Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The situation is familiar to many: the smartphone is locked and access to data is urgent. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to unlock - from recovery through a Mi Account to a full reset via Recovery Mode. In this article, we will analyze all current methods taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) and firmware versions. MIUI 12–14.
It's important to understand that some methods lead to data loss, others require pre-preparedness (e.g., USB debugging enabled), we'll give you all the nuances so you can choose the best option. If the phone was synchronized with Mi Account, the chances of recovering without reset are much higher, otherwise you'll have to sacrifice user files.
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30% to avoid shutdown during the procedure).
- 📶 A stable Internet connection (for Mi Account methods).
- 💻 Access to a computer (for methods with ADB or Fastboot).
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (without data loss)
The most painless way is to use a Xiaomi account that works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
- 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
- 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
- Choose Restore through Mi Account.
- Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new one. PIN-code.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It doesn’t work if your phone is not connected to the internet.
- ❌ Requires a pre-binding account (if it was not - the method is useless).
- ❌ On some firmware MIUI 14 option may not be available.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but haven’t updated it on your phone, unlocking may not work.
💡
If you don't have access to SIM-card connected to Mi Account, use backup email to recover password from your account.
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you have a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 7 with a long hold on the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- After reset, select Reboot to System.
The phone will reboot in factory condition, and you will have to go through the initial setup, just like after you buy it.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Hard Reset may require data entry from Mi Account that was previously linked to the device (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember your username/password, your phone will become a brick"!
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)
The method is suitable if the Redmi Note 7 was enabled debugging over USB (USB Debugging) before blocking, in which case you can delete the file with the password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your device) 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
- After resetting, the password will be reset.
Important: This method does not work on all versions of MIUI. Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened protection, and gesture.key can be stored in an encrypted partition.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Using Fastboot to bypass lockdown
If ADB didn't help, and Recovery Mode asks for a password from Mi Account, you can try flashing your phone through Fastboot.
- 🔧 Unlocked loader (Bootloader).
- 📥 Official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (download from Xiaomi website).
- 🖥️ Computers with Fastboot Tools installed.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to the PC.
- Open the command line in the firmware folder and type: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip
- Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
- Reboot your phone with the command: fastboot reboot
Warning: Incorrect firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Use only official firmware files for the lavender model (codenamed Redmi Note 7).
| Method | Mi Account required | Loss of data | Difficulty | It's working on MIUI 14. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery through Mi Account | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | ❌ No (but may be required after resetting) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ Partially. |
| Fastboot | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
5. Alternative methods: service centers and third-party tools
If neither method works, there are two options:
- Contact the Xiaomi service center, you will need a confirmation of purchase (check or warranty card), the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles.
Tip: Before using third-party software, check for feedback on forums (such as 4PDA or MIUI SU). Many "unblockers" are fraudulent.
💡
Xiaomi’s official service centers are the only legal way to unlock without the risk of damaging the device, and the cost of the service is usually lower than that of “private masters.”
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:
- 🔑 Use password managers (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store PIN-code.
- 📱 Attach Mi Account and enable data synchronization.
- 🔧 Activate. USB Debugging in Developer Settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers).
- 📤 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
If you often forget passwords, set up biometric unlocking:
- 👆 Fingerprint (available on Redmi Note 7).
- 👤 Facial recognition (less safe but convenient).
Preventive advice: Write down PIN-code from your phone to a secure location (such as a notebook or an encrypted file) Do not keep it in notes on the smartphone itself!