A forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi can turn into a real headache, especially if the phone stores important data. PIN-If you have a code or a password, the lock pattern often seems more reliable -- until you forget the combination. Fortunately, the manufacturer has a number of ways to unlock it, and not all of them require a complete reset.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for removing the pattern lock on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from simple (using a Mi Account) to technically complex (via Fastboot mode). Importantly, the effectiveness of each method depends on the device model, the MIUI version and the availability of backups. For example, on new devices with MIUI 14+, unlocking through a call may not work, but alternatives have appeared through Find Device.
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise you risk getting a brick when resetting).
- 📡 Availability of stable Internet (required for authorization in the Mi Account).
- 💾 Availability of a backup of data (if you plan to completely reset).
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)
If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached, the chances of unlocking the pattern lock without losing data are as high as possible, which works on most devices with MIUI 10 and later, but requires an internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern 5 times in a row and the message will appear: "Forgot the pattern lock?".
- Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
- Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Mi Account.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Cloud or have not confirmed your device in your account, this will not work, POCO F4 GT) Additional confirmation may be required through Find Device.
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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the attached email or phone number.
2. Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (Mi Cloud)
Find Device (located in the Mi Cloud) not only tracks your phone, but also resets your screen lock remotely, which is suitable if:
- 📱 The device is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
- 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled.
- 🔑 You remember the data from the Mi Account.
How to do this:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your device in the list (if there are several).
- Click "Find the device" → "Unlock the screen".
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
After that, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data on the phone will be saved, but some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 Global) may require re-authentication in applications.
What if the Device can’t see the phone?
3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (with data loss)
If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to use hardware reset via Recovery mode, which removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, so it’s only a last resort.
Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Hold the combination: 🔧 Loudness up + Food (for most models). 🔧 Loudness down + Meals (for food) POCO X3, Redmi Note 10).
Mi
Recovery
"Wipe Data"
"Wipe All Data"
"Confirm"
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account that was linked to the phone. This is a measure of protection against theft, so if you do not remember the username / password, it will be impossible to unlock the device without contacting the service center.
Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|Download a backup of data (if you have access to a PC)|Check the button combination for your model|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->
4.Use of ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the pattern lock through the command ADB. This method saves data, but requires pre-configuration.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the official Android website).
- 🔌 USB-cable (original to avoid connection problems).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (If not activated in advance, the method will not work).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Enter the commands in order adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
Once you reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, and if the su command doesn't work, then the phone doesn't have root rights, and this method won't work.
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ADB-The method only works if the debugging USB It was turned on before you lock the screen. If you've never activated it, go to other ways.
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of these methods worked, the last option is an official service center.
- 🔒 Phones with Mi Account lock (requires confirmation of original owner).
- 📱 Devices that do not have Recovery or no access to ADB.
- 🛠️ Devices with damaged firmware after unsuccessful manipulations.
The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of the work, in some cases, you may need to provide a check or box to confirm ownership.
How to find the official Xiaomi service:
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Choose a country and a city.
- Check the reviews about the service center (some informal workshops may offer a Mi Account bypass, but this violates the warranty).
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Data retention | Internet is required | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ | All models with MIUI 10+ |
| Find Device (Mi Cloud) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ | Synchronization devices |
| Recovery (dumping) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ | All models. |
| ADB | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Only with the debugging on. |
| Service centre | ⚠️ Depends on the problem. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Complicated cases (Mi Account Lock) |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock a pattern lock, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
1. "Incorrect Mi Account Password After Reset"
If you reset your phone via Recovery, but once turned on, it requires you to enter data from an old Mi Account you don’t remember:
2. "Phone not visible in Mi Cloud."
Causes and solutions:
- ☁️ Sync is disabled – if the phone is new, you may not have confirmed the device in the Mi Cloud.
3. “ADB not detects device”
If the phone is not detected when connecting to the PC:
- 🔌 Check the cable (use the original cable).
- 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official website.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
- 🛠️ Turn it on. USB Debugging (if you have access to settings).