How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 12: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi 12, are equipped with a multi-level security system that protects the owner’s personal data from unauthorized access. However, situations are different: the device could go to a new owner with a forgotten password, the user could lock the gadget after a failed firmware or required deep customization of the system. Understanding the unlocking processes becomes a critical skill for any Android device owner.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of working with locks on Xiaomi Redmi 12. We will not touch on illegal methods of bypassing stolen devices, but we will describe in detail the technical procedures for removing the bootloader lock, resetting the pattern lock through Recovery and working with the Mi Account. It is important to note at once that any manipulation of system partitions carries certain risks.

Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the difference between the types of locks. FRP-lock (Factory Reset Protection) protects the device after a reset by requiring you to enter a Google account. Mi-account lock links the phone to the manufacturer's cloud service. And finally, Bootloader lock prohibits installing third-party firmware and obtaining root rights. For each of these situations, there are different algorithms for the solution, which we will discuss.

Diagnostics of the type of lock on the device

The first step should always be to identify the problem accurately. If you see a screen asking for a password, a pattern lock, or a graphical key. PIN-The code is the standard lock-down, and when you reset the settings, the phone requires you to enter a previously synchronized Google or Mi Account, it's about protection against theft. You can only determine the status of the bootloader in a special mode.

To check the status of Bootloader on Redmi 12, you need to turn the smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device completely, and then press the volume and power down buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the image with the android hare appears. At the top of the screen will be the inscription "FASTBOOT", and just below - lock status.

• 🔒 Locked – the bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer, the installation of custom recavers is impossible without official unlocking.
• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked, the device is open for modifications, but data protection is reduced.
• ⚠️ Warning – the device is in test mode or has a damaged partition table.

⚠️ Note: If the lock screen displays a message "This device is locked" with a specific Mi Account attached and you don't know the password from it, there are no official ways to unlock it.

Understanding the current status of the device will avoid unnecessary actions, for example, trying to flash custom recavators on a locked bootloader will only lead to the verification failed error. At the same time, if your goal is simply to reset a forgotten password from the screen, Fastboot mode may not be necessary, and a standard Wipe Data will be enough.

Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock

Xiaomi provides a legal tool to remove the restrictions of the bootloader, but this process is not without bureaucratic hurdles. First you need a Mi Account tied to the device, and the Mi Unlock Tool installed on your computer.

The process starts with activating developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version) until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Then go to Additional → For Developers and activate Factory Unlock and USB Debugging. This is where the critical account binding to the device takes place.

Once these settings are enabled, the phone will suggest linking the device to your account. Be sure to use mobile Internet (Wi-Fi needs to be turned off), as the server is verified via the mobile network. Once successfully linked, the system will report that the device has been added. From now on, the waiting time will pass, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), although recently for some regions it may be reduced or, conversely, increased to 30 days.

When the wait period expires, you can start the procedure on your PC. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same account as your phone. Put Redmi 12 into Fastboot mode (down volume + power buttons) and cable it to your computer. Press the Unlock button in the program. If the timer is not already expired, the tool will report it. If the time is up, the unlock process will begin, which will completely clear the data on the phone.

Resetting password and pattern lock via Recovery

If your goal is to access the system because of a forgotten screen lock password and the data on the device is of no value, the most effective method is a full reset (Hard Reset).This procedure will return the Xiaomi Redmi 12 to a factory state by removing all user files, photos and applications.

To enter Recovery mode, modern HyperOS or MIUI 14 models use a combination of buttons when the device is off. Press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume until the main Recovery menu appears.

In the Recovery menu, the touch screen is not working, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is with the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item. After selecting the submenu, where you need to select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm, the system will warn you about the loss of data, which you need to answer in the affirmative.

Once the cleaning process is complete, which can take a few minutes, the phone will automatically restart.The first boot after the reset will last longer than usual.

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If after resetting the phone requires a Google account that you don’t remember, try to restore access to it through your computer at accounts.google.com. Without this step, the device will remain locked.

FRP (Google Account Lock) after resetting

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is an Android security mechanism that prevents you from using your device after you have forced a reset. If you have done a Hard Reset on Redmi 12, the system will require you to enter the Google account data that was synced to your phone before the reset, so that thieves can't use the stolen devices.

There are several scenarios: If you remember your login but you forgot your password, you can recover it from any other computer or phone. Go to the Google account recovery page, follow the password reset instructions. Note that you may need to wait 24 hours before logging in after you change your password on your Android device.

In situations where access to an account cannot be restored, users often look for ways to bypass FRP. It is worth noting that with each new version of Android and a security patch, Google closes the vulnerabilities used to bypass. Techniques running on Android 11 may not be useful on Android 13/14, which is on the Redmi 12.

• 🔑 TalkBack is a method based on access to a voice assistant to call a browser (often closed with patches).
• 💻 Firmware through EDL — requires an authorized Mi Account and paid services, available only in service centers.
• 🛠️ Specialized boxes - hardware for resetting FRP, phone-defeating.

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party software to hack FRP It may be considered a violation of the law if the device does not belong to you.The official way is to submit a check for purchase to an authorized service center.

Using ADB and Fastboot for advanced users

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot open up a wide range of management options for Xiaomi Redmi 12. These tools are included in the Android SDK Platform Tools. With their help you can not only reflash the device, but also remove system applications, make full backups and diagnose errors.

To use ADB, the phone must have USB debugging enabled. Connect the device to a PC, open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the tool folder. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

You'll see a request for debugging permission from this computer on the screen, and after confirmation, the console will display the serial number of the device with the status "device." Now you can execute commands, for example, to reboot to Recovery mode:

adb reboot recovery

Fastboot allows low-level operations. The fastboot device team checks the connection in this mode. With Fastboot, you can unlock the bootloader (if you get permission from Xiaomi) with the fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock, but on new Xiaomi devices this only works in conjunction with the official Mi Unlock toule.

It is important to be careful when typing commands. A syntax error or trying to write the wrong image into a partition can lead to brick. Always check the compatibility of firmware images for your model. Redmi 12 has several modifications (4G, 5G, NFC), and the firmware is not interchangeable.

Frequent problems and solutions

Users may encounter various difficulties in unlocking or resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 12. One of the most common is drivers. Windows 10 and 11 usually automatically install the necessary drivers, but sometimes the device is defined as "Unknown Device" or "QDLoader 9008." In the latter case, the phone is in emergency EDL boot mode.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't verify device" or "Error 10027" error, check the following:

1. Whether the original is used USB-cable (cheap cables often only work for charging).

2. whether the phone is connected directly to the motherboard port (back of the PC), and not through USB-hub.

3. Does the antivirus or firewall block the connection to Xiaomi servers?

Another problem is the endless restart (bootloop) after unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware, which will help to log in to Recovery and reset data (Wipe Data), if this does not help, you will need to flash the stock version of the software through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

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Stability of work USB-Cables and ports are critical success factors: 90% of firmware errors are due to poor contact or poor quality wire.

Also worth mentioning is the problem of blocking your Mi Account after flashing it. If you didn't log out before resetting (Settings → Mi Account → Sign out), the phone will lock when you first turn on, the only way to avoid this is to remember your password or unplug your device from your account beforehand via i.mi.com.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions