Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Can't log in after buying a used phone? This situation is familiar to many users, but don't panic - there are several official and informal ways to unlock. Depending on whether the device is linked to the account Mi Account, whether debugging is enabled USB Or if you have a custom recap, you can choose the best method.
It is important to understand that resetting the password to Redmi 7 (codename onc) has its own nuances. For example, if the device is activated with the function "Device Protection" (Device Protection), after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways - from simple to advanced - and also tell you how to avoid blocking after unlocking.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- π± Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
- π Find the device has been activated in the settings.
To reset the password:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (if available).
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm the entry via SMS or email.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password.
If you have forgotten your password? is missing, try unlocking your phone via i.mi.com:
- Log in to your account.
- Go to the Find the device section.
- Select Redmi 7 from the list and click Unblock.
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If you unlock your Mi Account and your phone requires you to enter your old password, try rebooting your device. Sometimes the system resets the request after the reboot.
β οΈ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)
If you don't have access to Mi Account, you can do a hard reset through standard recovery. This method will delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Redmi 7 uses Stock Recovery, so the procedure is simple but has limitations.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
- Once the process is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot β Reboot to System.
The phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, but there's a caveat:
What to do if you need an old Mi Account after resetting?
| Method | Is a Mi Account required? | Is the data deleted? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forgot your password? | Yes. | No. | β |
| Reset via Recovery | No (but may be required after resetting) | Yes. | ββ |
| ADB (if debugging is enabled) | No. | No. | βββ |
| Fastboot (firmware) | No. | Yes. | ββββ |
3. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If Redmi 7 has previously been activated by USB debugging (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 taps to unlock developer options), you can reset your password without losing data. This method requires a computer and installed ADB drivers.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command line (Win + R β cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
- Enter the command to delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If not, repeat the steps or check if debugging is enabled.
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially newer versions, this method may not work due to changes in the structure of system files. -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric
βοΈ Preparation for unblocking through ADB
4. Firmware through Fastboot (advanced method)
If previous methods did not help, you can reflash the phone through Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty. On the Redmi 7 model with a Snapdragon 632 processor, unlocking the bootloader takes 72-168 hours of latency (according to Xiaomi rules).
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) from MIUI Downloads (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
- Turn off your phone and go to Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect the device to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices
- Run the firmware: fastboot flash all or (for new versions of MIUI): fastboot flash all -w
It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll restart with a clean system.
β οΈ Note: If the bootloader is not unlocked, the firmware through Fastboot will end with the device is locked error. In this case, first unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool application (requires binding Mi Account to the device).
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If standard methods do not work, consider the following options:
- π§ Service center: Official centers Xiaomi can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card.
- π± EDL-Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires special equipment (box) and knowledge.
- π Bypass FRP: If after resetting the phone requires an old Mi Account, you can try to bypass the protection with key combinations or utilities like Mi Account Bypass Tool (risky, can disrupt the system).
The EDL method will require:
- Download firmware in.mbn format for Redmi 7.
- Use the Mi Flash Pro or QFil program.
- Connect the phone in EDL mode (usually through circuiting the contacts on the board or a special cable).
This method is recommended only for experienced users or masters in service centers, as improper actions can turn the phone into a βbrickβ.
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of the Redmi 7 being blocked again, follow these tips:
- π Use a strong password: The combination of letters, numbers and symbols is harder to forget than a simple one. PIN.
- π Write down your account details: Save your Mi Account login and password in a safe place (e.g., in a password manager).
- π Activate backup: Enable data synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) β Xiaomi account β Mi Cloud).
- π± Set up unlock by fingerprint or face: This is more convenient than entering a password and reduces the risk of blocking.
Also useful:
- Check periodically if Mi Account is linked to your phone (Settings β Xiaomi Account).
- Do not buy used phones without first resetting the data by the seller.
- Enable the Smart Lock option (Settings β Screen Lock β Smart Lock) to automatically unlock in trusted locations.
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Even if you successfully reset your password, after flashing or resetting through Recovery, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account.