The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomiβs smartphone is a situation that almost one in five users face. According to service center statistics, 18% of device unlocks are due to loss of access due to a password or pattern, the problem is compounded by the fact that modern models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 Ultra) use enhanced security mechanisms that block even standard methods of bypassing.
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to unlock, from the safest (without data loss) to the most radical (full reset via Fastboot).We have taken into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and the current restrictions of Google on resetting through an account. Importantly, the methods are different for devices with unlocked bootloader and locked β this affects the choice of decision.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise the risk of "bricking" the device)
- π‘ Backup in Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)
- π§ Version MIUI (You can find out through the lock screen - swipe down)
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most legal method, which Xiaomi recommends, works on all models with MIUI 10 and newer, if:
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
- π You remember the username/password from the Mi Account associated with the device
- π Synchronization is enabled on the device (checked through Settings) β Mi Account)
Step-by-step:
- On the lock screen, tap Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
- Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter your details.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi| Check if your Mi Account is blocked (try logging in to i.mi.com)| Have a backup email/SMS on hand to confirm | Remember the new password - you can't restore the old one after resetting it.
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Limitations of the method:
- β Does not work if the device is not connected to the network (for example, after resetting settings).
- β In some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) Requires confirmation through Google Account.
- β If the Mi Account was not tied in advance, the method is useless.
β οΈ Warning: After 5 failed attempts to enter your Mi Account password, the device will be locked for 24 hours.Use the official Mi Unlock app to unlock if this happens.
2. Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (Mi Cloud)
If your phone is connected to the Internet and you have access to the Mi Cloud, you can remotely reset the lock, which doesn't require physical access to the device, but only works when you actively sync and position on.
How to do this:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Find Device tab (or Find the Device).
- On the map, find your smartphone and click on it.
- In the control menu, select Unlock Device (unlock the device).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
| Xiaomi model | Support for Find Device | Do you need confirmation via Google? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | β Yes. | β No. |
| POCO X5 Pro | β Yes. | β Yes (if protection is on) FRP) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | β Yes. | β Yes (required) |
| Redmi 10A | β No (outdated firmware) | β |
What if the Device canβt find the phone?
- π‘ Check if the mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled on the locked device.
- π Reboot your phone (sometimes forced reboot via Power helps) + Vol Up).
- π Wait. 10-15 Minutes β sometimes location data is updated with a delay.
Through Mi Account | Through Find Device |Reset to factory settings |Turned to service center |Never blocked-->
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the previous methods didn't work and the bootloader is unlocked on the device, you can delete the pattern lock via Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB.
Important: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO M4 Pro and later), this method will not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools.
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to log into Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Run the command to delete the key: fastboot erase userdata or (for older models): fastboot format userdata
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
β οΈ Note: The fastboot erase userdata command deletes all data from the partition /data, If the phone has been enabled to sync with Mi Cloud, some of the data can be restored after unlocking.
Alternative method (without data loss):
If the bootloader is unlocked, you can manually edit gesture.key or password.key in /data/system.
- Enter TWRP Recovery (if installed).
- Connect to your PC via ADB and execute: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Reset the device.
What is an unlocked bootloader?
4.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode
If other methods fail, the radical solution is hard reset, which removes all data from the phone, including the pattern lock, but returns the device to the "out of the box" state, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi A2+ and POCO C55.
How to perform the reset:
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Power + Vol Up combination for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data in English).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Choose Reboot. β Reboot to System.
What if Recovery asks for a password?
Some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) even require a pattern lock to be entered in recovery mode.
- π Connect the phone to the charger and leave it on 1-2 hour β sometimes the system resets the lock when the battery is discharged 0%.
- π§ Use Fastboot (described in the previous section).
- π± Contact the service center with proof of purchase (check or box).
π‘
If the phone requires you to enter an old Google account (FRP-Use the official Mi tool, use the official Mi tool. FRP Bypass or contact the service. Self-attempts to bypass can lead to permanent blocking IMEI.
5. bypassing the pattern lock via ADB (only for Android 5-7)
On older devices (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) with Android 5-7 and USB Debugging enabled before locking, you can delete the key via ADB. On newer versions of MIUI, this method does not work due to enhanced protection.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key
- Reboot the device: reboot
If su doesn't work,
- π Install Magisk or another root manager (requires an unlocked bootloader).
- π Manually delete files: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ Android 10+ This method will trigger Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After the reboot, the phone will require data input from the last Google account, even if the pattern lock is reset.
6.Official Unlocking Through Xiaomi Service Center
If you don't succeed, go to an authorized service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way. As of 2026, Xiaomi is providing an unblocking on presentation:
- π Check or guarantee card.
- π¦ The original box with IMEI.
- π Passports of the owner (to confirm the purchase).
Cost and timing:
| Type of unlock | Term | Cost (β½) |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting the pattern lock (without loss of data) | 1-3 days | 1500-3000 |
| Full reset with firmware | 1 day | 1000-2000 |
| Unlocking the bootloader + resetting FRP | 3-7 days | 3000-5000 |
How to find an official service?
- π On the website mi.com/global/service Enter the phone model and city.
- π In the Mi Community app (Service Centers section).
- π Phone hotline Xiaomi Russia: +7 (495) 660-06-60.
π‘
Official Unblocking Through Service Is the Only Legal Way to Bypass FRP-locking on new devices (2022 and later) Self-attempts can lead to loss of warranty.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When unlocking a pattern lock, users often make critical errors that can build up a device, and these are the most common:
- Interrupting the reset process: If you turn off your phone during Wipe Data in Recovery, there is a risk of damage to the /data partition.The system may stop booting, you will need to flash it through Fastboot.
- Using unofficial firmware: Installing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloop results in a bootloop (infinite reboot) and Anti-Rollback protection is also activated on new devices.
- Ignoring FRP-Once reset via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone may require input from the last Google account, and if you don't remember it, the device will become a brick with no recovery capability.
How do you minimize the risks?
- π Always check the battery power before manipulation (minimum 50%).
- π Make backups through Mi Cloud or TWRP (if established).
- π Use only official tools (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Unlock).