A forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking requires contacting a service center, Xiaomi smartphones offer several ways to restore access on their own, but not all methods are equally safe: some can lead to data loss, others to lock your Mi Account.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to reset your password on the Redmi Note (including the Note 10/11/12/13 Pro models), their pros and cons, and give a checklist to prepare for the procedure.
1. Reset password through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable method, if you remember the data from the Xiaomi account, works on all Redmi Note models with MIUI 12 and newer, but requires an Internet connection, the main advantage is the preservation of user data (photos, messages, applications).
How it works: it sends a request to a Xiaomi server, which checks the device's link to the account, and if the data is correct, the password is reset remotely, and importantly, it won't work if the smartphone has turned off mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
- 🔹 Suitable for: Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12/13 (modifications)
- ⏳ Execution time: 5-10 minutes
- 📱 Required: Access to another device (PC/smartphone) to log in to Mi Account
- ⚠️ Risks: Not if your account has not been hacked or blocked
Step-by-step:
- On the locked screen of Redmi Note, click Forgot the password? (bottom of the screen).
- Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the email/phone attached to the device.
- Confirm the login via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
- Follow the system instructions to create a new password.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but haven’t updated it on your smartphone, the system may request the old password.
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If you have two-factor authentication enabled in Mi Account, prepare the backup codes in advance, which can be found in account settings on account.xiaomi.com under Security.
2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (full reset)
This is a good way to do it if you don't remember Mi Account data or if it's not tied to your device, but it has a critical drawback: all data on your smartphone will be deleted, including photos, contacts and apps. It works on all Redmi Note models, but requires physical access to the device.
Important: After resetting through Recovery, some firmware (MIUI 14+) may request Mi Account data if the account was previously linked, and this is anti-theft protection, and you can not get around it without an official unlocker.
- 🔹 Suitable for: All Redmi Note models (except devices with locked bootloader)
- ⏳ Execution time: 15–20 minutes
- 🛠️ Required: Power buttons + Loudness up
- ⚠️ Risks: data loss, possible blocking of Mi Account
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (clip the power for 10 seconds).
- Press the Power + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – Power).
- After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password) via myaccount.google.com|Save your device's IMEI (on the box or under the battery)|Prepare a backup (if you have access)|Prepare your smartphone at least 50%
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⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer after Hard Reset may require input PIN-code SIM-card if it was installed before locking. PUK-operator.
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The way for those who are ready to work with ADB and Fastboot: It allows you to reset your password without losing data, but requires an unlocked bootloader and drivers installed. Suitable for Redmi Note 10 Pro and older models where the bootloader can be officially unlocked.
The advantage of the method is to save user files (if you don’t run fastboot erase userdata), but it is technically more complex than others and requires a PC with installed tools (Mi Flash Tool, ADB).
| Step. | Team team. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | adb devices | Checking the device connection |
| 2 | adb shell | Transition to the shell of the smartphone |
| 3 | su | Getting root rights (requires an unlocked bootloader) |
| 4 | rm /data/system/gesture.key | Delete the password file (for the pattern lock) |
| 5 | rm /data/system/password.key | Deletion of a file with a PIN/password |
Step-by-step guidance:
- Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
- Connect Redmi Note to PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Open the command line in the adb folder and execute commands from the table above.
- Reboot the device with the command fastboot reboot.
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Snapdragon-powered 7s Gen 2, this method may not work due to the hardware protection of TeeGRIS. In this case, only the official unlocker from Xiaomi remains (cost) ~1500–3000₽).
Reset via Mi Account|Hard Reset (Recovery)|Fastboot/ADB|I've been to the service.|Never blocked a smartphone.-->
4. Use of service codes (hidden menus)
A little-known method that works on some MIUI firmware before version 12.5, which allows you to bypass the lock screen through the engineering menu, but requires knowledge of the IMEI of the device, the method is not universal and may not work on new models.
Warning: Incorrectly entering service codes can cause network loss or IMEI failure. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.
Instructions:
- Enter the code ##3646633## (the engineering menu will open).
- Go to the Connectivity section → CDMA.
- In the Lock Status field, enter reset and confirm.
- Reset the device.
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Service codes only work on firmware without security patches after March 2022, and on Redmi Note 11S and later, this method is blocked.
5. Official unlock through Xiaomi Service Center
If all previous methods did not help, you can contact an authorized service center. Xiaomi provides an official unlock service for a fee (from 1000 to 5000).₽ Advantage: Data retention guarantee (if the device has not been reset before) and no risk of Mi Account blocking.
How to find the nearest service:
- 📍 Through the official website: mi.com/ru/service
- 📞 Phone hotline: 8 800 775-66-88 (call-off)
- 🛒 In the Mi Store (many have service areas)
What will be required to unlock:
- 📄 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership)
- 📱 Smartphone box (for checking) IMEI)
- 💳 Check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed)
⚠️ Attention: In informal services often offer "bypass Mi Account" through the firmware custom Recovery (TWRP). This violates Xiaomi’s license agreement and may result in a complete loss of device functionality (e.g., camera or module failure). NFC).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even following the instructions, users often make critical errors that make it difficult to unlock.
- 🔋 Battery discharge during reset: If the device turns off during the Wipe Data step, partitioning may be damaged /data, Always charge the Redmi Note to a minimum. 70% before manipulation.
- 🔑 Use of informal firmware: installation of custom ROM (For example, LineageOS without unlocking the bootloader will lead to a “brick” (device inoperative).
- 📡 No backup: Even if you plan to save data, create a backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive (set up sync in advance!).
- 🔒 Ignoring Mi Account binding: If you bought a Redmi Note from hand, make sure the previous owner untied your account.Otherwise, after the reset, the device will require you to enter its data.
Tip: before buying used Xiaomi always check the status of Mi Account through the website mi.com/ru/verify. Enter. IMEI Devices – the system will show whether the account is linked to it.