How to unlock Xiaomi Mi9 if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Xiaomi Mi9? The situation is familiar to many: the smartphone is blocked after several failed attempts to enter, and access to data becomes impossible. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to unlock, from recovering through Mi Account to using Fastboot and Recovery modes. It is important to understand that some methods will result in a complete data reset, so they should only be used if there is no critical information on the device without a backup.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Mi9, including the nuances for different versions of the firmware (MIUI Global/China/EU), and you will learn how to avoid re-locking and what tools will be needed for each method. If you are not sure about your technical skills, contact the Xiaomi service center to avoid damaging the software of the smartphone.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30% - discharge during the procedure can "brick" the device).
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (required for authorization in Mi Account or downloading firmware).
• 💻 Access to a computer with Windows/macOS/Linux (methodically ADB or Fastboot).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if the Xiaomi Mi9 has a Mi Account attached and Find Device enabled, suitable for MIUI 10 firmware and later, the main advantage is saving data on the phone (if you log in successfully).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (bottom of the screen).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the login/password from the linked account.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new one. PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember your Mi Account data or your device isn't connected to the Internet, this method won't work.

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Before unlocking via Mi Account, make sure that your phone is on mobile Internet or Wi-Fi. Without a network connection, authorization is impossible, even if you remember your login / password.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

The method is suitable if Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the login data. All user data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, but the smartphone itself will return to factory settings. Xiaomi Mi9 uses custom Recovery (if the firmware is not stock) or standard MIUI Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: If Mi9 If you have a firmware with a locked bootloader, resetting via Recovery may not work, in this case you will need to unlock Bootloader via Fastboot (see next section).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

The method involves using a computer and Google's Fastboot utility.

• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked on the phone (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team).
• 💻 There is access to PCs with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 Ready to download the official firmware for Mi9 (For example, from en.miui.com).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect the Mi9 to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
3. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: fastboot devices (the serial number of the device should be displayed).
4. Swipe the stock firmware command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
5. Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot

Download Platform Tools|Install Xiaomi drivers|Download firmware for Mi9 (Global/China)|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Checking the connection with the device (fastboot devices)-->

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical if the firmware process is interrupted, Mi9 It can turn into a brick. Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 (they're more stable) USB 3.0 for Fastboot).

4.Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the Xiaomi Mi9 previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap to unlock the developer options), you can delete password files via ADB. This method does not require data reset, but only works with active debugging.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer (if you see a request on the Mi9 screen).
2. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: adb shell 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
3. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reset, the password will be reset, but you may need to reconfigure the lock screen. If the commands do not work, check root rights or use an alternative method:

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

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging the device, the best option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 🛡️ Data security guarantee (in some cases, specialists can retrieve information even after a reset).
• 🔧 Official unlocking without the risk of "bricking".
• 📄 The possibility of restoring the warranty (if it was valid before the lock).

The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the region and the complexity of the case.

• 📄 Passport of the owner (or document confirming the purchase).
• 📱 The device itself with a charge level of at least 50%.
• 🔑 Checks or warranty card (if any).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid handicraftsmen offering Mi Account bypass unlock for 500 rubles, methods often associated with unofficial firmware installation that can be used to help you get rid of your Mi Account:

• Violates the warranty.
• It can lead to IMEI blocking.
• Threatens data security (viruses, spyware).

6.How to avoid re-blocking: Security tips

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these recommendations:

1. Set up a backup:

• 📱 Use Mi Cloud for automatic backup of contacts, photos and notes.
• 💾 Regularly copy important files to a PC or external drive.

2. Optimize the lock settings:

• 🔐 Install a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlock method.

3. Activate the recovery functions:

• 🔄 Enable Find Device in Mi Account Settings.
• 📧 Link backup email to restore access.

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Even if you use a pattern lock, set a backup PIN-code in the lock screen settings, which will make it easier to unlock in case of input errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi9