How to unlock a pattern lock on Xiaomi without losing data: step-by-step instructions

Why is standard reset not suitable?

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi is a problem that even power users face. The first thought that comes to mind is to reset through Recovery Mode. But this method removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. What if there is no backup on the phone and the information is critical?

In this article, we will look at 5 working ways to bypass the lock screen on Redmi, POCO or Mi without losing data. Some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), others work even on a locked device, the main thing is to choose the appropriate option depending on the model and version of MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Methods using ADB Fastboot can cause system failure if executed incorrectly.If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, but requires:

• 📱 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 You have previously added a Mi Account on your device (even if you don’t remember your password).
• 🔄 The "Find the device" function must be active in the settings.

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot pattern?).
2. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account. If you do not remember - restore access via email or SMS.
4. Confirm the unlock through SMS-code (will come to the tied number).

✅ Once you've logged in, the phone unlocks and all the data stays in place. This method works even on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 other popular models.

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If the screen does not have a button "Forgot password?", try to enter the pattern lock 5 times in a row - it should appear.

Method 2: Use ADB (USB debugging required)

If debugging is on USB (USB Debugging) was enabled before blocking, you can delete the key file through ADB. This method is suitable for users who have previously connected the phone to a computer for development or modifications.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed drivers Xiaomi and Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Knowledge of working with the command line (CMD terminal).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Delete the pattern lock file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for newer versions of MIUI: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12, Redmi K50) This method may not work due to increased protection. MIUI 13/14. Try the way with Fastboot.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download Android SDK Platform-Tools|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device through `adb devices`-->

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)

If ADB doesn't work and your Mi Account isn't tied, you can try resetting the key via Fastboot, which only works on devices with a bootloader unlocked, and if the bootloader is locked, you'll have to unlock it first, which will result in a data reset.

Procedure:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your device to your PC and check its visibility: fastboot devices
4. Delete the key file (command depends on the model): fastboot erase gesture or fastboot erase locksettings
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later this method may cause an error FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State', which means that you only reset via Recovery (but with loss of data).

Method 4: Use Safe Mode (for older versions of MIUI)

On devices with MIUI 10 and older (e.g. Redmi 5, Mi A2), you can try bypassing the pattern lock via Safe Mode.This method works if the lock is installed by a third-party application (e.g. AppLock) rather than the system.

How to turn on Safe Mode:

1. On the lock screen, hold the switch off button.
2. Slip and hold the power off (or power off).
3. Confirm the transition to Safe Mode.

After downloading in safe mode:

• 🔓 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔍 Find an application that locks (like Screen Lock or AppLock).
• 🗑️ Remove it or reset the settings.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.

❌ If the lock is system-based, this will not work, also on newer models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) Safe Mode does not disable the pattern lock.

Method 5: Bypassing Emergency Call (not working on all models)

One of the little-known ways is to use an emergency call, which is suitable for Xiaomi on Android 9-11 (e.g. Redmi Note 8, Mi 9T).

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, tap the Emergency Call.
2. Type #4636## (test code)
3. If the test menu opens, select Usage statistics.
4. Slip the Settings (cog) icon in the upper right corner.
5. Return to the main settings menu and turn off the screen lock.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12 and later, this method is usually blocked, and some mobile operators may restrict access to the test menu.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

As you can see from the table, the most reliable way is to unlock through Mi Account. If it is not available, try ADB (if debugging was enabled) or Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked), the other methods are only suitable for older devices.

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On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, the only safe way to avoid data loss is to unlock through the tied Mi Account.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Official partners can unlock the phone without losing data, but you will need proof of ownership (checks, box, IMEI).
2. Recovery Mode reset, which will delete all data, but will return access to the phone. Instruction: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. <Power button + Loudness up>. 3. Choose. →. 4. Confirm the discharge.

⚠️ Note: Before resetting, try to remove SD-Map (if any) - data can be saved on it. Also check if the photos are synced with Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

If the phone was bought with your hands and you don't know the previous owner's details, unlocking may not be possible without proof of purchase.In such cases, Xiaomi may require documents to prove legal ownership.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi