Unlocking Xiaomi Mi 7: from the pattern lock to the bootloader – the complete guide

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Mi 7? Phone requires a Mi Account that you don't remember? Or want to install custom firmware, but locking the bootloader interferes? Each of these situations is solvable - the main thing is to choose the right method. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Mi 7, from standard to advanced, taking into account the features of the 2018 model.

Xiaomi Mi 7

dipper

Snapdragon 845

loader-lock

bootloader

Xiaomi

Mi Account

MIUI 14

HyperOS

⚠️ Some methods (e.g. unlocking the bootloader) result in a complete data reset. If there are important files on the phone, try the methods of recovering access without reset first (sections 2 and 3).

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-codeless

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from the Mi Account associated with the phone, you can restore access without losing data. This method works even if the device is not connected to the Internet at the time of locking - the main thing is that the synchronization with the Xiaomi servers was performed earlier.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, enter any key/password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the password appears.
2. Click on this caption and select Restore via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

✅ Pros of the method: does not require reset, saves all data, works offline (if the account was synchronized).

❌ Cons: It won’t work if you don’t remember your Mi Account details or if your phone isn’t tied to your account.

💡

If the lock screen does not have a button "Forgot your password?", try to connect the phone to charge and try again - sometimes the option appears only when you connect to the power.

If this method does not help, go to the next section – unlock through Fastboot.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Fastboot (without data loss)

This method is suitable if you do not remember the password, but are sure that the phone has disabled the binding to the Mi Account (or remember the data from it), it allows you to delete the password file (gesture.key or password.key) through the Fastboot mode without erasing user data.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (download)

Step-by-step:

1. Run the command to delete the password file: fastboot erase userdata Attention! This command will only delete the security settings, but will not affect personal files.

After the reboot, the phone should turn on without asking for a password. If the welcome screen appears, skip the setting - your data is saved.

Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download platform-tools|Charge the phone. >30%|Prepare the original cable|Check to disable Mi Account-->

3 Unlock via Mi Account (if the phone is tied)

If the Xiaomi Mi 7 is tied to a Mi Account but you have forgotten the lock screen password, you can reset the device via the Xiaomi Cloud web interface.This method deletes all data but is guaranteed to unlock the phone.

How it works:

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Cloud website and log in.
• 📱 In the Devices section, find your Mi 7 (may appear as a dipper).

⚠️ Attention! If the phone has Find the device on, but it's not connected to the Internet, the reset won't work. In this case, you'll have to use Fastboot (section 4).

Once reset, the phone will turn on as new, and only backups can be restored if they were created earlier.

Yeah, I had to unlock it.|No, I always remember passwords.|I use biometrics (print/face)|I don't remember, but my phone is always unlocked.-->

4. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 7

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you will need to unlock the bootloader. On the Mi 7, this is only done in an official way through permission from Xiaomi. Unofficial methods (like EDL) can cause the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module to break due to blocked anti-rollback.

Official instruction:

⚠️ Attention, after unlocking the bootloader:

• 🔓 The phone will perform a full reset (factory reset).
• 🚫 Find Device and Mi Cloud will be disabled before re-binding.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi’s warranty is cancelled (if it is still valid).

If the Mi Unlock Tool is unable to unlock, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port on your PC).
• 🔄 The version of the utility (update to the last one).
• ⏳ Waiting time (sometimes Xiaomi requires 72-168 hours after the account is linked).

5. Unlock through EDL mode (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore your phone even when there are serious crashes. On the Xiaomi Mi 7, it can be used to unlock if other methods have not worked.

• 🔧 Qualcomm Devices Require Skills.
• 🚨 Wrong actions can lead to total loss. IMEI or.
• 📵 On some versions MIUI EDL software-off.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. Hold the buttons. 10–15 seconds until the computer determines the device as QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Further action will require:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for Mi 7 (codename dipper).
• 🔑 Authorized Mi Account (for some firmware).

⚠️ Warning, firmware through EDL Without official permission, it can block modules. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Use this method only if other options are exhausted!

💡

EDL is an extreme method of unlocking, and if you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to a service center to avoid losing your IMEI or turning your phone into a brick.

6. Alternative methods of unlocking

If the standard methods don’t work, you can try less well-known, but sometimes effective, options.

Method 1: Use of ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If USB debugging was previously enabled on the phone, you can delete the password file via ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

⚠️ Works only on rooted devices or if debugging was activated before locking.

Method 2: Bypassing locks through Safe Mode

On some versions of MIUI, you can download to Safe Mode and delete your password through the settings:

1. On the lock screen, hold the turn off button until Safe Mode appears.
2. Confirm the download in safe mode.
3. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security and reset the pattern lock.

❌ This method doesn’t always work on the Mi 7, depending on the version. MIUI.

Method 3: Resetting through Recovery

If you have custom TWRP Recovery installed on your phone, you can reset your password without losing data:

1. Enter Recovery (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key, /data/system/password.key, /data/system/locksettings.db.
4. Reboot the phone.

Comparison of unlocking methods Xiaomi Mi 7

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 7