Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is a popular smartphone with a retractable front camera, but even its owners sometimes face a problem of locking: a forgotten password, failed firmware experiments or a tied Mi Account that can not be confirmed - all these situations make the device useless "brick". In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways of unlocking, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the features of the Mi 9T.
It is important to understand that the methods of unlocking depend on the type of lock. PIN-The code is reset via Recovery or Fastboot, but the Mi Account requires either official confirmation or bypass through the engineering menu, and we will look at both scenarios, and we will also provide recommendations on how to avoid re-blocking. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center, since incorrect manipulations can lead to complete data loss or a βbrickβ of the device.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you remember the data from the Xiaomi account, which is linked to the phone, but the device is locked due to multiple input of the wrong password β this method is the easiest and most secure. Mi 9T syncs data with the cloud, so restore access will take no more than 5 minutes.
Instructions:
- π± Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- π Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from the account associated with Mi 9T.
- π In the Devices section, find your Mi. 9T and select the option to unlock the screen.
- π² Confirm the action through SMS or email (depending on security settings).
If the phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), the unlock will happen automatically, otherwise you may need to restart, which does not reset data, but only works with an active account and a stable connection.
β οΈ Note: If you do not remember the account details or the phone was purchased βhands-onβ without the previous ownerβs waivers, official unlocking through Mi Account is not possible. In this case, you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) or use alternative methods.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Hard Recovery reset is a universal way to unlock if you forget your password or pattern lock, but it completely removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. On the Mi 9T, this method works stably, but requires accuracy.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power Button and Volume up simultaneously until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
The phone will reboot in factory condition. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes, which is normal. If the device requires Mi Account data to be entered after the reset, then the Find Device function has been activated.
βοΈ Preparation for Hard Reset
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)
The Fastboot method is suitable if Recovery is unavailable or the phone is stuck on the logo. It requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command line knowledge. On the Mi 9T (codename davinci), this method allows you to bypass the screen lock, but does not reset the Mi Account.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π¦ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.
- π Charging the phone at least 30%.
Instructions:
- Turn off the Mi 9T and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line (terminal).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
If you need to enter Mi Account, use the methods in Section 4. Note: some Xiaomi firmware may require unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock), which takes up to 7 days of waiting.
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Mi Account bypass on Xiaomi Mi 9T
If after resetting the phone requires Mi Account data that you do not remember or which belongs to the previous owner, it will be necessary to bypass the binding. Xiaomi actively fights against such methods, so not all methods work on the latest versions of the firmware. 9T (Android 9β11).
Method 1: Through the engineering menu (for firmware up to MIUI 12.5)
- π Enter the dialer code: ##3646633##
- π§ Go to Connectivity β CDMA β CDMA Auto PRl.
- π Enter code 546368 (may not work on new versions).
- π Reboot the phone.
Method 2: Through Test Mode (EDL)
It requires a special EDL cable or a short circuit of the contacts on the board, which is risky and can lead to device failure, and we recommend that you contact the service center if you are not sure about your actions.
| Bypass method | Difficulty | Risks. | Works for MIUI. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering menu | Low. | Maybe it won't work. | Up to 12.5. |
| Fastboot (teams) | Medium | Data resetting | 11β13 |
| EDL-regime | Tall. | Damage to the fees | Anybody. |
| Official request to Xiaomi | Low. | Long wait. | Anybody. |
β οΈ Warning: Bypassing Mi Account may violate Xiaomi's user agreement (MIUI 13+) Most of the holes are closed, and a successful bypass is possible only through EDL If you bought your phone from hand, ask the previous owner to untie the device through your personal account.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers
If the self-proclaimed attempts fail, the most reliable way is to contact an authorized service center. Xiaomi provides an official unlock service if there is evidence of purchase (check, warranty card, IMEI box), the process can take from 3 to 14 days, but guarantees the safety of the device.
What will be required:
- π Documents confirming the purchase (preferably with the indication of the IMEI).
- π± The phone itself (even when it is off).
- π³ Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles).
A list of official service centers can be found on Xiaomiβs support website, and check by phone before visiting whether they are unlocking Mi Account, as not all centers provide this service.
π‘
If you buy Xiaomi Mi 9T handheld, be sure to check whether the previous ownerβs Mi Account is untied. To do this, go to Settings β Xiaomi Account and try to log out. If the system requires a password, the phone is tied!
6. Alternative methods and software
There are many programs on the Internet that promise to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 9T in 5 minutes, most of which either don't work or contain malware. We tested several tools and identified those that have a real chance of success:
- π οΈ Mi Flash Tool - the official utility for firmware through EDL. Requires an unlocked bootloader and a suitable firmware.
- π D&G Unlock Tool β paid software for bypassing Mi Account (does not work on all versions) MIUI).
- π± TestPoint β a method of short-circuiting contacts on the board for entering the EDL. Risky for beginners.
Before using any third-party tools:
- Download programs only from trusted sources (e.g., XDA Developers).
- Check your files for viruses through VirusTotal.
- Back up your data (if the phone is partially working).
On the Mi 9T with MIUI 13+, most alternative methods have stopped working due to tighter security, and the only reliable ways are to officially unlock through the service center or bypass through the EDL with the risk of losing warranty.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 9T, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- π "Phone doesn't come out of Fastboot - check cable and port USB, Try another computer. Sometimes it helps to hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds.
- π "ADB Can't see the device - install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver and turn on debugging USB developer-setting.
- π "After the reset, it requires Mi Account again, which means that the Find Device function has been activated. EDL oral.
- π΅ "I can't get in to Recovery - on Mi 9T Sometimes the combination of nutrition helps. + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold 10 seconds).
If you encounter a bug that isnβt on the list, please describe it in the comments, weβll try to help. Remember, every Xiaomi model has its own nuances, and what works on the Redmi Note 8 may not work for the Mi 9T.
π‘
Before any manipulation with unlock, check the version of MIUI in the settings (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version).