How to unlock Redmi (Xiaomi) if you forget your password: all ways of 2026

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Redmi's code or password? The situation is unpleasant but solvable. Today's Xiaomi smartphones offer several ways to restore access, from simple (via Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot). The main thing is not to panic and choose a method that fits your model and version. MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other models), their pros and cons, and give recommendations on how to avoid data loss.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Redmi is linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), this is the fastest and most secure way to reclaim access, and works on most models, including the Redmi Note 8/9/10 Pro, as long as the phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network).

After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system will offer the option "Forgot your password?". Click on it and follow the instructions:

  • πŸ”‘ Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (the same as used in the Mi Cloud or Xiaomi store).
  • πŸ“± If you forget your account details, restore them through account.xiaomi.com (you will need a linked email or phone number).
  • πŸ”„ After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and the old password will be reset.

Limitations of the method:

  • ⚠️ It does not work if the Internet is disabled or the Mi Account is not tied.
  • ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 7A s MIUI (10) additional confirmation of the SMS.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account.In this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need to reset to factory settings (see section 3).

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone is Redmi?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Redmi 8/8A
Redmi 13C/12C
Another model

2 Unlocking through Find Device

Xiaomi's Find Device feature allows you not only to track your phone, but also to unlock it remotely.

  • πŸ“Ά Phone's connected to the Internet.
  • πŸ”„ Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device).
  • πŸ” You remember the data from your Mi Account.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with your Mi Account.
  3. Select the blocked Redmi from the list of devices.
  4. Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.

After 1-2 minutes, the phone unlocks automatically. The advantage of the method is that it does not require a data reset, works even if you forget it. PIN-lock-screen.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone (2FA), Unlocking will require a code from SMS Google Authenticator Apps.

πŸ’‘

Before selling or transferring your phone, always untie it from the Mi Account settings (Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Exit).

3. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If previous methods didn't work, the radical way is to completely reset the phone, which will delete all data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but return access to the system, and this method is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi 10C.

There are two options for resetting:

MethodWhen to useWhether a PC is requiredDifficulty
Through Recovery ModeIf the phone is responding to buttonsNo.⭐⭐
Through Fastboot.If the screen is not working or Recovery is blockedYes.⭐⭐⭐
Through the Mi Flash ToolIf the phone is in the "brick" (not turned on)Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
  4. After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

Important: Newer models (MIUI 14+) may require data entry after resetting the Mi Account, which was previously tied to the phone, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick.

What to do if you need an old Mi Account after resetting?
If your phone asks for your previous Mi Account and you don’t know it, contact Xiaomi’s service center with the purchase documents. You can’t bypass this lock yourself – this is a measure of protection against theft.

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if the phone is debugging via USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version β†’ 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging by USB). If debugging is disabled, the method will not work.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB.
  2. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or only adb.exe).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd) and type:
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

After the reboot, the phone will be unlocked. Less method: requires technical skills and pre-tuning debugging.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work due to the increased protection, in which case only the reset via Fastboot will help (see the next section).

Make sure the debugging is done USB included|Download ADB-drivers for Xiaomi|Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command-->

5 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

If the Recovery menu asks for a password or the phone doesn't respond to buttons, you can reset your settings via Fastboot mode.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the official firmware for your Redmi model from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the way without Cyrillic!).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. In the program, select the firmware folder, click "Refresh" (the device should appear), then "Flash".

Warning: Wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Use only official files for your model!

Model RedmiCode nameFirmware reference
Redmi Note 10 ProsweetDownload
Redmi 9lancelotDownload
Redmi 12CpoincareDownload

πŸ’‘

Reset via Fastboot deletes all data, including the binding to the Mi Account.After the procedure, the phone will be as new, but you may need to re-authorize in the Xiaomi account.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

  • πŸ”§ Xiaomi Service Center: Official centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (guarantee card or check.
  • πŸ› οΈ Flip-through EDL: The method for power users requires special cable and knowledge of commands.

Should the masters pay to unlock the Avito? No! Most often, they're scammers who:

  • Use illegal methods (such as exploits in MIUI) that can damage the phone.
  • Install malware or backdoors.
  • They ask for advance payment and disappear.

⚠️ Attention: Forums often offer "magic" Redmi unlocking software (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool), most of which are viruses or data-stealing scanners. Don't download software from unreliable sources!

7. How to avoid future data loss

To avoid having a locked phone problem, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
  • πŸ“± Attach Mi Account and enable Find Device (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find Device).

What do I do if my phone is stolen?

  1. Block it through i.mi.com.
  2. Change the password from the Mi Account.
  3. Contact the police with the IMEI phone (you can find it on the box or through the Mi Account).

πŸ’‘

MIUI 14 has an Emergency Contact feature on the lock screen, set it to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Emergency information so that if you lose your phone, you can return it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi unlocking

Can I unlock Redmi without losing data?
Yes, if: The phone is tied to Mi Account and has Internet access, Find Device enabled, USB debugging (for ADB) enabled before, and in all other cases, data will be lost.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com. You will need a linked email or phone. If recovery is not possible, contact Xiaomi with the purchase documents.
Why does Redmi ask for an old Mi Account after a reset?
This is the Mi Cloud Lock, and if the phone was linked to an account, you'll need to enter that account information after the reset, and you can only get around the lock through Xiaomi's service center (purchase documents are required).
Can I unlock Redmi through my Google Account?
Unlike older Android smartphones, Xiaomi does not support unlocking through Google Account. Use only Mi Account or Find Device.
How much does it cost to unlock in the Xiaomi service center?
The cost depends on the model and the reason for blocking: Redmi Note 10/11: 800-1500 rubles. Redmi 9/9A: 500-1000 rubles. Complex cases (damaged firmware): up to 3000 rubles. Official centers guarantee the safety of data (if the phone is not in the "brick").