When Xiaomi’s smartphone stops letting the owner access data because of a forgotten password, it’s common for users to change complex combinations for security or simply forget the pattern lock after a long break in use of the device. Mi and Redmi owners face the urgent need to restore access to contacts, photos and applications.
Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the MIUI shell (and the new HyperOS) have multiple scenarios for solving this problem, ranging in complexity and consequences from simply entering your account data to completely resetting your system. A full Hard Reset via the Recovery menu removes all user data from your device’s internal memory, so you should only resort to it if other methods have failed.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to unlock.We’ll look at Google and Xiaomi’s regular tools, as well as the forced techniques that will help if you don’t remember even the most. PIN-It is important to act consistently so as not to damage the software of the gadget.
Use the “Forgot Password” function through Mi Account
The most civilized and safe way to restore access is to use a tied Mi Account. If the locked device has been turned on the Internet and signed in to a Xiaomi account, the system may suggest resetting the lock remotely. This method does not work on all versions of the firmware, but it is worth trying it first.
You have to type in the wrong graphical key or password five times, and then you have the message "Forgot the password" or "Forgot the graphical key" on the screen, and you click on it, the system will request authorization, you will need to enter the username and password from your Mi Account, and if the data is correct, the lock will be removed, and you can specify a new combination.
- 🔑 Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- 📱 The method works only if the account was previously linked.
- 🌐 Requires a stable connection with Xiaomi servers.
It is worth noting that on newer versions of HyperOS and newer MIUI builds, this functionality may be limited to improve security, and if the button does not appear or the server does not respond, proceed to the following methods.
What to do if your Mi Account is not tied?
Reset via Google’s Find Device service
The second effective option that is often ignored is Google's tools, which means that if you have a Google Account activated and geolocation enabled on your smartphone, you can control the lock remotely, which allows you not only to locate the device, but also to erase data or change your password.
Go from any other device (computer or phone of a friend) to the site android.com/find. Sign in with the same Google account that is used on the blocked Xiaomi. In the interface, select your device from the list. You will have several actions: "Call", "Block" and "Clear".
The Lock feature allows you to set a new temporary password to replace the forgotten one, but on modern versions of Android, this option is sometimes not available, and only the option “Clear” remains. Using this command will lead to complete deletion of data, but the phone will return to working condition.
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Before using Google services, make sure that the ad blocker on the router or in the DNS does not block access to the servers of Google Play Services, otherwise the command may not reach the phone.
It’s important to understand the difference between simply locking your screen and protecting against theft. If your phone has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled, you’ll still have to enter your password from your last synced account after you reset via Google.
Hard Reset with Recovery Mode: Step-by-step instructions
If the software methods through the accounts don't work, the radical but effective way is to reset to factory settings through the Recovery menu, which is built into the phone's firmware and is available even when the screen is locked, and allows you to clear the /data partition where the lock information is stored.
The Recovery login procedure on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is standard, but requires precision. First, turn the device off completely. Then press both the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released while continuing to hold the volume.
☑️ Reset algorithm via Recovery
In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process takes a few seconds, after which the phone will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) and select Reboot.
⚠️ After resetting through Recovery on modern devices will work protection Google FRP. You'll need to enter the username and password from the Google account that was synced to the phone before locking.
This method is versatile and works on most models, including the Redmi Note, Poco and the flagship Mi series. The main thing is not to interrupt the cleaning process and wait for the system to fully restart.
Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)
For users who previously enabled USB Debugging in the Developer Menu, there is a way to delete lock files without losing personal data.This method requires a computer and ADB drivers installed.
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Open the command line on your computer in the folder with ADB. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the permission request window appears on the phone screen and the console displays a serial number, the connection is established.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/keyguard/keyguard.xml
adb rebootExecuting these commands will delete files that store the pattern lock and lock settings. Once reboot (adb reboot), the phone should let you in without a password. However, on Android 11, 12, 13 and later, access to system files is often closed even with debugging rights, so the method may not work on fresh firmware.
- 💻 Requires a PC with Android platform tools installed.
- ⚙️ Pre-installed menu for developers is required».
- 🔌 It only works if you have previously been given permission to debug from this PC.
If the command returns an access error (Permission denied), then the system security level does not allow you to modify the lock files without root rights, which are not possible to obtain in normal mode.
Comparison of Xiaomi Unlocking Methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have organized the main methods into a table that will help you assess the risk of data loss and the necessary conditions for each method.
| Method | Data retention | Conditions required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account. | Yes. | Internet, password from Mi | Low. |
| Google Find My | No (cleaning) | Internet, Google account | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No (full reset) | Physical access to buttons | Medium |
| ADB Command | Yes. | USB debugging enabled | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, data retention is only possible if you remember your account data or pre-prepared the system, and otherwise, deletion is a cost to restore the device to work.
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There is no legal way to unlock a screen with 100% data storage if USB debugging has not been enabled or a cloud reset has not worked.
Frequent problems and FRP protection
One of the most common issues after resetting is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking, which is Google's security mechanism that prevents the stolen phone from being used. If you reset your phone through Recovery, the first setup will require you to enter the Google account that was on the device before the reset.
If you remember your username but you forgot your password, use the Google account recovery procedure on any other device, if your account is unknown or deleted, you can't unlock your phone by official means, in which case only contacting the service center with a purchase check confirming ownership of the device helps.
⚠️ Attention: “Track-around” programmes FRP», The use of untested software can permanently disable the motherboard of a smartphone, often containing viruses or requiring paid activation.
Users may also experience a situation where the touchscreen does not respond in the Recovery menu, in which case try using volume buttons to navigate, and if that doesn't help, it may be a hardware fault with the touchscreen and need repair.
Preventing blocking in the future
To prevent a forgotten password from happening again, it is recommended that you configure alternative unlocking methods. Xiaomi smartphones today support fingerprint and facial recognition unlocking. This biometric data duplicates the pattern lock and allows you to log in even if you have forgotten the digital combination.
It is also useful to write complex passwords to a secure location, such as a paper notebook or a secure password manager on another device, and to periodically check the health of accounts will also help to avoid access problems at a critical time.
- 👆 Set up fingerprint unlock in the Passwords and Security section».
- 📝 Write down the backup. PIN-code that proposes to create a system.
- ☁️ Check your data sync with Mi Cloud and Google regularly.
Compliance with these simple rules will ensure a balance between high security of your data and the usability of your smartphone. Remember that the security of the device is the responsibility of the owner.