Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after the release β but what to do if you forget your password, pattern lock or even the most popular smartphone? PIN-This becomes more difficult if you have Mi Account binding enabled on your device or if you have Find Device activated. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of unlocking, from the most secure (without loss of data) to radical (complete reset).
Itβs important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (10, 11, 12+), the status of Xiaomiβs account and the availability of USB debugging. For example, on firmware older than MIUI 12.5, you can bypass locking via fastboot, and on newer versions this method often does not work due to increased protection. We tested all the instructions on Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) β the results are summarized in the table below.
If you are unsure of your actions, never try to enter a password at random more than 5 times in a row - this will lead to a complete lock of the device for 24-72 hours. Also avoid questionable services "unlock in 5 minutes": most of them are either fraudulent or use vulnerabilities that Xiaomi has long closed in updates.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most legal and safe method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:
- π± Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π You remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account that was linked to the device.
- π More than 5 failed attempts to enter a password were not made on the phone (otherwise you will need to wait).
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, tap the βForgot your password?β button (or a similar label at the bottom of the screen).
- Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- Set a new password or pattern lock.
If you don't have a "Forgot Password?" button, you've disabled the account recovery function on your device, and then you'll go to the following methods.
β οΈ Warning: Once unlocked via Mi Account, all data on your phone will remain intact, but you will have to re-enter passwords from apps (for example, for WhatsApp or banking services).
2. Password reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method is suitable if:
- π§ On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Even if you donβt remember, check it out β sometimes itβs activated by default).
- π» You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.
- π± The phone is discharged by at least 30% (during the charging procedure is mandatory!).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
- Press the buttons Power + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
- Perform a password reset (for MIUI 10β11): fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings For MIUI 12+ add the command: fastboot erase frp
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but all user data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted, which does not work if the device activates the Find Device function, in which case you will need to enter Mi Account data after the reset.
Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download the platform SDK Tools|Check the battery charge (>30%)|Prepare original USB-cable|Disable antivirus (can block commands)-->
3. Hard Reset (full reset to factory settings)
Hard Reset is an extreme measure that erases all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, and use it if other methods have failed or you donβt have access to Mi Account.
How to make Hard Reset on Redmi Note 7:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Recovery menu appears.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some versions of Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
- Reboot your phone (Reboot System)
Once reset, the device will start as new.
- π Choose a language and region.
- πΆ Connect to Wi-Fi.
- π Enter your Mi Account information if it was tied (otherwise the phone will be blocked again!).
β οΈ Note: If after Hard Reset the phone requires you to enter an old password or Mi Account data, it means that the function βReset Protectionβ was activated on itΒ» (FRP). In this case, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service (with a check for the purchase) or specialized services (paid).
What if after Hard Reset, the phone asks for Mi Account?
Password bypass through EDL mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to reflash your phone bypassing password locks and Mi Accounts, a risky method: if you make a mistake, your phone can turn into a brick.
- π οΈ You have experience in the firmware of Xiaomi smartphones.
- πΎ You downloaded the official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- π You have a cable. USB Type-C and Mi Flash Tool.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume + Volume Reduce for 10-15 seconds at the same time β the phone will go to EDL mode (the screen will remain black).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and press Flash.
- Wait for the process to complete (10-20 minutes) and restart the device.
Once the firmware is in place, the phone will be completely clean, without a password or a Mi Account binding, but the warranty on the device will burn down and all data will be lost.
π‘
Before you run through EDL, be sure to check the MIUI version on your phone. If you flash an older version than the one installed, you may have problems with the Baseband module (the network will disappear).
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers
If you don't succeed on your own, contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
- π Check or warranty card on the phone (proof of purchase).
- π Passport or other identity document.
- π° Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3 000 rubles, depending on the region).
The process takes 3 to 10 business days.The service center will reset all locks, including Mi Account, but user data will be deleted.If the phone was bought with hands, the chances of successful unlocking are minimal - Xiaomi does not remove the peg without proof of legal ownership.
The addresses of the service centers can be found on the official website: https://www.mi.com/global/service/center/
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Loss of data | It works without a Mi Account. | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery through Mi Account | β | β No. | β No. | 5-10 minutes |
| Fastboot (erase locksettings) | ββ | β Yes. | β Yes* | 15-30 minutes |
| Hard Reset | β | β Yes. | β No (if it's on). FRP) | 5-10 minutes |
| Firmware through EDL | ββββ | β Yes. | β Yes. | 30-60 minutes |
| Service centre | ββ | β Yes. | β Yeah (checking) | 3-10 days |
* If the βFind deviceβ function is disabled on the phone.
π‘
The most reliable way to avoid data loss is to restore via Mi Account. If you do not remember your account details and your phone has FRP enabled, you can only unlock it through a service center or firmware in EDL mode (with the risk of losing warranty).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock the Redmi Note 7, users often face typical problems:
- The phone is not determined in Fastboot/EDL: π Check the cable (use the original cable) USB Type-C). π» Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 regime EDL. π Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- After resetting, the phone asks for an old password: π This means that the protection is activated. FRP β Unlocking is possible only through Mi Account or firmware. π§ If you remember your email but not your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
Fastboot teams don't work:
- π± On the new versions MIUI 12.5+ Quickboot erase locksettings may not work β a full reset via fastboot erase userdata is required.
- π§ Check the version. MIUI β Some firmware requires additional commands (e.g., fastboot erase frp).
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact specialists. Wrong commands in fastboot or EDL can lead to loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module.