How to Remove the pattern lock from Xiaomi Smartphone Apps: A Complete Guide to 2026

The pattern lock on Xiaomi apps is an extra layer of protection that sometimes becomes a headache. Did you install it a year ago and now you can't remember the combination? Or did you buy a used smartphone where the previous owner blocked individual programs?

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the pattern lock from applications on Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models). From simple methods through Mi Account to advanced solutions using ADB and Fastboot. Importantly, not all methods are universal – their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI, the phone model and the type of lock.

If you're afraid of losing data, don't worry: most ways to save information in applications. But there are also radical measures (like factory resets) that you should only resort to as a last resort. Before you act, check if your case is not suitable for exceptions: some system applications (for example, Settings or Security) may have separate unlock mechanisms.

So let's start with a detailed analysis, and let's start with the safest methods, and then gradually move on to more complex technical solutions.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is tied to your Mi Account, the chances of successfully unlocking without losing data are as high as possible, and this method works on most devices with MIUI 10 and later, but there are nuances: the phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), and the Find Device function must be active.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. On the application lock screen, tap “Forgot the pattern lock?” (if there is no such option, proceed to the next method).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset the pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password, the system may require confirmation via your old phone number or backup email. If access is lost, restore your account in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

This method does not require technical skills and takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but it does not work on devices with custom firmware or after a complete reset, unless the account has been re-assigned.

2. Use of Safe Mode (Safe Mode)

If the pattern lock is installed by a third-party application (such as AppLock or Smart AppLock) rather than MIUI system tools, you can try removing it via Safe Mode. In this mode, all third-party programs are disabled, allowing you to access the settings.

How to run Safe Mode on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power button before the Mi logo appears.
3. As soon as the logo appears, release the power button and immediately press the volume down button.
4. Hold it until the phone is fully loaded, and the bottom left corner of the screen will say Safe mode.

In safe mode:

• 🔓 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find an application that blocks access (e.g. AppLock).
• 🗑️ Click on “Delete” or “Clear Data».
• 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.

⚠️ Note: In Safe Mode, some system functions (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) may temporarily fail, and this method will not work if the pattern lock is installed through built-in tools. MIUI (For example, application protection in security settings).

Remember or write down the password from Mi Account

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates (if required)

Backup of important data (in case of resetting)-->

3. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn’t work, and factory resets are the last option, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires USB debugging and access to your computer, but saves all the data on your phone.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official website).
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times to unlock the developer menu).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Execute the command to delete the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for newer versions of MIUI: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset, but additional settings may be required (e.g., Mi Account re-assignment). If the command does not work, try an alternative:

adb shell su -c"rm /data/system/gesture.key"

(root rights required).

4. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (with partial data loss)

If USB debugging is disabled and Mi Account is not tied, the option is Recovery Mode, which does not require a computer, but resets security settings, which can result in the deletion of some data (for example, saved Wi-Fi passwords or accounts in applications).

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu (management is carried out by volume and power buttons):

• 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or English ).
• 🔧 Go to Wipe & Reset (or Data Cleanup).
• 🔒 Select Wipe Lock Settings (in some versions Reset lock settings).
• 🔄 Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
• 📱 Reboot the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI You may not have Wipe Lock Settings, and you may have to choose Wipe All Data, which will delete all user data, and you may need to re-activate the device through Mi Account if you previously had a link.

5. Full reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is hard reset, which will completely remove all data from your phone, including apps, photos, contacts and settings, and only use this method if you have a backup or data is not critical.

How to perform the reset:

• 📱 Through the phone menu (if you have access to settings): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Delete all data.
• 🔧 Using Recovery Mode (if your phone is locked): Log in to Recovery (see previous section). → Wipe All Data. Confirm the action and wait until it's done.

Once reset, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state, and you will need to reconfigure it, including linking the Mi Account, installing apps, and restoring data from the backup (if any).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12 and later after the reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account if you have enabled Device Protection. If you do not remember the username / password, restore access in advance on the Xiaomi website.

💡

Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card (if any) this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of data corruption on external media.

6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and service centers

If independent efforts fail, alternative solutions can be found, but they have risks and limitations.

Option 1: Third-party unlocking programs

There are many utilities on the Internet that promise to remove the pattern lock (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool V2).

• 🚫 Require root rights or unlocked bootloader.
• 💻 They only work on older versions. MIUI (up to 10th inclusive).
• 🛡️ May contain malicious code (risk of data theft).

Option 2: Contacting a service centre

Xiaomi’s official service centers can help with unlocking, but only if you have:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check or warranty card).
• 🔑 Access to a tied Mi Account.
• 💰 Payment for services (an average of 500-1500 rubles).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often offer a "bypass" of locks through the phone's firmware:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty.
• 🔧 Instable operation of the device.
• 📵 Blocking IMEI (on some models).