Forgot the password on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on the phone without losing data?

A forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that one in five users encounter. A smartphone is blocked after several failed attempts to enter, and access to photos, messages and applications is lost in an instant. But don’t panic: you can unlock a device even without visiting a service center. In this article, we will analyze 7 proven methods, including official methods through Mi Account, hidden features of Recovery Mode, and advanced techniques using ADB or Fastboot.

It's important to understand that not all methods will save your data. For example, a hard reset through Recovery will delete all information from internal memory, including contacts and media files. But unlocking through a tied Mi Account or Find Device can return access without loss — if you remember the username and password from the account, we will describe each option in detail, specify their pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors that can turn the phone into a brick.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method Xiaomi uses is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if you have previously logged in to an account on a locked device and remember the login data.

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap the “Forgot your password?” button (usually after 5 failed attempts).
• 🔑 Select the option “Unblock via Mi Account” and enter the login (email or phone number) + password.
• 🔄 Confirm the action through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 📲 Set a new password or pattern lock.

✅ Pros: does not require data reset, works on all models of Redmi (from Redmi) 4X Up to Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

❌ Cons: If you don’t remember your Mi Account or link it to your phone, it won’t work, and some firmware (such as custom) may block this option.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

2. Use the Find Device function (remote unlock)

Find Device (similar to Google's Find Phone) not only allows you to track Redmi's location, but also remotely unlock it via your web browser.

• 🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 📧 You remember data from a Mi Account tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as the blocked Redmi.
3. In the control panel, select your device and click “Unlock”.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚡ Important: After remotely unlocking, the phone may require you to enter a new password the next time you turn on. Set it right away to avoid re-locking.

💡

If Find Device doesn't find your Redmi, check if geolocation and mobile internet are on the device. Sometimes rebooting your phone helps (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).

3. Recovery Mode reset (hard reset)

If previous methods failed, the Recovery Mode hardware reset is left, which removes all data from the phone, including photos, apps and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the device, and is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/9A/9C and older.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button + Volume Up until vibration).
2. Hold Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the reset, wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: On certain firmware (e.g., on certain firmware, MIUI 14 on Redmi Note 12) after a reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied to the phone before locking (FRP If you don't remember your account, you'll have to use it. ADB or call on the service.

Turn off the phone from charging.

Backup important data (if you have access to a PC)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps by build number → Developer Settings → Debugging by USB).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
• 📱 Phone with debugging enabled USB (even if it is blocked).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), move on. If not, install the drivers or try another cable.
3. Enter the commands alternately: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. After the reboot, the phone unlocks, but may require you to set a new password.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12 and later, this method may not work because of the increased protection. ADB It won't help if the debugging is USB was disabled before lockdown.

5 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

If the Recovery menu asks for a password or doesn't open, you can try flashing your phone through Fastboot. This is suitable for power users, because it requires firmware and command line. All data will be deleted!

Tools required:

• 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool installed (download from official website).
• 📁 Firmware for your Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro — vili_fastboot.zip).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect Redmi to your PC. Launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Click Select and select the downloaded firmware (file with the.tgz or.zip extension).
4. At the bottom, select “Clean All” and click “Flash”.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚡ Important: Fastboot's firmware deletes all data, including the Mi Account, and if the phone was linked to the account, you can use it without restriction.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 The phone is linked to someone else’s Mi Account (for example, after buying from hand).
• 📱 Redmi model older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi) 4X Redmi Note 5, where resetting via Recovery may not help.
• 🛠️ You are afraid to flash your phone through Fastboot.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (to confirm ownership).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

✅ Pros: guaranteed result, no risk of damaging the phone.

❌ Cons: time loss (unlocking takes 1-3 days), paid service.

7. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods do not help, you can try less common options:

• 🔧 Reset via Safe Mode: on some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 6/6A) You can boot up in Safe Mode and delete your password files. To do this, press the power button before the turn off menu appears. Hold your finger on Turn off until you have a prompt to go to Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, remove apps that may have blocked the screen (such as third-party blockers).

Call to the locked phone:

"Emergency call"

MIUI 10

Firmware rollback:

MIUI

Fastboot

MIUI 14

MIUI 13

⚠️ Note: Alternative methods often depend on the version MIUI For example, Safe Mode doesn't work on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13, and emergency call is blocked on the latest updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi