Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The phone locked after failed attempts to enter a password, and on the screen the inscription "Device locked. try again in 24 hours"? Making matters worse, the smartphone holds important photos, contacts, or work documents that cannot be lost. Fortunately, there are several legitimate ways to unlock without factory resetting - but each has its pitfalls.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Working methods of unlocking Redmi Note 9 Pro (models) joyeuse/curtana) data storage, including bypassing the blocking via Mi Account, use ADB-commands, Fastboot and Recovery modes, as well as the nuances of working with firmware MIUI 12β14. We'll focus on the risks of data loss and how to minimize them if you've tried standard methods (like putting in backups). PIN-code and they didnβt work β this is the manual for you.
β οΈ Important: Unlocking methods without data reset work only if two conditions are met:
- The smartphone has USB debugging enabled (even if you donβt remember it).
- You have access to the Mi Account associated with the device (or remember the username/password).
If both conditions are not met, the chances of saving data tend to zero β you will have to do Hard Reset with a complete memory cleanup.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and secure method is to use a Xiaomi account that works even if you forget the pattern lock, but remember the data from the Mi Account. The algorithm depends on the version of MIUI and the state of the device.
If after several unsuccessful attempts to enter a password on the screen appeared a notification βForgot your password?β or βUnlock through Mi Accountβ, follow the instructions:
- Click on the link "Forgot your password?" under the input field.
- Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (the same one used to log in to Mi Cloud).
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
If the button is not available and the phone is locked:
- Connect the Redmi Note 9 Pro to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile network (if data transfer is enabled in a locked state).
- Restart the device. Once you turn on the lock screen, you should see the option to log in via Mi Account.
- Enter your account details. The system will suggest you create a new password or reset an old one.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Cloud or changed your account password, this method may not work, in which case the system will require confirmation through the old device to which the account is associated.
2. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
It is suitable for users who have previously activated the developer mode and enabled USB Debugging. Even if you donβt remember it, check it out β it may already be active.
To unlock, you will need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- β‘ Charging the smartphone battery at least 30%.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Redmi Note 9 Pro to your PC.
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
- Delete the password file (for MIUI 12β14): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Once you reboot, the lock screen should disappear, and if not, repeat the commands or check if the file layout in your version of MIUI has changed.
βοΈ Preparation for unblocking through ADB
3 Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)
If USB debugging is disabled but you have access to Fastboot mode, you can try bypassing the lock through it.This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, but for the Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware up to MIUI 13, the odds are high.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Check the connection: fastboot devices
- Enter the command to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 14, this command can require confirmation via Mi Account, even in Fastboot!
- Delete the lock files (alternative method): fastboot erase userdata Attention! This command clears the partition with user data, but does not always affect internal memory. The chance to save files is ~50%.
If the lock is still locked after the restart, but the phone asks for it PIN-The code to decrypt the data means that the disk encryption has been turned on, and then you can't save the data.
What if the Fastboot doesnβt recognize the device?
4. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (with the risk of data loss)
Recovery mode on Xiaomi allows you to reset your settings, but usually it deletes all data. However, some firmware has a loophole: you can turn off password verification when you download without affecting user files.
How to get to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the menu appears.
- Choose a language (if required).
The following is based on the MIUI version:
- π§ MIUI 12 and below: Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data, but don't confirm reset! instead, press Reboot. Sometimes it only resets the lock settings.
- π§ MIUI 13β14: Try to connect to the PC through ADB Recovery and execute commands: Adb shell mount /data rm /data/system/locksettings.db
β οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) Wipe Data almost always results in a complete reset. Use it only if other methods have failed.
| Unlocking method | Mi Account required | Debugging over USB is required | Risk of data loss | It's working on MIUI 14. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | β Yes. | β No. | β No. | β Yes. |
| Through ADB | β No. | β Yes. | β No. | β οΈ Partially. |
| Through Fastboot. | β οΈ Sometimes. | β No. | β οΈ 50% | β No. |
| Through Recovery. | β No. | β No. | β High-pitched | β No. |
5. Alternative methods: bypassing the lock through service centers
If the independent attempts are unsuccessful, there are two options:
- Official Xiaomi Service Center. Providing proof of purchase (check or box), you can request unlock with data (~1500β3000 β½), but it guarantees results.
- Unofficial services. Many workshops offer unlocking through EDL-mode (emergency firmware). Risks: πΈ Cost higher than 3,000 β½). π Possible loss of warranty. π± There is a chance to βbrickβ the device with a firmware error.
β οΈ Note: Before contacting the service, make sure that the wizard has experience with the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Some models (joyeuse for the global version, curtana for the Indian) require different firmware.
π‘
If you decide to bring your phone to the service, check first if disk encryption is enabled in the settings (Settings β Additional β Encryption). If so, let the wizard know: this will affect the choice of unlock method.
6.What to do if nothing helps: Hard Reset with backup
If all methods are exhausted, and data is critical, the last option is to reset to factory settings with pre-extract data.
Method 1: Retrieval of data via TWRP (if installed)
The official centers of Xiaomi in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service.