How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi: all ways to remove locks

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi or bought a used smartphone with a tied someone else’s account Mi? encountered a blocked bootloader when trying to flash custom firmware? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock Redmi devices – from official methods to alternative solutions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the unlocking procedures vary depending on the type of lock: it can be a pattern lock, PIN-Lock screen code, Xiaomi account binding or bootloader. Each case requires a different approach - there is no universal solution. We will describe each method in detail, specify the risks and give recommendations for data recovery.

If you're a beginner, start with the official ways (through Find My Device or Mi Unlock Tool). For advanced users, we'll give you instructions on how to work with Fastboot, ADB and third-party utilities. All commands and menu paths are highlighted with special formatting, they can be copied directly.

1. unlocking the screen: pattern lock, PIN, password

The most common problem is a locked screen because of a forgotten password. There are several ways to get around this lock on Redmi smartphones without losing data, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the device model.

The first step is to try standard recovery methods:

• 🔑 Enter the wrong password 5 times in a row → The button will appear Forgot the password? → The system will offer to unlock through your Xiaomi or Google account (if the device is tied).
• 📧 If your smartphone is synced to Mi Account, use Find My Device on i.mi.com → Device control → Unlock.
• 🔄 On some models (Redmi Note) 10/11) Resetting through Recovery Mode: Squeeze Power + Volume up, select Wipe data (but this will delete all data!).

If standard methods do not work, you will have to use Fastboot or ADB mode. This will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

⚠️ Warning: Reset via Fastboot or Recovery deletes all data on the device, including photos and apps. If encryption is enabled on the smartphone, it will be impossible to restore files after reset.

2 Unblocking Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

Linking to a Mi Account is an added protection, but it often becomes a problem when buying a used phone. If the previous owner hasn't untied the account, you can only unlock Redmi officially or through workarounds.

The official method (works on 90% of devices):

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Device Management section, find the blocked Redmi.
3. Click Delete Device → Confirm the action via SMS or email.
4. Restart your smartphone – the lock should disappear.

If the official method didn’t work (for example, the device doesn’t appear in the list), try:

• 📱 Dumping through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account and paid access to Mi Flash Pro).
• 🔧 Bypassing TestPoint (physical circuit of contacts on the board) - suitable for Redmi models 4/5/Note 7.
• 💻 Use of utilities like Xiaomi Tool V2 Mi Account Bypass Tool (Risky, Can Lead to Brick).

⚠️ Note: Methods of bypassing Mi Account through TestPoint or unofficial firmware can lead to a hard brick (total loss of performance).+) Xiaomi tightened protection – bypass without authorization is almost impossible.

3. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

The bootloader is a custom firmware protection tool, and to unlock it on Redmi, you need to use Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool.

Step-by-step:

Link Mi Account to your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account)

Enable debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → Developer → Debugging by USB)

Turn it on. OEM-unlocking (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM)

Download Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock

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After preparation:

1. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in under the same account as you do on your phone.
2. Put Redmi into Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. In the utility, press Unlock and wait until completion (usually 3-5 minutes).

On the new models (Redmi Note 11 and later), Xiaomi introduced a 72-hour account binding, which means that after linking the Mi Account to the device, you need to wait 3 days before unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Also, this will void the warranty and can lead to problems with the device. OTA-update.

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Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official and secure way, and alternative methods (via EDL or exploits) threaten to block IMEI or brick.

4. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader, a method often used to restore a “bricked” Redmi or bypass Mi Account, but requires authorization from Xiaomi.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 Hardware method: pinch the power supply + Loudness up + Volume down (on some models you need to close TestPoint on the board).
• 💻 Through ADB: Execute the command adb reboot edl
• 🔄 Fastboot: fastboot oem edl (not available on all models).

For firmware in EDL mode you will need:

1. Mi Flash Pro (official or modified)
2. Firmware file in.tgz format for your model.
3. Authorized Xiaomi developer account (for new devices)

Firmware process:

1. Connect Redmi in EDL mode to your PC.
2. In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Refresh (the device should be defined as COM-port).
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

5. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official methods didn’t work, you can try informal utilities and exploits, which are suitable for older Redmi models (until 2020 release) and require technical skills.

Popular tools:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi Tool V2 — Automatic model definition and suggestion of unlocking methods.
• 🔓 Mi Account Bypass Tool – bypassing the account link ADB (work MIUI 10–12).
• 📱 SP Flash Tool – for firmware devices on MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi) 9A/9C).

Example of using ADB to reset a pattern lock:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




reboot

This method only works on MIUI prior to version 12 and requires root rights.

For Qualcomm devices, you can use the QFil utility (similar to Mi Flash), and for MediaTek, you can use the SP Flash Tool with the scatter file. It is important to choose firmware strictly for your model and region!

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware can lead to loss IMEI, Sensor or camera problems on new models (Redmi Note 12)+) It almost certainly leads to hard brick.

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Before using third-party utilities, back up the persist partition (IMEI) with the adb backup persist command. This will help restore the network after the firmware.

6.Recovery after unlocking: what to do next?

After successfully unlocking Redmi, you need to follow several steps to return the device to working condition:

1. Check it out. IMEI: dial *#06# - if zeros are displayed instead of the number, restore IMEI through QCN-file (for Qualcomm) or NV-data (for MediaTek).
2. Update your firmware: Download the latest version of MIUI for your model from en.miui.com and stream through Recovery or Fastboot.
3. Set up your account again: link a new Mi Account and enable data synchronization.
4. Check the sensors: run the equipment test via ##4636## (to check sensors, cameras, GPS).

If there are problems after unlocking:

• 📵 No net: Restore modemst1/st2 from the backup or sew the original firmware.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).
• 🎯 Sensors do not work: check the integrity of the persist partition or reflash the device.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you unlock Redmi, users often encounter typical problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Critical information: On Redmi Note 11T Pro and later, Xiaomi blocks unlocking the bootloader if the device was purchased less than 30 days ago, a rule that applies even to authorized accounts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions