How to unlock a pattern lock on Xiaomi smartphones: from Mi Account to ADB

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi's smartphone is a situation that even experienced users face. PIN-And the lock pattern is not always retrievable from memory, especially if you haven't changed it in a long time. Fortunately, the manufacturer has a few ways to unlock it, and there are alternative methods for advanced users.

It is important to understand that unlocking methods depend on the device model, the MIUI version, and the presence of a linked Mi Account. For example, on new devices with MIUI 14+ and a Xiaomi account, the process is simplified, while on older models without a binding, you may need to reset to factory settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from official to technical, and also explain how to minimize data loss.

Before you start, check if you have access to an email or a phone linked to your Mi Account, which will make it much easier. If not, don't despair: even then, there are solutions, albeit more time-consuming.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method is to use a linked account, which works on most devices starting with MIUI 8 and does not require technical skills, the main condition is that the smartphone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network).

If you have previously logged in to Mi Account on a locked device, follow the instructions:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, tap Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
• 📧 Select the recovery method: via email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔑 Enter the received confirmation code and create a new pattern lock.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) after entering the code, the system may request additional confirmation via SMS. If you have two-factor authentication, you will need to enter the code from the generator application (e.g. Google Authenticator).

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, in which case, move to the next method or use Restore Mode.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode

If you don’t have access to Mi Account or your smartphone isn’t connected to the Internet, you can use Restore Mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi devices, but has a significant drawback: all user data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.

Once reset, the device will reboot and you can configure it as new. On models with MIUI 13+, after reset, you may need to re-assign the Mi Account to activate.

Turn off the smartphone

Press the power button + volume up

Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive

Select Wipe Data

Confirm the reset (Yes)-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Recovery may require you to enter your previous Mi Account due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you do not remember the username / password, this method is not suitable.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has USB debugging enabled (Developers section), you can delete the pattern lock through ADB without losing data. This method requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




reboot

Once you reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, and if the su command doesn't work, then there are no root rights on the device, and this method won't work.

💡

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled in advance, this method won’t work, in which case try unlocking via Fastboot (described below).

4.Use Fastboot to delete the key (without root)

The Fastboot method is suitable for devices that don’t have USB debugging enabled but have a Bootloader unlocked, a more complex method that requires the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers to be installed.

Algorithm of action:

• 🖥️ Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your model.
• 🔌 Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn it off, then pinch the Power + Loudness down.
• 📥 In the command line, execute:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flash userdata userdata.img




fastboot reboot

This method deletes all data, but bypasses FRP locking on most devices. New models (such as Xiaomi 13) may require official permission to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Alternative methods: Safe Mode bypass and third-party utilities

If standard methods don’t work, you can try lesser-known options, such as Safe Mode, which sometimes allows you to temporarily disable a pattern lock if it was installed by a third-party application (such as AppLock).

How to log in to Safe Mode:

1. On the lock screen, hold the switch off button until the menu appears.
2. Tap and hold the power off (or Power off) until a request to go to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm action. Once you reboot, the key can be temporarily disabled.

There are also third-party utilities like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey that promise to unlock without losing data, but they carry risks:

• 💻 Requires connection to the PC and installation of additional software.
• 🔓 Not all Xiaomi models are supported (especially new ones). MIUI 14).
• 💰 Most of the functions are paid (from 30)$ unlockable).

💡

Third-party utilities may contain malicious code or violate Xiaomi's privacy policy. Use them only as a last resort and at your own risk.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box). Official centers can unlock the device by serial number, but this is a paid service (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).
2. Sell the device for spare parts - if the smartphone is outdated, and unlocking costs more than its cost.

Forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) sometimes publish unique unlocking methods for specific models, but such instructions often require deep technical knowledge and can lead to a device being “bricked” (total inoperability).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi tightened security policies: Attempts to unlock through unofficial methods could lead to lockdown IMEI, After which the smartphone will become a “brick” without the possibility of recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi