How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi if you forget your password: 5 proven ways

Introduction: What to do if the phone is blocked

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Don't panic -- it's a bad situation, but it's solvable. Even if the phone screen says, "Device locked. Try again in 30 minutes," there's a way out. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to radical (complete reset via Fastboot).

It’s important to understand that some methods cause data loss (photos, messages, apps), others save it, and the choice depends on whether your Redmi is linked to a Xiaomi account, whether you have USB debugging enabled, and whether you have a backup. We’ll describe each option in detail so you can choose the best one.

If the phone gives you an error of "Too many attempts to enter" or "Device locked for 24 hours," don't waste time on pointless attempts - go straight to the instructions below. And if the screen says "This device is locked" (on the new Redmi Note 12/13), it means activation of factory FRP protection - there is a separate section for it.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (without data loss)

The safest method is if your Xiaomi Redmi is tied to your Mi Account. Works on most models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C, POCO X3/X4 and others. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

How does it work: After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?" Click on it and follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot password?” (or “Forgot password?” on English firmware).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance through SMS-account code.
4. Reset the screen lock password and install a new one.

✅ Pros: the data on the phone remains intact, no need for a computer or special programs.

❌ Cons: It won't work if:

• 📵 No Internet connection (Wi-Fi is disabled, SIM-card).
• 🔄 Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember login details.
• 🔒 The phone has custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS).

💡

If the button “Forgot your password?” does not appear, try to enter the password incorrectly 5 times in a row – the forced system will display it on the screen.

Method 2: Reset password through Find Device (remote)

If your phone is connected to a Xiaomi account and you have access to another device (PC, tablet, second smartphone), you can unlock Redmi via Find Device, which works even if the phone is turned off (provided it was online before locking).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account as you do on your phone.
2. Select “Find Device” from the menu.
3. Your Redmi will be displayed on the map – click on it.
4. Select the “Unlock” option and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: After remotely unlocking, the phone may require you to enter your Mi Account password the next time you turn it on. If you don't remember it, you'll have to use Fastboot (method 4).

Method 3: Unlocking with Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If previous methods failed, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, but returns access to the device, and is suitable for Redmi 8/9/Note 8/9 and older.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: on new models (Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO F4/F5) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember them, move on to the way. 4.

Stock up with a charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Make sure you have a backup of your important data (if your phone has previously synced with Google or Mi Cloud)

Prepare. SIM-activation card after reset (if the phone is tied to the operator)

Download drivers to your computer ADB (will be required in the following manner)-->

Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode doesn't help, or if the phone requires Mi Account data after resetting, the Fastboot mode remains, USB-Cable and basic command line knowledge is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models, including Note 10 Pro, Redmi K50, POCO X5.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Platform Tools utility (ADB and Fastboot).
• 🔓 Firmware file for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Unlock the bootloader (newer models only): fastboot oem unlock On the phone, confirm the unlock with the volume button.
5. Fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

Important: after unlocking the bootloader, all data will be erased, and the warranty on the phone will be canceled (if it was still valid).

💡

Fastboot is the only option if the phone requires Mi Account data after reset (FRP-lock).

Method 5: Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypasses new models

Starting with the Redmi Note 10 and later, Xiaomi implemented FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. After resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone requires you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied before blocking. If you don't remember them, you can bypass the protection in two ways:

Option 1: Through the official Xiaomi service

• 📄 Prepare a check or box from your phone (proof of purchase).
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center with a passport.
• 🔧 Technicians will remove the account binding in 1-3 days (sometimes a paid service).

Option 2: Use exploit (for tech-savvy)

Some models (Redmi 9A/9C, Note 10S) have vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass FRP through ADB or special utilities like Mi Account Remove Tool.

• ⚠️ This violates Xiaomi’s user agreement.
• 🛡️ Risk of damaging firmware or “bricking” the phone.
• 🔍 Exploits are quickly shutting down with updates.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and we put them together in a table with solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on or hangs on the Mi logo after unlocking, it's a sign of damaged firmware, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or visiting a service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions