Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi and can not unlock the phone? the situation is familiar to many: you put a pattern lock or PIN-A security code, and after a month, the device asks you to type in a combination that you have safely forgotten, or worse, you bought a used smartphone with a locked screen. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models, including methods without loss of data and with complete reset.
It is important to understand that the manufacturer does not provide an “official bypass” of the lock – all methods are based on loopholes in the system or hardware. Some require prior preparation (for example, a Mi Account tied), others work even without it, but with the risk of deleting user files, we will describe each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
Before you start, answer two questions:
- Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (you have previously logged in)?
- Is USB Debugging (ADB) enabled on the device?
The answers are what you're going to do, and if both are difficult, don't worry, we'll look at blind scenarios.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable way, if you remember the data from the Xiaomi account, it works on all Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Redmi A2) and does not require resetting, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
How it works: After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer an unlock option through Mi Account. If you previously logged in to an account on this device, just enter the username and password - the phone will unlock automatically.
- 🔹 Pros: no data lost, works without PC, supported by Xiaomi.
- 🔸 Cons: account access is required, Internet connection is required.
- 🔶 Limitation: If the phone is not connected to the network, the Unlock via Mi Account button may not appear.
Step-by-step:
- Enter the wrong password/pattern lock 5 times in a row.
- Click on the link that appears Forgot your password? or Unblock it through Mi Account.
- Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner may not have logged out of his Mi Account.In this case, unlocking through the account will not be available - you will need a reset via Fastboot (see section 4).
2. Reset password via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
The method is for advanced users who have previously activated Developer Mode and enabled USB debugging.It allows you to delete a password file (gesture.key or password.key) without completely resetting.It is suitable for Redmi on Android 10-13.
Importantly, if USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work, and you can only check its status once you unlock the phone, so it's a good method for those who have prepared the device in advance.
Connect your phone to your PC through USB|Install the drivers. ADB (Download from Xiaomi website)|Open the command line in the folder with ADB|Enter the adb device command to check the connection-->
Instructions:
adb shell
su
cd /data/system
rm *.key
rebootAfter the restart, the phone will prompt you to enter a new password. If the su command is not working (no root permissions), try an alternative option:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 may be called otherwise (e.g. locksettings.db). If standard commands fail, use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) to manually search for the file.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If previous methods don't work, it's hard to reset through recovery mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including photos, messages and apps, but will return access to the device, and works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi 8A and Redmi K50.
Warning: On some MIUI firmware, a Recovery reset may require you to enter a password from Mi Account after rebooting (Factory Reset Protection).If you do not remember your account details, use the Fastboot method (Section 4).
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to be completed.
| Model Redmi | Combination for Recovery | Is a Mi Account Required After a Reset? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Yes (if the account was linked) |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up | No (on stock firmware) |
| Redmi K40/K50 | Food + Volume up | Yes (with MIUI 12.5+) |
| Redmi A1/A2 | Food + Volume up | No (budget models) |
⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13/14 After resetting through Recovery, you may be asked to enter the old password, which is related to the theft protection function. 4).
4. Password reset via Fastboot (for power users)
The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to bypass locks if other options fail. It works for all Redmi models, including the new ones (Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi 12), and bypasses the protection of the Mi Account after a reset.
How it works: in Fastboot mode you can flash a special file anti_rollback Or you can run a command to reset the security, and this method will delete all the data, but it's guaranteed to unlock the phone even without the account attached.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
- Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the archive with firmware and launch the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Wait for the firmware to be completed (10-15 minutes) and the phone will restart in factory condition.
fastboot erase frp
fastboot erase userdataThese commands will delete Factory Reset Protection and user data, but the phone will unlock without being tied to the Mi Account.-->
5. Password bypass through Xiaomi service centers
If the independent methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging the phone, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.
What will be required:
- 📄 Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- 📱 The phone itself is locked.
- 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone was purchased officially).
Cost and timing:
- Resetting password without data loss: ~1500-3000 ₽ (model).
- Complete flashing: ~2000-4000 ₽.
- Term of execution: 1-3 working days.
Xiaomi’s official service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com. Before visiting, check by phone whether they provide an unlock service – some centers refuse to work with undocumented phones.
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services may offer "unlock in 5 minutes" at a low price, often using illegitimate methods (such as firmware through test points), which can lead to loss of the service. IMEI You can only contact trusted centers.
6. Alternative methods (with caution)
On the Internet you can find dozens of “magic” ways to bypass the password on Xiaomi – from the use of bugs in the Internet. MIUI before connecting EDL-Most of them are either outdated or require a lot of technical knowledge, and we'll just list the ones that actually work in 2026, but we warn you that they may be unstable.
Method 1: Bypassing Emergency Call (for older versions of MIUI)
MIUI 9-11 had a bug that allowed you to bypass the lock through the emergency screen.
- On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
- Enter ##4636## (test menu).
- Go to Settings → Backup and Reset and perform a reset.
Note: This method does not work on MIUI 12+, the test menu is blocked.
Method 2: Use of Mi Flash Unlock
Xiaomi’s official bootloader utility can also help with password resets, download it from en.miui.com/unlock and follow the instructions.
- 🔗 Linked Mi Account (same as on the phone).
- ⏳ Waiting. 72-168 hours after linking the account to the device.
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
💡
No alternative method offers 100% warranty, and if the phone is important and the data on it is valuable, you should go to the service center or use Fastboot firmware.