How to remove the password from Xiaomi Redmi 9: from Mi Account to Hard Reset

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even its owners sometimes face the problem of a locked screen. PIN-code or phone requires a Mi Account after a reset? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from the most secure to radical, taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI and the hardware platform Redmi 9.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, Fastboot reset only works when Find Device is disabled, and Mi Cloud unlock requires an associated account, and we analyzed each method based on user feedback and Xiaomi's technical documentation so that you can choose the best option without the risk of "bricking" the device.

If you are not sure about your actions, do not use methods with firmware through EDL unless you have experience with Qualcomm processors. Mistakes at this stage can lead to a complete loss of service of the phone.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most legal and safe method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select the Restore option via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
4. Confirm the entry via SMS or email code.
5. Create a new lock password.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi may request additional verification (such as a tied number) to protect against hacking.

💡

If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com before you start unlocking it, which will save you time and avoid errors when entering.

2. Password reset via Fastboot (without data loss)

The method is suitable for Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader. If you previously activated OEM Unlock in the developer settings, you can delete the password without resetting to factory settings.

Procedure:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and launch it.
4. Enter the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone.
5. Once you unlock the bootloader, use the command: fastboot erase userdata But! This command only deletes user data, not system files.

⚠️ Note: After using fastboot erase userdata, the phone may request re-entering Mi Account data on the first turn on.

3. Hard Reset (full reset)

A radical but versatile method is hard resetting via Recovery Mode, which works even without a Mi Account attached, but deletes all the data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps.

How to make Hard Reset on Redmi 9:

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare a backup (if the phone has been unlocked before)

Remember your Mi Account information (if tied)

-->

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After Hard Reset, the phone may require Mi Account data entry if Find Device has been activated before, and this is anti-theft protection, and you can't get around it without official unlocking.

4. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

If your phone has USB debugging enabled and it was previously connected to your PC, you can delete the password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a technique that requires technical skills but retains data.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in order: 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

Once the password is reset, the SU command is reset, and if the SU command is not working, root rights are required, which are difficult to obtain on Redmi 9 due to a blocked bootloader.

💡

The ADB method only works if the USB debugging was enabled before the phone locks, and if you didn't activate it beforehand, it's useless.

5. Alternative methods (with caution!)

If the standard methods don’t work, some users resort to informal solutions, and we’ll list them, but warn them that these methods can disrupt the phone or lead to IMEI blocking.

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL: Requires special cable and firmware for the Qualcomm 900 (Redmi 9 chipset) Risk: 40% on the brick".
• 📱 Use of boxes (Z3X, UMT): Paid tools for service centers. No experience - not recommended.
• 🔑 Exploitation MIUI: Some vulnerabilities in older versions MIUI 11-12 allowed to bypass the lock, but they are closed in the current updates.

⚠️ Note: Before using alternative methods, check:

• The MIUI version (in the Settings menu → About the phone).
• The status of the bootloader (fastboot oem device-info).
• Availability of a backup copy of the data.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are three options:

1. Xiaomi official service: Provide a check or a box from the phone - unlock in 1-3 days (sometimes free under warranty).
2. Sale of the phone "as is": On Avito or Yula you can find buyers who will unlock the device themselves.

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust "masters" who promise to unlock the Redmi 9 in 5 minutes at a low price. Often it's scammers who just perform Hard Reset and return the phone requiring you to enter the Mi Account.

💡

Check to see if your Redmi 9 has an extended warranty before you contact the service, and some models purchased from official stores have free support for up to 24 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 9