A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter, according to service center statistics. Especially frustrating when there is no computer at hand to reset via Fastboot, and the data on the device is not synchronized with the cloud. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided a hidden unlock function through an emergency call - life hack, which works on most models with MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11).
This method exploits a vulnerability in the emergency dial interface, allowing access to system settings without input. PIN-It's important to understand that it's not universal, it depends on the firmware version and the device model, and in this article, we'll look at 5 current ways to bypass locks, their limitations, and alternative solutions if an emergency call fails. You will also learn how to protect your Xiaomi from similar attacks in the future.
Why the Emergency Call Method Works (and When It Doesn't)
The MIUI emergency call feature is designed to quickly dial emergency numbers (112, 911, etc.) even on a locked device, but in some firmware versions, this interface contains undocumented access to system dialogs, which allows you to bypass the lock screen.
- 🔹 Unclosed system application windows: An emergency call can be used to call a dial dialog and then switch to other Android activities.
- 🔹 Vulnerabilities in MIUI Launcher: in firmware to MIUI 13.0.5 There was a bug with switching between windows through gestures.
- 🔹 Lack of permission verification: Some system windows (e.g., camera or calculator) open without authorization.
On the other hand, the method will not work if:
- 🚫 The device is running on MIUI 14+ Latest security patches (released after March 2023).
- 🚫 Protection against accidental presses in lock settings is enabled.
- 🚫 The smartphone uses a pattern lock instead of a pattern lock. PIN-code.
Method 1: Classic dial-by-dial bypass (MIUI 12-13)
This method is suitable for most Xiaomi devices released before 2022, and its essence is to call the system dial window and then switch to the main screen through an interface vulnerability.
- On the locked screen, tap the "Emergency Call" button** (usually located in the lower left corner).
- In the dial box, type ##4636## (this is the Android test menu code) and click on the green handset.
- If the menu does not open, enter any number (e.g. 112) and press the call, then quickly enter the menu: 📱 Press the Home button (if there is a physical button). 🔄 Make a swipe up gesture and hold (for gesture-controlled devices). 🔍 Try calling the notification panel swipe down and tap the settings icon.
If you managed to get to the main screen, immediately go to Settings → Password and security and turn off the lock.
Enter the code ##7780## instead 4636|Try another number (for example, 911)|Press the "back" button" 5-10 successively|Restart the phone and try again-->
⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ This method is blocked after 3 failed attempts, in which case the device will require input. PIN-code SIM-map.
Method 2: Using a camera to bypass locking
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 10T or Redmi K40) allow you to access the gallery or camera directly from a locked screen.
- On a locked screen, swipe down to open the notification bar.
- Find a notification from the Camera app** (if not, try swiping left for quick access to the camera).
- Open the camera and take any photo.
- Slip the thumbnail of the picture in the corner of the screen – it will open the gallery.
- In the gallery, click on three dots (menu) → Share → select Messages (or any other messenger).
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Does the method work? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 12.0.3-12.5.7 | ✅ Yes. | Required. SIM-card |
| POCO X3 Pro | 12.0.8-13.0.2 | ✅ Yes. | You need to swipe down quickly after the camera opens. |
| Mi 11 Lite | 12.5.5+ | ❌ No. | Blocked after security update of 05.2022 |
| Redmi 10 | 12.0.1-12.0.9 | ✅ Yes. | It only works with the physical home button. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13.0.6+ Access to settings through the camera can cause the protection to work "Factory unlocking»** (FRP), What will require entering an account Mi.
Method 3: Exploiting a vulnerability in a calculator (MIUI 13)
MIUI 13 firmware (released in 2022) has been found to be vulnerable to bypassing locks through a system calculator, a method that is more complex than previous ones, but works on the Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro and other models.
Instructions:
- In the calculator enter 1+1=, quickly: 🔢 Click on the "History" icon** (clock in the upper right corner). 📋 In history, tap at any calculation and hold to call the context menu. 🔧 Select "Calculator settings»**.
From the calculator settings go to the main system settings and turn off the lock.
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If the calculator does not open, try entering the code ##225## in the emergency call - this will call the calendar menu, from where you can go to the settings.
Method 4: Bypassing Google Assistant (for devices with Google Mobile Services)
If your Xiaomi has Google services installed (which is true for global firmware), you can try unlocking the device via voice assistant, which works on MIUI 12-14, but requires an active Internet connection.
Step-by-step:
| Method | PC required | Loss of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency call. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ |
| Calculator/camera | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Find My Device | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐ |
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If you use Xiaomi at work or store sensitive data on it, after unlocking, be sure to turn on the device encryption in the security settings, this will protect data even when physically accessing the phone.
How to protect your Xiaomi from similar attacks in the future
Bypassing a lockdown through an emergency call is not only a way to unlock it, but also a potential vulnerability for attackers.
- Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI: 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system. 🔄 Install all available security patches (especially critical updates from 2023).
Activate the “Protection against Accidental Presses”**:
In Settings → Password and Security → Screen lock enable the option “Block the emergency call menu”**.
Set up two-factor authentication for your Mi Account:
This will prevent password resets through Find My Device without your knowledge.Path: Settings → Mi Account → Account Security
Use biometric authorization:
Fingerprint or facial recognition is harder to get around than PIN-Add them to the settings. → Password and security.
We also recommend that you back up your data regularly through Mi Cloud or locally on your PC, making it easier to recover information even after a complete reset.