Why Xiaomi Mi 9 is blocked and what to do
Forgotten password on Xiaomi Mi 9 is a situation that even experienced users face. The smartphone is blocked after 5 incorrect attempts to enter, and after 30 minutes requires re-entering data. If you do not remember the combination, access to the device is completely closed. Unlike newer models (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi Note 12), the Mi 9 does not support fingerprint or face unlock without first entering. PIN-code, which complicates the task.
The main problem is the risk of data loss. If you do the wrong thing (like forced reset via Recovery), you can erase all photos, contacts and apps, but there are ways to get around the lock with minimal consequences. In this article, we’ll look at 5 official and informal methods, including unlocking via Mi Account, Fastboot, and even crawling through the Internet. ADB (Important: Not all methods work on firmware. MIUI 14+ — We will tell you about this separately.
Before you start, check:
- 🔄 Do you have a backup of your data (e.g., in Mi Cloud or on PC)?
- 📱 Is the phone connected to Xiaomi account (this will make it easier to unlock)?
- 🔌 Is the smartphone at least 50% charged (to avoid turning off during the process)?
Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)
The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- 📧 The phone was tied to Xiaomi’s account before being blocked.
- 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 🔑 Remember the login and password from the account.
Instructions:
- On the Mi 9 lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
- Click on the Forgot Password button? → Select Unblock via Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account, don't try to guess the password - after 10 wrong attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.
Check your internet connection|Make sure your account is not blocked|Have a backup on hand email/repair-phone|Charging the phone >30%-->
Advantages of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No need to reset settings | ❌ It only works with an attached account. |
| ✅ All data is stored. | ❌ You need to remember the login/password |
| ✅ Quick (takes up) 2-5 minute) | ❌ Doesn't work on custom firmware. |
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)
If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, the radical way is hard resetting through Recovery Mode, which removes all the data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps. Use it only as a last resort!
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 9 with a long press of the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English) then:
Reboot
Reboot to System
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12+ After Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account (Factory Reset Protection), if you don't remember your account, the phone will turn into a brick, in which case only unlocking through Fastboot will help.
What to do if you need an old Mi Account after resetting?
Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)
If the Mi 9 was included in the debugging USB (USB Debugging) before blocking, you can try to bypass the password through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not delete data, but requires command line skills.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux).
3. Enter the commands in order:
adb devices
(Should display a device, such as "1234abcd device")
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4.Reset the phone:
reboot⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of security changes. If the password hasn't reset after the reset, try an alternative command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric💡
If ADB not seeing the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-Sometimes it helps to switch the connection mode in the notification curtain Mi 9 (from Charging to File Transfer").
Method 4: Password bypassing through Safe Mode (temporary solution)
A little-known way is to download the Xiaomi Mi 9 into Safe Mode, which disables all third-party applications, including some system locks, and does not work on all firmware, but can help you temporarily gain access.
How to turn on Safe Mode:
- On the lock screen, hold the power button.
- In the menu that appears, click and hold the item “Switch off (or turn off power).”
- Confirm the transition to Safe Mode (the inscription will appear in the lower left corner of the screen).
In Safe Mode, try it:
- 🔓 Delete password through Settings → Screen lock (if partition is available).
- 📱 Install a new unlocking app (e.g. Screen Lock Bypass from Play Market).
- 🔄 Reset the pattern lock settings (if installed).
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12+ Safe Mode often blocks access to security settings. If the password returns after rebooting, try a combination of methods (e.g., Safe Mode). + ADB).
💡
Safe Mode is a temporary solution. Once you reboot, the password can come back, but in this mode, you can copy important data to your PC or cloud.
Method 5: Unlocking via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)
If none of the methods worked, the Fastboot unlocks using the official Mi Flash Unlock tool, which deletes all data but bypasses FRP protection (if it is enabled) and is suitable for MIUI 10-14 firmware.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows PC (Mi Flash Unlock tool does not support) Mac/Linux).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
- 📥 Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔑 Xiaomi account tied to phone (even if the screen password is forgotten).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Mi 9 and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot Mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start Mi Flash Unlock.
- Sign in to your Xiaomi account (the same one that was tied to your phone).
- Follow the instructions of the program. It takes 5-10 minutes.
- After unlocking, the phone will restart in factory condition.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks through the Mi Unlock Tool to no more than one device in 30 days per account. If you previously unlocked another phone, you will have to wait or use another account.
1. Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably 2.0).
2. disable the antivirus on the PC.
3. Use another Xiaomi account (if the previous one is blocked).-->
What to do if nothing helps: alternatives
If all methods are exhausted and the phone is still locked, consider these options:
1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
- 📄 Bring a check or a box from your phone (proof of purchase).
- 💳 Service paid (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the city).
- ⏳ Unblocking period – 1-3 days.
2. use of third-party services (at your own risk)
- 🔍 Check the reviews on the forums before paying (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
3.Selling the phone "as is"
- 💰 On Avito or Yula, blocked Xiaomi sells for 30-50% of the market price.
- 📌 Please note: Unblocking is required through Mi Account».
- 🔄 Sometimes customers know how to get around the lock (for example, through the Internet). EDL Mode).
⚠️ Avoid “miracle” programs like Mi Account Remover or Mi Account Remover. FRP Bypass APK. Most of them:
- 🦠 Contain viruses or spyware.
- 🚫 Not working. MIUI 12+.
- 💸 Payment for the “full version».