How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi without data reset: working ways of 2026

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi and are afraid of losing all data? you are not alone: according to statistics, one in five users at least once blocked themselves because of a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Fortunately, it's possible to unlock a smartphone without resetting to factory settings -- but only if key conditions have been met beforehand. 5 Proven methods that work on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/A, POCO and other models with MIUI 12–14, including the circumvention of the Mi Account, ADB, and even physical manipulation of SIM-card.

The rule is, the newer the MIUI, the harder it is to get around the lock. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14, some methods (like fastboot reset) may not work without a tied Mi Account. But don't despair, 80% of the time, the data is saved. Let's start with the most reliable way.

1 Unblocking through Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

If your Redmi is tied to a Mi Account, that's your big deal, and it works even on the latest versions of MIUI 14, but it requires Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?". Click on it and select Unblock it via Mi Account. Enter your username and password from your account - the phone will unlock without losing data. Important: if the device is enabled with two-factor authentication, you will need code from SMS or the Mi Security application.

• 🔑 Suitable for: Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/A, POCO X3/X4/X5 tied-in.
• ⚡ Required: Internet access, login / password from Mi Account.
• ❌ It won’t work if: your account is not tied or your phone is not connected to the network.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password but have not updated it on your phone, unlocking may not work.In this case, try to restore access to your account through account.xiaomi.com.

If that doesn't work, we'll move on to more technical solutions, but first, see if simple manipulation of the technology can help. SIM-Card – this life hack works 30% of devices.

2. bypassing the lock by the bell (method with SIM-card)

This exploits vulnerability in handling incoming calls on some versions of MIUI. It doesn't work on all models, but it's worth a try - it'll take less than a minute.

Insert another one in the blocked Redmi. SIM-- card (not the one that was tied before) - ask someone to call this number:

1. Accept the call, then immediately click the Add Call button (usually in the call menu).
2. Enter any number (e.g. 112) and press "Call".
3. Interrupt the call and quickly go to Settings → Password and security.
4. Turn off the screen lock or change the password.

If the settings menu doesn't open, repeat steps 2-3 times - sometimes it takes several attempts. The method is confirmed by users of the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Redmi 9T on MIUI 12.5.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This bug has been fixed, so it works less often. 12 Or newer -- there he is. 100% It won't work.

💡

If you don't have a second. SIM-If you're on a card, try calling a locked phone from another device and swipe down quickly to open the notification panel, sometimes allowing you to access the settings.

3. Unlock via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

If your Redmi previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode), you can unlock your phone through ADB without losing data. This method requires a PC and a bit of technical skills.

Download and install:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (for the purposes of ADB).
• 🔌 Xiaomi drivers for your model (can be found on the official website).

Connect your phone to your PC via USB and execute commands in the terminal:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/pattern.key




reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset, and if the su command is not working, then there are no root rights on the phone, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This will open a password change menu where you can set a new PIN or pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and ADB It might not work without the unlocked bootloader. If you're not sure if the developer mode has been turned on, this is not the method for you.

Install Android SDK Platform-Tools|Download drivers for your Xiaomi model|Enable debugging on USB (If the phone is not blocked yet)|Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable|Check if the device is determined by the command `adb devices`-->

4.Use of Recovery Mode (for root firmware only)

If your Redmi has customized recaps (such as TWRP), you can manually delete the lock files, a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it requires an unlocked bootloader.

To get into Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds.
3. From the TWRP menu, select Advanced → File Manager.
4. Go to /data/system/ and delete files: gesture.key password.key pattern.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm

Reboot the phone.

If TWRP requests a password when mounting /data, then encryption is enabled – in this case, the data will not be saved.

5. Official Mi Unlock Tool (with risk of data loss)

If none of these methods worked, the official tool from Xiaomi, the Mi Unlock Tool, is designed to unlock the bootloader, but it can help in our case, too.

Download the utility from the official website and follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to fastboot.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account.
4. Follow the program’s hints (it may take 72–168 hours to unlock).

These methods are ineffective on newer models, but if you have a 2018-2019 Redmi, it’s worth a try.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all the options are exhausted, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center: Provide proof of purchase (check or box) – sometimes specialists can unlock the phone without resetting if it is not blacklisted.
2. Fastboot Reset: The fastboot erase userdata command can only erase user data, but it will delete all files. Importantly, on MIUI 14, even this method may not work without authorization to Mi Account.

Before visiting the service, check if Find My Device from Xiaomi is activated on the phone – if so, specialists will be able to unlock it through official channels.

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On Redmi with MIUI 14, the chances of unlocking without losing data are minimal if you have not tied your Mi Account or enabled debugging over USB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi