A forgotten password or graphical key on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that almost every smartphone owner of this brand has faced. Unlike other brands, Redmi phones have unique unlock features, from binding to a Mi Account account to working with Fastboot mode. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of removing screen locks, from the simplest to the most technically complex, and also explain how to minimize the risk of data loss.
It's important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether sync with Mi Account was enabled, whether you have access to your computer, and whether you are ready to reset. Some methods, such as through ADB, require prior preparation, while others, such as Hard Reset, will work even on a completely locked device, and we will describe each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
Xiaomiβs most secure and recommended method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if the phone is synced and has Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), which does not require data resets and is suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and newer devices.
To unlock the phone:
- π On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (or similar button).
- π§ Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- π Confirm the entrance through SMS or email (code will be sent to the specified contacts).
- π± After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new password or pattern lock.
If the password is missing, try connecting to the Internet via another device (for example, handing out Wi-Fi from your phone) or reboot Redmi. Sometimes the option appears after re-entering the wrong password 5-10 times.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or changed your account password, this method will not work.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Hard reset is a universal method that works on any Redmi, but has a critical drawback: all data on the phone will be deleted. Use it if other methods are not available or did not work. A2.
How to make a Hard Reset:
- π Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- π Press the power button at the same time. + Loudness up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- π± In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
- π Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- π After the process is complete, select Reboot to restart.
The phone will boot in the post-purchase state. You will need to reconfigure it, including the Mi Account binding. If the Find Device function was enabled before the lock, the old account may need to be logged in after the reset.
βοΈ Preparation for Hard Reset
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
Fastboot mode allows you to control your phone through your computer even if the screen is locked.This method requires you to install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your PC, as well as command line knowledge.It's suitable for Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader or if you've previously enabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings.
Step-by-step:
- π» Install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- π Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- π Press the power button. + Loudness down to enter Fastboot.
- π Open the command line in the Platform Tools folder and type in: fastboot devices (should display your Redmi serial number).
- π For password reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted. If the bootloader is blocked, it may be necessary to unlock it through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).
β οΈ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can lead to a phone "brick" if you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Use of ADB (if debugging was included)
If you activated USB Debugging in the developer settings before blocking, you can delete the password file via ADB. This method saves data, but only works when you pre-set up.
Instructions:
- π Connect Redmi to your computer via USB.
- π Open the command line and type in: 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 the reboot, the lock will be reset. If the commands don't work, try replacing gesture.key with gatekeeper.password.key (relevant for newer versions of MIUI).
π‘
If you don't remember if USB debugging was enabled, check that when you connect to a PC, your phone must ask permission to debug. If you don't, it doesn't work.
5 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)
Xiaomiβs Find Device feature allows you to remotely unlock your phone if itβs connected to the internet and tied to your Mi Account, which works even if your phone is stolen (but youβd better go to the police first).
How to unlock:
- π Go to the site. [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com/) log in.
- π In the Find Device section, select your Redmi.
- π Press Unlock (unblock) and confirm the action.
- π± The phone will reboot and the lock will be removed.
The limitations of the method: the phone must be on, connected to the network and have enough battery power, and if the device is turned off, the command will be executed the next time it connects to the Internet.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods work, you have to go to an authorized service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way, and Xiaomi can unlock the phone using a purchase document (check or warranty card) that confirms that you are the owner.
What will be required:
- π Passport or other identification document.
- π Check or warranty card on the phone.
- π± The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 20%).
The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region, in some cases, the service may offer to reflash the phone, which also leads to data loss.
π‘
The official service is the only way to unlock a phone with a locked bootloader without the risk of damaging it.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Data retention | PC required | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | β Yes. | β No. | β | All models with synchronization |
| Hard Reset | β No. | β No. | ββ | Any Redmis. |
| Fastboot | β No. | β Yes. | βββ | Models with unlocked loader |
| ADB | β Yes. | β Yes. | ββββ | Phones with debugging enabled |
| Find Device | β Yes. | β No. | β | Internet-connected devices |