How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 10 if you forget your pattern lock or password: all working methods

A forgotten password or pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a bad situation, but it is solvable. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to find a combination at random: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the system can lock the device for 30 minutes or even require a factory reset. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from the simplest (through a tied Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot).

It's important to understand that some methods will lead to loss of data - photos, messages, installed applications. So if there is important information on the phone, try the options without reset first. Also consider that Redmi 10 (models 2021 and 2022 release) may include the feature Protection of Xiaomi device (Mi Protection), which makes it difficult to unlock without the original password.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (if the phone is tied)

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

  • πŸ“± The phone was linked to the Mi Account before being blocked.
  • 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember your account login and password (or you can restore them).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message β€œForgot your password?” or β€œUnlock through Mi Account” appears.
  2. Click on this label and enter details from your Xiaomi account (email or phone number + password).
  3. Confirm the login if you need to enter code from SMS or email.
  4. Create a new password or pattern lock to unlock.

If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, then the unlock function through the account is disabled on the device, in which case, move to other methods.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 10 with your hands and the previous owner did not untie your account, this method will not work.

πŸ“Š How do you normally lock your smartphone?
Password.
pattern lock
Fingerprint.
Face recognition
Don't block it.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

This is a good method if you don't remember the Mi Account data, but the phone has USB debugging enabled (ADB), which doesn't work on all firmware, but it's worth a try.

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and program ADB Tools.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • ⚑ Charging the phone battery at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect Redmi 10 to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd β†’ Enter).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, move on. If not, install the drivers or enable debugging (if the phone is not already locked).
  4. Delete the password file with the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
  5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting, the password should be reset, but all data (photos, apps) will remain in place. If this method does not work, move to the next one.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for discharge through ADB

Done: 0 / 5

3. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If previous methods didn't work, the radical option is factory reset, which will delete all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but unlock the device. On Redmi 10, the reset is done via the Recovery menu.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press on 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. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
  4. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Restart the phone (Reboot).

After the reset, the phone will turn on as new. You will need to go through the initial setup, including linking your Mi Account account.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 10 feature was enabled Protection of Xiaomi device (Mi Protection), after resetting the phone may require you to enter a password from the previous account.In this case, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of a check of purchase.

Unlocking methodIs a Mi Account required?Is the data preserved?Difficulty
Through the Mi Account.Yes.Yes.⭐
ADB (delete gesture.key)No.Yes.⭐⭐⭐
Reset via RecoveryNo.No.⭐⭐
Fastboot (via PC)No.No.⭐⭐⭐⭐

4 Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if resetting through Recovery did not help or the phone does not boot. To work, you will need a computer with Mi Flash Tool installed and firmware for Redmi 10.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 10 (model 21061119AG or 21061119DG) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
  2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
  4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
  5. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  6. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
  7. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  8. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

If the phone requires a password from the previous account after firmware, this means that the device has activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, in which case unlocking is possible only through the service center with proof of ownership.

What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
Make sure Xiaomi drivers are installed for Fastboot mode. try another one USB-cable or port, if you are using Windows 10/11, Turn off driver signature verification (via Run) β†’ gpedit.msc β†’ User configuration β†’ Administrative templates β†’ System system β†’ Installation of the driver β†’ Disable the check).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the official Xiaomi service.

  • πŸ”’ Phone requires password from previous account after reset.
  • πŸ“± The device does not turn on or hangs on the Mi logo.
  • πŸ› οΈ You are not sure about your technical skills and are afraid of damaging your phone.

What will be required for the application:

  • πŸ“„ Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ†” Passport or other identification document.
  • πŸ“± The phone itself with a charge of at least 20%.

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the case. The average deadline is 1-3 working days.

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, make a backup of the IMEI phone (printed on the box or under the battery) to help avoid problems with restoring communication after repair.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

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

  • πŸ” Use a password manager (like Google Password Manager or KeePass) to store complex combinations.
  • πŸ“± Put a fingerprint or facial recognition on your phone – it’s more convenient and reliable.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly (every 1-2 months) back up important data via Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your phone with an up-to-date email and phone number.

You should also disable Xiaomi Device Protection if it is not critical for security. Go to Settings β†’ Password & Security β†’ Device Protection and deactivate the option. However, remember that this will reduce the protection against theft.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to unlock is through a linked Mi Account, which if not available, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot is inevitable, but leads to data loss.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 10

Can I unlock Redmi 10 without losing data?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging. USB (ADB) Or you remember the data from the Mi Account. In the first case, you can delete the file with the password through the command adb shell rm. /data/system/gesture.key. In the second, use the function "Forgot your password?" on the lock screen.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This means that the device activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection) or Mi Protection. Unlock the phone in this case, you can only through the official service Xiaomi, providing proof of purchase (check, box, warranty card).
How to know if USB debugging is enabled on a locked phone?
If debugging was enabled before locking, when you connect to your computer, Android ADB Interface will appear in the Device Manager. If it isn't, then debugging is off and the ADB method won't work. You can check this through the command line: enter adb devices β€” if the list is empty, debugging is off.
Can I unlock Redmi 10 through my Google Account?
No, Xiaomi devices with MIUI firmware do not support unlocking through Google Account.The only official way is Mi Account. Alternative methods (via ADB or Fastboot) require technical skills.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The cost depends on the reason for blocking: Password reset without FRP: ~500-1000 rubles. FRP/Mi Protection bypass: ~1500-3000 rubles (requires proof of ownership). Firmware after an unsuccessful update: ~1000-2000 rubles. The exact price check on the Xiaomi website or by phone hotline.