The situation when the user forgets the installed access code or pattern lock is one of the most common problems in the operation of modern gadgets. Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, have several layers of protection, which often confuses owners when urgently needed to access the device. In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible scenarios, from simply turning off the lock screen to completely resetting settings through Recovery.
It is important to understand that deleting a password is a process that directly affects the security of the data stored in the phone’s memory. Depending on the method chosen and the current version of the operating system, you can either simply disable the code request or lose all information when forced to unlock.
Before you start taking active actions, you need to clearly define what type of lock you are interested in: screen password, Mi Account or Mi Account. PIN-code SIM-Each of these cases requires a personalized approach and the use of specific tools built into the security system Xiaomi.
Disabling the screen lock password through settings
The easiest and safest way to remove a code request is to perform an action through the standard settings menu if you have current access to the system. To do this, the user needs to go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Protection, where the system will require you to enter a current password or fingerprint to verify your identity.
Once you have successfully logged in, you will be asked to choose a new type of security or disable it completely. However, modern versions of MIUI often warn of the risks of security degradation. If the phone is set up to pay via NFC or has bank cards tied, the system may strongly recommend leaving at least a simple pattern lock.
☑️ Pre-switch check
It is worth noting that when you switch to the No or Swipe method, all previously stored biometric data, such as Face ID and fingerprints, will be automatically deleted from the device’s memory, so that no one can access the phone simply by swiping the user’s finger across the screen while he sleeps.
⚠️ Note: If the device has enabled the “Device Search” function or Mi Cloud account protection, after the reboot, the phone may require you to enter a password from your Google or Mi Account, even if the screen lock has been removed.
Resetting a forgotten password through Mi Cloud
In situations where the user has forgotten the pattern lock or digital code, but has previously activated the “Find Device” function and the phone is connected to the Internet, you can use remote control. This method allows you to unlock the screen without losing personal photos, contacts and applications.
Sign in using the same Mi Account that was used on the locked smartphone. In the cloud service interface, select your device from the list of available ones. If you have established communication with your phone, the control menu will appear on the screen where you need to click the "Unlock" button.
What happens to data when it is unlocked through the cloud?
After successfully executing the command on the server, the Xiaomi smartphone will automatically reset the current method of locking the screen. It is important that at the time of operation the device has a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet. If the phone is in aeronautical mode, the command will only be executed after it is connected to the network.
Using Fastboot and Recovery Mode to Reset
When standard methods fail and account access is lost, more drastic measures are needed, such as resetting through Recovery Mode, which is guaranteed to remove the password, but with it all user data, including contacts, messages and files, will be erased. To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off the phone and pinch the button combination, usually Volume up + Power.
In the menu that appears, you can navigate with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data, and then select Wipe All Data, and the system will request confirmation several times, because this action is irreversible.
Once the cleaning process is complete, the phone will automatically restart. The first run may take longer than usual, as the system needs to recreate the file structure.Be prepared that when you first set up, the device may request a password from a previously synchronized Google account as part of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.
| Resetting method | Data retention | We need the Internet. | Difficulty | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | Yes. | No. | Low. | ||||
| Through the Mi Cloud | Yes. | Yes. | Medium | Through Recovery. | No. | No. | Tall. |
Deletion of Mi Account password
Special attention is required when the screen itself is blocked, but access to the Mi Account is blocked. Without this password, you can not log out of your account, which is often required when selling a phone or installing global firmware. If you remember the password, but want to change it or remove the binding, go to Settings → Mi Account.
At the bottom of the profile screen, find the "Get Out" button. The system will require you to enter the current password for confirmation. If the password is forgotten, click on the "Forgot your password?" link and follow the instructions to restore access through the linked phone number or email.
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If the phone number associated with the account is no longer available, recovery is possible only through contacting the support team with a receipt for the purchase of the device.
Deleting your account completely is only possible through the web interface on mi.com in the security section, which will untie your device from Xiaomi cloud services, disable synchronization, and make it impossible to use the Find Device feature.
Unlocking PIN-code SIM-map
Users often confuse the login password with the request. PIN-code SIM-card that appears immediately after the phone is turned on, even before the logo loads MIUI. This code protects your SIM card from being used on other devices, and by default, combinations like 0000 or 1234 are often used, but it is better to check them with the operator.
If you have entered the infidel three times PIN-code, SIM card is blocked and requires input PUK-You can find it on the plastic card that came with the SIM card, or in the personal office of the operator on the official website. PUK-The code is in the same window where it was requested. PIN.
⚠️ Note: Be extremely careful when entering PUK-After 10 failed attempts, the SIM card will be permanently locked, and it can only be restored by re-releasing it from the operator.
To remove the request PIN-code whenever you turn on, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Protection SIM-You can switch the toggle "Request" here. PIN-It's still going to have to enter the current correct code once.
Unlocking the lock via computer and ADB (for advanced)
For users familiar with the command line, there is a method of deleting the key file through USB debugging. This method only works if the USB debugging function was activated in the Developer menu earlier and the computer already had permission to access the phone. You will need to install Xiaomi drivers and the ADB platform on your PC.
Connect the phone to your computer and open the command prompt in the ADB folder. Enter the adb shell command to access the device shell. Next, delete the system file storing the password hashes. The path to the file may vary depending on the Android version, but often it is /data/system/gesture.key or /data/system/password.key.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
adb rebootOnce you execute the adb reboot command, the phone will reboot. The lock should disappear, and you can either set a new password or leave the screen blank. It's worth remembering that new versions of Android 11/12/13/14 may have limited access to these partitions without root rights, making it not always work.
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Using ADB is only effective when debugging is enabled in advance, otherwise this method will not work.