How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 3: Reset password, pattern lock and Mi Account

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi 3 or the phone locked after failed attempts to enter?This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones, especially if the device has been long unused or was bought with hands. Unlocking Redmi 3 is possible even without access to the Mi Account, but the methods differ depending on the type of lock: it can be a problem. PIN-code, pattern lock, lock screen password or binding to Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock, including official methods through Find Device, factory reset via Recovery Mode, as well as alternative solutions for bypassing Mi Account lock. Importantly, on Redmi 3/3 Pro/3S models with MIUI 8 firmware and later, some methods require confirmation through the original account, even after a reset. If the phone was purchased used, contact the previous owner to transfer rights to the account.

Before you start unlocking, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery level not lower than 30% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 📡 Wi-Fi or mobile network access (required to be activated after reset).
• 💾 Backup of important data (if unlocking implies resetting).

1 Unlocking through Find Device (official method)

If Redmi 3 has Find Device enabled and the phone is linked to a Mi Account, you can remotely unlock it, which only works when the phone has an active Internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account as you do on your phone.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 3.
3. Press Find the device. → Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

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Note: If your phone has lost Wi-Fi and mobile internet, this will not work, and Xiaomi may request proof of identity (passport photo) if the device was purchased less than 30 days ago.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard reset is a universal method that works on any Redmi 3, but deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (volume button management, power button option) select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
4. After resetting, restart the phone (Reboot).

If the phone requires Mi Account data to be entered after reset, reset protection (FRP) has been activated, in which case the original account or bypass through EDL Mode will be required (see section 5).

3. Unlocking the pattern lock through ADB

If Redmi 3 has USB debugging enabled (in the developer settings), you can delete the pattern lock through your computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
3. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

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Note: If ADB requests permission on a phone but the screen is locked, this method will not work, and some MIUI firmware requires root rights.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling the driver via the Mi Flash Tool or using a USB 2.0 port (not 3.0).

4.Backpassing Mi Account locks through EDL Mode

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone without having to lock your account, but requires special equipment, such as an authorized EDL cable or a firmware box, which is suitable if:

• The phone was bought from hands and tied to someone else’s account.
• Xiaomi refused to unlock through support.
• No access to the original Mi Account.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 3 (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Transfer your phone to EDL Mode: Turn off your phone → Press Volume Up + Volume Down → Connect to your PC
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

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Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can turn your phone into a brick. Use only the official firmware for your model. 3 — ido, Redmi 3 Pro — ido_pro).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If the independent methods did not help, contact the official service center.

• 📄 Check or document confirming purchase.
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone was purchased less than 60 days ago).
• 📧 Access to email linked to Mi Account.

Xiaomi can unlock the device within 3-7 days, but the warranty does not apply. In some countries (for example, in Russia) the service is paid - about 1000-1500 rubles.

Addresses of service centers:

• 🌍 Official website: mi.com/service
• 📍 In Russia: xiaomi.ru/support

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Officially unlocking through the service center is the only legal way to bypass Mi Account without risking damaging your phone.

6. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can try:

• 🔧 Fastboot firmware: requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 🛠️ Use of exploits: for example, vulnerability in MIUI 9.5 (relevant to old firmware).
• 🔑 Buying an unlock code: on forums (for example, 4PDA) Selling Mi Account bypass keys, but it is risky (fraud, viruses).

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Note: Using unofficial methods can result in permanent IMEI locks or loss of warranty. On Redmi 3 models with MIUI 10+, most exploits are already closed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 3