How to Reset the Screen Lock Password on Xiaomi Redmi: The Complete Guide

The situation where the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone stops letting the owner to the data because of the forgotten password is one of the most stressful in the world of modern technology. You try to enter the usual combination, but the system requires you to try again in 30 seconds, and then locks the device for an hour or more. At such moments, it seems that all the photos, contacts and important documents are lost forever, but it is not.

There are several proven ways to restore access to the device, but the choice of the specific method depends on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS, and whether the Mi Account was signed in advance. Modern security protocols have significantly complicated the process of hacking, making old methods unworkable, but leaving legal ways for the owner.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for different lock scenarios, ranging from standard recovery tools to a full reset via the Recovery menu. It is important to understand that a full reset (Hard Reset) destroys all user data on internal memory if it was not stored in the cloud, so this step should be resorted to only as a last resort.

Use the “Forgot Password” function through Mi Account

The most civilized and safe way to unlock the Redmi Note or any other brand model is to use a built-in restore mechanism through a Xiaomi account.This method only works if you have previously logged in and enabled the Find Device feature. If the lock screen offers the option “Forgot your password” or “Forgot your pattern lock” after several failed attempts to enter, you are in luck.

To implement this method, you need to connect your smartphone to a Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet. After clicking on the appropriate button, the system will ask you to enter the username and password from Mi Account. Successful authorization will allow you to set a new unlock combination without losing personal files. However, on new versions of firmware, this feature is often hidden or requires pre-configuring in the security menu.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, it will be almost impossible to restore access to your device without a complete reset procedure, as this is a key element of protection against theft.

It is worth noting that after successfully unlocking through an account, the system may require you to enter an old password or graphical key for a certain period of time (usually 72 hours) for security purposes.

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Always write your Mi Account password in a secure location or use a password manager, as account binding is the main security mechanism of the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset) menu

If account access is not possible, the only working option is Hard Reset, which returns the smartphone to factory settings by erasing all user data, apps and media files. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery is at least 50% so that the device does not turn off at the critical time of flashing system partitions.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. Some models, such as the Redmi 12 or Redmi Note 13, may require a USB cable to be connected to your computer to activate the mode.

In the Recovery menu, navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button (or touch if the screen reacts). You need to select a language (usually English), then go to Wipe Data and confirm the action of Wipe All Data. After the process, select Reboot.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting and rebooting, the smartphone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced with the device previously. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Delete passwords via ADB (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging method allows you to delete the file with the unlock key without losing data, but it works only if the phone has previously enabled the Developer Menu and activated the USB Debugging. On a locked screen, you can not turn on these options, so this method is relevant for those who have forgotten the password, but managed to configure access earlier.

You'll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB platform tools installed. Connect your smartphone with a cable and open the command line in the tool folder. Enter the adb device command to check for communication. If the device is displayed, you can proceed to delete the system lock files.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

Once these commands are executed, you need to restart the device. On newer versions of Android 11, 12, 13 and 14, this method is often ineffective due to enhanced access rights and data encryption, so do not be surprised if the phone remains locked.

Find Device from Xiaomi

Xiaomi has developed its own version of Find Device, which allows you to remotely control your smartphone. If the blocked Redmi was enabled Internet and search function, you can visit the official i.mi.com website from your computer or other phone.

Sign in to your Mi Account. In the service interface, select a locked device from the list. You will have several options: location, sound, lock and, most importantly, erase data. Selecting the option “Erase data” initiates a remote Hard Reset.

This method is especially convenient when the buttons on the phone itself do not respond or the screen is damaged, but the system works. After a remote command, the phone will restart and the screen lock will be removed, although all files will be deleted.

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Find Device is the only way to reset your password remotely without physically touching the buttons of a locked smartphone.

Features of unlocking different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The procedure for unlocking varies significantly depending on the version of the shell. On older versions of MIUI 10-12, vulnerabilities were often found that allowed you to bypass the screen through the emergency call menu or date settings, but in MIUI 14 and HyperOS, these holes were successfully closed by the company's engineers.

Owners of Redmi Note 10, Redmi Note 11 and newer series face mandatory account verification after reset, which means that even if you do Hard Reset, you will not be able to use your phone without knowing the details of your Google or Mi Account, this is done to combat theft and resale of stolen devices.

• 🔒 MIUI 13 and newer: Strictly binding to an account, crawling through Recovery is impossible without data loss.
• 📱 HyperOS: Enhanced bootloader and system partition protection, requiring official unlocking for deep changes.
• 🛡️ Android 13/14: Encrypting the user partition makes it impossible to retrieve data without a password.

If you plan to flash or reset on a new shell device, be sure to check the status of accounts in advance.Ignoring this step will turn the smartphone into a "brick" with limited functionality available only for emergency calls.

What to do if your phone requires an account after a reset

When you reset your phone, you ask for a password from a Google or Mi Account that you don't remember, it's called FRP Lock, which is a standard security behavior, not an error. Without the right data, you can't use the device.

The only legal way to resolve the issue is to restore access to your account through password recovery on any other device (computer or tablet), go to Google or Xiaomi, select Forgot Password, and follow the instructions to reset access data via your linked email or phone number.

There are various FRP Bypasses that can be found online, but they often require a second Android device, special OTG cables, and technical skills, and these methods can be considered a violation of the terms of use of the software, and their effectiveness depends on the specific version of the Android security patch.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party software to bypass FRP This may result in the device being blocked by IMEI or system components are disrupted.

If you cannot restore your account, and your device (there is a purchase check), the only way out is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. Upon presentation of documents confirming ownership, specialists can officially remove the lock.

Preventing blocking in the future

To avoid having to re-enact the forgotten password, it is recommended to introduce the habit of regular backups: set up automatic synchronization of contacts, photos and notes with Google Drive or Mi Cloud, in which case even a complete reset will not be a disaster, since the data will be restored automatically.

Use biometric unlocking techniques such as Face ID (Face recognition, or a fingerprint scanner, as an addition to the primary password, on Redmi devices with side-finger scanners, it works instantly and allows you to avoid entering complex types of devices. PIN-code every time, although the system will still require it to be entered.

• 📸 Backup: Enable autoloading photos in Google Photos.
• 👤 Sync: Check that contacts are saved in Google, not in your phone’s memory.
• 🔐 Remember: Write down your password in a secure location, separate from your phone.

You should also check the relevance of your recovery email address and phone number in your Google account settings periodically, which will allow you to quickly get a confirmation code if you decide to change your password or your device is lost.

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Regular data synchronization is the best insurance against loss of information when locking the screen.