Xiaomi Redmi 9A It remains one of the most popular budget smartphones due to the ratio of price to functionality, but even the owners of this device face the problem of locking: the forgotten one. PIN-code, pattern lock failure or linking to a Mi Account account after a reset. 9A It has specific features in the protection system that require separate consideration.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from standard (entering a backup PIN) to radical (complete reset via Recovery Mode), focusing on the method of bypassing the Mi Account without losing data, which works on firmware up to MIUI 14 inclusive, and learn how to avoid re-locking and what to do if the phone does not respond to the connection to the PC.
Important: procedures vary depending on the reason for locking. If you see a message on the screen saying, "This device is tied to a Mi Account," that's one situation; if the phone requires a pattern lock after rebooting, another situation. We structured the instructions by lock type so you can quickly find the right option.
1. Unlocking through backup PIN-Google code
The easiest way is if you remember the unlock data, but the system doesn't accept it. On Redmi 9A, after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, a button appears "Forgot your password?"
- 🔢 For PIN-Code: Click "Unlock with backup" PIN" (This is the default 4-6 digit combination you used before.
- 📧 For Google Account: Select Forgotten pattern lock?" → Enter the username and password from Gmail that was linked to the phone. Importantly, this method only works when the Internet is active (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 🔄 If there is no connection: Connect to Wi-Fi via notification panel (swipe down) or paste SIM-card.
Redmi 9A with MIUI 12+ may require additional confirmation via SMS. If you do not receive the code, check if your number is blocked in Mi Account settings (this happens after frequent device changes).
⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings through Recovery and then turned it on without detachment from Mi Account, this method won't work.
2. reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If backup methods don't work, you'll have to do a hard reset, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. On the Redmi 9A, the procedure is different from other Xiaomi models because of the simplified Recovery.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.
- Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select "Wipe Data" (or "Clear Data").
- Confirm the action by selecting "Wipe All Data" → "Confirm".
- After completion, select "Reboot" → "Reboot to System".
The phone will reboot and prompt you to configure it as new, and it's important that if you turned on Find Device before the reset, you'll need to enter the Mi Account you previously tied to after the reboot.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
3.Bypassing the Mi Account binding after resetting
If after Hard Reset, the phone requires Mi Account data that you don’t remember, there are two official ways to solve it:
- 📱 Through i.mi.com: Go to the account recovery page, enter the linked email or phone number. SMS Minus: If you don't have access to your old number/mail, the method won't work.
- 📧 Through Xiaomi support: Write to support.xiaomi.com asking you to unlock your account, IMEI phone (indicated on the box or under the battery) and photo of the identity document.
The informal method (works on MIUI 12-14):
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
- Start the program, sign in to your Mi Account (if you have access to another Xiaomi account).
- Follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the bootloader.
- Once unlocked, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Attention: Informal methods of circumvention (e.g. through EDL Mode) may result in blocking IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against these methods, so use them at your own risk.
What is EDL Mode and Why is it Dangerous to Use?
4. Unlock through ADB (for power users)
If the phone is on but locked with a pattern lock, USB-debugging was enabled earlier, you can delete the key file through ADB. This method does not work if:
- 🚫 Phone is off or in Recovery.
- 🚫 USB-The debugging was not activated before blocking.
- 🚫 Installed firmware with a patch for vulnerabilities (for example, MIUI 14.0.5+).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi 9A to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Enter the commands in order: Adb devices adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
- After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.
If the su command doesn't work, then the phone doesn't have root rights, and then the method doesn't apply.
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Before using ADB, check if your Redmi 9A is detected on the system. To do this, type in the command line of adb devices. If the list is empty, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers and try again.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all the independent methods did not work, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. This is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
| Document/data | What do you need? | Where to find it. |
|---|---|---|
| Check of purchase | Confirmation of possession of the device | Email, SMS from the store, paper check |
| IMEI phone | Identification of the device in the Xiaomi database | On the box, under the battery, in the settings (About the phone) |
| Passport | Confirmation of the identity of the owner | Original document |
| Mi Account data | If the phone is linked to the account | Email or phone number associated with your account |
The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the reason for blocking. The timing is from 1 to 5 working days. Important: informal services can offer unlocking cheaper, but you should not risk - there is a high probability of losing IMEI or getting a "brick".
6.How to avoid re-blocking: Security tips
To avoid getting blocked again, follow these guidelines:
- 🔐 Use a reliable one. PIN: Combination of 6+ digits are harder to match than a pattern lock. Avoid dates of birth and repeating numbers (e.g. 123456).
- 📝 Record backup data: Save backup PIN and data from Mi Account in a secure location (for example, in the Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
- 🔄 Turn off Auto Reset: In Recovery and Reset settings, turn off the Auto Reset option so your phone doesn’t erase after 10 failed unlock attempts.
- 📱 Attach Trusted Device: In Mi Account settings, add a backup phone or email to restore access.
Redmi 9A with MIUI 13+ firmware has a feature called “Space Lock” that allows you to create a second desktop with a separate password, which is useful if multiple people use the phone – everyone can have their own PIN without the risk of blocking the main account.
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If you often forget passwords, set up fingerprint or face unlocking.On Redmi 9A, these methods work even after rebooting if they were activated before locking.