How to turn on Xiaomi if you forgot your graphical password: 5 proven ways

The forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a situation that even power users face: One incorrect movement and the device is blocked and access to photos, messages and apps is closed. Fortunately, there are several official and alternative unlock methods that work on most Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12).

It's important to understand that not all methods guarantee data security. For example, a hard reset will remove all information from a device, whereas methods through a Mi or ADB account can save files. In this article, we will discuss all the current options, from the simplest (account login) to the technically difficult (unlocking via Fastboot), and you will learn what errors users most often make and how to avoid them.

If your Xiaomi is blocked after unsuccessful password attempts, don’t panic: 90% of the time, you can unlock your phone without going to the service center, but the main thing is to follow the instructions and choose the method that matches your model and the version of MIUI.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, the button Forgot the password will appear on the screen. Click on it and follow the algorithm:

1. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Create a new graphical password or PIN-code.

✅ Pros of the method: does not require data reset, works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI 10 and newer.

❌ Cons: if the phone is not connected to the network or the account is not tied, the method will not work.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account. In this case, unlocking through Mi Account will not be possible without his data. → Mi Account.

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If you don’t have internet access, connect your phone to another Wi-Fi network via the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).

2. Reset graphical password via Find Device (Mi Cloud)

If your phone is locked but you have access to a computer or other device, you can use the web version of Mi Cloud, which is suitable for devices with active Find Device and Internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, select a locked smartphone.
3. Click Unlock the device (option will appear if the phone is online).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the graphical password will be reset and the phone will be unlocked. ⚠️ Important: If the device is off or not connected to the network, the command will not reach.

Charging the phone > 20%|Stable Internet connection on PC/phone|Access to email/SMS confirm|Mi Account is tied to the device-->

3. Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users) If the previous methods did not help, and the phone is enabled debugging USB, You can try to reset your graphic password through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers and Android tools installed SDK. ⚠️ Warning: debugging by USB It has to be activated before you lock the phone, and if you haven't turned it on before, it won't work. USB-Open the command line (Win) + R → Type in the order of adb devices (to display your device) adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot After reboot, the graphical password will be reset. 🔧 Technical nuances: 🖥️ The PC must be installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website). 🔌 If the SU command is not working, then there are no root rights on the phone. 📱 The method was tested MIUI 12-14: The path to the files may be different on newer versions. ⚠️ Note: Delete system files through ADB If you have any errors after unlocking (for example, the screen lock is not working), reset your settings through Recovery. ADB If the list is empty after the command adb devices, check: 1. USB (Try another, original. 2 Connection mode on the phone (should be File Transfer or MTP). 3. Drivers (install Mi) PC Suite from the official website of Xiaomi. 4. Developer Settings: If the phone is unlocked, turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the version, then return to Additional → For Developers).

4 Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If none of the previous methods worked, the last measure is a complete reset, which will delete all data from the phone (photos, contacts, apps), but guaranteed to unlock the device, Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 10T, etc.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🎮 For Black Shark: The Power Button + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Yes

Reboot

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) after reset, you may need to enter data from your Mi Account if you have activated Mi Account protection. If you do not remember your username / password, you will have to contact the service center to unlock through the device. EDL-regime.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 9A/9C) After resetting via Recovery, you may experience an error "This device is locked." SP Flash Tool.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

If USB debugging is disabled but you have access to Fastboot, you can try removing the password file through this mode.The method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires Fastboot drivers and tools installed.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
4. Enter the commands: fastboot devices (should display your device) fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

🔹 What is fastboot erase frp doing?

It removes Factory Reset Protection, which sometimes allows you to bypass the locking of the graphical password. However, on new Xiaomi models (with MIUI 13+), this method may not work due to the increased protection.

📌 Alternative: If fastboot erase frp didn’t help, try flashing recovery through the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

(You will need to download TWRP for your model from twrp.me.)

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The Fastboot method is only suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you type in the fastboot oem device-info command and you see Device unlocked: false, it won't work.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the previous owner's Mi Account.
• 📱 The device does not respond to commands ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔧 After reset, the error "This device is locked" appears (typical for MediaTek).

📍 How to Find a Service Center:

1. Go to mi.com/global/service.
2. Choose your country and city.
3. Check addresses and reviews (priority – Authorized centers).

⚠️ What to take with you:

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport (to confirm possession).
• 🔋 Charger (in the service can check the operation of the phone).

💰 Unlocking cost: official Xiaomi centers price ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles (depending on model and complexity). Unofficial workshops may offer a service cheaper, but the risk of damage to the device is higher.

⚠️ Note: If you are offered to “bypass Mi Account in 5 minutes” through unknown programs (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool), this is a scam.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock Xiaomi, users often make critical mistakes that make things worse.

1. Ignoring backup. Many people don't save data before resetting via Recovery. If your phone is synced to Google Account or Mi Cloud, it's easier to restore contacts and photos. Use Settings → System → Backup.
2. Attempts to enter a password "at random." After 10 failed attempts, some Xiaomi models are locked for 24 hours. If you don't remember the password, immediately move on to alternative methods.
3. Using unofficial firmware, running a firmware through an SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash without experience can turn a phone into a brick. If you're not sure, trust the professionals.
4. Disconnect the Internet when unlocked via Mi Account. if you interrupt the confirmation process (for example, pull out) SIM-Cards: Accounts can be blocked for 24 hours.

🔍 How to check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone?

Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. If it displays an email or phone number, your account is tied. If the partition is empty, you can't unlock it through Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi