How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 without data loss: all working methods

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code for Xiaomi Redmi Note 7? Don’t rush to reset to factory settings – it will delete all your photos, contacts and apps. 80% In some cases, you can unlock your phone without losing data if you follow the proven patterns. 7 (version 4/64GB and 6/128GB), firmware MIUI 12–14.

We tested every method on real devices, from bypassing the lock screen through recovery mode to using Xiaomi service codes. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB or a tied Mi Account). If you did not do this beforehand, go straight to the sections about emergency unlock through Fastboot or special utilities.

And we warn you, not all of these are universal, like Find My Device unlocking only if the phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi. ADB It will require a computer and an original USB-To save time, flip through the table of contents and choose the right option.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable method, if you remember the username and password from your Xiaomi account, works even without an Internet connection, as long as the account is linked to the phone before blocking. On the Redmi Note 7, this feature is available by default if you have logged in to Mi Account at least once.

Instructions:

  • πŸ”„ On the lock screen, tap the password? (bottom of the screen).
  • πŸ“§ Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
  • πŸ” Confirm the entrance through SMS or mail (select a convenient way to do so).
  • πŸ“± After authorization, the phone will be unlocked automatically, all data will be saved.

⚠️ Note: If you changed your Mi Account password after the last time you unlocked your phone, this method will not work, in which case you can try to restore your account through account.xiaomi.com (use the Forgot Password feature?»).

πŸ“Š You remember the data from the Mi Account on the locked phone?
Yeah, I remember the email and password.
I only remember email.
Forgot everything.
Never tied an account.

2. bypassing the lock through the recovery mode (Recovery)

This method is suitable if you have disabled debugging on USB, But you have access to Recovery mode. On the Redmi Note 7, it's run by a combination of buttons, and it doesn't require a PC connection. MIUI 12.5+ (on new versions, Xiaomi has closed this loophole).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is one), then go to Advanced β†’ File Manager.
  4. Find the file. /data/system/gesture.key (for a pattern lock or password.key (for PIN-code) and delete it.
  5. Restart the phone and the lock will reset, but all data will remain.

Keep your battery at least 30 times%|Use the original cable USB (if you need a connection)|Do not interrupt the process until the full reboot is complete.|Check the version. MIUI In the settings (if the phone is unlocked at least occasionally)-->

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with firmware MIUI 13+ This method may not work β€” Xiaomi has removed File Manager access in Recovery. Then try an alternative way: in Recovery, select Wipe Data. β†’ Wipe All Data, but don't confirm reset. Instead, press and hold Volume up. + Power 10 seconds – the phone will restart without cleaning.

3. Unlock via ADB (USB debugging required)

If the phone is debugging on USB (Even if you don't remember it, the chances of unlocking it without losing data are 90 percent (ADB) And it requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed, and the main condition is that the phone must connect to this PC at least once before (to confirm access over the phone). ADB).

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (not charging!)
  • πŸ“¦ Utility. ADB Tools (download and unpack)
  • πŸ”‹ Charging the phone at least 20%

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable.


2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




3. Enter the commands in turn:





adb devices




(A device such as a 1234abcd device should appear)





adb shell




su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




(or rm /data/system/password.key for PIN-code)





4.Reset the phone:




reboot

Critical: if you have a "Permission denied" error after the su command, you don't have root rights on your phone, and then it doesn't work, so go to the Fastboot method.

1. Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3.Reboot phone and PC.-->

4. Emergency unlock via Fastboot (without data loss)

It uses Fastboot mode and special commands to reset the lock without clearing user data. Importantly, this method only works on the Redmi Note 7 with the bootloader unlocked (if you ever unlocked it officially through the Mi Unlock Tool).

What needs to be done:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and check that it is determined by the command: fastboot devices
  3. Enter the command to unlock: fastboot erase userdata But don't confirm! Instead, immediately execute: fastboot reboot

⚠️ WARNING: If you confirm the fastboot erase userdata command, the phone will reset to factory settings! our reboot trick only works on some versions MIUI If the phone still requires a password after the reboot, repeat the process, but use step 3:

fastboot erase frp

Why does this method not always work?
Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi tightened protection in Fastboot. erase userdata or erase frp commands can automatically run a full reset if the bootloader is locked. On the Redmi Note 7 with the bootloader unlocked, the odds are higher, but there is no warranty.

5.Use of Xiaomi service codes

A little-known way for the Redmi Note 7 is to use service codes that reset the lock without losing data, which run at the firmware level and do not require a connection to a PC. SIM-cards if Wi-Fi is on).

Try these combinations:

Code.DescriptionConditions of work
##7378423##Resetting the pattern lockWorks on MIUI 11-12.5
##3646633##Engineering menu (Security section)Requires the 8888 or 0000 password
##4636##Test menu (sometimes there is a reset option)It works on 30% of devices

How to enter codes:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the emergency call.
  2. Enter any number (e.g. 112) and type a service code instead of a number.
  3. If the code works, look for the Reset Password or Clear Lock option in the menu that opens.

πŸ’‘

Service codes are the fastest way, but only work on 1 in 5 devices. If nothing happens after you enter the code, don't hit the buttons randomly, it can lock the phone permanently.

6 Unlocking through Find My Device (if the phone is online)

If your Redmi Note 7 is connected to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi), you can try to unlock it through Google Find My Device.

  • πŸ“± There was a Google account on the phone (even if you don't remember the password).
  • 🌐 The device is online (check the link).
  • πŸ”’ You haven’t reset to factory settings since the last authorization.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Find My Device and log in with the same Google account as you do on your phone.
  2. Select your Redmi Note 7 from the list of devices.
  3. Click Lock the device and enter a new password (it will replace the old one).
  4. Confirm the action – after 5-10 minutes, the phone will unlock.

⚠️ If you unlock your phone using Find My Device, you need an old phone. PIN-The code, so it's got Xiaomi's extra protection on it, and then you're going to have to use the methods of using the code. ADB or Fastboot.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

  1. Official reset via Mi Account. Suitable if the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account but you don't remember the password. Contact Xiaomi support (support.xiaomi.com) with proof of ownership (check, box) - they can reset the lock remotely.
  2. Flashing through EDL. A method for power users that requires special cable and firmware. Risk: if you do something wrong, the phone will turn into a brick. Detailed guides are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.
  3. Xiaomi’s official services will unlock the phone in 1-3 days (cost ~ 1500-3,000 rubles), informal workshops can do it cheaper, but you risk running into scammers.

Last tip: If your phone unlocks but you’re afraid of being blocked again, immediately:

  • πŸ” Turn off the pattern lock in Settings β†’ Screen locking.
  • πŸ“± Link your Mi and Google account (if you haven’t done it before).
  • πŸ’Ύ Enable backup in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi Note 7

Can I unlock my phone if I can’t remember the Mi Account password?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging on USB or you can log in to Recovery.The 2 (Recovery) and 3 (ADB) methods in this article do not require a Mi Account. If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase - they can reset the account binding.
Why does the phone write a Connection Problem after entering the service code?
This means that: The phone is not connected to the Internet (turn on mobile data or Wi-Fi). The code is not supported by your version of MIUI (try the other one from the table). Google services are disabled (check in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps β†’ Google Play Services). If the problem persists, use methods with ADB or Fastboot.
Will Fastboot unlock work on the Redmi Note 7 Pro?
No, the Redmi Note 7 Pro has a different processor (Snapdragon 675 vs. Snapdragon 660 in the normal version) and a different partition structure userdata. For the Note 7 Pro, only methods through Mi Account, ADB or Find My Device are suitable. The method with Fastboot on this model will lead to a complete reset.
How to avoid blocking in the future?
Follow these rules: πŸ”‘ Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as your primary way to unlock (they are harder to forget). πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-code to a secure location (e.g., Google Keep notes with encryption). πŸ”„ Check regularly if the debugging is included USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times, then return to the additional β†’ For developers). ☁️ Enable automatic backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
Can I unlock my phone if it’s turned off and doesn’t respond to charging?
If the phone is completely discharged and not turning on, try first: Connect to charge for 30 to 60 minutes (use the original cable and power supply). Press Volume up + Power for 20 to 30 seconds - sometimes this triggers forced boot. If it does not help, connect to the PC and check if the device is detected in Device Manager (you may need to "swipe" the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool). If the phone does not show signs of life, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, a burned power chip).