How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 9S: the complete guide

The situation when access to Xiaomi Redmi 9S is limited can occur for various reasons, from the banal forgetfulness of the password to buying a device from hands with a binding to someone else's account. Owners often face the need to unlock the screen, remove the protection of Google FRP or unplug Mi Account. It is important to understand that the process of restoring access depends on the type of lock and the initial state of the system.

Modern smartphones, including the Redmi 9S model based on the Snapdragon 720G processor, are equipped with serious data protection mechanisms, which means that simply removing the battery, as in older phones, will not help here, since the battery is not removable.

In this article, we will discuss all possible lock scenarios in detail, we will look at standard methods of resetting through the recavers, the use of service codes, working with the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader and bypassing the protection of accounts. Be careful: some actions can lead to complete deletion of data, so approach the process consciously.

Types of locks on Xiaomi Redmi 9S

Before you start active action, you need to identify the problem. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9S there are several layers of protection, each of which has its own features of removal. Misiding the type of lock can lead to a loss of time or locking the device over IMEI.

The most common option is to lock the screen, and the user forgets the pattern lock, PIN-code or digital password. Android system in conjunction with the shell MIUI It limits the number of attempts to enter, and after several failures, it suggests waiting or resetting the device.

A more complicated case is account binding. Mi Account (Mi Cloud) and Google Account (FRP) are designed to protect against theft, and if you reset the settings of a phone like this, the next time you activate it, it will require you to enter the username and password from an account that was synced earlier, and without that data, it's very easy to turn the phone into a brick.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Attempting to unlock someone else's device without the owner's consent is illegal.All of the methods described are designed to restore access to your personal gadgets or devices that you can document as your possession.

There is also a Bootloader lock, which is closed by default on global firmware versions, which does not give the user the right to make changes to the system partition, install custom recoveries or obtain root rights. Unlocking the bootloader is a separate process that requires permission from Xiaomi.

Resetting the pattern lock and password through Recovery

If you canโ€™t get into the smartphone menu because of a forgotten password, the most effective regular method is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which is guaranteed to delete all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, but return access to the system.

To enter recovery mode on the Redmi 9S, you need to perform a certain sequence of actions with the buttons. It is important that the device is completely turned off before the procedure begins. If the phone cyclically restarts, wait for the moment of complete screen cancelling.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4

The way you go in is to press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, keep the volume still. In a few seconds, the main Recovery Mode menu will appear.

In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item. After selecting, the system can request confirmation of action, often requiring you to enter the word yes or select Confirm. After completing the cleaning process, select Reboot.

โš ๏ธ Warning: After reset via Recovery on Redmi 9S protection FRP. You will need a login and password from a Google account that was previously synced with this phone.

Use Find Device Services for Remote Access

If the internet was turned on on on the blocked Xiaomi Redmi 9S and the device search feature is activated, you can try to unlock it remotely.This works for both the Mi Account and Google services, although the latterโ€™s effectiveness has declined in recent years due to Android security updates.

For Mi Account holders, there is an official portal i.mi.com. By logging into your profile from a computer or another phone, you can see the location of the device and manage it. the Erase function will perform a similar action as a reset via Recovery, but remotely.

What to do if the search function is not enabled?
If you havenโ€™t activated your device search in Mi Cloud or Google settings before blocking, the remote method wonโ€™t work, in which case only hardware button resets or the use of specialized software are left if the security vulnerabilities are not already closed by the manufacturer.

Google Find My Device also lets you control your device. Go to android.com/find and log in. If your phone is online, you can select the "Clean the Device" option, which will delete your screen password, but again, you'll need to enter your Google account when you first download it.

The advantage of using Find Device services is the ability to see when the phone was last online. If the device is offline, the reset command will queue up and execute automatically as soon as the Redmi 9S connects to Wi-Fi or mobile network.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

Many users want to unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 9S to install custom firmware or gain advanced rights. The official method requires filing an application with Xiaomi and waiting for a response.

The procedure begins with the Mi Account being linked to the device, and the Developer Menu (activated by clicking seven times on the build number in About Phone) must enable the option. OEM-unlock and unlock the bootloader, and then the phone is tied to your account.

๐Ÿ“Š Have you been waiting for the bootloader to unlock?
Waited 7 days
Waited 360 hours (15 days)
Unlocked immediately.
I haven't tried to unlock at all.

Next, you will need the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your PC. After starting the program and logging into your account, switch the phone to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume and power button when the phone is turned off). Connect the cable and press the Unlock button in the program.

The system will report status, often requiring a wait of 7 to 15 days (360 hours), which is a restriction that is imposed to prevent attackers from quickly unlocking stolen phones, and once the waiting time has expired, the procedure will be successful, but all data on the phone will be deleted.

Bypassing the blocking of Google account (FRP)

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is a major hurdle for those who bought the phone from hand and do not know the passwords of the previous owner. On the Redmi 9S with Android 10/11 and the MIUI 12/13/14 shell, the methods of bypassing are constantly changing as Google closes the vulnerabilities.

There are several basic approaches to this problem, and one of them is using TalkBack, but on newer versions. MIUI This method is often blocked. More relevant are the methods associated with the installation of specialized equipment. APK-Files via browser or emergency call menu.

Often, the method of activating menus is used through code. In the dialing field (if available) or through Google voice input, enter commands to open hidden menus. However, on Redmi 9S, the number input field for FRP is often blocked completely.

Bypass methodDifficultyThe risk of blockingRequired SOFTWARE
TalkBack (gestures)Tall.Medium.No.
Install APK (via browser)MediumLow.File Manager, APK
Program reset (PC)Low.High-pitchedMi Flash Pro, Test Point
Service centreLow.Absent.Checks, papers.

The most reliable, but paid way is to use boxed solutions (Dongle) or professional software like UnlockTool or Chimera. These tools require subscription payment and often use the EDL (Emergency Download) mode, which on the Redmi 9S can require opening the case and closing contacts (Test Point) on the board.

Unlocking from the operator (Sim Lock)

If your Xiaomi Redmi 9S is locked in a specific carrier (such as Vodafone, Orange or the US versions), it will not work with SIM cards from other providers, and you can determine this by saying โ€œSIM network unlock PINโ€ when inserting another card.

The official way is to contact the operator who sold the phone, and they usually require that the device be online for a certain period of time (3 to 12 months) and not be in debt, in which case the unlock code is provided free of charge.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 9S, be sure to check the operator's lock status. Insert a SIM card from another provider. If the phone requests a network unlock code and you do not plan to receive it from the operator, you should not buy such a device.

There are services that provide IMEI unlock codes for a fee. The algorithm is simple: you send IMEI and model, pay for service, and after a while you get a unique code, type it into your phone, and it becomes universal (Sim Free).

It is important to distinguish between software unlocking and hardware methods. For the Redmi 9S, software unblocking is not always possible, especially on newer versions of base stations. Using cheap or free code generators from the Internet often leads to locking the phone over IMEI forever.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Never enter random network unlock codes. Three misty inputs can lock the phone permanently, and it can only be restored by soldering the memory chip or replacing the motherboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I unlock the Redmi 9S without losing data?
In most cases, if you forget your screen password, unlocking without losing data is impossible because of the storage encryption in Android. The only exception is if the phone has been enabled to debug USB and you previously trusted this computer, then you can try tools like ADB, but on modern versions of MIUI this rarely works.
What to do if your phone says โ€œDevice Lockedโ€ when you boot?
When you turn on, the message "Device locked" means that the bootloader is locked, which is normal for most users. If you're not planning to flash it to custom versions, you don't have to do anything, the phone will work properly. If you're trying to flash custom firmware, the bootloader needs to be unlocked through Mi Unlock.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The cost of service centers varies: an official account reset with a check can be free or cost a token amount for diagnosis. Undocumented FRP withdrawal or unblocking a bootloader in informal services can cost anywhere from 10 to 50 dollars depending on the complexity and equipment used.
Is it safe to use software to unlock from a PC?
Using untested software carries risks: you can inject a virus into your computer or get a damaged system on your phone, you should use only known tools with developer forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA) or contact professionals. Always back up important data before experimenting.
Can I unlock the Redmi 9S if I find it?
No, unlocking a found or stolen phone is illegal, modern security mechanisms (Mi Account, Google FRP) are designed to make the device useless to outsiders, and the only legal way for a finder to contact the owner through the lock screen (if there is a number) or turn the device over to the police.