How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Go if you forget your password: all the ways of 2026

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Can't log in after buying a used phone? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi's budget smartphone, released in 2019. Unlike modern models with biometric unlocking, Redmi Go relies only on traditional methods of protection – and this creates difficulties when losing a password.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset your password to Redmi Go, including official methods through Mi Account, as well as alternative options through Recovery Mode and Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances associated with the outdated version of Android Go (8.1 Oreo) and the lack of support for some features. You will learn how to bypass the lock with minimal data loss - or without it at all.

We warn you that not all methods are universal. The effectiveness depends on whether the Mi Account was tied, whether debugging is enabled over USB, and whether the phone has been locked before via Find Device. If you buy Redmi Go from hand, be sure to check these points before payment!

1. Method: Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a linked Mi Account, which works even if you don’t remember the lock screen password, but remember the account data. On Redmi Go, this method is available thanks to the built-in Find Device feature (similar to Google’s Find Device).

To unlock your phone through your Mi Account:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same account that is linked to Redmi Go.
3. Select the Find Device tab (or "Find the device" in the Russian version).
4. The map will show your Redmi Go – click on it and select the Unlock option.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the account security settings).

✅ Pros of the method: does not require data reset, works remotely, is supported officially.

❌ Cons: If the account is not tied or blocked, the method will not work. Also on Redmi Go, sometimes there is an error "Device not bound" - this means that the phone did not sync with Xiaomi servers for a long time.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Redmi Go from hand, ask the seller to remove the binding to his Mi Account before handing over the phone.Otherwise you will not be able to unlock the device through this method, and resetting through Recovery will require entering the username / password of the previous owner.

💡

If you don’t remember whether your Mi Account is linked to your phone, try entering any password on the lock screen 5 times in a row, and then the system can offer an unlock option through your account (if you have one).

2. Method: Reset via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data from it, then you only have to hard reset through the recovery mode. On Xiaomi Redmi Go, this process has its own peculiarities due to the simplified Android Go Edition firmware.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Important: Redmi Go may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied up (Mi Cloud Lock function) after resetting via Recovery, and if you don't know that data, the phone will turn into a brick. This is anti-theft protection, but it also creates problems when buying used devices.

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged

Download Xiaomi drivers for PC (if you plan to use Fastboot)

Prepare data from Mi Account (if the phone is tied)

Backup important files (if you have access to your phone via the phone) OTG or ADB)-->

3. Method: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the previous methods didn't work, you're left with the firmware on Fastboot, which requires a computer, USB-On Redmi Go, the process is complicated by the fact that the phone uses an outdated bootloader (without support). EDL Mode, so standard tools like the Mi Flash Tool may not be suitable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Connect Redmi Go to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
3. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. If the phone is recognized, press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).
5. If the utility gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try flashing your phone through Fastboot manually: fastboot oem unlock fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Redmi Go may have anti-rollback protection that locks the phone permanently after unlocking the bootloader. Before firmware, check the Bootloader version through the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If the value of anti = 3 or higher, the firmware is not safe!

4. Alternative methods: bypassing the lock without losing data

If you’re critically interested in saving data on your phone (photos, messages, contacts), you can try workarounds, which will only work if Redmi Go has enabled USB debugging or has access to ADB.

Method 1: Delete the lock file via ADB

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the commands: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
3. After resetting, the password should be reset.

Method 2: Use of the OTG-cable

If the Redmi Go lock screen displays a keyboard to enter PIN-code:

1. Connect. OTG-adapter USB-mouse.
2. With the mouse, try to “pull” the screen down to call the notification bar.
3. If you can open Settings, disable the lock in the Security → Lock screen.

❌ On Redmi Go with Android 8.1 Go, this method works in 30% of cases due to a simplified interface.

💡

If USB debugging is disabled and Mi Account is not tied, you can't save the data when you unlock it, and then you only have to reset it completely through Recovery or Fastboot.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reset your password to Xiaomi Redmi Go, users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Critical information: Redmi Go, after 5 failed attempts to enter the password, activates the lock timer for 5 minutes. If you continue to enter the wrong combinations, the time will increase to 24 hours, in which case only reset via Recovery or waiting will help.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a message saying “This device is associated with a Mi Account” after a reset, it means that the phone is tied to the previous owner’s account. Without its data, it is impossible to unlock the device – even Xiaomi service center will require proof of purchase.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Go, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Link Mi Account and make sure your phone syncs to the cloud (check Settings). → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• 📱 Put the debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-password in a secure location (for example, in a password manager).

If you are buying Redmi Go from hand:

• 🛒 Check if the Mi Account is untied (ask the seller to reset the phone with you).
• 🔍 Make sure your phone is not on the blacklist. IMEI (Checking with *#06# on imei.info).
• 📱 Test all features (camera, sensors, network) before payment.

💡

Redmi Go can be used to install alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS) to bypass Mi Account restrictions, however, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in a loss of warranty.

7. Service centers and warranty

If you have not succeeded in unblocking yourself, you can contact Xiaomi Service Center.

• 📄 No check or box of c IMEI Unblocking will be refused (confirmation of ownership is required).
• 💰 The cost of the service varies from 1 000 to 3 000 rubles (depending on the city and complexity).
• ⏳ The deadline is 3 to 7 days (can be delayed if you need a request to Xiaomi China).
• 🔧 If the phone was purchased abroad, the warranty in Russia does not apply.

📍 Where to look for official Xiaomi SC:

• At mi.com/global/service (select country and city).
• Through the Mi Community app (Service Centers section).
• In partner stores (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video - if the phone was bought there).

⚠️ Attention: informal services often offer "bypass Mi Account" for 500-1000 rubles. In 90% of cases, this is a fraud - after such "unlocking" the phone can turn into a "brick" or lose communication.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions