How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi S2: bootloader, Mi-account and pattern lock

Xiaomi Redmi S2, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone due to balanced performance and support for MIUI. However, many users are faced with the need to unlock the device – whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, tied Mi-account after buying a used phone or the desire to install custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Redmi S2, taking into account the features of the model: from official methods through the Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds to unblock Mi-accounts without losing data. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of blocking IMEI if the bootloader is not correctly unlocked on older versions of MIUI – a problem faced by owners of devices 2018-2019.

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, it is important to understand what type of lock is preventing you from using the Redmi S2:

• 🔓 pattern lock/PIN-Code: The screen is locked, but the phone is turned on.
• 📱 Mi-account – requires entering a login / password after resetting or at the first inclusion.
• 🔧 Bootloader – you need to install custom Recovery or firmware.

Each case requires a different approach, for example, unlocking a Mi Account on the Redmi S2 is complicated by Xiaomi’s tightening of security policies: from 2020, untying may require SMS confirmation of a number associated with the account, and if the phone is purchased from hand, you do not know that number.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi S2 firmware-old MIUI 12 Attempting to unlock the bootloader through informal tools (e.g., a Fastboot with a patch) can result in a lock IMEI. This will make the phone unsuitable for calls!

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Charged phone (at least 60%) – unlocking can take up to 30 minutes.
• 💻 Windows computer (for Mi Unlock Tool or ADB).
• 📋 Data from Mi-account (if the phone is tied).
• 🔗 Cable USB (Original or quality – cheap cables can interrupt the connection).

2. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-redmi S2, There are several ways to return access:

Method 1: Mi-account (if the phone is tied)

If your phone is connected to the Internet and you have access to your Mi Account, use the Find the device function:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi S2 from the list of devices.
3. Click Delete Data → Erase the device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The phone will be reset to factory settings and the screen lock is removed.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (without data loss)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data, try bypassing the lock via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm reset (on some versions of MIUI this method does not work due to protection).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi S2 firmware MIUI 11+ Recovery resets may not remove the screen lock due to additional protection, in which case only the firmware via Fastboot will help (see section 4).

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If the phone is resetting, you need to enter the old PIN-Wi-Fi connection code, try entering 0000 or 1234 – sometimes it works on older versions MIUI.

3. Unlock Mi Account on Redmi S2

Mi Account binding is one of the most common issues when buying a used Redmi S2. Xiaomi has introduced this protection to combat theft, but it often interferes with legitimate owners. Consider legal and alternative ways to unblock.

Official method: through proof of ownership

If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your account, try:

1. Contact the seller to remove the device from his account on account.xiaomi.com.
2. If the connection with the seller is lost, collect checks/documents about the purchase and contact Xiaomi with a request to unlock.

Xiaomi can require a scan of passports and documents on the phone, a process that takes 3 to 14 days.

Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official path is not available, you can try:

• 🔧 Fastboot firmware – removes the account binding but requires an unlocked bootloader (see Section 4).
• 📱 Exploiting vulnerabilities MIUI — on older versions (up to) MIUI 10) work bypass scripts through ADB.
• 💰 Contacting the service center – some workshops offer the service of withdrawing a Mi Account for 1000-3000 ₽ (lockdown IMEI!).

⚠️ Note: Methods of bypassing the Mi-account through EDL-The mode (emergency firmware) on Redmi S2 Often leads to blocking IMEI, If an unofficial auth file is used, Xiaomi monitors such actions and can block the network on the device.

4 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi S2

Unlocking the loader is necessary for:

• 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk.
• 🔓 Bypassing the Mi Account lock (if other methods have not worked).

The Redmi S2 is complicated by Xiaomi suspending its unlocking support for older models via the Mi Unlock Tool, but the workarounds are still working.

Step 1: Getting permission to unblock

Even if the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t give you permission right away, try:

1. Sign in to the Mi-account on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Step 2: Bypassing restrictions through Fastboot

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, try it.

1. Download a patch for Fastboot (e.g. XiaomiTool V2).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. In the command line, run: fastboot oem unlock-go If the command doesn't work, use: fastboot flashing unlock

Instructions for firmware through Fastboot

Procedure:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi S2 (model code – ysl).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Connect to the PC and launch the file flash_all.bat (Windows).

It takes 5-10 minutes, and then the phone automatically restarts.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL (emergency mode) on Redmi S2 requires an auth file that Xiaomi only gives to authorized service centers. IMEI!

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Fastboot firmware is the safest way to bring your phone back to life if other methods don’t work, and the key is to use the official firmware for the Redmi S2 (ysl) and not interrupt the process.

6. Frequent errors and their solution

When you unlock the Redmi S2, you're going to have a problem with the typical ones.

If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, try:

• 🔄 Go to Recovery and make Wipe Data.
• 📥 Fastboot phone search (see section 5).
• 🔧 Install custom Recovery (TWRP) sniff ZIP correctively.

7. Alternative methods of unlocking

If standard methods do not help, consider the following options:

1.Use of vulnerabilities in MIUI

On the firmware MIUI 9-10 for Redmi S2 run exploits that allow you to bypass the lock through ADB.

1. Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
2. In the command line, run: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric input text 1234 input keyevent 66 This will reset the pattern lock to 1234.

Important: This method does not work on MIUI 11+ due to patched vulnerabilities.

2. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If the phone is locked on the Mi-account and you have the documents for the purchase, you can officially request unlocking:

• 📄 Prepare a check, a warranty card or a sales contract.
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi on support@xiaomi.com The Unlock Mi Account for Redmi S2".
• 🕒 Term of consideration - from 3 to 14 days.

3. Use of boxes (for experienced users)

Special hardware boxes (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro) allow:

• 🔓 Remove Mi Accounts without Losing Data.
• 📱 Restore IMEI post-fast-fast.
• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader on non-upported models.

Cons: the cost of services in services - from 1500 ₽, Buying a box alone will cost 10,000.+ ₽.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions