How to Reset Your Password on Xiaomi Redmi Phone: The Complete Guide

When a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone owner forgets a pattern lock or a digital code, it is quite common, and it can happen after a long device downtime or a spontaneous change in security settings. At this point, the gadget turns into a locked brick, access to contacts and photos becomes impossible without specific actions. Resetting a password is the only solution that will allow you to regain control of the device, although it often involves the risk of data loss.

There are several proven methods of access recovery, depending on the version of the MIUI operating system and the pre-prepared device. Some methods allow you to save files, others require a complete cleanup of internal memory. It is important to understand that modern Android security systems are designed to make unauthorized access as difficult as possible, so simple bypasses are rare. In this article, we will discuss all the current options, from using a cloud service to an engineering menu.

Before you start taking action, you need to assess whether the Internet is on, whether your Mi Account is tied, whether you have access to your computer. Proper diagnosis of the current state of the system will help you choose the least painful way to unlock. Don't panic if standard code entry does not work - the system will give several attempts, then offer alternative login options or be blocked for a while.

Using a Mi Account to unlock

The most civilized and secure way to regain access to the device is to use the Find Device feature built into Xiaomi’s ecosystem, which only works if the locked smartphone has logged in to Mi Account and activated Internet access via Wi-Fi or mobile network, and the security system allows remote control of the device, including the screen lock reset function.

First, you have to go to the official website of the cloud service from any other device, whether it's a computer or another phone, and your personal account displays all the gadgets that are tied to your login. If there's a locked device on the list, the system will offer several actions, among which we are interested in deleting the password.

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Make sure that geolocation and data transfer are enabled on the locked phone, otherwise the command from the server will not reach the device.

It is worth noting that this method is not always available immediately after blocking, the system may require proof of identity through SMS or an additional security code, and if you recently changed your password from your account, you may need to wait a certain time (usually 24 hours) before the unlock function becomes active, a measure of protection against malicious activities.

Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If you can't access cloud services, you can use a recovery mode known as Recovery Mode, which is built into the firmware of every Redmi smartphone and allows you to perform low-level operations on the system, and the main disadvantage of this method is the complete loss of all user data, as the data partition is formatted.

To get into the recovery menu, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then you need to press the combination of the buttons: usually a volume button and a power button. Hold them until the Mi logo or menu in English appears. Navigation in this menu is done by volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

⚠️ Warning: Before performing Hard Reset, make sure the battery is at least at least 40-50%. Interrupting the formatting process due to battery discharge can damage the file system and inability to boot the phone.

You can find Wipe Data or Clear Data in the Recovery menu, and after you select this item, you will ask for confirmation of the action, often requiring you to type in the word "yes" or select the appropriate Wipe All Data item. The cleaning process can take several minutes, after which the device will restart to its original state, as after you purchase it in a store.

Delete the password file via ADB (for advanced ones)

For users who previously included debugging USB In the developer menu, there's a way to reset your password without losing data, and this requires a computer and a set of drivers and utilities installed. ADB (The essence of the method is to delete the system file in which the hash of the pattern lock is stored or PIN-code.

You need to connect the smartphone to the PC through the original cable and run the command line or terminal in the folder with the tools ADB. First, check the connection command adb devices. If the device is displayed in the list, you can move to delete the system lock files. This method works on most versions of Android up to 10-11 version, in newer systems security is enhanced.

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 the commands are executed, the device needs to restart. When turned on, the phone can ask you to enter any pattern lock or code - the system no longer "remembers" the old password, since the files with it have been deleted. However, on newer versions of MIUI, this method can be blocked if you do not get Root rights, which is rare on stock firmware.

Comparison of password resetting methods

The choice of the specific method depends on your situation, availability of backups and technical training. Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate the available options and their consequences for the device.

As you can see from the table, Mi Cloud is the only way to guarantee the safety of photos and contacts, but it requires pre-tuning. Recovery is a versatile "heavy artillery" when other options are exhausted. Using ADB is only suitable for those who feel confident with the command line.

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If data is critical and the cloud is not configured, it is best to contact a service center where specialists can try to read information directly from the memory chip, although success is not guaranteed.

Reset protection: FRP and Google account

Once you successfully reset your password with any of the methods, the first time you boot, the system can request confirmation of the owner, which is a FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection mechanism, and the smartphone will require you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset, so that the stolen phone can not simply be reflashed and used.

If you forget not only your screen password, but also your Google account, it becomes more difficult to restore access, and you need to go through the process of restoring access through Google's site using a backup email or phone number, without this step, the phone will remain locked even after a complete reset.

Some users try to bypass FRP through special utilities or exploits, but with each Android security update, such holes close. On modern versions of MIUI 13/14 and Android 12/13, it is extremely difficult to bypass account verification without specialized paid software used in service centers.

⚠️ Note: Buying a used Xiaomi phone should always be accompanied by checking for the presence of a tied account of the previous owner. If after resetting the device requires someone else's password - this is a sign of a stolen gadget or an unscrupulous seller.

Preventing access problems

To avoid getting into a situation where you need to reset your password, it is recommended to set up backup login methods in advance. MIUI can be added backup PIN-It is also worth regularly checking the synchronization of data with the cloud, so that in case of force majeure, only the settings are lost, not important files.

Use biometrics, like a fingerprint or face unlock, in conjunction with simple code, which speeds up access and reduces the likelihood of forgetting a complex combination of characters, but remember that biometrics still need to be coded after rebooting, so you can't forget it.

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Write down a complex password or draw a pattern lock on paper and store that record in a secure location, separate from your phone, and digital notes can also become unavailable at the right time.

Regular system updates are also important, as security patches come with improvements in access recovery mechanisms, and keep an eye out for new MIUI release notifications and install them when the battery is charged and there is Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)