How to unlock the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi: from simple ways to radical

The forgotten pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that almost one in three users encounter, especially after a long break in use of the device or after an update. MIUI, When the system requires you to enter a password to verify your identity, unlike PIN-A pattern lock is harder to remember intuitively: a combination of 4–9 dots connected in a certain order leaves no clues in muscle memory.

Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, from standard MIUI features to engineering methods for power users. However, not all of them are equally safe: some lead to complete loss of data (photos, messages, applications), others require confirmation through a Xiaomi or Google account. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of unlocking, their pros and cons, and give recommendations on how to avoid similar situations in the future.

1 Unblocking through Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

The most reliable and official way is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Redmi models (from Redmi 4X to Redmi Note 13 Pro+), if you have previously logged in with your account and have not disabled the Find Device feature.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔄 Enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row. The screen will show a message Forgot the pattern lock?.
• 📧 Click on the Unblock button via Mi Account and enter the username/password from your Xiaomi account.
• 🔓 If the data is correct, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or switch to a different type of lock (PIN, password).

⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, try to restore it through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number. Do not use third-party services to "hack" the account - this can lead to the locking of the device on the Internet. IMEI.

2 Unblocking through Google Account (only for the purpose of MIUI before version 12)

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI version below 12 (such as the Redmi 5/6/7 series), you can use the unlock function through Google Account.

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 You have previously logged in to a Google Account on this phone.
• 🔄 Find the device in Google settings is active.

Instructions:

1. After 5 failed attempts to enter the key, tap the key.
2. Choose Unblock through Google and enter data from your account.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new key.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 12 and newer (including Redmi Note) 10/11/12), Xiaomi has removed Google’s unblocking support in favor of its own Mi Account.

3. Reset the pattern lock via Fastboot (without data loss)

If the standard methods did not work, and you do not want to reset your phone to the factory settings, you can try to delete the file with the key through Fastboot mode.

• 🔧 Debugging mode is on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode).
• 💻 Access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 Unencrypted section /data (Most Redmis are not encrypted by default).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: 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
3. After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, but all data will be saved.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Redmi Note) 12 Pro+, Redmi K60) section /data It's encrypted by default, and it won't work. It also requires root rights that void the warranty.

4 Hard Reset – Last Chance

If no other method has worked, it only leaves a factory reset that will delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps, which works on all Redmi models, but requires confirmation through Mi Account after reset (if the account was linked).

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

After resetting, the phone will reboot to the "out of the box" state.

• 📱 Complete the initial setup.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account if it was tied.
• 📲 Restore data from backup (if it was created through Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).

⚠️ Note: On models with boot loader lock (Redmi Note) 9/10/11 After Hard Reset, you may need to log in through Mi Account, even if you don’t remember the data, in which case you will have to contact Xiaomi service center with confirmation of purchase.

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Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card (if any) that will speed up the process and save the data on external media.

5. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If you are not afraid of experiments and have experience with firmware, you can try the following methods:

🔧 For firmware through EDL need:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
2. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the phone in EDL mode (this may require a short circuit test points on the board).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can turn your phone into a brick (inoperable device).If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

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Firmware via EDL is the only way to unlock Redmi with a locked bootloader and a forgotten Mi Account, but requires special hardware and skills.

6.How to avoid pattern lock problems in the future

To avoid bumping into a locked phone again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN-code or password together with pattern lock (setting in Settings) → Screen locking).
• 📧 Link your Mi Account and Google Account to your device, even if you don’t plan to use them.
• 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔄 Enable Find the Device in the Mi Account Settings.

📌 Useful Lifehack: Take a picture of your pattern lock to another phone or save the schema to an encrypted file (e.g., Google Keep with password-only access) This will help restore access if you forget the combination.

Also, pay attention to the security settings in MIUI:

• Turn off Auto Lock after rebooting if you often forget the key.
• Set the screen lock time to 30 seconds or 1 minute to avoid entering the key too often.
• Use Smart Lock to unlock in secure places (such as at home or work).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi