How to remove the pattern lock from Xiaomi, if you forgot: step-by-step unlocking methods

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi's smartphone is a situation that many users face. PIN-If you have a code or a password, it seems easy to remember, but that's what's often a cruel joke: a hand gesture that's too familiar causes your brain to turn off conscious playback, POCO Don’t panic: There are legal ways to get your device back.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking - from the most secure (through the Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot). MIUI (12, 13, 14) and smartphone models. Important: some methods require prior preparation (e.g., enabled debugging by the software). USB), So if you're reading this before the lockdown, remember the preventive measures!

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended way is to use a linked Mi Account, which works on all MIUI devices (except some models for the Chinese market) and does not require a data reset.

• 📱 The smartphone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 The “Find Device” function must be activated in the settings.
• 🔐 You must remember the username and password from Mi Account (or have access to the associated account). email/phone).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot the pattern lock? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
2. Sign in with Mi Account (Sign in with Mi Account)
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or Mi Security.
4. After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the Chinese market (e.g., the model with the C suffix in the title), the Mi Account unlock function can be disabled by default.

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If you don't remember the Mi Account password, restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number. Don't use third-party services to "hack" your account - this is fraud!

2. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if the smartphone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging, and there's access to a computer. It's one of the few ways to save data on a device, but it requires technical skills. ADB, This method won't work.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer menu).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further. If not, install the drivers or confirm the debugging permission on the phone screen.
4. Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or for newer versions of MIUI: adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place, and you will be asked to specify a new way to lock.

Install ADB and Xiaomi drivers | Enable debugging over USB on your phone | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable | Check the visibility of the device with the adb device-->

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If previous methods fail, you will be hard-resetting through Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from your device, including photos, contacts and installed apps, and only use it as a last resort!

The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12.

• 🔄 Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select Turn off).
• 🔘 Press the button combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older devices (until 2018): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.
• 📱 Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu (management is carried out by volume and power buttons):

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI 13/14 After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-authenticate to Mi Account to activate your phone. If you don't remember your account details, your smartphone will turn into a brick»!

4.Use of the Find Device service (remote unlock)

If your Xiaomi has Find Device enabled, you can unlock it remotely via a web browser, which works even if your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, but requires:

• 🌍 Active mobile Internet on a smartphone.
• 🔒 Related Mi Account with Administrator Rights.
• 📍 Enable geolocation (not necessarily, but speeds up device search).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the Devices section, select a locked smartphone.
3. Press Locate Device, and the system will show the last known location.
4. Select the option to Unlock Device (Unlock Device).
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

After 5-10 minutes, the pattern lock will be reset and the phone will receive a notification, which saves all data, but does not work on all firmware (for example, custom ROMs can be disabled).

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

The Fastboot method is a heavy artillery method for cases where other methods have failed, requiring an unlocked bootloader and only suitable for users who are prepared to risk building up the device. All data will be deleted!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, this method will not work).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Power button + Volume down Hold until the Fastboot logo appears (robot with open stomach).
2. Connect your device to your computer and check its visibility: fastboot devices
3. Unlock the bootloader (if not already done): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will delete all data!
4. Fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip] or (for new devices): fastboot update [name file firmware.zip]
5. Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, the fastboot oem unlock command will not work. To unlock it officially, you need to apply through the Xiaomi website and wait 7-30 days (depending on the model).

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

If none of these things work, there are some alternatives on the Internet, but most of them are either outdated or have risks to the device, and we'll list them for the sake of the picture, but we don't recommend using them unless absolutely necessary:

If you are going to experiment with EDL or TWRP, consider:

• 🛠️ For EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account (you can buy it from official partners, but this violates the company’s rules).
• 🔧 TWRP It does not work on new devices with MIUI 14 and dynamic partitions (dynamic partitions).
• ⚖️ The use of informal methods may deprive the public of guarantees.

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The only legal and secure way to unlock without losing data is through Mi Account or Find Device, all other methods either delete data or require technical skills.

How to avoid losing access to Xiaomi in the future

The best way to deal with a locked smartphone is to prevent the lock itself, and here are the necessary measures that will save you nerves and data:

• 🔑 Attach Mi Account to your phone and enable Find Device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 📝 Write down a pattern lock or PIN-code to a secure location (for example, in the password manager Bitwarden or KeePass).
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• ☁️ Regularly back up through Settings → System and device → Backup.
• 📱 Set up unlocking by fingerprint or face (additional login method).

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative ways to block:

• PIN-Code: Easier to remember than a pattern lock.
• Password: You can use a password manager for storage.
• Smart Lock: Automatically unlock in trusted locations (such as homes).

Remember, Xiaomi doesn't provide "secret" ways to unlock without proof of ownership. All Internet hacks are either outdated or illegal. If your phone is yours, use official methods. If you bought a used locking device, ask the seller to unlink to his account before payment.

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Find Device enabled and the attached Mi Account save 90% of lockdowns. Take 5 minutes to set up now - save hours of nerves later!

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi