How to remove the lock from the Xiaomi phone, if you forgot the password

When Xiaomi stops letting the user in because of a forgotten password, it happens quite often. Users often install complex graphic keys to protect personal data, but forget them after a long pause in using the device or updating the system, at which point the lock screen becomes an insurmountable barrier, hiding all contacts, photos and applications.

There are several proven ways to restore access to the device, but the effectiveness of each method depends on the version of the MIUI operating system and the status of the Mi Account. Some methods allow you to save data, while others require complete deletion of information for the sake of security. It is important to act consistently and not panic, since most problems are solved at home.

Before you start taking drastic measures, try to remember the password or check if it is not synchronized with Google cloud storage. If simple methods do not work, you will have to resort to more complex technical reset procedures. Below we will discuss in detail all the current options.

Use Find Device to Remotely Unlock

The most civilized and safe way to unblock is to use the official cloud service from the manufacturer. If the Internet was turned on on on the blocked smartphone and the Mi Account was activated, you have a high chance to solve the problem without losing data or with minimal consequences. This method works through a web interface accessible from any other device, whether it is a computer or a tablet.

First, you need to go to the official website of the Xiaomi cloud service and log in under the same login that was used on the locked gadget. After logging in, select the device management section and find your phone in the list. If the device is online, you will have a number of features available, including remote locking or unlocking.

From the control menu, select Unlock. The system can request confirmation via SMS or re-enter your account password for security. Once the command is successfully executed, the lock screen on the phone will disappear, and you can set a new pin.

• 🔓 Instantly remove protection without losing files.
• 🌐 It only works if you have an active internet connection.
• 🔐 Requires password knowledge from Mi Account.

It is worth noting that newer versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 may have limited functionality to improve security, and if the unlock button is inactive, you will need to use other methods described below.

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This method is ideal because it allows you to save all photos and contacts, as opposed to a complete reset.

Resetting with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If cloud services are not available or you don't remember your account details, the only option is to force the device to reset to factory settings, a process that completely clears the device's internal memory by removing all user data, including the lock password, through a special Recovery Mode menu.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the key combination: usually the Volume Up button and the Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume volume up until the menu appears in English or Chinese.

In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button (or touch, if the screen reacts). Find the Wipe Data item and select it. Next, the system will require confirmation, often in the form of typing the word yes or selecting Confirm. Once the process starts, the progress bar will go, and the phone will restart.

⚠️ Note: All personal files, contacts and messages will be permanently deleted. Make sure you have a backup of important data in the cloud in advance if you have previously set up the option.

Once rebooted, the phone will look like new, requiring initial setup, but there may be a new hurdle, such as checking your Google account or Mi Account, which we will discuss in the next section.

Bypassing Mi Account and Google FRP

Xiaomi’s current smartphones are heavily guarded against theft, and once Hard Reset is done, the system will require you to enter a password from a Google account (FRP) or Mi Account that was synced to the device before locking, so that a thief can’t use the stolen phone even after flashing it.

If you remember your username and password, just type them in when you set them up. If the data is lost, the situation gets complicated. Xiaomi officially does not provide tools to bypass this protection without a purchase check. However, there are software methods that can help depending on the version of Android and the security patch.

One of the popular ways is to use special utilities on the PC, such as the Mi Unlock Tool (official, but requires a wait of 168 hours) or third-party solutions like ADB Run. To work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you need to connect the phone to the computer in debugging mode, which on a locked screen can not be done without special adapters or vulnerabilities in the system.

• 🛡️ FRP Protects data even after resetting.
• ⏳ Official unlocking of the bootloader requires a wait of 7 days.
• 💻 For complex cases, a PC and cable are often required. USB.

It's important to understand that FRP bypassing techniques are constantly changing as manufacturers close vulnerabilities. What worked on MIUI 11 may not work on MIUI 14.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods: Table

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have systematized the basic methods in a table that will help you assess the risk of data loss and the necessary conditions for each option.

As you can see from the table, the only way to save data without knowing a password is through the cloud service Find Device. All other methods involve sacrificing data to return access to the device, and the choice depends on the priorities: the phone or the information inside it is more important.

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be deeper, and in rare cases, a failure may cause a system file or application conflict that requires a complete flashing through Fastboot.

Use of debugging by USB and ADB

For advanced users who have pre-enabled USB debugging in the developer menu, access to the powerful ADB tool opens. This method allows you to send commands directly to the Android system, bypassing the graphical lock interface.

You'll need to install Xiaomi drivers and Platform Tools on your computer. If you connect your phone with a cable, you can try to delete the files that store lock passwords. Commands are entered in the Windows command line or Linux/Mac terminal.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

Once these commands are executed, the device must be restarted, the lock screen must disappear or any password can be entered, but on newer versions of Android, access to these files is often closed even to ADBs without root rights, making the method less versatile than before.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of commands ADB This method can damage system files and completely inoperable phone. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

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Use the original. USB-cable, coming in the kit, as cheap analogues can only charge the device, but do not transmit data to the device. ADB.

Prevention and backup

The best way to avoid the stress of locking is to set up your device correctly in advance, and backing up your data regularly to the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud ensures you don’t lose important contacts and photos even when you’re completely reset.

It is also recommended to write complex passwords to a secure location or use password managers synchronized between devices. For graphical keys, you can set a simpler but more reliable pin code that is easier to remember, or configure unlocking by fingerprint and face, using the pin code only as a backup method.

• 📅 Set up an automatic backup once a week.
• 🔐 Write down the password from Mi Account in a notebook.
• 👆 Activate biometrics for quick access.

Remember that the security of your device is in your hands, and neglecting to set up your account and forgotten passwords is the most common reason to contact service centers, where you will have to pay for the service of unblocking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)