How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi if you forget the pattern lock: a step-by-step guide

Introduction: Why a pattern lock blocks access to your phone

The pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a convenient way to protect data from outsiders, but even device owners sometimes forget the combination, especially if they use their phone less often or have recently changed the pattern. PIN-A graphical password blocks the device after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, suggesting you enter a Mi Account or perform a reset.

The problem gets worse if you don’t remember or have never linked your Xiaomi account, and then standard unlocking methods won’t work, and alternative solutions will be needed, from using Fastboot mode to flashing through EDL. It’s important to understand that some methods lead to complete data loss, so they should only be used as a last resort.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking Redmi (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), taking into account the versions of MIUI and the features of the hardware platform.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi is linked to a Xiaomi account, this is the easiest and safest way to return access. MIUI system after several failed attempts to enter a pattern lock will suggest logging into Mi Account - just enter a username (email or phone) and password.

How it works:

  • πŸ”‘ After 5 wrong attempts, the button Forgot the pattern lock will appear? β†’ press it.
  • πŸ“§ Enter the email or phone number associated with your Xiaomi account.
  • πŸ” Enter your account password (if two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need a code from your account). SMS).
  • πŸ“± The device unlocks and you can set a new pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account, don't try to guess the password - after 10 failed attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.

πŸ“Š Your Redmi is tied to your Mi Account?
Yeah, I remember the login and password.
Yeah, but I don't remember the password.
No, I never tied it.
I don't know, I need to check.

Method 2: Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (remotely)

Xiaomi’s Find Device feature not only allows you to track your phone, but also remotely control it β€” including lock resetting.

  • 🌐 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”„ Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device).
  • πŸ“± Mi Account is linked to your phone.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select your Redmi from the list of devices.
  3. Click Delete Data β†’ Erase the device.
  4. Confirm the action (will come) SMS-code, if included 2FA).

⚠️ Note: This method completely removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only if there is no important information on your device or you have made a backup.

πŸ’‘

If the phone is discharged and not connected to the network, recharge it for 10-15 minutes - this is enough to perform a remote reset.

Method 3: Unlocking through Safe Mode (without data loss)

Safe Mode allows you to temporarily disable third-party applications, including screen blockers from third-party manufacturers. However, on MIUI, this method does not work with all versions and models.

  • πŸ“± You've got Redmi on MIUI 12 or older.
  • πŸ”„ The pattern lock is installed through standard settings (non-third-party software).

How to start Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button before the Redmi logo appears.
  3. Once the logo appears, immediately press and hold the Volume Down button until full load.
  4. In the lower left corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode, try:

  • πŸ”“ Remove the pattern lock through Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Screen locking.
  • πŸ“± Reboot your phone in normal mode.

If the method does not work, then the lock is integrated into the MIUI system at the kernel level – go to the following methods.

Why is Safe Mode not working on the new Redmi?
Starting with MIUI 13 and Android 12, Xiaomi has strengthened screen lock protection. In Safe Mode, you can no longer change or remove the pattern lock if it was installed through standard settings.

Method 4: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

If previous methods didn't work, you'll have to do a Hard Reset, a factory reset via Recovery Mode, which deletes all data from your phone, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Instructions for Redmi:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the power + volume buttons for 10-15 seconds at the same time.
  3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (on some Factory Reset models).
  6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
  7. After reset, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 11 Pro)+) Recovery menus can be in Chinese. Look for characters (clean data) or (restore factory settings).

Model RedmiCombination of buttons for RecoveryLanguage
Redmi Note 10/11/12Food + Volume upEnglish/Chinese
Redmi 9/9A/9CFood + Volume upEnglish
Redmi K40/K50Food + Volume upChinese (translation needed)
Redmi 8/8AFood + Volume up + Volume downEnglish

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Connect your phone to charge (minimum 30% battery)

Download drivers for PC (if you plan to use Fastboot)

Backup important data (if your phone has previously synced to Mi Cloud)-->

Method 5: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or helps, you can try resetting the pattern lock through Fastboot, a firmware mode that allows you to control the device from your computer.

  • πŸ’» Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (original or quality).
  • πŸ“₯ Mi Flash Tool or the Mi Flash Tool ADB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume down before the screen with a hare (Fastboot) appears.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC.
  4. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: fastboot devices (should display your device).
  5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase frp or (for new models): fastboot erase userdata
  6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 12 Pro)+) The fastboot erase frp command may not work due to the Mi Account blocking. EDL-mode (see the following method).

πŸ’‘

Fastboot is the most reliable way to unlock, but it requires technical skills, and if you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

Method 6: Flashing through EDL (extreme case)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reinstall MIUI This is a method that is used when you're locked up:

  • πŸ”’ All the other ways didn't work.
  • πŸ“± Phone doesn't respond to Fastboot.
  • πŸ”§ You have experience in smartphone firmware.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
  • πŸ“₯ Firmware for your model (Fastboot) ROM).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Instructions:

  1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Install the Qualcomm driver (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
  3. Turn off the phone and transfer to EDL: πŸ”§ For the Redmi Note 10/11: Hold the volume up + Loudness down + Meals for food 10 seconds. πŸ”§ For Redmi. 9/9A: Connect the phone to the PC, holding Volume up + Loudness down.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can permanently damage your phone (for example, damage your phone). IMEI). If you are not sure, contact the service center.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

  1. πŸ”§ Contact the Xiaomi service center – official workshops have access to special unlocking tools.The cost of the service: from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model).
  2. πŸ“± Buy a new phone – if there is no valuable data on the locked device and the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of the new Redmi, it may be more advisable to update the gadget.

Before the service visit:

  • πŸ“„ Bring a check or a box from your phone (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ”’ Check if the data will be saved – some services offer to extract information before resetting.

πŸ’‘

Forums often offer paid unlocking services through TeamViewer. Don't agree, it's a scam! Only Xiaomi can officially unlock the Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi unlocking

Can I unlock Redmi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The phone is tied to Mi Account and you remember the password. You have Find Device enabled and the phone is connected to the Internet. You have previously backed up to Mi Cloud. In all other cases, the data will be deleted.
Why does the phone ask for an old pattern lock after resetting via Recovery?
This happens if: You run Wipe Data, but not Wipe All Data. The phone has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled. Solution: Reset again by selecting Wipe All Data, or use Fastboot for full cleanup.
Can I bypass the pattern lock through ADB?
On newer versions of MIUI (12 and higher), ADB bypassing is not possible due to enhanced protection. The command used was adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key But now it doesn't work - Xiaomi has closed this vulnerability.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
Cost depends on model and complexity: Model Cost (β‚½) Redmi Note 10/11 1 200–1 800 Redmi 9/9A/9C 800–1 500 Redmi K50 Pro 2 000–3 000 Prices are relevant for Moscow and St. Petersburg (2026 In the regions it may be cheaper.
How to avoid blocking in the future?
Advice for protection: πŸ”‘ Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock, it is easier to remember. πŸ“§ Link Mi Account and enable Find Device. ☁️ Make regular backups to Mi Cloud or PC. πŸ“ Write the pattern lock to a secure location (for example, in a notebook or password manager).