Forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be a serious problem, especially if the phone stores important data: photos, contacts or work documents. Unlike flagship models, budget smartphones like the Redmi 9 donβt always support biometric unlocking through a fingerprint or face, which makes it easier to do so. PIN-The only way to protect your password is to use a code or a pattern lock, and fortunately, there are several official and alternative methods of password resetting, from standard Mi Account recovery to Fastboot mode or even hardware reset.
It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, hard reset via Recovery Mode is guaranteed to delete all data from the device, while authorization through Mi Cloud can save some information when you properly configure synchronization. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking Redmi 9, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preventing similar situations in the future.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or your personal key. PIN-code, but remember the username and password from the profile. This method does not require a data reset and is suitable for most versions MIUI, including those on the Redmi 9.
Instructions:
- πΉ On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message βForgot the passwordβ appears?".
- πΉ Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
- πΉ Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, and then the password.
- πΉ Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, try to restore access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Note that for recovery you may need access to a backup email or phone number specified during registration.
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If the phone is synchronized with Mi Cloud, after unlocking through the account contacts, notes and some applications will be restored automatically.
β οΈ Note: If Redmi 9 has previously been reset via Recovery without detachment of the account, the device may require the entry of Mi Account data after the reboot (Mi Cloud Lock protection.
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)
If you don't remember the Mi Account data or it's not tied to your phone, the only official way to unlock is to hard reset through Recovery Mode.This method will remove all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps. On Redmi 9, the procedure is performed via the standard Recovery menu, but there are nuances depending on the version of MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe Data" (or "Clear Data" in newer versions) with the volume buttons.
- Confirm the reset by selecting "Wipe All Data" and restart the device.
| MIUI version | The path to resetting in Recovery | Is a Mi Account Required After a Reset? |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11β12 | Wipe Data β Wipe All Data | Yes, if the account was tied. |
| MIUI 12.5β14 | Clear Data β Format Data | Yes, with high probability. |
| Castom Recovery (TWRP) | Wipe β Format Data | No (if protection is disabled) |
Once reset, the phone will reboot to the box-like state, and if the Mi Account was previously tied, the system can request its activation data (anti-theft protection), in which case it will be impossible to use the device without a login and password.
Turn off the phone from charging.
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.
Prepare a backup copy of the data (if you have access to the PC)
Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)
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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The Fastboot method is suitable if a standard reset does not help or a custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP) is installed on the phone. It requires connecting Redmi 9 to a computer and using the fastboot utility from the Android SDK package. This method is technically more difficult, but allows you to bypass some limitations of MIUI.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π₯ Firmware archive for Redmi 9 (can be downloaded from official website).
Instructions:
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
- Unlock the bootloader (unless unlocked previously): fastboot oem unlock Note: Some versions of MIUI require you to link your account to your device in advance.
- Swipe the stock firmware command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
β οΈ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock resets all data on the phone, including internal memory. MIUI After this operation, you may need to wait 7-14 days before re-unblocking (protection against unauthorized access).
What if the fastboot canβt see the device?
4.Use of unlocking services (paid and free)
If the standalone methods didn't work, you can turn to third-party unlock services, which are divided into two types:
- π Xiaomi Official Service Centers β Guaranteed to unlock the phone, but require confirmation of purchase (check, box) and can charge a fee for the service.
- π Online services β offer remote unlocking through IMEI Firmware or firmware, but the risk of fraud is high (especially on unknown sites).
Among the services tested:
- πΉ Official Xiaomi bootloader unlocker (requires account binding and waiting).
- πΉ DC-Unlocker (paid, supports many Xiaomi models, but does not always work with new versions) MIUI).
- πΉ Local service centers (search through Xiaomi card).
Unblocking costs in informal services vary from 500 to 3000 rubles depending on the model and method. Be careful: scammers often ask for an advance payment and disappear after receiving money.
Official reset via Recovery|Unlocking with Mi Account|Used Fastboot.|I went to the service center.|Another way.-->
5. Alternative methods (with limitations)
If the standard methods don't work, you can try workarounds. They don't always work on the latest versions of MIUI, but they sometimes help in desperate situations.
Method 1: Calling a locked phone
- π Call Redmi 9 from another phone.
- π When calling, quickly switch to the contacts or settings menu (sometimes running on older versions). MIUI).
- π§ From there, you can try to disable the lock in the security settings.
Method 2: Use of ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If USB debugging was previously activated on the phone, you can try to delete the password file via ADB:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rebootAfter rebooting, the screen lock may reset.
β οΈ Attention: Method C ADB It only works if the debugging was on before the phone was locked. MIUI 12.5+ This method is often blocked by the security system.
6. How to prevent loss of access in the future
To avoid problems unlocking Redmi 9, follow the simple guidelines:
- π Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint) as a backup method.
- βοΈ Enable sync with Mi Cloud for automatic data backup.
- π Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock to a secure location (for example, a password manager).
- π Regularly create local backups through Settings β System system β Backup.
It is also useful to link a backup email or Mi Account recovery number to your phone, which will make it easier to unlock if you forget your primary password.
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Even if you use a pattern lock, set up a backup PIN-code in the menu settings β Screen locking β Backup password. This will save time if the sensor or camera fails.