How to remove a password from Xiaomi Redmi: official and alternative methods

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi is a problem that even experienced users face. Unlike iPhones or Samsung, Xiaomi smartphones have a unique protection system tied to the Mi Account. This makes unlocking difficult, but also opens up additional opportunities for access recovery. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to remove passwords, from official (with data saved) to radical (with a complete reset).

It's important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI, the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5, etc.) and the presence of a tied account. For example, on devices with MIUI 14+, locking through Find Device works differently than on older versions. We took these nuances into account and collected instructions that will suit most modern Redmi.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”Ή Do you have access to it? email/phone linked to Mi Account?
  • πŸ”Ή Is it on the phone Debugging by USB (through ADB)?
  • πŸ”Ή Is there a backup of the data (if you plan to reset)?
πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/10/13
POCO X3/X4/X5
Redmi K50/K60
Other

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a tied Mi Account. It works even if you don't remember the lock screen password, but remember the data from the Xiaomi account. It works for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
  2. Select Log in Mi Account and enter email/phone + password.
  3. Confirm the entry via SMS or email code.
  4. Follow the system prompts to create a new lock password.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone, you will need confirmation via backup email or SMS. Unblocking them through Mi Account is not possible without access to them.

πŸ’‘

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it on the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the attached email or phone number.

2. Reset password via Find Device (remote)

Find Device (similar to Find iPhone) allows you to unlock Redmi remotely if:

  • πŸ“± Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ”„ Find Device is activated in the settings.
  • πŸ”‘ You know the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select the locked device in the list.
  3. Click Unlock the device (or Unlock).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS/email.
  5. Wait for a notification of successful unlocking (can take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After remote unlocking, all data on the phone will be saved, but you will need to re-authorize in Mi Account when you first turn on.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?
If the device is not displayed on i.mi.com, check if the phone is on the internet (even if the screen is locked, Wi-Fi/mobile Can data work? - Is Find Device disabled in settings (previously this could be done in Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device. - Are your phone settings reset to factory settings (in this case, the account binding is reset).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the official methods didn't work, you can try to remove the password through Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

Tools required:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the instructions below).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
  4. Reset the lock settings (data will be deleted!): fastboot erase frp fastboot erase userdata
  5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: New Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Fastboot reset may require authorization to your Mi Account even after the procedure.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot)|Allow debugging by USB developer-setting|Make a backup copy of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)-->

4.Reset to factory settings via Recovery

Radical method that erases all data on the phone, including password, is suitable if other methods have failed and Mi Account access is not available, works on all Redmi models, but after a reset, you may need to enter data from a previously associated Xiaomi account (if Mi Cloud protection was activated).

How to reset:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
  3. Use volume buttons to navigate, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
  4. Confirm the reset by choosing Yes.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.
Model RedmiIs a Mi Account Required After a Reset?The corresponding version of MIUI
Redmi Note 10/11Yes, if the account was tied.MIUI 12.5–14
Redmi 9/9A/9CNo (on MIUI 12 and below)MIUI 11–12
POCO X3/X4Yes, if Mi Cloud Protection is enabledMIUI 13–14 (POCO)
Redmi K40/K50Yes, I will.MIUI 13+

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ After resetting via Recovery, you may receive a request for data entry from the previous Mi Account, even if the phone was purchased by a used one. This is protection against theft. In this case, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service (purchase check is required).

5. Alternative methods (with risks)

If the standard methods didn't work, some users resorted to informal solutions, and we'll list them with the risk -- use them at your own risk.

Method 1: Bypassing ADB (USB debugging required)

It works if the phone previously had USB debugging enabled:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
  2. Enter: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksetting.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
  3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Risk: On new versions MIUI This method can lead to a brick (breaking the firmware) or a Mi Account entry requirement.

Method 2: Firmware through EDL (for experienced)

It requires a special EDL cable and firmware for your model, suitable for bricks (not included phones).

πŸ’‘

Unofficial unlocking methods can violate Xiaomi’s warranty and cause data loss. Use them only if you have exhausted all official options.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
  • πŸ“ Write your password to your password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Link your current email to your Mi Account and enable two-factor authentication.

It's also useful to know:

  • πŸ”‹ On Redmi phones with MIUI 14 Emergency Access is available – you can add a trusted number to unlock.
  • πŸ”„ In the Protection and Privacy settings, you can set up automatic deletion of data after 10 failed password attempts (useful for protection against hacking).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi unlocking

❓ Can I remove my password without losing data?
Yes, if you have access to Mi Account (through Forgot Password? on lock screen or Find Device) you can also try the method with ADB, but it requires debugging pre-setting.
❓ What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset?
This means that the device has Mi Cloud Protection activated. You need to: Contact Xiaomi with a check of purchase. Or try to restore access to an old account through account.xiaomi.com. Without proof of ownership of the phone, unlocking is impossible.
❓ Why is the phone blocked after being reset via Fastboot?
On the new Redmi models (with MIUI 13+), Fastboot resets do not remove the Mi Account binding, but are designed to protect against theft, in which case only official unlocking through the service center will help.
❓ Can I unlock Redmi through the service center without a check?
No. Mi Cloud Protection requires proof of purchase (check, IMEI box or warranty card) without which the service center will not be able to help.
❓ How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on my Redmi?
Turn off your phone and go to Fastboot (Power) + If the bottom of the screen says Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked, you will need official unlocking through the Xiaomi site (can take up to 72 hours).