How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi: from Mi Account to Forgotten PIN-code

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi or the phone locked after resetting? The situation is familiar to thousands of users – Xiaomi smartphones are known for strict protection, which sometimes works too zealously. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking (including Mi Account, pattern lock, PIN and even hardware methods), and also tell you how to avoid constant locking after 720 hours of waiting – a problem that owners of used devices face.

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the reason for the lock, for example, unlinking to Mi Account requires one approach, and unlocking after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password requires another. We structured the instructions by type of lock, added step-by-step screenshots (for key steps) and risk warnings. If you bought Redmi off hand and it requires an old account of the previous owner, we have a solution for this case.

Before you start, check if your case is warranty-worthy. If the phone is locked on its own (without your actions), it could be a hardware EMMS failure, in which case you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi is linked to your Mi Account and you remember the login details, this is the easiest way. Xiaomi's system allows you to unblock through the website even if your phone is completely locked. Here's how it works:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Confirm your identity through SMS-code.
4. Create a new password and wait for sync (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
5. On a locked phone, enter a new password from Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account. in this case, the official method will not work - you will need a reset via Fastboot (section 4) or a request in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled but no backup email, try to restore your account through the recovery form. Specify your phone's IMEI (you can find it on the box or under the battery) to speed up the process.

After successfully unlocking through Mi Account, the phone may request additional verification (e.g., entering an old password or using a new password). PIN-If you don't remember it, move on to the next section.

2. resetting the pattern lock or PIN-code (without Mi Account)

If only the lock screen (pattern lock, PIN or password) is locked, but the phone is not tied to the Mi Account (or you have successfully untied it), you can use an emergency reset. This method works on most Redmi models (except the Redmi Note 12 and newer with HyperOS):

Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds)

Connect to charging (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Prepare a computer with the Mi Unlock Tool

Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website-->

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-15 minutes).
5. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI 14+ or HyperOS, this method may not work due to anti-Rollback protection, which would require unlocking the bootloader (Section 4).

Once reset, all data on your phone will be deleted, including photos, messages and apps, and if you have backed up to Mi Cloud, you can recover some of the data once you log in.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have USB debugging enabled (in the developer settings), you can try unblocking through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which only works when you connect your phone to your computer and requires pre-preparedness.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, do not damage the port!).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If your phone is selected, move on. If not, install the driver or try another cable.
3. Enter the command to delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once you reboot, the lock screen should disappear, and if you have an adbd cannot run as root error, you don't have root permissions, this method won't work.

4. Unlock the bootloader and firmware through Fastboot

It's the safest, but also the riskiest way, and it's good if you:

• 🔒 The phone is locked on the previous owner's Mi Account.
• 🔄 Resetting via Recovery does not work (models with HyperOS).
• 🛠️ You are ready for the possible loss of the guarantee.

Important: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data and requires waiting (from 72 hours to 30 days, depending on the model). On new devices (Redmi 12/13, Note 12 Turbo), Xiaomi has tightened the rules - official permission may be required.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to Enter Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start Mi Unlock.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone is linked to someone else’s account, this method won’t work!).
5. Follow the instructions of the program. The wait for unlocking can take up to 720 hours (30 days).

Step 2. Run the phone.

1. Download the official firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows).
3. Wait until the firmware is completed (don’t turn off the cable!).

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial (custom) versions MIUI or HyperOS can cause a phone to crash. Use only official files!

Official reset via Mi Account|ADB (USB debugging)|Fastboot and firmware |I contacted the service center |I haven't tried-->

5. Bypassing the lock through Xiaomi service centers

If all independent methods do not work, you need to contact the official service center.

• 📦 Phone bought from hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account.
• ⏳ There's an unlock timer on the screen (72/168/720 hours).
• 🔧 After a failed firmware, the phone does not turn on (Qualcomm 9008 or EDL regime).

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Check or sales contract (proof that you are the owner).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📱 Phone box (specified there) IMEI and serial number).

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the service, and in some cases (for example, in case of hardware damage to EMMC), unlocking may not be possible.

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Xiaomi's official service centers will not unlock phones from someone else's Mi Account without proof of purchase.If you bought Redmi with your hands, try contacting the previous owner to delete the account.

6. Hardware methods (for experienced users)

If the software doesn't work, then the hardware is there, and it requires disassembling the phone and working with the phone. EMMC-chip UFS-This is an extreme case, because there is a risk of damage to the phone permanently.

Methods of hardware unlocking:

• 🔧 Flip-through EDL (Emergency Download Mode – requires boxing (UFi Box, EasyJTAG) and knowledge of circuitry.
• 🔄 Replacement of memory chip – if the lock is associated with damage EMMC.
• 📶 Zeroing IMEI (illegally in most countries, including Russia!).

⚠️ WARNING: Working independently with Xiaomi Redmi hardware is warranty-free and can cause irreversible damage.If you are unsure of your skills, it is best to consult a specialist.

The cost of hardware unlocking services starts from 3,000 rubles. On forums (for example, 4PDA) you can find wizards who do it remotely (you send your phone by mail), but the risks of fraud are high.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these tips:

Disable Mi Account binding if you are selling your phone (Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete Account)

Use a reliable one. PIN-code (not date of birth!)

Enable backup in Mi Cloud (Settings → About Phone → Backup)

Write your account passwords to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep)

Update the firmware (in new versions) MIUI/HyperOS fewer blocker bugs)-->

If you often forget passwords, set up fingerprint or face unlock (Settings → Password & Security → Fingerprint Data). On HyperOS models, Smart Lock unlocking (automatically unblocking locks in trusted places, such as at home) is also available.

⚠️ Warning: Never buy Xiaomi Redmi off hand if the seller can't untie the Mi Account on you.Even after a reset, the phone may require an old account after 720 hours!

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi