How to remove the screen lock on Xiaomi: from the pattern lock to the fingerprint

Forgot the password, PIN-Is the screen locked and data access urgent? this situation is familiar to many Redmi users, POCO Or Mi, especially if the device has been idle for a long time or if it has been set up by a child, and fortunately, you can unlock the screen on Xiaomi even without losing data, if you do it right.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unblock, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using ADB or Fastboot mode. Importantly, not all methods are suitable for new models (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), so we will specify the limitations for each option, and you will learn how to avoid a complete reset if the phone is synchronized with Mi Cloud.

Warning: some methods require proof of ownership (checks, box, tied account) If the phone is bought with hands, the chances of unlocking without losing data are minimal.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and legal method is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi models if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔄 On the phone, synchronization with Mi Cloud is enabled (checked in account settings).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).
4. Follow the system instructions - the phone will offer to reset the lock password.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a fingerprint or facial recognition on your phone, when you unlock it through your Mi Account, that data will be deleted.

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If you don't have a "Forgot Password?" button, try entering any password 5 times in a row, and then the system can offer a recovery option.

2. Reset via Mi Cloud (remote)

If the phone is lost or physically unavailable but you have access to Mi Account, you can try a remote reset via the web version of Mi Cloud.

• 🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (even in the background).
• 📍 Find Device is activated in the settings.
• 🔋 Battery level above 20% (otherwise the reset may be interrupted).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. On the map, find your smartphone and click on it.
4. In the menu, select Erase Device (Data Device).
5. Confirm the action - the phone will start resetting to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: This method completely removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. If your device has been enabled to sync with Google Account or Mi Cloud, some of the data can be restored after unlocking.

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you can reset hardware via Recovery mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but has a critical drawback: all data on the phone will be deleted.

How to log in to Recovery:

• 🔌 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Press the combination of the power button + Loudness up and hold for 10-15 seconds.
• 📱 When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will see the Recovery menu.

Further action:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
3. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
4. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick).

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can try to remove the lock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method only works if:

• 🔌 Phone connected to PC by PC USB.
• 🖥️ The computer has Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB.
• 🔧 In the settings of the developer was activated debugging USB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is determined – continue.
4. Delete the file with the password (for Android) 5–9): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key For Android. 10+: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12/13/14 This method may not work because of the increased protection, and after a reboot, the phone may require you to enter the old password, in which case only resetting through Recovery will help.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

If ADB didn't help, and Recovery requires a password from Mi Account, the Fastboot method is still available, and it's suitable for unlocking the bootloader, but it has risks:

• 🔧 Requires an unlocked bootloader (on new models it is blocked by default).
• ⚠️ Wrong commands can "brick" the phone.
• 📥 You need to download the firmware for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
5. Enter the command to unlock the bootloader: fastboot oem unlock (on new models, you may need to link an account through the Mi Unlock Tool).
6. Squeeze your phone with the command: fastboot flash all (this will delete all data!).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A/10A) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. It can only be restored through a service center.

* Data is only saved if the password file was deleted without resetting.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, you have to go to the official service center, and this is for:

• 📱 Phones with Mi Account lock (purchase confirmation required).
• 🔒 Devices with damaged firmware after unsuccessful manipulations.
• 📄 Smartphones purchased on credit or under contract (a contract may be required).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 📦 Phone box (it has a serial number).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 🔑 The data from the Mi Account, if you remember.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer “bypass” of the lock through exploits, but this violates the warranty conditions and may result in loss of functionality (for example, refuse to use the service). NFC mobile).

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The official service is the only legal way to unlock your phone if you forget your Mi Account password and debug USB is disabled.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:

1. The phone is not determined in ADB/Fastboot: 🔹 Check the cable (use the original cable). 🔹 Install drivers via Mi PC Suite. 🔹 Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0).
2. After reset, requires an old password: 🔹 This means that the phone has been turned on Factory Reset Protection (FRP). 🔹 Solution: Enter the data from the Mi Account that was previously linked.
3. ADB The error is "device unauthorized": 🔹 The phone will be asked for debugging permission - confirm it. 🔹 If the request does not appear, check if debugging is enabled by USB developer-setting.

If the phone does not turn on after manipulation or hung on the Mi logo, try:

• 🔄 Go to Fastboot and flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📡 Connect to charging for 30 minutes (possibly battery dead).
• 🔧 Contact the service – self-recovery can aggravate the problem.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions