When the owner forgets the pattern lock or digital pin, it is very common: the screen of the smartphone becomes inaccessible, turning an expensive device into a useless piece of plastic and glass. The only way out in most cases is a forced return to the original state, which allows you to remove the forgotten lock data.
However, the procedure for complete memory cleansing carries serious risks of loss of personal information: data reset means the complete removal of all photos, contacts, applications and correspondence, so before starting any manipulations, you need to clearly understand the consequences and make sure that there are no softer methods of solving the problem.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can restore access to your device, look at the standard methods through the recovery menu, the use of special boot modes and software utilities, and look at the nuances of working with your Google account and Mi Account, which can become an obstacle after a reboot.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
Before you start radical actions, you need to do a number of preparatory activities. Even if the phone is locked, some actions may be available or require prior verification. First of all, try to remember the password using prompts or backup login methods, if they were previously configured.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting system partitions requires stable power. If the device runs out at the time of writing new system files, this can lead to irreversible errors in the work of Bootloader and turn the phone into a brick.
⚠️ Note: If the device has Google or Mi Cloud's Find Device feature enabled, the phone will require you to enter a password from an account that was previously synced to the device after reset.
The next step is to remove the memory card. SD This is done to avoid accidentally formatting external media along with internal memory, and to avoid conflicts when rebooting the system. MIUI They usually ask for formatting confirmation. SD-cards, better be safe.
☑️ Pre-reset check
Recovery mode (Recovery Mode)
The most common and safe way to bring a smartphone back to life is to use the built-in recovery menu, which loads independently of the main operating system, allowing you to bypass the lock screen, and to log in you need to completely turn off the device and pinch a certain key combination.
You usually need to hold the Volume Up and the Turn on button at the same time. When the Mi or Android logo appears on the screen, you can release the power button by holding the volume key until the menu appears, and the volume button navigates on this menu, and the on button selects the item.
In the newer versions of the MIUI shell, the system may require confirmation of action by entering a special code or selecting a Confirm item, and the cleaning process will begin after confirmation, which will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
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If the Recovery menu does not appear, try connecting the phone to your computer via USB-This changes the priority of downloading on some models.
Once you've completed the procedure, select Reboot or Reboot to System. It's going to take longer than usual to start the system, because you're first configuring and indexing files. Don't be afraid if the phone hangs on the logo for a few minutes, which is normal behavior.
| Action in Recovery | Description of function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Complete deletion of user data and resetting of settings | 100% (all removed) |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing temporary system files | 0% (data retained) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Mode for connecting to PC and firmware | Depends on the user's actions |
| Reboot to Bootloader | Switching to Fastboot Mode for Deep Flashing | No (without additional action) |
Use of Fastboot Mode and Computer
If the Recovery menu is unavailable or blocked, you can use Fastboot mode, which is a low-level protocol that allows you to interact with the device directly through your computer. USB and installed driver ADB/Fastboot PC-only.
To get into this mode, when the phone is turned off, press the Volume Down button and connect the cable to the computer. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, indicating a successful entry. Then the computer enters a command to reset.
fastboot erase userdataThis command forcibly erases the user data partition, but it is worth noting that on modern Locked Bootloader devices, this command may not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock service.
What is an unlocked bootloader?
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In cases where the phone is locked but connected to the Internet and it is active geolocation, you can use remote control. Google Find My Device service allows you not only to track the location of the gadget, but also initiate a command to completely erase data.
To do this, you need to access the service site from any other device using the same Google account that is linked to the locked phone. From the list of devices, select the desired model and click on the "Clear Device" button. The command will be sent instantly if the phone is online.
This method is convenient because it does not require physical access to the buttons of the smartphone, but it is absolutely powerless if the device is turned off, in flight mode or does not have an active connection to the network, and after reset, you will need to enter a password from Google account to confirm ownership.
Reset via Mi Cloud service
Alternative to Google services is its own ecosystem Xiaomi. If the device was enabled Mi Cloud and the function "Find the device", you can reset through the web interface i.mi.com. This is especially true for users who are actively using the services of the manufacturer.
Go to the site from your computer, log in to your Mi Account. From the menu, select Find Device. The map will show the location of the gadget, and the control menu will have a Wipe button. Once you click, the phone will receive a reset command the next time you connect to the network.
It's important to understand the difference between a remote lock and a reset. Remote locking only puts the phone on pause, requiring a password to unlock, but the data stays in place, and the reset irrevocably destroys information, making the device clean, like from a store.
⚠️ Warning: After being reset via Mi Cloud or Google, when you first download, the phone may request a password from the account from which the sync was made (FRP), which cannot be bypassed by a simple discharge.
Activation Problem (FRP) and Accounts
Modern Android security systems are equipped with FRP (Factory Reset Protection), a mechanism that prevents the device from being used after resetting without confirming the owner's rights. If you forget the password from the screen, but remember the password from Google or Mi Account, there will be no problems.
The problem is that you forget your account passwords, and then you turn your phone into a device that you can't legally configure, and the manufacturer doesn't officially provide the tools to bypass FRP, because it's a security hole.
There are various workarounds that depend on the Android version and the security patch, and they can include using TalkBack, installing special workarounds. APK-Files via browser or use of utilities on a PC, however, these methods are temporary and often closed by security updates.
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FRP-The lock is tied to the last synchronized Google account. Recovery reset does not remove this link, but only clears user files.