Forgot the password, PIN-Previous articlecode or pattern lock on Xiaomi smartphone? the situation is familiar to many: the phone is locked after 10 There are, fortunately, official and informal unlocking methods available, from recovery via Mi Account to reset via Fastboot or Recovery. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to use Redmi devices, POCO and Xiaomi MIUI 14/15, including models with Qualcomm and Mediatek chips.
It's important to understand that some methods will lead to complete loss of data (photos, messages, applications). Others require prior preparation, such as the enabled debugging over USB or the associated Mi Account. We will describe each option in detail, its pros, cons and nuances for specific models. If you are not sure about your actions, you better contact the service center - the wrong manipulation can turn the phone into a brick.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest method is if your phone has a Xiaomi account tied and sync enabled, and works on most devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?" Click on it and follow the instructions:
- π± Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- π Confirm your identity through SMS-code.
- π Create a new password or pattern lock.
If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try entering any password 5 times in a row - the system must offer recovery. Restriction: the method does not work if the device is disabled sync with Mi Cloud or resets to factory settings.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A Recovery via Mi Account may require confirmation through SMS In this case, use alternative methods.
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If the Mi Account is not tied or the phone is not connected to the Internet, there is a hard reset via the recovery menu, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and installed apps, and is suitable for most models, except for devices with blocked Recovery (for example, some versions of the Redmi K50 for China).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Once completed, restart the device via Reboot.
On some devices (e.g. POCO F4), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.Look for items with characters (data cleanup) and (reboot).
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Does the discharge support |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Volume up + Nutrition | Yes. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Volume up + Nutrition | Yes (Mi Account confirmation may be required) |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | Volume up + Nutrition | Yeah, but the reset could block the bootloader. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Volume up + Nutrition | Yes (on Chinese firmware - partially) |
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)
The method is suitable if Recovery is blocked or not working.Requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool.Caution: improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module.
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm/Mediatek drivers (depending on the processor).
- Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
- Press Refresh, then Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
After flashing the phone unlocks, but all data will be erased. Some models (for example, Xiaomi 11T) may need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
β οΈ Note: Fastboot firmware on Mediatek devices (e.g. Redmi) 10A) It requires an additional auth file from Xiaomi.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
4.Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been activated debugging USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times to unlock the developer options, you can reset the password through ADB It's a data-free method. MIUI 12-15, but requires prior preparation.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and confirm your trust in your computer (if you receive a request).
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd).
- Enter the commands in order: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
After the reboot, the lock will be reset. If the commands do not work, try the alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGenericThis will force the system to offer a new password.
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If ADB doesnβt see the device, upgrade the Android SDK platform through Android Studio or install the minimum command-line tools package from Google.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all of the above methods have not worked or you are afraid of damaging the device, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. This is the official and most reliable way, especially for new models with enhanced protection (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60).
What will be required:
- π Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- π Passport for proof of possession.
- π Charger (in the service can check the performance).
The cost of unlocking varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region, in some cases, the service may offer to reflash the device with data storage (if technically possible).
β οΈ Warning: Unofficial services often use βgrayβ unlocking methods that can result in a loss of warranty or lockdown. IMEI. Check reviews and licenses before applying.
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The official service is the only way to unlock Xiaomi with the guarantee.
6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)
If the standard methods don't work, you can try lesser known options, which are suitable for individual models or versions of MIUI.
Method 1: Emergency call bypass (for older versions of MIUI)
- π On the lock screen, click "Emergency callΒ».
- π’ Enter #4636## (test menu).
- π§ Go to Settings. β Reset and perform reset.
It works on MIUI 10β11, but is blocked in newer versions.
Method 2: Using TWRP (for unlocked bootloader)
If custom recovery TWRP is installed on the phone, you can manually delete the lock files:
- Download to TWRP (button combination depends on the model).
- Go to Advanced β File Manager.
- Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reset the device.
Method 3: Reset via Find Device (if remote unlock is enabled)
If the phone is activated Find Device (Settings) β Mi Account β Find Device, you can reset your password remotely:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the locked device.
- Click on βErase Dataβ (this will delete all files but unlock the phone).