How to delete a pattern lock on a Xiaomi phone if you forget it: full instruction 2026

Why Xiaomi’s pattern lock blocks access and what to do about it

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi’s smartphone is one of the most common problems among brand users, according to statistics from service centers, one in five owners is a big problem. MIUI I've had at least one screen lock because of a pattern input error. PIN-The code or password, the pattern lock has no clues, and the Xiaomi system locks the device after 5 failed attempts for 30 seconds, then for a minute, five minutes, and so on – up to a complete lock.

The main difficulty is that Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later have disabled the key reset function through a Google account (unlike older versions of Android), which means that standard unlock methods that work on other brands are often useless here. However, there are at least 5 alternative ways to return access to the phone – from official (via Mi Account) to technical (Fastboot mode).

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

• 🔄 Do you have a linked Mi Account (if so, it will take 5 minutes to unlock).
• 📱 Is it installed on the phone? MIUI version 11 or older (this affects the available methods).
• 🔌 Is it possible to connect the phone to the PC (required for methods with the ADB or Fastboot).
• 📡 Is Recovery Mode Available on the Device (If Not, Disassembly of the Body Will Be Required).

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

This is the easiest and safest way to do this, but it only works if:

1. The phone has a Mi Account (you have logged in before).
2. The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
3. You remember your account login and password (or you can restore them).

Instructions:

1. After 5 failed attempts to enter the key, the button Forgot the pattern lock? (or Forgot pattern?) will appear on the screen.
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm the login (you may need to enter code from SMS or email).
5. Create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Warning: If you've previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone to factory settings without logging out, this method won't work. MIUI Global purchased in China (bootloader unlock required).

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Prepare a login/password from Mi Account|If you do not have access to your account, restore your password in advance.-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, the next option is to reset your settings via Recovery mode, which will delete all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the device, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi 11/12/13: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset (usually with a power button).

Reboot

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) POCO X3) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account to activate the device, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick».

Method 3: Use ADB (without data loss if debugging is enabled)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone has previously enabled USB debugging. This is rare, but if you activated it to develop or connect to a PC, there is a chance to unlock the device without resetting.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
4. After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of security changes, and it also requires root rights, which are not available on all devices.

💡

If ADB Can't see the device, try reinstalling drivers through Mi PC Suite or use another suite USB-cable.

Method 4: Unlock bootloader and firmware (for advanced)

If previous methods failed, the radical option remains to unlock the bootloader and flash the phone, a complex process that requires technical skills, but it is guaranteed to remove the lock, the cons: loss of all data, the risk of turning the phone into a brick if you make a mistake, and waiting for unlock (up to 720 hours on new devices).

Step-by-step:

1. Apply for bootloader unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account is required).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Wait for the unblock confirmation (may take from a few days to a month).
4. After unlocking, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 Xiaomi has tightened its unlocking policy, for example, on Xiaomi. 13/14 or Redmi Note 12 may require a binding SIM-The card used in the first activation of the phone.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is the only way to get around the Mi Account lock after a reset, but it requires long waiting and technical knowledge.

Method 5: Contacting a service center (guarantee and not only)

If you don't succeed, you have to go to an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive method, and the cost of unlocking varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock.

What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 📱 Phone box (in some models, the serial number on the box must match the data in the system).
• 🔑 Mi Account (if linked, will speed up the process).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services may offer “unlock in 1 hour” through exploits, but this often leads to a “debt in 1 hour:

• 🚨 Poose. IMEI (phone will stop catching the network).
• 🔄 Unstable system operation (accidental reboots).
• 📵 Blocking your Mi Account (if illegal methods were used).

How to avoid blocking in the future: 5 tips from Xiaomi

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock again, follow the recommendations:

1. Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern – it is easier to remember and enter faster.
2. Link Mi Account and enable synchronization (this will make recovery easier).
3. Activate Smart Lock in security settings – the phone will unlock in trusted locations (home, work).
4. Regularly back up through Settings → System → Backup.
5. Write the key or password to a secure location (e.g. encrypted Mi Account notes).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14: Emergency function is available SOS, which, when pressed 5 times, sends the power button SOS-Disable it if you're afraid of accidental activation: Settings → Password and security → Emergency SOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi