How to Reset Your Graphic Password on Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways to Unlock

Forgot your graphical password on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and can’t unlock your phone? This is a familiar situation to many — especially if the device has been idle for a long time or used by children. Fortunately, there are several formal and informal ways to reset the lock, but not all of them are safe for your data. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including unlocking through Mi Account, Recovery and Fastboot modes, as well as alternative solutions for cases when standard options do not work.

It is important to understand that resetting a graphical password almost always leads to the deletion of user data (photos, contacts, messages) if there was no prior backup. However, in some cases (for example, when linking to a Xiaomi account), you can do without completely cleaning, we will explain in detail which methods will save your files and which will not, and also warn against common errors that can turn your phone into a brick.

If you're not sure about your technical skills, you should go to a service center -- especially if you're storing critical data on your phone -- but if you're willing to do it yourself, you can start with the instructions.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

This method only works if your Redmi 9 was tied to your Xiaomi account before blocking, in which case you can reset your graphical password without losing data – the main thing is to remember the username and password from Mi Account.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row – the message “Forgot the password” will appear on the screen?».
• 🔹 Click on the Forgot Password button (or Forgot Password in English version of the firmware).
• 🔹 Enter your username and password from your Xiaomi account (or Google if you have linked it).
• 🔹 Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember the Mi Account data or the phone wasn’t tied, this won’t work. Also note that after several failed login attempts, the system may block the ability to unlock through the account for 24 to 72 hours.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Mi Account, prepare a backup code or access to the linked phone number/email in advance.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to reset to factory settings.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including Redmi 9 s MIUI 12/13/14).
• ✅ Stores all user data.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)

If Mi Account unlock is not available, you will need to use hardware reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your phone, including photos, apps and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (may be in Chinese or English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selecting the item. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
6. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may call the Wipe All Data item differently, such as Factory Reset or Clear eMMC. If you see unfamiliar characters, focus on the third menu item - this is usually a reset.

Turn off the phone.

Charge the battery at least 30%

Prepare a backup (if you have access to the PC)

Make sure you know the data from Mi Account (to re-activate)

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* Only if USB debugging was enabled before blocking.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery Mode is unavailable (for example, due to a damaged firmware) or failed, you can use Fastboot mode.This method requires connecting the phone to your computer and using the command line, but is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (Original or Quality).
• 📥 Archive with utility ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and execute the command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase frp completely delete user data and reset Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If the phone needs to enter an old Google account after the reboot, then, FRP No resets – you will need additional firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

4.Using ADB (if USB debugging was enabled)

This is the only way to unlock your phone without losing data, but it only works if you've enabled USB debugging in the developer's settings before locking it. If that's the case, you're in luck!

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

After the reboot, the graphical password will be reset and the data stored. If the commands did not work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) This method may not work because of the increased protection. If you have a password left after the reset, try repeating commands or using Fastboot.

Through the Mi Account.

Recovery Mode

Fastboot

ADB (USB debugging)

Never blocked.

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5. Alternative methods (if nothing has worked)

If standard methods don't work, there are still more radical options, and they should only be used as a last resort, because they require deep knowledge or risk damaging the phone.

Possible solutions:

• 🔧 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool – Full Reinstallation MIUI It requires an unlocked bootloader and can cause loss IMEI.
• 🛠️ Bypass FRP via the test menu - suitable if after reset the phone requires an old Google account, you need to log in to the Emergency Call and through the code set ##4636## try to bypass the check.
• 📱 Contacting the service center - if the phone is critical data, it is better to entrust the unlock to professionals. The cost of the service: from 500 to 2000 rubles (depending on the region).

⚠️ Note: Do not use unsavory unlocking software (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool or the Mi Account Unlock Tool). FRP Bypass APK). Many of them contain viruses or can permanently disable the phone.Official tools from Xiaomi are the only safe option.

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If you are not sure about your actions, it is better not to take risks - the wrong firmware or commands in Fastboot can lead to the loss of IMEI or "bricking" the phone.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset a graphical password, users often make critical mistakes that complicate the process or make the phone inoperable.

Mistake 1: Interrupting the discharge process

If you started resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, never disconnect the phone from power or remove the battery.This can damage the userdata partition and the phone will stop booting. If the reset is getting stuck during the Wipe Data stage, wait at least 10 minutes - sometimes the process takes longer.

Mistake 2: Using unofficial firmware

Firmware custom versions of MIUI (for example, from xiaomi.eu) without unlocking the bootloader is fraught with permanent lock (hard-brick). If you are not an experienced user, use only official firmware from the Xiaomi site.

Mistake 3: Wrong commands in ADB/Fastboot

A typo in the command (e.g., fstboot instead of fastboot) or using outdated instructions can cause a failure.Always check the relevance of commands for your model.For example, for Redmi 9 (codename lancelot), some commands are different from those running on the Redmi Note 9.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions