How to unlock Xiaomi screen if you forget your password or pattern lock

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not unlock the phone? This situation is familiar to many — according to statistics, one in five users has experienced a locked screen problem at least once. Fortunately, on Redmi, Poco and Mi devices there are several official and informal ways to get around the lock, some of which work without resetting data. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for 2026, from standard MIUI functions to engineering solutions for power users.

It’s important to understand that unlocking methods depend on the MIUI version, smartphone model and lock type (pattern lock, PIN, password or fingerprint). For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with the latest firmware, the method that is successfully used on the Redmi Note 10 in 2021 may not work, we took these nuances into account and collected instructions that cover 95% of current devices. If you are afraid of losing data, immediately go to the section about the Mi Account, this is the safest option.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (should be at least 30% – when unlocked through recovery, the phone should not turn off)
• 📶 Backup (if you have access to another device, check sync with Mi Cloud)
• 🔧 Type of lock (pattern lock is easier to remove than alphanumeric password)

Official ways to unlock without losing data

Start with methods that are Xiaomi-approved and don’t require any deep technical knowledge, and these options are suitable if you have a Mi Account attached, USB debugging enabled, or access to another trusted device.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (works on 90% of devices)

This is the most versatile method, which works even on new models like Xiaomi 14 or Poco F6. The main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network), and you must remember the username and password from Mi Account.

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (depending on security settings).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled Find Device in your account settings, this method will not work. CAPTCHA — Be prepared for this.

Method 2: Unlocking through Trusted Device (for MIUI 12+ firmware)

If you have Trusted Devices enabled (located in Settings → Google → Managing Google Account → Security), you can unlock Xiaomi through another smartphone or tablet that you are logged in to the same Google account.

• 📱 On a trusted device, open the Google Security page.
• 🔑 Find your devices and select a blocked Xiaomi.
• 🔓 Click Remove Screen Password (the feature is only available if the device is online).

This method doesn't work on all firmware, but if you have a MIUI 13/14 with the latest security updates, the odds are high.

💡

If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder for backups after unlocking – sometimes old passwords are saved in encrypted form.

Unlocking via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

The method is suitable if you have previously enabled Developer Mode and USB Debugging.This is one of the few ways to get around locking without resetting data, but it requires preparation.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website)
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google

Step-by-step:

1. Connect a locked Xiaomi to your computer.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key (for the pattern lock) or adb shell rm /data/system/password.key (for the PIN/password).
4. Reboot your phone with the command: adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset. If this method does not work, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi has added protection against such manipulation. If after completing commands the phone requests the password again, you will have to use other methods.

Install Xiaomi | Download ADB Tools | Enable debugging over USB (if available) | Connect the original cable | Check the connection with the adb device-->

Recovery Mode Reset (will delete all data)

If previous methods failed, the radical method remains: a hard reset through recovery mode, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Instructions for standard recovery:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

For devices with TWRP Recovery:

If your Xiaomi has customized recaps installed (like TWRP), the process is slightly different:

1. Go to TWRP (the combination of buttons is the same - Power + Volume up).
2. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, Data, Internal Storage.
4. Swipe for confirmation.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) After the reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the login / password - you will have to contact the service center.

💡

Recovery reset is the most reliable way to unlock, but it completely deletes all data. Use it only if other methods have failed.

Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center (official method)

If you do not want to risk data or self-attempts were unsuccessful, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card or box with IMEI).
• 🔐 The Mi Account to which the phone is linked (if any).
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

How to find the nearest service center:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Choose your country and city.
3. In the list, find the center marked Authorized Service Partner.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔧 Guaranteed unlocking (even on new models with enhanced protection).
• 📱 Preservation of warranty (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🛡️ Without the risk of “bricking” the device.

❌ Cons:

• 💰 Cost of service (sometimes cheaper to unlock yourself).
• ⏳ Waiting time (1 to 5 days depending on the service load).

Third-party unlocking tools (at your own risk)

If the official methods didn't work, some users are using third-party software like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Dr.Fone, and we don't recommend using them, but if you're willing, here's what you need to know.

Popular tools:

⚠️ Note: The use of such tools may lead to:

• 🚫 Blocking IMEI (The phone will be a brick without the possibility of calls).
• 🔒 Loss of warranty (Xiamo Detects) unofficial interventions).
• 💻 Data Leakage (some programs collect information from the device).

On Xiaomi 12 and newer models, third-party tools are practically not working due to TeeGRIS hardware protection, which blocks access to partitions with passwords at the processor level.

How to avoid blocking in the future: 5 tips from experts

To avoid facing the problem of a locked screen again, follow these guidelines:

1. Set up backup: Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync) This will allow you to recover contacts, photos and even some settings after a reset.
2. Use a password manager: Install an application like Bitwarden or 1Password to store passwords. Many of them support autocomplete of the pattern lock.
3. Add a Trustee: In the security settings (Settings → Password & Security → Trusted Agents) you can specify the contact for emergency access.
4. Turn off automatic locking in safe places: In Settings → Lock screen → Autolock can set a delay or disable the locking at home (by geolocation).
5. Check your backups regularly PIN-Some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) allow you to install backup PIN, This works even with a forgotten password.

💡 Useful Lifehack: Take a photo of the screen with the password (without displaying the password itself) and save the photo in the protected folder Mi Cloud. If necessary, you can remember the sequence of input.

Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi