How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 9: from password to Mi Account

Did you forget the Xiaomi Mi 9 password or did the phone lock down after failed typing attempts? The situation is unpleasant, but solvable. This smartphone, released in 2019, is still popular thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 855 processor and the phone is still popular. AMOLED-But his security system is a mix of MIUI, Google FRP Mi Accounts – can turn unlocking into a real quest.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi 9, from simple (reset via Recovery) to complex (working with Fastboot and other devices). ADB). Important: Methods vary depending on the type of lock – it can be forgotten PIN-code, pattern lock, Xiaomi account binding, or even locking after firmware. MIUI 14 and newer, where the manufacturer has tightened protection.

⚠️ Warning: Some methods (such as Fastboot reset) can result in a loss of warranty if the phone is tied to an official Xiaomi service center.

1. Determine the type of lock on Xiaomi Mi 9

Before you act, you need to understand what exactly locks the phone, and this depends on the choice of method:

• 🔒 Forgotten PIN/Password/pattern lock – a screen lock that you have set yourself.
• 📱 Mi Account (Xiaomi account) – the phone requires a username and password from the Xiaomi account after a reset or firmware.
• 🔄 FRP (Factory Reset Protection – Google locks after resetting (relevant for Android 5.1 devices)+).
• 🛠️ Locking after failed firmware – the phone doesn’t boot or hangs on the Mi logo.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Try entering any password/key 5 times – if the message “Device locked. try again in 30 seconds” appears, this is a local lock screen.
2. If the phone requires “Login to Xiaomi Account” after the reboot, it is Mi Account Lock.
3. If you ask for data from your previous Google account after resetting, it is FRP.

2 Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

If the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account and requires data entry after a reset, the only legal way is to use the Mi Unlock Tool.This method works even if you don't remember the password from the screen, but you should definitely know the username and password from the Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy since 2023.New devices now require confirmation via the SMS If the number is lost, it will be extremely difficult to restore access.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website).
2. Run the utility on a Windows 7/10/11 PC (on macOS/Linux does not work).
3. Log in to your Mi Account in the tool.
4. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 9 and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect your phone to your PC via the original USB Type-C cable.
6. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock and wait for completion (usually 5-10 minutes).

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Check the link of Xiaomi account to the phone|Disable antivirus on PC|Use the original USB-cable|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

3. Recovery Mode reset (unless the Mi Account is tied)

If you just forgot your screen password and didn’t link your phone to your Xiaomi account, the quickest way is to reset through the standard Recovery menu.This method deletes all data, but doesn’t require a PC or special knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 9.
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
4. Select "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data".
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires data from Mi Account after the reset, then the account was previously linked. In this case, proceed to the method with Mi Unlock Tool (section 2).

4. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

If you have previously enabled USB debugging in the developer settings, you can try to delete the password file via ADB. This method saves data, but only works if:

• 🔌 The phone is connected to the PC and is recognized in ADB.
• 📱 Debugging is on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode).
• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB and Fastboot.

Commands to unlock:

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

If the password is still valid after rebooting, try an alternative method:

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

💡

If the su command doesn’t work, you don’t have root permissions on your phone, in which case you can try rooting through Magisk first (but it’s risky for inexperienced users).

FRP (Google Factory Reset Protection)

If after resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9 requires data from the previous Google account, you will need to bypass FRP. This protection mechanism appears on all Android devices after the reset, if you previously added a Google account.

Method 1: Wi-Fi settings (for MIUI 12-14)

1. On the welcome screen, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go back and tap on the email field, and the keyboard will appear.
3. Press and hold @, select "Keyboard Settings".
4. Go to "Additional settings" → "Reference".
5. Tap any link to open the browser, and download FRP-tool.

Method 2: via Fastboot (requires PC)

If the first method does not work, use the Mi FRP Tool:

fastboot oem frp-unlock


fastboot reboot

💡

FRP bypass on newer versions of MIUI (14+) has become more difficult because of security patches: If the phone was updated after 2023, the odds of success are below 50%.

6 Unlocking after a failed firmware (brick)

If the Xiaomi Mi 9 doesn’t turn on or hangs on the Mi logo after firmware is flashed, it’s called a “brick” and in most cases, the phone can be restored via Fastboot or EDL Mode.

Method 1: Firmware with the Mi Flash Tool

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 9 (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
5. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clear All for full flashing).

Method 2: EDL Mode (for severe damage)

If Fastboot doesn’t recognize the device, you’ll need an authorized Xiaomi account to sign in to the EDL:

fastboot oem edl

Use the Mi Flash Tool with the "Flash All Except Storage" option.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI (This method is recommended only for experienced users.

7. Alternative methods and risks

If none of these methods work, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Replacement of motherboard is expensive (from 5 000) ₽), But it's guaranteed to unblock all locks, which is fine if the phone is important for the job.
• 📞 Contacting Xiaomi Service Center – officially only if you have a check and account information. Cost: 1,500-3000 ₽.
• 💻 Paid online services (e.g. XiaomiTool) – fraud risk is high, but some services do remotely unlock for 500–1000 ₽.

Risks of informal methods:

• 🚨 Loss of loss IMEI (The phone will become a brick without communication).
• 🔒 Blocking Xiaomi Account for Suspicious Activity.
• 💸 Additional repair costs after unsuccessful manipulations.

💡

Before contacting the service, check whether your Mi 9 is not subject to an extended warranty. In 2026, Xiaomi will extend the lock warranty for devices purchased in official stores (for example, Mi Store or Messenger).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 9