after a system update, an accidental change of settings or a banal forgetfulness when the device was in sleep mode for a long time. Modern Android security system based on the MIUI shell or HyperOS is designed to protect the owner’s personal data from prying eyes, which often makes the process of restoring access difficult without special knowledge.

However, there are several proven methods to regain control of the device, ranging from simple actions through the account to more radical measures with complete deletion of information. The choice of the specific method depends on the version of the operating system, the presence of a Mi Account tied and the feature “Find the device” enabled. In some cases, you will save photos and contacts, in others you will need a complete reset (Wipe Data), so it is important to act consistently and carefully read each step of the instructions.

Before we start to take action, we need to understand what type of lock is installed: a pattern lock, a digital pin code, a complex password or biometric recognition that has stopped working. This nuance depends on the algorithm for the next steps, since standard SMS recovery on modern versions of MIUI often no longer works for security reasons. Below we will discuss all the current scenarios, from the most gentle methods to flashing.

Using Mi Account to Remotely Unblock

The most civilized and secure way to restore access to the smartphone interface is to use the cloud service from the manufacturer, if the “Find Device” function was activated in advance. To do this, you will need access to a computer or other smartphone with Internet access, as well as accurate username and password from your Mi Account.

The process starts with going to the official cloud service site, where you log in to a map of your devices, and if your phone is connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet), you'll see it as "Online," which allows you to send a command to unlock, and it's worth noting that this method is only effective if the device does not have "Lost" mode, which blocks any activity other than calls.

• 📱 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account using the same data as you would on a locked phone.
• 📍 Select the desired device from the list of available gadgets at the top of the interface.
• 🔓 Click on the “Unlock” button in the control menu and confirm the action with the code from SMS.

Once the command is successfully executed, the phone may require re-entering the Mi Account password the next time you try to log in, which is a normal security check. If the screen isn't unlocked instantly, try restarting the device with the power button and checking if the code request has disappeared. In rare cases, the command can be executed with a delay of up to 10-15 minutes, so don't panic ahead of time.

Resetting with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If cloud methods are not available, the most effective solution is forced resetting through the Recovery Mode Recovery menu. This method is guaranteed to remove any locking of the screen, but has one critical drawback - complete deletion of all user data, including photos, contacts and applications. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery charge is at least 40-50% so that the phone does not turn off at the most inopportune time.

Entering recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a combination of physical buttons when the device is off. It is important to press them in the correct sequence and hold them until the logo or vibration appears. Some models with the new bootloader may require clearing confirmation through the language selection menu that will appear after the reset.

Once you enter the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data section and select the Wipe All Data option. The system will alert you to the irreversibility of actions, requiring confirmation, then the process of formatting internal memory will begin, which can take from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the storage capacity.

⚠️ Warning: Once you reset your phone, it will ask for a password from Mi Account that was synced to the device earlier, which is Anti-Theft protection, and it's almost impossible to get around it without the original owner's data.

Unlocking with Google Find My Device

An alternative to Xiaomi’s branded service is Google’s standard “Find Device” tool, which is built into most Android smartphones by default, and the mechanism is similar: you need Internet on your phone and an active Google account that you remember from, which is especially useful if your Mi Account wasn’t set up but you’re actively syncing with Google.

To use this method, go to the appropriate site from any available device and log in to the desired profile. The interface will offer three main actions: play audio, lock the device or clean it. We are interested in the cleaning function, since it initiates a remote Factory Reset that erases the forgotten password lock screen.

It is worth considering that on modern versions of Android 11, 12, 13 and 14, the direct password change function through this service is often eliminated in favor of complete cleanup, this is done to improve the level of security, so even with access to an account, it is impossible to easily circumvent the protection without physical confirmation.

Using Safe Mode to Disable Applications

Sometimes the problem with locking the screen is not in the system itself, but in a third-party application that has set its own password or caused a conflict that blocks the entry of the correct code.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off the phone, and then when you turn on when the MIUI logo appears, press the volume button and hold it until full load. The screen in the corner should show the message "Safe Mode." If the phone then lets you on the desktop without asking for a password, then one of the installed applications is to blame.

While in Safe Mode, go to your app settings and uninstall recently installed programs, especially those that have rights to draw over other windows or access device administrators. Once you remove suspicious software, simply restart your phone in the usual way and the lock should disappear.

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If the secure mode also requests a password, then the lock is installed at the system level, and software methods will not help here - you will need a reset via Recovery.

Unlocking through debugging via USB and ADB

For advanced users who have pre-installed USB Debugging in the developer menu, there is a technical way to delete password storage files without losing data, which requires a computer, installed ADB drivers, and basic command line knowledge.

The method involves connecting the phone to a PC and executing a command to delete gesture.key or password.key files that store the password hash. However, on modern versions of MIUI with the latest security patches, this method rarely works, since access to the system partition without root permissions is often closed.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




adb reboot

If you don't have root rights, the command may not work, but it's worth a try, as this is the only chance to save data without an official cloud. To run commands, open the terminal in the ADB tool folder and connect the phone with a cable, making sure that the debugging permission has appeared on the smartphone screen (which you need to accept if the phone allows you to enter the code at least partially).

⚠️ Attention: Attempts to use third-party programs to "hack" through USB Unknown sites often lead to the installation of viruses on your computer or phone. Use only official tools from Google or Xiaomi.

Prevention and backup

To avoid such a problem in the future and not lose important data, you need to configure backups regularly. Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in feature called “Mi Cloud”, which allows you to automatically save contacts, messages, notes and even schedule calls to the cloud.

It is also recommended to periodically make a full copy of the system to your computer or external drive using the built-in "Mi Backup" app.This takes a little time, but ensures that even in the event of a complete reset, you can restore the phone to "as it was" in 15-20 minutes.

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Regular sync with Mi Cloud is the only guarantee that when you lock your phone, you will only lose time, but not important photos and contacts.

Remember to write your passwords to a secure location or use password managers who can prompt a forgotten combination.Digital hygiene is as important today as the physical security of your device, so neglecting your account settings can cost you access to your own digital life.