Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand even years after the release β thanks to reliable βironβ and flexible firmware MIUI. But owners often face the problem of locking: a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Unlike the new models, the Redmi Note 7 has unique unlock loopholes that work even in 2026.
In this article, 5 proven ways to unblock, from simple (via Find Device) to complex (firmware via Fastboot), we will discuss how to bypass the protection without losing data, what to do if the phone requires an old Mi Account, and why some methods stopped working after the MIUI 12+ updates. Importantly, not all methods are universal - the choice depends on the type of lock and the firmware version.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30% - when discharged during the procedure, the smartphone can "brickΒ»)
- π‘ Availability of backup (if the lock is not complete, copy files through the MTP cloud)
- π§ Version MIUI (You can find out through the settings β The phone, if you have access to the screen)
If you've tried to unlock your device before and it's now out of power or stuck on the Mi logo, go straight to the Fastboot section of the firmware section. For everyone else, let's start with the safest methods.
Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you see a request for username/password from Mi Account on the lock screen, it means that the device has activated the device's "Device Protection" function, which only works if:
- π§ You have access to the mail or phone number associated with your account.
- π The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network)
- π You have not tried to enter your password too many times before (otherwise your account may be temporarily blocked)
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap the button βForgot password?β.
- Choose the method of recovery: via email or SMS.
- Enter the confirmation code received by mail/phone.
- Create a new password for your Mi Account.
- Wait 5-10 minutes β the device unlocks automatically.
If the "Forgot your password" button is not:
- π Connect your phone to charge and wait for the connection notification to appear (sometimes the button appears after that).
- π Try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (on some firmware, the button is hidden without the Internet).
- β³ Wait 24 hours β After unsuccessful password attempts, the button may temporarily disappear.
β οΈ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie your account, you can not officially unlock the device, in this case only the firmware through Fastboot (see section below) or contacting the service center with proof of purchase will help.
π‘
If you often forget passwords, turn on a backup email in your Mi Account settings and link your phone number, which will speed up recovery in the future.
Reset password through Find Device (without data loss)
Xiaomiβs Find Device service not only allows you to find a lost smartphone, but also remove the lock password if the device is tied to your account.The method works on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 10-14, but requires:
- π Internet access on your phone (via mobile network or Wi-Fi)
- π Linking your device to your Mi Account before locking
- π± Find Device enabled in settings (checked in Settings) β Mi Account β Find Device)
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
- In the list of devices, select your Redmi Note 7.
- Click on βErase Dataβ (Erase Data).
- Confirm the action with a code from SMS or mail.
- Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot and unlock.
What if the Device canβt see the phone?
- π§ Make sure that the Find Device function has been activated before blocking (if not, the method will not work).
β οΈ Note: After using Find Device, all data, including photos, messages and apps, will be deleted from the phone. If the device had important files, try other methods first (for example, through the use of the device). ADB).
Make sure your phone is connected to the internet|Check the binding of Mi Account|Charge the battery to at least 30%|Backup of important data (if available)-->
Resetting passwords via ADB (for power users)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone is debugging USB (USB Debugging) mode before locking. This is rare, but if you have activated it before (for example, to install custom firmware), there is a chance to unlock the Redmi Note 7 without resetting data.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official website)
- π USB-cable (preferably original)
- π§ Included debugging by USB (If not, the method will not work)
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install drivers or try another cable.
- Delete the password file (for the MIUI): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
After the reboot, the password should be reset, and if not, try repeating commands or checking if the file paths in your version of MIUI have changed.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after such manipulations may work protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection, and the phone will require input from Mi Account. If this happens, use the methods in the Mi Account section.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Reset via Recovery (hard reset)
If previous methods didn't work, you're going to reset it through Recovery, which will delete all the data, but it will get back access to the phone. There are two types of Recovery on the Redmi Note 7:
- π§ Stock Recovery (from Xiaomi) β limited features, but works without additional tools.
- π οΈ Castomic Recovery (e.g, TWRP) β More features, but requires pre-installing.
Instructions for stock recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option).
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the reset (usually by swipe or Yes button).
- Once you have finished, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
What to do if Recovery requires a password?
- π If itβs stock Recovery, try entering the Mi Account password.
- π§ If the password does not fit, you will have to flash the phone through Fastboot (see the next section).
- π οΈ If it is established TWRP, You can try resetting your password through File Manager in Recovery (delete files). /data/system/gesture.key password.key).
| Type Recovery | Do you need a password? | Is the data preserved? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Recovery | Yes (if it was installed) | β No. | β |
| TWRP | Not (unless set separately) | β Yes (with the right actions) | βββ |
| Fastboot | No. | β No. | ββββ |
β οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI 12+ After resetting via Recovery, a request for data entry from Mi Account may appear (even if it was not before blocking). FRP. In this case, only firmware through Fastboot or official confirmation of ownership through Xiaomi will help.
Firmware via Fastboot (extreme method)
If all the previous methods failed, it's the Fastboot, which is the most reliable, but also the most risky method, and if you make a mistake, the phone can turn into a brick.
- π Full lock (the phone does not respond to the password input)
- π Locations on Mi logo after failed reset
- π± Requirements for entering a Mi Account that is not yours
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot
- π Original. USB-cable
- π¦ Firmware for Redmi Note 7 (you can download on the official website or Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
- π§ Archivator (e.g., archiver, 7-Zip) firmware-unpacking
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model (for Redmi Note 7 it is lavender). Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
- Unpack the archive into a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash\lavender).
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Start the MiFlash Tool (you can download it here).
- In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: Clean All β full reset (recommended when blocking) Clean All and Lock β reset + lock bootloader (do not choose if not sure!) Save User Data β attempt to save data (does not always work)
Flash
After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.
Important: If the phone doesn't turn on or gets stuck on the logo after the firmware, repeat the process with another version of MIUI (for example, the older one). On the Redmi Note 7, firmware based on Android 9-11 is stable.
β οΈ Note: Fastboot resets all data, including IMEI If you lose your mobile phone after the procedure, restore it. IMEI using the engineering menu (#4636##) or tools like SN Writer.
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Fastboot is the only way to get around Mi Account locks if the phone is hand-held and the previous owner hasnβt untied the account, but this will void the warranty (if itβs still valid) and require strict compliance with instructions.
Alternative methods (at your own risk)
If standard methods fail, less obvious (but riskier) options can be tried, suitable for power users and requiring an understanding of the implications.
1. Emergency Call bypass (for older versions of MIUI)
- π On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call).
- π’ Enter the code ##4636## (Engineering menu opens).
- π§ Go to Usage Statistics β Back (sometimes this allows you to get into the settings).
- π Disable the lock in Settings β Lock screen.
It only works on MIUI 9-10, and the newer versions have closed the method.
2.Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)
- π οΈ Install. TWRP via Fastboot (instructions are available on the XDA Developers).
- π V TWRP Go to Mount. β System and delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
- π Reboot to the system.
Risk: Installing TWRP incorrectly can result in loss of IMEI or βbrickingβ.
3. Contact the service center
- π’ If the phone is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service with a check about the purchase.
- π° Unblocking without a guarantee will cost 1-3 thousand rubles (depending on the complexity of the).
- β οΈ Unofficial services may use illegal methods (for example, swapping fees), which is fraught with problems in the future.
How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use a fingerprint or facial recognition in addition to PIN-code.
- π§ Link to Mi Account backup email and phone number.
- π Regularly back up through Settings β Additionally. β Backup.
- π Write it down. PIN-Mi Account code and password in a secure location (e.g. password manager).
- π« Do not buy phones from your hands without first resetting and untiing the account by the seller.
Settings that should be changed right now:
- Open Settings β Mi Account β Find Device and enable the function.
- Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (tap 7 times), then to Additional β For Developers and enable debugging via USB.
- B Settings β Lock screen add a spare PIN-code.
π‘
If you often forget passwords, set up unlocking via Smart Lock (Settings β Lock Screen β Smart Lock).This will allow you to automatically unlock your phone in trusted places (such as at home) or when you connect to a trusted device (such as a smartwatch).