How to unlock Xiaomi if you forget your graphical password: official and alternative methods

A forgotten graphical password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter at least once in their lives. According to service center statistics, 63% of unblocking requests are made with graphical keys, not graphical keys. PIN-The reason is simple: human memory remembers visual sequences better, but it also confuses them more often, especially if multiple accounts are installed on the device or the password has recently changed.

Unlike in the PIN-code or password, the pattern lock has no clues, and the system MIUI lock-in 5 failed attempts to enter into 30 And then, with each new error, the time doubles. Fortunately, the manufacturer has come up with several ways to restore access, including official tools from Xiaomi and workarounds for power users. 2026 year, considering the features of the latest versions MIUI 14/15 and smartphone models from Redmi, Poco and Mi line.

Important: Not all methods guarantee data security. If the device is encrypted (it is activated by default when you set a graphical password), resetting to the factory settings will lead to a complete cleanup of internal memory. Before you start, check if the smartphone is connected to the Mi Account account, this will simplify the unlocking process.

πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?
Through the Mi Account.
Reset to factory settings
Fastboot/EDL
I went to the service center.
Never blocked.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI (including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 13, etc.) if:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”— Device Linked to Mi Account Before Locking.
  • πŸ”’ Two-factor authentication is not enabled on your account (or you have access to it). email/SMS).

After 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, the button Forgot the password will appear on the screen. Click on it and follow the instructions:

  1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
  2. Confirm your identity via SMS or code letter.
  3. Create a new graphical password or disable the lock.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, in which case try to connect to Wi-Fi through the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) or use the SIM-card.

πŸ’‘

If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try entering the pattern lock incorrectly 2-3 times, and on some firmware, it only activates after 7-10 unsuccessful attempts.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss on some models)

The method is suitable for devices without data encryption (usually older models before MIUI 12 or smartphones with root rights).If your Xiaomi has encryption enabled (check in Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Special features), this method will lead to a complete memory cleanup.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) and go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

New devices (Redmi Note 11/12, Poco F4/F5) may require data entry from the Mi Account tied to the phone (FRP protection) after reset via Recovery. If you do not remember the username / password, use the FRP bypass instructions below.

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a Bootloader unlocked. Suitable for Xiaomi models where the bootloader is officially unlocked (e.g. global versions of Redmi or Poco), which may not work on Chinese firmware (China ROM) without additional manipulation.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
  2. Connect the off smartphone to the computer, clamping Volume down + Power (Fastboot mode).
  3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot oem unlock If the command does not work, try: fastboot flashing unlock
  4. After unlocking the bootloader, enter: fastboot erase userdata and restart the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: The fastboot oem unlock and fastboot flashing unlock commands erase all data on the device, including photos, messages and installed apps. On some models (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50) After this procedure, you will need to re-attach to the Mi Account.

What if the Fastboot doesn’t recognize the device?
Make sure you have drivers installed for your model (download them from the official Xiaomi website in the Support section). USB-cable (preferably original) or port on your computer. If the problem persists, check if debugging mode is enabled. USB in the developer settings (but this cannot be done on a locked device, so the method is only suitable for unlocking the bootloader in advance).

4.Use of EDL mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last hope for unlocking Xiaomi when other methods fail. It allows you to flash the device through a special cable or test points on the board.

  • πŸ”§ Devices with damaged firmware ("bricks").
  • πŸ“΅ Smartphones that block Bootloader and Fastboot.
  • πŸ”’ Models with activated protection FRP (For example, after resetting through Recovery).

For firmware in EDL mode you will need:

  • USB-TypeC cable with EDL support (or soldering iron for closing testpoints).
  • The Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (download from the official website).
  • Computer running Windows (Qualcomm drivers are installed only on this OS).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL If you're not sure about your skills, you can go to a service center. EDL in the official SC Xiaomi is from 1500 to 3000 rubles (for 2026).

Xiaomi modelSupport for EDLHardware complexityThe risk of brick
Redmi Note 10/11/12Yeah (via cable)MediumLow.
Poco X3/X4/X5Yes (testpoints)Tall.Medium.
Mi 11/12/13Yes (authorization required)Very high.High-pitched
Redmi 9A/9CYes (no authorization)Low.Low.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 9 and later after resetting to factory settings. If you don't remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone, it will be harder to unlock it. There are several workarounds:

Method 1: Wi-Fi settings (for MIUI 12-14)

  1. On the greeting screen after reset, connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the password entry bar from the network, then highlight the text and select Share.
  3. In the menu that opens, select Messages or Notes, create a new note.
  4. In the note, enter any text, highlight it and click Web search.
  5. Download it through the browser. APK-comb-file FRP (for example, FRP Bypass Tool and install it.

Method 2: Through SIM-card MIUI 15)

On the new firmware MIUI 15 Wi-Fi bypass blocked, but can be used SIM-map:

  1. Put it in. SIM-card.
  2. On the Mi Account data entry screen, click Emergency Call.
  3. Click ##4636## to open the test menu.
  4. Return to the main screen and open Settings through the notification panel.
  5. Reset your account password or add a new fingerprint.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP After successful unlocking, we recommend linking the device to a new Mi Account to avoid future problems.

6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, the only option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ” Devices with damaged motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
  • πŸ“± Smartphones with a blocked Bootloader and EDL (For example, Mi 13 Pro on Chinese firmware).
  • πŸ”’ Encryption devices that enable hardware encryption (starting with MIUI 13).

The cost of unlocking in the official SC:

Type of unlockTime limit for implementationCost (β‚½)
Resetting the graphic password (without loss of data)1-2 hours1000–2000
Firmware via EDL (with data loss)1 day2500–3500
FRP bypass (if known by IMEI)2-3 hours1500–2500
Repair after a failed firmware (unbrick)2-5 days4000–8000

Before the service visit:

  • πŸ“„ Bring a check or a box from your phone (to confirm ownership).
  • πŸ”’ Write it down. IMEI (printed on a box or under a battery).
  • πŸ’³ Check the price by phone – prices may vary depending on the region.

πŸ’‘

Xiaomi’s official service centers never ask for a password from Mi Account to unlock, and if you are offered an account hack for a fee, they are scammers.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten graphical password again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ”‘ Use it. PIN-A code or password instead of a pattern lock – it’s easier to recover them with a Mi Account.
  • πŸ“§ Link your device to your Google and Mi Account (even if you don’t use them).
  • πŸ“± Enable Smart Lock in security settings – this will allow you to unlock your phone in trusted places (home, work) without entering a password.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up your data through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“ Write your graphical password to a secure location (such as Google Keep or Notebook).

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative unlocking methods:

  • πŸ‘† Fingerprint – Works even if the device is restarted.
  • πŸ‘€ Facial recognition (on models with infrared cameras, for example, Mi) 11T Pro).
  • πŸ”‘ Hardware security keys (e.g., YubiKey for Google account).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The device is not encrypted (check Settings β†’ Security β†’ Encryption). You remember the username/password from Mi Account tied to the phone. Use the official password recovery method? On models with MIUI 13 and later, encryption is enabled by default, so resetting the password almost always leads to data clearing.
What if your phone needs an old Mi Account after resetting via Recovery?
It's protection. FRP. Solutions: Remember your account data (check your emails from Xiaomi). Use circumvention techniques FRP Please contact the service center with your phone ID. ⚠️ Do not buy β€œhacked” Mi Accounts – this violates the user agreement and can lead to the blocking of the device.
Does unlocking through ADB work if USB debugging is not enabled?
No. To use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you need to activate the debugging mode before you lock it, and if you didn't turn it on in advance, it won't work, and the alternative is to run it through Fastboot or EDL.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through my computer without losing data?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's extremely difficult. It would take: Unlocked Bootloader, Ruth (Magisk or SuperSU), special utilities like Miracle Box or UFi Box. Without technical skills, this method can lead to a brick (breakdown) of the device.
How much does it cost to unblock in unofficial services?
Prices in informal workshops vary from 500 to 5000 rubles, but there are risks: the use of unlicensed software that may contain viruses, damage to firmware or hardware (for example, when soldering testpoints), loss of warranty (if the device is warranty service), official Xiaomi SCs give a guarantee for work, while β€œhandicraft” workshops do not.