The graphical password on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most convenient ways to protect data, but sometimes it needs to be updated. Maybe the current combination seemed too simple, or you are afraid that someone looked it over your shoulder. Or maybe you got the device from the previous owner, and the old key is unknown. In any case, the procedure for changing the password will not take more than 5 minutes, if you know the correct algorithm.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the pattern lock to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – both through the phone settings and bypassing the lock (if you forgot the current password), pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models, and learn how to avoid common errors and what to do if the system refuses to accept the new key.
Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your important data. Even if you just change your password through your settings, crashes happen — especially on devices with custom firmware or outdated software. If the phone is locked, Recovery reset will delete all files without recovery unless Mi Cloud or local backup was enabled.
1. Standard method: change password through settings
This is the easiest method that works if you remember the current pattern lock. The instruction is suitable for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. The algorithm is the same for all devices with an unlocked screen.
Open the Settings app (cog icon) and go to Passwords and Security. Next, select Screen Lock, the system will request the current pattern lock to be entered. After successful authentication, you will see a menu with lock options: pattern lock, PIN-Code, Password and Fingerprint. Click on the pattern lock and follow the prompts on the screen.
- 🔄 Minimum key length: The system requires a minimum of 4 dots (some models have 5) to draw a combination.
- ⚠️ Confirmation: The new key will need to be entered twice – this prevents typos.
- 📱 Biometric Compatibility: If you use a fingerprint or face scanner, you will have to reconfigure them after changing your password.
On some devices (e.g. POCO F4), a reboot notification may appear after changing the key. This is normal, just confirm the action. If the reboot option does not appear, make it manually through the power menu.
Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for synchronization with Mi Cloud)
Remember or write a new key on paper
Check if backup is enabled in Mi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account)
-->
2. change password through the Mi Account (if you forgot the key)
If you don’t remember the current graphical password, but the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), you can reset the lock via the web interface.
- 📧 The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud.
- 🔋 The phone is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
- 🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.
Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone. Sign in and select Find the Device tab. Find the locked smartphone in the list and click Unlock the Device. The system will send a command to reset the graphical password — it can take 5 to 30 minutes. Once successful, you will be able to specify a new key.
⚠️ Note: if the phone has been enabled with the function of Data Protection in case of loss (in some regions), unlocking through Mi Account may not work).
Once unlocked, we recommend you immediately update your Mi Account password and enable two-factor authentication, which will prevent unauthorized access to your account in the future.
Once a month
Six months
Only if you forget the old one
Never changed.
Another option-->
3. Reset graphical password via Recovery Mode
If you don't remember the pattern lock or the Mi Account, you'll only have to hard-reset through recovery mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps installed. Use it only as a last resort!
Turn off your phone, then press the button combination to log in to Recovery. On most Xiaomi models, this is:
Power button + Volume upHold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear. In Recovery, the volume buttons (move) and the power button (select) are controlled.
- 🗑️ Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on some models).
- 🔄 Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
- 📱 After reset, select Reboot to reboot.
The phone will boot as new — you will need to go through the initial setup, including creating a new graphical password. If Mi Cloud was turned on before the reset, after logging in to the account, some data (contacts, notes) will be restored automatically.
⚠️ Note: on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader!
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
4. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities
For advanced users, there is the option of resetting a graphical password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works if the phone has previously been enabled to debug over USB and has access to a computer. Suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14, but requires technical skills.
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Open the command line (or the terminal) macOS/Linux) and execute commands:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootAfter the reboot, the graphical password will be reset, but this method does not guarantee 100% results – on newer versions of MIUI, lock files can be stored elsewhere or encrypted.
- 🖥️ Requirements: Included debugging by USB, root rights (on some firmware), installed Xiaomi drivers.
- ⚠️ Risks: Incorrect commands can lead to data loss or device blink.
- 🔧 Alternative: Utilities like Mi Unlock Tool (requires unlocked bootloader).
If you are unsure of your skills, it is best to use official methods (via Mi Account or Recovery). ADB is only suitable for experienced users, ready for possible consequences.
💡
Before using ADB, back up your data via adb backup or Mi PC Suite, which will save your files even if something goes wrong.
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you change your graphical password, you often have a problem, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The system does not accept a new password | Too simple combination (less than 4 points) or repetitive pattern | Create a key of 5-9 points with intersections |
| After changing the password, the fingerprint scanner does not work. | Biometric data tied to old key | Remove and add fingerprints again to Settings → Passwords and security |
| Phone asks for old password after reset via Mi Account | Incomplete sync with the cloud or server error | Reboot your phone and unlock again. |
| Recovery Mode does not have Wipe Data | Installed custom firmware or damaged Recovery | Use Fastboot to Firmware the Original Recovery |
If none of these methods worked, check if the phone has activated Anti-Theft (anti-theft) function, and in some regions (e.g. India) it blocks password resets without confirmation via SMS or email.
6.Security Tips: How to Come Up with a Reliable pattern lock
Many users choose simple patterns like the letter "Z" or a square that are easy to peek at or guess. To make your password secure, follow these guidelines:
- 🔐 Use at least 6 points – the longer the key, the harder it is to crack.
- 🎨 Do line intersections – this makes it difficult to remember the pattern visually.
- 🔄 Do not use repetitive movements (for example, two laps in a row).
- 📵 Avoid personal data-related patterns (dates of birth, initials).
A good example of a secure key:
We also recommend changing your password periodically (every 3-6 months) and not showing the input process to anyone else. If you are afraid to forget the key, write it down on paper and store it in a safe place (not on your phone!).
💡
Even the most complex graphical password won’t protect you from physical access to your phone unless you have encryption enabled. Activate it in Settings → Additional → Encryption.