How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 10: from the pattern lock to the Mi Account

Why Redmi 10 is blocked and what to do

A forgotten password, a child accidentally installed a pattern lock, or a lock due to repeated incorrect input — these are problems faced by one in five owners of Xiaomi Redmi 10. The smartphone is blocked for a reason: it is protecting your data from outsiders. But what if you need access?

In this article, we have 5 working ways to unlock, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to the most radical (full reset via Fastboot), we will discuss how to get around the lock without losing data (if possible) and what to do when the phone has turned into a brick. The methods differ for cases with a pattern lock, PIN-code or associated account Xiaomi.

Before you act, answer two questions: 1. Is the phone connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi)? 2. Do you remember the username/password from the Mi Account associated with the device?

It depends on the answers which way will work faster.

Method 1: Unlocking through Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the network)

The safest method is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:

📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
🔑 You remember the email and password from the Mi Account that was used on the device.
🔄 On the lock screen is the button Forgot the password? or Unblock through Mi Account.

Instructions:

On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot your password? (or similar).
Enter the email and password from the Mi Account. If you do not remember - restore access through the official website.
Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on security settings).
Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation via the Internet. SMS to the number associated with the account – make sure you have access to it.

💡

If the buttons Forgot the password? no, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - sometimes after that the option to unlock through the account appears.

Method 2: Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (if Find Device is enabled)

Find Device (similar to Google's Find Phone) allows you to remotely unlock Redmi 10 if it was activated before locking.

Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
Sign in with the same Mi Account as on the locked device.
In the list of devices, select your Redmi 10.
Click Unlock the device and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Once unlocked in this way, all data on the phone will be erased. This is a security measure from Xiaomi - you can't recover photos or messages after that.

If the Find Device function is disabled, proceed to the next method.

📊 Have you ever used the “Find Device” feature on Xiaomi?

Yeah, helped me find the phone.

Yeah, but it didn't work.

No, I haven't.

I don't know what it is.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone is not connected to the network or you don’t remember the Mi Account details, then Fastboot mode remains, which requires a computer and a little technical skill, but allows you to unlock Redmi 10 even without losing data (if you do the right thing).

What you need:

💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
📦 Mi Flash Unlock (download from the official website).
🔧 Drivers. ADB Fastboot (installs automatically when you connect your phone).

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot.
Connect Redmi 10 to your computer.
Start Mi Flash Unlock and log in to your Mi Account.
Press Unlock and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block unlocking via Fastboot for 72-720 hours (up to 30 days!) if you have not previously linked your account to the device.

Download Mi Flash Unlock from the official website|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable the antivirus (can block drivers)-->

Method 4: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (Loss of all data)

If other methods fail, it's a factory reset, which erases all data (photos, messages, apps) but is guaranteed to unlock the phone.

How to reset:

Turn off Redmi 10.
Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked (FRP-If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will remain locked!

What if the phone asks for an old Mi Account after a reset?

If Redmi 10 requires you to enter your Mi Account data after a reset that you don’t remember, you’ll have to contact Xiaomi’s support team with proof of purchase (check, box). In some cases, Fastboot helps with FRP shutdown, but this requires deep knowledge and risks turning the phone into a brick.

Method 5: Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

This is the only way to unlock Redmi 10 without losing data, but it only works if debugging was previously enabled. USB (USB If you do not activate this feature, skip the section.

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
Open the command line (cmd on Windows) and type: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
Reboot the phone. Once turned on, the pattern lock/PIN will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work because of the increased security, and after the reboot, the phone may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account.

💡

USB debugging should be enabled before you lock your phone, and if you haven't activated it beforehand, it won't work.

Unlocking Methods Comparison: Which One to Choose

To avoid wasting time, use the table below, which will help you choose the best way to work depending on your situation.

Method	Conditions	Loss of data	Difficulty	Time.
Through the Mi Account.	Phone on the Internet, remember the account	❌ No.	⭐ Easy.	2-5 minutes
Find Device	Function enabled, phone networked	✅ Yes.	⭐ Easy.	5-10 minutes
Fastboot	Computer, cable, Mi Account	❌ No (unless you drop it)	⭐⭐ Middle-Average	10–30 min
Recovery Mode	No access to the account	✅ Yes.	⭐ Easy.	5 minutes
ADB	USB debugging enabled	❌ No.	⭐⭐⭐ Hardly.	10 minutes

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you unlock your phone through Fastboot and say "This device is locked," you didn't link your Mi Account to the device in advance, in which case Xiaomi blocks the unlock for 72-720 hours, the only way out is to wait or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 10 without losing data?

Yes, but only if: You remember your Mi Account details and your phone is connected to the network (method 1). You have USB debugging enabled (ADB, method 5). In all other cases, the data will be erased.

How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?

Official Xiaomi service centers will unlock the phone for free if you show a check or a box from the device. Unofficial services charge from 500 to 2000 rubles, but you risk running into scammers.

Why does the phone ask for an old Mi Account after a reset?

It's FRP-It works if you have a Mi Account on your phone and you reset it through Recovery, and you need your account details or help from a service center to get around it.

Can I unlock Redmi 10 through my Google account?

Unlike pure Android phones, Xiaomi uses its own lock system tied to a Mi Account. Google unlock methods (like Find My Device) on Redmi 10 don't work.

What if Mi Flash Unlock says "Couldn't unlock"?

The error occurs for three reasons: Mi Account is not tied to the phone (you need to wait 72-720 hours), utility is not downloaded from the official website, Fastboot drivers are not installed (try reinstall them through Mi PC Suite).