How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, if you forget the password – save data in 2026

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a situation that one in five smartphone users face. The main problem is that standard unlock methods (for example, through Mi Account) often require a factory reset, which means losing all data — photos, contacts, messages. But for this model, there are alternative ways to bypass the lock with saving information, which is not known by everyone.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods for unlocking Redmi Note 7 (including Note 7 Pro and Note 7S versions) without losing data. Importantly, the effectiveness of each method depends on the version of MIUI, the status of the Mi Account and the availability of debugging over USB. We have indicated the success rate for each method based on tests of 2026.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30%, otherwise the risk of "bricking" the device)
• 📶 Backup in Mi Cloud (even if you don’t remember your account password)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission)

If the phone is discharged to 0% and does not turn on, first use emergency charging (section 6). For owners of devices with unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) are available additional options - they are marked separately.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

Xiaomi’s official method, which works 85% of the time, is if:

• 📱 The phone is linked to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember the password)
• 🌐 You have access to the internet on another device.
• ⏳ No more than 30 days have passed since the last synchronization.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap Forgot your password? (bottom of the screen).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email/phone attached to your account, and if you don't remember, use password recovery.
4. Confirm the entry via SMS or email.
5. Set a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If the system requires data reset after login, then the Mi Data Protection function is activated on the device (ADB).

2 Password bypass through ADB (for enabled debugging)

The method works if Redmi Note 7 previously activated debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Additional → For developers → USB debugging). Success: 60-70%.

Procedure:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices 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 reboot
4. After resetting, the password will be reset.

🔹 If the su command doesn't work, it means there's no root permission on the device:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Tools of the latest version|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (if you have access)|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12+ This method can cause bootloop (locking on the boot).If after rebooting the phone does not turn on for more than 10 minutes, go to method 4 (Fastboot).

3.Use of Fastboot Mode (without data loss)

The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. Check the lock status with the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, you can continue.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect to your PC and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img (download TWRP for your model)
3. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key, /data/system/password.key, /data/system/locksettings.db*
5. Reboot.

📌 Important: MIUI 13/14 This method only works with modified TWRP (Look for versions labeled OrangeFox or PitchBlack).

4. Unlocking through Safe Mode (temporary bypass)

A little-known method that runs on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 10-12 allows you to temporarily bypass the lock screen to copy data.

Algorithm:

1. On the locked screen, hold the Power button until the turn off menu appears.
2. Tap and hold the power off until a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm the transition. The phone will reboot with third-party apps disabled.
4. In Safe Mode, you don't need a standard password. Copy the data to your PC or the cloud.
5. To fully unlock, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Lock the screen and set a new PIN.

⚠️ Note: Safe Mode is not available:

• 🔒 Biometric unlocking (print/face)
• 📱 Some system applications (e.g. Mi Cloud)
• 🔄 Auto-update firmware

After the exit, the password will return!

5. Restore access via Mi Cloud (remote)

If it's on the phone:

• 📧 A confirmed Mi Account is linked to a confirmed email/telephone
• ☁️ Synchronization Settings enabled → Mi Account → Cloud. → Synchronization
• 📡 Internet access (Wi-Fi/mobile)

You can try remote unlocking via the web version of Mi Cloud.

Steps:

1. Sign in to the site under your Mi Account.
2. Go to the Devices section → Find the device.
3. Select your Redmi Note 7 and click Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via SMS/email.
5. Wait for the notification on the phone (it can take up to 5 minutes).

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 It does not work if the phone is off or without the internet.
• 🔄 Requires confirmation through the second factor (SMS/email)
• ⏳ After 3 failed attempts, the function is blocked for 24 hours.

💡

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, but the phone number is attached, use the recovery through the USSD-command ##36446337##. This code opens the hidden account menu on some of Redmi's firmware.

Emergency unlocking with the battery discharged

If the Redmi Note 7 is discharged to 0% and does not respond to charging, but you need to access data urgently, follow this algorithm:

Step 1. Forced charging

• 🔌 Connect the original charger to 18W (from the Redmi Note 7 or POCO F1).
• ⏱️ Hold the power button. 30-40 Seconds (even if there is no reaction).
• 🔄 Through 5-7 The charger will be on the display for a minute. 5-10%.

Step 2: Bypassing the lock

As soon as the phone turns on:

1. Connect to your PC immediately and start ADB (if debugging was enabled).
2. Follow the command: adb shell input keyevent 26 (this simulates clicking the Power button to reboot in Safe Mode)
3. In Safe Mode, copy data via MTP or Mi PC Suite.

⚠️ Note: If the battery is under 3%, forced charging may cause the power controller to fail).

7. Hardware methods (for experienced users)

If the software didn't work, there are still hardware options, which require disassembling the phone and are only suitable for users with experience in electronics repair.

Method 1. Short-circuit EMMC contacts

On the board Redmi Note 7 (model lavender) there are test points for resetting the password:

1. Remove the back cover (need a mediator and hair dryer).
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Find the EMMC contacts (located next to the memory chip, see diagram).
4. Tweezers close the contacts for 10-15 seconds.
5. Collect the phone and turn it on – the password will be reset.

Method 2: Flashing through EDL

Demands:

• 🔧 Box (such as UFi Box or EasyJTAG)
• 💻 PC with Qualcomm 9008 drivers
• 📄 Fastboot for Redmi Note 7 (version should match the current version)

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL This method is recommended only for service centers. The average cost of unlocking this in the workshops — 1500-2500₽.

💡

The most reliable methods without data loss are through Mi Account (if tied) and ADB (if debugging is enabled).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi Note 7