How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 9T if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

A forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi 9T can become a real headache, especially if the smartphone stores important data. Unlike Apple devices, where unlocking without a password often requires contacting the service center, Redmi owners have several working ways to return access themselves.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking in detail, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (via Fastboot and EDL). Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Redmi 9T: models with a Snapdragon 460 processor do not support unlocking through Mi Flash in EDL mode without authorization, which narrows the list of working methods.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method that doesn’t require a data reset is to use a Xiaomi account that works if:

  • πŸ”Ή Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • πŸ”Ή You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
  • πŸ”Ή The β€œFind the device” function was not disabled on the phone"

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (bottom of the screen).
  2. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
  3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
  4. Follow the system instructions to create a new lock password.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but have not updated it on your smartphone, the system may request the old account password, in which case, try to restore access to your account through account.xiaomi.com.

πŸ“Š You link your smartphone to your Mi Account?
Yeah, always.
Only if required
No, I don't see the point.
I don't know what it is.

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (reset to factory settings)

If Mi Account is lost, the radical method is a complete reset, which removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. On Redmi 9T, the reset is done via the Recovery menu, but there are important nuances:

Turn off your smartphone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds)

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Prepare. SIM-card or flash drive with firmware (in case of errors)

Remember your Mi Account (required after reset)

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Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off Redmi 9T (if it is frozen, shut down the power for 20 seconds).
  2. Press both Power and Volume up at the same time, hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and click Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action, wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
  5. Reboot your phone with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ After Hard Reset Redmi, I'm Reading 9T This may require you to enter Mi Account data that was previously associated with the device (FRP). If you do not remember the login / password, you will have to use methods of bypassing. FRP (described below) or contact the service centre.

πŸ’‘

If the phone asks for an old password after reset, try connecting to Wi-Fi and entering Mi Account details via a browser on another device - sometimes this removes the lock.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times to unlock the developer options)
  • πŸ”§ Access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
  • πŸ”§ You are ready for possible data loss

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on PC.
  2. Connect the Redmi 9T switched off to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
  3. In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) run: fastboot devices If the device is determined, type: fastboot oem clean_all or for new versions MIUI: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp
  4. Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
Team team.DescriptionRisks.
fastboot oem clean_allFull reset to factory settingsDelete all data, may require FRP-circumvention
fastboot erase userdataDeletes user dataIt can lead to a hang on the logo.
fastboot erase frpReset Factory Reset ProtectionIt doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9T fastboot commands can be blocked. If an error occurs after entering the command FAILED (remote: 'Command not allowed', try unlocking the bootloader first via the Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waits 72–168 hours).

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypasses Hard Reset

If Redmi 9T requires Mi Account data entry after resetting, you don’t remember, you’ll need to bypass FRP. This method doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI and may require additional tools.

Ways of circumvention:

  • πŸ“± Using emergency call: On the lock screen, press Emergency call. dial ##4636## (may not work on new firmware). If the test menu opens, go to Settings and turn off FRP.
  • πŸ–₯️ Through PCs and tools like Mi FRP Tool: Download Mi FRP Bypass Tool (e.g. Xiaomi Tool) V2). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. Follow the instructions of the reset program FRP.
What happens if you get the wrong FRP?
Incorrect FRP bypass can lead to: - Complete locking of the device (requires firmware via EDL). - IMEI loss (phone will not catch the network). - Hanging on the Mi logo (needs a reset via Fastboot).

5. Unlock via EDL and TestPoint modes (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a "emergency" firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even when you lock it completely. However, on the Redmi 9T with a Snapdragon 460 processor, this method has limitations:

  • ⚠️ You need an authorized Xiaomi account to use the Mi Flash Tool.
  • ⚠️ The wrong firmware can "kill" the device.
  • ⚠️ On the new versions MIUI EDL-The mode can be blocked without physical access to TestPoint.

If you are willing to take a risk, follow the instructions:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9T (select the Fastboot version).
  2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
  3. Turn your phone into EDL mode: Turn off your phone. Close the TestPoint contacts (requires disassembly of the device or a special cable). Connect to a PC, the device will be identified as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

πŸ’‘

Firmware via EDL without Xiaomi authorization on the Redmi 9T often leads to an SLA Auth error.This means that official access is required, which can only be obtained at the service center.

6. Alternative methods and what to do if nothing has worked

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider the following options:

  • πŸ“ž Contact the service center: Official Xiaomi services can unlock the device on the documents of ownership (check or warranty card.
  • πŸ”„ Update through OTA Bypassing locks: Sometimes Wi-Fi connection and forced system upgrades through Settings help β†’ The phone. β†’ Update MIUI. After the update, the lock may be reset.
  • πŸ› οΈ Replacement of the motherboard: The last method, if the smartphone "brickled" after unsuccessful manipulations.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using "magic" commands like adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key I'm going to use it to reset my password. 9T s MIUI 12+ These methods don't work because of the changed lock-in structure!

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 9T

Can I unlock Redmi 9T without losing data?
Theoretically, yes, but only if: You have a Mi Account tied and available. The smartphone has USB debugging enabled and you have previously authorized the PC (you can try ADB commands to delete lock files).
Why does a Hard Reset phone ask for an old password?
This is triggered by Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection, which is tied to the Mi Account that was on the device before the reset, and if you don't remember your account information, you'll have to bypass FRP (see section 4) or contact the service.
Can I unlock Redmi 9T with my Google Account?
No. Since MIUI 10, Xiaomi has removed the ability to unlock through Google Account. Now only Mi Account works.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The cost depends on the method: FRP reset via software: 1000-1500 rubles. firmware through EDL: 2000-3000 rubles. Replacement of the fee (if the smartphone is "brick"): from 5000 rubles. In official services Xiaomi can request documents for the phone.
How to avoid blocking in the future?
Follow the simple rules: Attach Mi Account and record data in a safe place. Use fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock. Regularly back up through Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup. Don't turn off Find Device in your account settings.