How to remove the screen lock from the Xiaomi phone: from simple ways to radical solutions

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi code or password? This is a familiar situation for many people, where you just type in the wrong code once, and the smartphone locks up for 30 seconds, then for a minute, and after several attempts, it may require you to enter data from Mi Account. But what if you don't remember any code or account data? Or the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not remove the lock?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from the simplest (via a linked account) to the radical (full reset via Fastboot). Importantly, some methods will lead to the loss of all data on the device, so try the options without reset first. We will also explain how to avoid locking in the future and what to do if the phone requires confirmation after reset.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

The safest way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s official Find Device service, which works if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ You have access to email/phone linked to Mi Account.
  • πŸ”„ The "Find the device" function was activated in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. In the Find Device section, select a locked smartphone.
  3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
  4. Wait for the notification on the phone – it will unlock automatically.

πŸ’‘

If the phone isn't displayed on the device list, check if geolocation and internet are on on the locked device. Sometimes it helps to reboot the smartphone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If two-level authentication is activated on the phone (2FA), You will need to enter the code SMS Google Authenticator, without which you can't unlock your Mi Account.

2. Reset the pattern lock via a call (for older versions of MIUI)

This method works on devices with MIUI 8–11 and requires the presence of SIM-The point is to trick the system through the incoming call screen:

  1. Call the locked phone from another device.
  2. Accept the call, then click Add Call (or Conference).
  3. In the dialing field, type ##7780## and press the call.
  4. If the code is working, the phone will reboot to Restore Mode, where you can reset the pattern lock.

πŸ”΄ Limitations: On new versions MIUI 12+ This is not working, because it's blocking the access to the engineering menu through the call screen, and it's not suitable for phones with a phone. PIN-code or password (for pattern lock only).

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI installed on your Xiaomi?
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 14
HyperOS
I don't know.
other

3 Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If the previous methods didn't work and you don't want to reset to factory settings, you can try to delete the key file via Fastboot.

  • πŸ–₯️ Computers with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • πŸ“± Unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlocked).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified.
  4. Delete key files: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings
  5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) this method may result in data loss in the userdata section. Before executing commands, back up via TWRP, if it is installed.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download the Mi Flash Tool|Unlock Bootloader (if not done)|Prepare original USB-cable|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->

4 Hard Reset (Hard Reset) via Recovery

If other methods fail, you'll have to reset the phone completely to factory settings, which will delete all the data, including photos, contacts and apps, but it'll unlock the phone.

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

πŸ“Œ Important: Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied after a reset. FRP-Factory Reset Protection: If you don't remember your account details, your phone will become a brick".

What to do if you need an old Mi Account after a reset?
If the phone asks for data from the previous Mi Account after the reset, there are few options: 1. Contact the previous owner (if the phone is bought from hand) for account data. 2. Provide a check for the purchase to the Xiaomi service center - they can unbind. 3. Use paid unlock services (for example, DC-Unlocker), but this violates Xiaomi rules and can lead to the blocking of IMEI. Without these actions, the phone will remain locked!

5. Unlock through EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.

  • πŸ”§ Phones with a blocked Bootloader.
  • πŸ“΅ Devices that do not respond to other unlocking methods.
  • πŸ”„ Models with damaged firmware.

The work will require:

  • πŸ–₯️ PC with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
  • πŸ”§ Screwdriver for disassembling the phone (on some models you need to close contacts).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

Xiaomi modelHow to enter EDLShould I take it apart?
Redmi Note 8/9 ProClose the contacts on the boardYes.
POCO F3/X3Adb reboot command edlNo.
Xiaomi Mi 11Special cable (EDL-cable)No.
Redmi 4X/5AClutch Volume up + down + PowerNo.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having to deal with the problem of a locked phone again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition in addition to PIN-code.
  • πŸ“ Write the lock code in a secure location (for example, in Google Keep or notebook).
  • πŸ”„ Make backups regularly through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Link Mi Account and enable Find Device.
  • πŸ”§ Unlock Bootloader in advance (instructions on the official website).

πŸ’‘ Useful Lifehack: If you are afraid to forget a pattern lock, draw it on paper and hide it in a safe place (for example, in your passport or home safe!

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to unlock is to tie a Mi Account. If you don't have one, try the Fastboot (EDL) methods first, and leave Hard Reset for an emergency.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
Yes, but only if: πŸ”“ You have access to the Mi Account tied to your phone. πŸ“± The device supports unlocking via Fastboot (and the bootloader is unlocked). πŸ› οΈ You're ready to use it. EDL-The regime, but it's risky. In all other cases, the data will be deleted.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account information?
Access can be restored through: πŸ“§ Email linked to your account (link "Forgot your password?" to account.xiaomi.com). πŸ“ž Phone number (if tied). πŸ”‘ Backup email (specified at registration). If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).
Why does the phone ask for an old Mi Account after a reset?
It's FRP-Factory Reset Protection is activated when: πŸ“± The phone was tied to the Mi Account. πŸ”„ You did a reset through Recovery. πŸ”“ The bootloader is blocked. You can bypass it legally only by knowing the account details or providing proof of purchase to the service center.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through a service center?
Yeah, but you will: πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (proof of purchase). πŸ†” Passport of the owner. πŸ’° Payment for services (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model) Without documents, most services will refuse assistance due to Xiaomi policy.
Do you have any Xiaomi unlock software (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool)?
❌ Most of these programs are frauds: πŸ’» Install viruses on your PC. πŸ’° Requires payment for the "full version". πŸ”§ The firmware is damaged. Xiaomi doesn't officially provide these tools. The only legal way is to go to a service center.