Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The situation is familiar to many: the phone is locked after several failed attempts to enter, and restore access through Mi Account is not possible. Fortunately, there are several official and informal methods of performing a hard reset without knowing the password. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for the 2018-2026 models - from the classic reset via Recovery Mode to advanced methods using the use of the new model. ADB and service regimes.
Itβs important to understand that resetting your settings will remove all data from your device β photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps. If your phone has been synced to Mi Cloud, some information (such as contacts or notes) can be restored after unlocking. However, on models with a locked bootloader, after a reset, you may need to log in to the Mi Account that was previously associated with the device. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and other modern apparatuses.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30% β when discharged during reset, the phone can turn into a brick").
- π‘ Backup (if the phone has ever been unlocked before, try creating a backup through Settings) β The phone. β Backup).
- π Access to the Mi Account tied to the device (required to unlock after resetting on new models).
1.Reset via Recovery Mode (for all Xiaomi models)
The most versatile way is to use Recovery Mode, which works even on locked phones, but requires physical access to the device buttons. Instructions are suitable for Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13 and other models with original MIUI firmware.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (if it does not turn off, press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the button combination: π± For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. π± For POCO F2 Pro, Black Shark: Volume down + Nutrition. π± For the Redmi Note 8/9 Pro: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
Mi
Recovery
In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm the selection.
- Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on newer versions of MIUI).
- Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
- Select Reboot to reboot.
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
β οΈ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro and later) after the reset, you may receive a request to enter data from the Mi Account associated with the device earlier. If you do not remember the username / password, use the unlock method through the account.
2. reset via Mi Account (official method)
If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled on your phone, you can try unlocking the device via Xiaomiβs web interface, which only works under the following conditions:
- π The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π± The device has enabled the function Find the device (Settings) β Mi Account β Find the device).
- π You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, select a locked phone.
- Press Find the device. β Unlock.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Wait for a notification of successful unlocking (can take up to 5 minutes).
If the phone doesnβt appear in the list of devices, check:
- π‘ Is it connected to the Internet (you can turn on mobile data through the notification menu on the locked screen).
- π Update your browser page or try another (Chrome, Firefox).
- π§ Make sure you use the correct Mi Account (multiple accounts can be linked to one phone).
What if the Mi Account is not tied to the phone?
| Unlocking method | Mi Account required | Deletes the data. | It works on new models. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Mode | β No. | β Yes. | β οΈ Yes, but may require a Mi Account after a reset. |
| Mi Account (web) | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes. |
| Fastboot (EDL) | β No. | β Yes. | β Yeah, but it requires a PC. |
| ADB | β No. | β Partially. | β No (requires on debugging) |
3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the standard methods didn't work, you can use Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if you are ready to use it. EDL-You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and fastboot utility.
Instructions for Windows:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot Mode: Volume down + Power Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot).
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
For devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro and later), you will need to log in to Mi Account via Mi Unlock Tool. Download the utility from the official website and follow the instructions for unlocking the bootloader.
β οΈ Note: Use of informal firmware or tools to bypass locking (e.g, EDL) This could result in a loss of warranty or a lockdown. IMEI. On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi K50 The newer use of such methods is fraught with hardware locking.
- π Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable.
- π₯οΈ Reinstall drivers via Mi Flash Tool.
- π Restart the PC and reconnect.
4. Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
The method only works if USB debugging has been activated before (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 times press to unlock developer options β Settings β Additional β For Developers β USB debugging). If this item is not enabled, the method will not work.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, run: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot
- After the reset, the password will be reset (but the data will be saved).
On newer versions of MIUI 13/14, this method may not work due to enhanced security.
adb shell
su
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock' or name='lockscreen.password_type';
.quit
rebootπ‘
ADB is the only way to reset a password without losing data, but requires debugging prior to setting up.
5.Reset via Xiaomi Service Center
If you have not tried it yourself, please contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- π± Phones with blocked Mi Account (requires proof of ownership).
- π§ Warranty devices (self-dumping may cancel warranty).
- π οΈ Models with hardware locks (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
What you need to unlock in the service:
- π Checks or phone box (to confirm purchase).
- π Passport (if the phone is linked to another account).
- π³ Payment for services (on average 1000-3000 rubles, depending on the model).
List of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia:
- π Moscow: 16 Leo Tolstoy St. (at the Afimall shopping center").
- π St. Petersburg: Ligovsky Prospect, 108 (in the shopping center "Gallery").
- π Regions: addresses can be found on the official website.
β οΈ Note: Unofficial service centers may offer βMi Account bypassβ at a low price, but often use illegitimate methods (for example, firmware through the Internet). EDL substituted IMEI). This can result in a network lock or loss of module functionality. 5G/NFC.
6. Alternative methods (for older models)
Xiaomi phones until 2018 (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2) sometimes work undocumented ways of resetting:
- π’ Reset code: Dial on the emergency call keyboard: ##7378423## This will open the service test menu where you can find Factory Reset.
- π Call from another phone: Call the locked device and during the call quickly go to the settings (does not work on all firmware).
- π Battery discharge: Wait for the full discharge of the phone, connect the charge and at the time of turning on, press Volume up. + Meals for entering Recovery.
On Android One (Mi A3, Mi A2 Lite) models, you can reset via Google Find My Device:
- Go to the device search page.
- Choose a locked phone.
- Press Erase Data. β Clean the device.