How to remove the pattern lock from the Xiaomi phone: all working methods

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi is a situation that one in ten users encounter. According to service center statistics, 12% of unlock requests are due to a locked screen due to a mistyped pattern. The problem is compounded by the fact that Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones require data input from a Mi Account after 5 failed attempts - but this does not always save you.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove a pattern lock without losing data (where possible) and with a complete reset (if there are no other options). MIUI 12/13/14 And also, remember, some operations require a lot of pre-production, like the one that's turned on. USB-Debugging or tied Mi Account.

If you are reading this article on a locked phone through another gadget, immediately go to the section “Unlock via Mi Account.” If you have access to a computer and cable, learn the methods with Fastboot or ADB. For owners of older models (up to the Redmi Note 5), even a Recovery reset can work.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the safest and most recommended way Xiaomi can use, but it only works if you meet three conditions:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 The device is linked to the Mi Account (you have previously logged in to it).
• 📧 You remember the login (email/phone number) and account password.

If after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern on the screen appeared a field for entering data Mi Account - follow the instructions:

1. Enter the email or phone attached to your account.
2. Please provide your password. If you forgot, use the "Forgot your password?" feature on account.xiaomi.com.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new pattern lock or disable the lock altogether.

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If you have a “too many attempts” error after entering your Mi Account, wait 24 hours or try unlocking your phone through the web version of your PC account.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work, in which case you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase (check, contract).

Method 2: Delete the key through ADB (without data loss)

The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. It's one of the few methods that allows you to delete a pattern lock without resetting to factory settings.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and connect the phone to your PC.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is determined, move on. If not, install drivers for Xiaomi.
4. Follow the commands in turn: 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
5. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

Make sure that USB-debugging is on|Download ADB and unpack into a separate folder|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check if the device is determined by the adb device command-->

⚠️ Note: If after completing commands, the phone is stuck on the logo MI — Wait 10-15 minutes or perform a forced reset. + Volume Up: 90% of the time, the system is self-repaired.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

If ADB doesn’t help or USB debugging is disabled, you can try resetting via Fastboot mode.This method deletes all data from the phone, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Suitable for models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9/10/11 newer.
• 📱 POCO F3/F4/X3/X4.
• 📱 Mi 10/11/12 series.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices
5. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, the fastboot erase userdata command may not work, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

Unlocking with Mi Account|Reset via Recovery|Used. ADB/Fastboot|I went to the service center.|Never blocked your phone.-->

Method 4: Recovery Mode Reset (for older models)

On Xiaomi smartphones before 2018 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1), you can reset the pattern lock via the standard Recovery menu.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
4. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi Note 5 and later) may require a reset via Recovery to enter data from Mi Account. If you don't remember the password, the phone will turn into a brick».

Method 5: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Method)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode used by service centers, which allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires:

• 🖥️ Special cable. EDL board-bar.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Official Firmware.
• 🔑 Xiaomi Permits (for New Models).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method is recommended only for experienced users or service engineers.

Short instructions (for experienced users):

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
2. Put your phone into EDL mode (usually by closing contacts on the board or via ADB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run the official firmware.

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The EDL method is the last chance to bring the phone back to life if other methods have not worked, but it requires technical skills and can void the warranty.

Method 6: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, you have to go to the official service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

1. Find the nearest Xiaomi service center on the official website.
2. Take it with you: 📄 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed). 🆔 Passport (to confirm possession). 📱 Phone itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).

Be prepared for the fact that unlocking can take from 1 to 5 working days.

⚠️ In unofficial services can offer to “bypass” the lock in 1-2 hours, but it is fraught with risk:

• 🚫 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔄 Possible “blocking” of the phone.
• 💸 Additional repair costs.

Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi