How to remove the pattern lock from Xiaomi, if you forgot the password – all methods 2026

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. According to service center statistics, 18% of unlock requests are due to loss of access due to a locking screen. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official and informal methods of access restoration, but each has its own nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove the pattern lock on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from a simple reset via Mi Account to complex manipulations with Fastboot and ADB. Importantly, some methods lead to complete loss of data, so before you start, assess the risks. If the phone is enabled synchronization with the cloud, the chances of saving photos and contacts are much higher.

Note that the instructions are valid for devices based on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS (2026). For older versions of firmware (before MIUI 10), some steps may differ. If your smartphone is released before 2018, we recommend that you specify the model in the technical documentation.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account
• 📲 The device previously had synchronization enabled

To unlock the phone:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request proof of identity through a photo with a passport if the account is linked to another device.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, messages and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 and later), Xiaomi has added accidental reset protection. The system can request Mi Account password entry even in Recovery. If you don't remember your account details, this method will not work.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot
• 📱 The phone is determined by PC in Fastboot mode
• 🔓 You are ready for possible data loss

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number appears), enter:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This method may not work due to the bootloader locking, which would require official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting time!

4.Use of ADB (without loss of data)

The only way to remove a pattern lock without resetting data is through ADB, but it only works if:

• 🔌 The phone's debugging on. USB (settings for developers)
• 🖥️ You have a PC with administrator rights.
• 📱 The telephone is determined in ADB (Checked by Adb Devices Command)

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the platform-tools folder.
2. Enter the commands in turn:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Once rebooted, the pattern lock will reset, but this method only works on firmware older than MIUI 10.On newer versions, Xiaomi has blocked access to these files via ADB.

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If USB debugging has been disabled but the phone has previously connected to that PC, try entering the command adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric - sometimes this opens the lock change menu.

5. Official Unlocking through Service Center

If none of these methods work, you have to go to an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Passport of the phone owner
• 📋 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed)
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles depending on the model)

The unblocking period is 1 to 5 working days, and the service center uses special equipment to reset the eMMC chip, which is guaranteed to remove the lock without the risk of "bricking" the device.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops! Fraudsters can:

• 🔄 Install malware on your phone
• 📱 Replace the original parts with fakes
• 💰 Overestimate the cost of the service 2-3 times

6. Alternative methods (for older models)

On Xiaomi devices before 2017 release (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi 5) sometimes work "holes" in security:

⚠️ Attention: Method C EDL Mode requires a special cable and Mi Flash. Wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick! Use only if you are confident in your skills.

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On newer models (2020+), alternative methods are almost non-existent due to enhanced protection. Don't waste time experimenting, just call the service right away.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi