How to remove the pattern lock from the applications on Xiaomi through settings: 5 proven ways

Forgot the pattern lock from the app on Xiaomi and can’t access important data? Or just want to disable this feature because it prevents you from running programs quickly? In this article, you will find all the current ways to remove the pattern lock, from standard MIUI settings to alternative methods for complex cases. We will analyze the options for different versions of the firmware (including MIUI 14), explain how to bypass the lock without losing data, and warn about the possible risks.

A pattern lock on Xiaomi can block not only the unlock screen, but also individual applications such as Gallery, Notes or Settings. PIN-It's easy to forget the code, especially if it's complicated or it's been out of use for a while. Fortunately, the manufacturer has a number of ways to reset it, both through the phone menu and through the Mi Account account.

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps with a pattern lock and how it works

The graphical key application lock feature was introduced in MIUI as part of a privacy protection system that allows you to restrict access to personal data (photos, correspondence, banking applications) even if someone knows the primary password for unlocking the screen.

• 🔒 Double protection: the key acts on top of the main password of the screen. For example, even if you unlock the phone, the user must enter the graphic code to run the Gallery.
• 📱 Local Storage: Application keys are stored encrypted in the device’s memory, not in the Mi Account cloud.
• ⚙️ Flexible settings: you can choose different keys for different applications or use one universal key.

However, there are downsides to this feature: First, the pattern lock cannot be restored through a Xiaomi account, only reset, which results in the loss of data of the blocked application (for example, notes or saved passwords); Second, forgetting the key to system applications (for example, Settings), it can block access to the entire phone.

Method 1: Remove the pattern lock through MIUI settings (if you remember the primary password)

If you remember the main password to unlock the screen (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint), you can unblock the applications directly from the MIUI menu. This method works on all current versions of the firmware, including MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and other models.

1. Unlock your phone the main way (PIN, fingerprint or Face ID).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
3. Enter the current pattern lock (if the system requests it).
4. Click on the icon. ⚙️ in the upper right corner and select Remove password.
5. Confirm the action by entering the main password of the screen.

If the Block Apps item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Privacy → Blocking applications

Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Remember the main password of the screen

Make a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After removing the pattern lock, you may need to restart the phone.Do not interrupt the process, otherwise the lock will remain active.

Method 2: Reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (if you forgot the password)

If you've forgotten the pattern lock, but your phone is tied to your Mi Account, you can use the reset function, which won't delete the data from your device, but will require an Internet connection.

1. On the app lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account (if two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm with a code from SMS).
4. Follow the system instructions to create a new pattern lock or disable it.

This method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 The device is synchronized with Mi Account.
• 🔐 Xiaomi account has not been deleted or blocked.

Method 3: Recovery key removal (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can try resetting the pattern lock via Recovery mode.This method does not delete data from the phone, but requires accuracy. Suitable for Xiaomi models on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F4).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe App Lock Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

fastboot erase app_lock

This method works on 80% of Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader.-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Gaming) after reset via Recovery, the binding to the Mi Account may fly. Before the procedure, make sure to remember the username and password from the account!

Method 4: Using ADB to remove the lock (without data loss)

For users familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to remove the pattern lock without resetting.This method works on MIUI 12/13/14 and requires USB debugging enabled. If debugging is disabled, activate it first via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock the developer menu).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset. If the commands don't work, try the alternative:

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

💡

The ADB method only works if the phone has root rights or USB debugging enabled. Newer models (such as Xiaomi 14) may require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 5: Hard reset (if nothing worked)

If all previous methods are useless, the last option is a full reset (Hard Reset), which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed applications.

How to make a hard reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Once reset, the phone will return to factory settings. To recover data, use the Mi Cloud backup (if it was created before locking). On new models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Turbo) after reset, you may need to re-attach to the Mi Account.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after a hard reset, anti-theft protection (Anti-Theft) can be activated. If the phone was linked to another Mi Account, it will not be possible to unlock it!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove a pattern lock, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "Mi Account Password: Make sure you enter data from your primary account, not from an additional account. If you forget your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📵 "No "Block Applications" in Settings: On some firmware (e.g, POCO Launcher) this section is hidden. Try changing the theme to the standard. MIUI.
• 🔌 "ADB Can't see the device": Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers on PC, try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚡ "Phone expires during reset: If the battery runs out during Hard Reset, plug the phone into charging and try again. On the newer models (Xiaomi 14), reset is possible even with a low charge.

If none of these methods worked, you may have custom firmware installed on your device (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), in which case the algorithm for unblocking may be different. Contact the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum to find a solution for your firmware.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions