How to completely remove the lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi: from disabling password to reset via Fastboot

The lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a necessary security measure, but sometimes it becomes a source of problems: Did you forget your password, bought a used phone with someone else's pattern lock, or the system suddenly requires a PIN after updating MIUI? In this article, we will discuss all the legal ways to remove the lock screen - from simple settings to radical methods like Hard Reset or working with ADB.

It is important to understand that some methods lead to data loss (photos, contacts, messages), so try the options without reset first. If the phone is synchronized with Mi Account, the chances of recovery are higher. For models Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other current lines, the instructions are universal, but can differ in nuance depending on the version of MIUI (12-14).

We warn you that attempts to bypass the lock through unofficial firmware or β€œgray” services can lead to the blocking of Xiaomi account or the installation of malware.

1. Remove the lock screen through MIUI settings (if you know the password)

If you remember your current password, PIN, or graphical key, the easiest way to do this is to turn off the lock in the settings menu, which works on all Redmi models running MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

  • πŸ”“ Open the Settings. β†’ Passwords and security.
  • πŸ“± Select Screen Locking.
  • πŸ”‘ Enter the current password/PIN/graphical.
  • 🚫 Click Delete Password (or No if you are asked to select the type of lock).
  • πŸ”„ Confirm the action - the lock screen will be turned off.

On some firmware, after disabling the password, the system can request confirmation through Mi Account (if tied).This is a standard security measure - enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Note: If after deleting the password, the phone no longer recognizes the fingerprint or Face Unlock, they must be configured again in the same section Passwords and security.

πŸ“Š What type of screen lock you use?
Password.
PIN-code
pattern lock
Fingerprint.
Face Unlock
I don't use it.

2. Reset password through Mi Account (if the phone is linked to the account)

If you forget your password, but your phone is tied to your Mi Account, you can reset the lock through Xiaomi’s website, which only works when you have an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) on your locked device.

Step-by-step:

  1. On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
  2. Select Reset via Mi Account.
  3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account (the same one used to log in to Mi Cloud).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  5. Set a new password or remove the lock completely.

If the option Forgot the password? is not displayed, it means:

  • 🌐 No internet connection (check Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ”’ The phone is not tied to the Mi Account.
  • πŸ”„ Custom firmware installed (unofficial).

⚠️ Note: After resetting your password through Mi Account, all data on your phone will remain intact, but some apps (such as Google Play or banking services) may need to be re-authorized).

πŸ’‘

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official website account.xiaomi.com via the attached email or phone number.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

This is a good method if you have USB debugging enabled on your phone and you have access to your computer, and it's one of the few ways to remove the lock without losing data, but it needs preparation.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(Serial number of the device must be displayed).




4. Delete the password file:




adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key




(for a pattern lock) or




adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




(for PIN/password).




5.Reset the phone:




adb reboot




6. After the reboot, the lock screen will be turned off.

If the commands don’t work, try an alternative method:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of the increased protection, and root rights are required, which void the warranty.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed (download from the official website). USB-cable or port. Enable file transfer in your phone settings (MTP) plug-in.

4. Hard Reset (full reset via Recovery)

If other methods fail, the radical method is hard reset through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but will return access to the device.

How to make Hard Reset on Xiaomi Redmi:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time (on some models Power + Volume down).
  3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
  6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
  7. After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

On the new models (Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 10 2022), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

  • 🧹 β€” dataset.
  • πŸ”„ β€” restart.
Xiaomi Redmi ModelCombination for RecoveryFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12Food + Volume upMenu in English/Chinese
Redmi 9/9A/9CFood + Volume upA charging connection may be required
Redmi 8/8AFood + Volume upLong retention (15+ seconds)
Redmi 7/7AFood + Volume DownMenu in Chinese

⚠️ Warning: After Hard Reset, the phone will require data input from Mi Account if previously tied. without them, the device will remain locked (Mi Cloud Lock).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for Hard Reset

Done: 0 / 4

5 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is not available)

If the Recovery menu doesn't open or the phone hangs on the Mi logo, you can try resetting via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer and drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume down for 10-15 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
  5. In the program, select Clean All (full reset) and flash the stock firmware for your model.

List of official firmware for popular models:

  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 11: Download
  • πŸ“± Redmi 10: Download
  • πŸ“± Redmi 9: Download

After the firmware is flashed through Fastboot, the phone will be completely reset, including blocking Mi Account. If the device was linked to the account, you will need to enter a login / password when you first turn on.

πŸ’‘

Fastboot firmware is the most reliable way to unlock, but it requires technical skills, and doing the wrong thing can turn a phone into a brick.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If you don’t succeed, contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center, which is the only official way to unlock your phone without risking data or account damage.

What will be required:

  • πŸ“„ Documents confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card).
  • πŸ”‘ Data from Mi Account (if the phone is tied).
  • πŸ“± The device itself (preferably with a charge) >30%).

Cost of service:

Type of lockdownAverage price (β‚½)Timeline
Forgotten password/PIN1 000–2 5001-3 days
Mi Cloud Lock (Blocking Account)2 500–5 0003-7 days
Reset via Fastboot (without data)1 500–3 0001 day

The addresses of Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the official website. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in unlocking your model.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial β€œmasters” often offer a β€œbypass” of locking through firmware with a zeroed Mi Account.This violates Xiaomi’s terms of use and can lead to permanent locking of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the lock screen

Can I delete the lock without losing data?
Yes, if you know the password (through settings) or if you have USB debugging enabled (via ADB), otherwise the data will be lost.
The phone requires a password after Hard Reset.
This is Mi Cloud Lock, which is anti-theft protection, and you need to enter the username/password from Mi Account that the phone was attached to, and if you don't remember the data, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
The Recovery menu is not opening.
Try: Use another one USB-cable (sometimes helps charging connection) Hold buttons longer (up to 20 seconds) Try the Power combination + Volume down. If nothing works, stitch through the Fastboot.
Can I get around the lock through Safe Mode?
No. Safe Mode on Xiaomi only disables third-party apps, but does not remove the system lock screen.
After the reset, the phone asks for the old password.
This means the lock was tied to Mi Account. enter details from a Xiaomi account that was used on the phone earlier.