How to remove the lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones: all working ways

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not only the protection of personal data, but also a frequent cause of headaches if you forget your password, PIN-This is compounded by the manufacturer’s active blocking of security bypasses through standard methods, especially on newer versions. MIUI 14/15. In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to remove the lock screen on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO — From formal to technically complex but effective.

It is important to understand that some methods require prior preparation (for example, included in the program). USB-If you haven't done this before, some of the ways will be unavailable, and we will also warn you of the risks, from data loss to a complete lockdown of the device through Xiaomi's anti-theft system, which is triggered when a misreset is made.

This article is relevant for models from 2019 to 2026 based on MIUI 12-15, including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and others. If your device is older or runs on custom firmware, some steps may differ.

1. Official reset via Mi Account (if linked account)

The safest way is to use Xiaomi’s Find Device feature, which only works if:

• 🔗 The device is linked to your Mi Account (check at account.xiaomi.com).
• 📶 On the smartphone is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery charge greater than 20% (otherwise the device may be switched off during the process).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click Delete Data → Erase the device.
4. Confirm the action. SMS-code.

After 5-15 minutes, the smartphone will restart and prompt you to configure it as new, all data will be deleted, including photos, messages and installed applications, this method does not work if the device is disabled or in airplane mode.

⚠️ Note: If the device requires the old Mi Account password to be entered after the reset, the Xiaomi Account Protection function has been activated, in which case you will need to enter data from the associated account even after the full reset.

2. Unlock through ADB (required USB-debugging)

The method is suitable if the device is pre-on USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → USB-If debugging isn't on, it won't work.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Established ADB and Fastboot.

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission (if you receive a request).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell


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

After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If not, try repeating commands or using an alternative method:

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

⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI 14+ This method may not work because of the increased protection, so try to delete the file first. /data/system/lockscreen.password (if there is).

Make sure that USB-debugging is on|Download ADB and Fastboot|Connect the original cable USB|Check the detection of the device by the team `adb devices`|Make a backup copy of important data-->

3 Hard Reset (Hard Reset) via Recovery

If previous methods failed, the Recovery Mode completely resets, which deletes all data but does not require any pre-setting, and is suitable for most Xiaomi models except those with FRP.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3) — Nutrition + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot → Reboot to System

If after the reboot the device requires you to enter data from Mi Account, then the Xiaomi account protection (FRP) is activated.

• 📧 Enter the linked email and password.
• 📞 Or contact the support service with proof of possession (check, box).

💡

If after reset the smartphone does not turn on or got stuck on the Mi logo, try to go to Fastboot Mode (Power) + Volume down) and execute command `fastboot reboot` PC.

4. Bypass locking through Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have unlocked the bootloader (bootloader).
• 💻 There is access to a PC with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📄 You are ready for a possible loss of warranty (on some models).

Algorithm of action:

1. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode (turn off, then press Power + Volume down).
2. Connect to the PC and check for detection by the command:

fastboot devices

1. Download custom recovery (such as TWRP) for your model.
2. Squeeze it:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

1. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager and delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db

Reset the device.

Warning: Mistakes in Fastboot can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable).If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center.

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

On devices up to MIUI 12 (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1/A2, Redmi 4X/5A), security holes sometimes run to bypass the lock without losing data.

Method 1: Emergency call (only for the purpose of MIUI 9–11)

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter ##4636## (test menu).
3. Go to Usage statistics → Back (you may need a few clicks).
4. You will be in the settings - disable the lock in Security → Lock the screen.

Method 2: Reset by Google Find My Device

If a Google account is linked to the device:

1. Go to Google Find My Device.
2. Select the locked device.
3. Press Erase Data.

⚠️ Note: These methods have stopped working on MIUI 12+ They're useless on new devices, and they can activate the anti-theft system.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14/15, the only reliable way is to reset via Mi Account or Fastboot (with the bootloader unlocked).

What do you do if nothing helps?

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

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box, warranty card) They can unlock the device officially, but this is a paid service (1500 to 5000). ₽ model-wise).
2. Use paid unlocking services (such as UnlockJunky or MIUI Unlock) from $10 to $50, risk: fraud or malware installation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi