Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The phone is locked after failed attempts to enter, and access to data is urgent? This situation is familiar to many users – according to statistics, one in five smartphone owners at least once faced with the problem of unlocking. Fortunately, Xiaomi has several official and unofficial ways to remove code, and not all of them require a factory reset.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to the most advanced (ADB commands and Fastboot mode). Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different Redmi models: why the Redmi Note 10 Pro does not work unlocking through Find Device, how to bypass the request for a password after reset via Recovery, and what to do if the phone is not determined by the computer.
We warn you that some methods require technical skills, and if you've never worked with ADB or Fastboot, you'd better go to a service center, because doing the wrong thing can turn your phone into a brick. But if you're willing to do it yourself, let's do it!
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).
- 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
- 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
Instructions:
- On the locked screen, tap “Forgot Password?” (or “Forgot Password?” on English firmware).
- Select “Unblock with Mi Account”.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Install a new one. PIN-code.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with firmware MIUI 13+ After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the unlock function through Mi Account may be temporarily blocked for 24 hours.
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If your Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you're left with a hard reset through Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, and only use it as a last resort!
How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow text).
Further action:
- 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
- 📛 Select "Wipe Data» → «Wipe All Data».
- 🔄 Confirm the reset (usually select “Confirm»).
- 🔙 After the reboot, the phone will be like new – you will need an initial setup.
What if you ask for an old password after reset?
⚠️ Note: Redmi with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi 9C) Resetting via Recovery may cause an error called "Invalid" IMEI". In this case, restoration will be required. IMEI via the engineering menu (#3646633##).
3. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)
A method for advanced users to delete a password file without reset, works if the phone is debugging on USB and has access to a computer, and is suitable for Redmi on MIUI 12-14.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
- 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
Step-by-step:
- Download Platform Tools (the official ADB from Google) and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
- Connect your phone to your computer, run Command Prompt in the adb folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open command window).
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should have your device name) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
- After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked.
Install Xiaomi | Download Platform Tools |Enable USB debugging on your phone |Connect the original USB |Cable Run the command line on behalf of the administrator-->
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 and new encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption may not work, and only the Fastboot firmware will help (Section 4).
4. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)
If previous methods didn’t work, the phone’s firmware is Fastboot mode, which deletes all data but is guaranteed to unlock the device, and is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Redmi K50.
What needs to be done:
- Download the official firmware for your model (choose the version of "Fastboot").
- Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\fastboot_rom.
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
- Connect your phone to your computer and launch the file flash_all.bat firmware.
- Wait for the process to finish (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
📌 Important: On some models (Redmi Note) 10S, Redmi 9T) Before the firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool:
- 🔓 Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📋 Sign in to your Mi Account.
- 🔗 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware (black screen or logo hanging), try flashing it again with the antivirus turned off. Sometimes the antivirus blocks the firmware files, which leads to errors.
5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)
If standard methods don’t work, try these options:
| Method | When to apply | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Find Device | Phone connected to the Internet, tied to Mi Account | Deletes all data, but retains the link to the account |
| Use of TWRP | Custom recovery is installed, there is a backup | It may cause loss of warranty |
| Bypassing through EDL Mode | Phone in the state of "brick" (not included) | Requires Qualcomm Boxing or an Authorized Account |
| Calling the service | No way it worked, no skills. | Cost 500-2,000 ₽, model |
🔹 Find Device Reset: Go to i.mi.com, log in, select a locked phone, and click “Erase Data.” Phone reset remotely (we need the internet).
🔹 Use of the TWRP: If the phone has custom recovery, you can delete password.key and locksettings.db files through it (similar to the method with the ADB).
How to save data before resetting
If your phone is locked but you need to save photos or contacts, try these methods:
- 📁 Extraction SD-If the photos are saved to a memory card, just remove it and read it on another device.
- 🔌 Connection to PC in mode MTP: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi 8) even with a locked screen, you can connect to your computer and copy files (try different cables and ports). USB).
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: If you previously enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account, data can be restored after unlocking.
📌 Spoiler: On Redmi with MIUI 13+ There's a hidden emergency mode feature that allows you to temporarily bypass the lock to copy files:
- On the locked screen, enter the wrong password 5 times.
- The message will appear: “Try again in 30 seconds.”
- At the bottom of the screen, tap "Emergency Call" → dial ##7378423##.
- In the menu that opens, select “Service tests” → “Storage” – here you can copy files to a USB drive.
⚠️ Note: This method doesn't work on all firmware. On the Redmi Note 12 and later, it's disabled by default.
💡
If the phone has Find Device enabled, never try to unlock it through third-party services (e.g. iCloud Unlock or Samsung FRP Bypass). Xiaomi can block the device's IMEI for suspicious activity, and then unlocking will become impossible even in the service center.