How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 if you forget your password or pattern lock

Why Redmi Note 3 is locked forever and what to do

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a problem that thousands of users face even 8 years after the release of the model. Unlike modern smartphones, this device has a unique feature: after 5 failed attempts to enter it, it offers to enter a Mi Account, but if you do not have one or you do not remember the data, the device is locked forever without the ability to unlock through standard methods.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to unlock (including those that are not officially supported), their pros and cons, and the risks from data loss to the complete “bricking” of the phone. It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 3 (codenamed kenzo) has a closed bootloader, and many methods that work on new models are not applicable here. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have access to the Mi Account tied to your phone (even if you don’t remember the password, it can be restored).
• 📱 Are your critical data backups (photos, contacts) saved in the cloud or on PC.
• 🔧 Do you have any? USB-cable and computer (for methods with Fastboot or ADB).

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the only legitimate way that does not require a data reset or breach warranty, but it only works if:

• 📧 The phone is linked to your Mi Account (you have previously logged in).
• 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember. email/Your phone and password (or you can restore them).

If after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the phone offers to enter Mi Account data, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot your password? (or similar).
2. Enter the email/phone associated with the account and the password.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you will be able to set a new password.

⚠️ Note: If you have never logged in to Mi Account on this phone or reset it via Recovery before, this method will not work.

If you do not remember the password of the account:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the recovery instructions (access to email/phone required).
3. If your account is not restored, create a new one and try to unlock your phone through a device search service (it doesn’t always work).

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If the phone doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi on the lock screen, try entering a random password 5 times to trigger the Mi Account entry window – sometimes this works even without the internet.

Method 2: Recovery (Data Loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, the only official way is to hard-dump through the Recovery menu, which will delete all the data on the phone, including photos, apps and settings, but will return access to the device.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (kenzo):

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it is frozen).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data (or ).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
5. Once completed, select Reboot and wait for the reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

⚠️ Warning: Some of the firmware after a reset may require the phone to enter the Mi Account that was tied before the reset, and if you don't remember it, the device will become a brick. FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).

If the phone needs an old Mi Account after reset:

• 🔧 Try entering the account details that were previously linked (even if you don’t remember it – restore the password).
• 📱 If your account is not restored, go to the ways with Fastboot or ADB.

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Recovery resetting is the easiest way, but it only works if the phone is not tied to Mi Account or you remember your account details.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)

If the reset via Recovery does not help because of FRP-Locking, you can try unlocking the bootloader and flashing the phone through Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Important: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 has a closed bootloader, and its unlock is officially only possible through permission from Xiaomi.However, there are informal ways of bypassing, which we will discuss below.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Utilities: ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 3 (kenzo) in.tgz or.zip format.

Steps to unlock:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer (unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device is not detected, install Xiaomi drivers.
4. Unlock the bootloader (this will delete all data!): fastboot oem unlock If the command does not work - try: fastboot oem unlock-go
5. Swipe the phone with the official firmware: fastboot flash all firmware.zip (replace the firmware.zip with your file name).

If the fastboot oem unlock command gives a Device not unlocked error:

• 🔧 Try using Mi Flash Unlock (official but requires permission from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ If unlocking fails - you will have to look for unofficial firmware with a bypass FRP (riskyly!).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain malicious code or may not work well, use it only if other methods have not worked and you understand the risks.

Method 4: Bypassing the lock through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

This method only works if you have enabled USB Debugging in the developer settings before blocking, and if not, skip this section.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices If the device is defined, move on.
3. Delete the password file (this will reset the pattern lock/password): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for newer versions of Android: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable (sometimes it helps to change the port).
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB Recovery (if there is such a point).
• 🔧 The command is adb shell am start. -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

If USB debugging has been disabled, this method won’t work – move on to other methods.

Method 5: Service Center and Alternative Methods

If all of the above methods do not help, there are two options:

1. Xiaomi's official service center: Give a check or a box from your phone - they can unlock the device by serial number (sometimes paid).
2. Unofficial workshops. Many services offer unlocking through EDL-mode (emergency firmware), but it requires special equipment and risks "bricking" the phone.

The cost of unlocking services (2026):

Before you bring your phone to the service:

• 📋 Check if you have a guarantee to unlock.
• 🔍 Check out the reviews about the workshop (many "specialists" spoil phones).
• 💰 Compare the price of unlocking and the price of a used Redmi Note 3 (sometimes cheaper to buy a new one).

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If the phone is locked because of Mi Account, and you do not remember the data – the official Xiaomi service can only help if there is a check or a box with IMEI.

What to do after unlocking: safety tips

If you have managed to unlock Redmi Note 3, follow these guidelines to avoid being blocked again:

• 🚫 Do not install unofficial firmware without experience – this can lead to repeated blocking.

If you are planning to sell or transfer your phone:

1. Reset it through Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Delete Mi Account in your account settings.
3. Untie your device from your i.mi.com account.

For additional protection:

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Install Xiaomi’s Find Device app, which will help you find or lock your phone in case of theft, and reset your password remotely (if your device is connected to the Internet).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 3