Forgetting the pattern lock on a Xiaomi smartphone is a bad situation, but it can be fixed. Even if the screen is locked and access to data seems lost, there are legal ways to regain control of the device. The main thing is not to panic and not try to find a combination at random: after 5 failed attempts, the system can lock the phone for 30 seconds, and after 20 – completely erase all data.
In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, including models with MIUI 12/13/14. From the simplest sign-in via Mi Account to radical Hard Reset, we will choose the best option depending on your situation.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)
If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account attached and activated, the chances of returning access are maximum, and this method works on most devices with MIUI 10 and later, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and the flagship Mi 11/12/13.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔄 Enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password” appears?".
- 📧 Click on this caption and select "Login via Mi Account".
- 🔐 Enter your username (email or phone) and password from your Mi Account.
- 📱 After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
An important nuance: if you don't remember the data from your Mi Account, restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number. Recovery via SMS can take up to 24 hours due to security measures.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after 3 failed attempts to log in to the Mi Account, the system may require confirmation through two-factor authentication (SMS Make sure you have access to backup channels.
2.Use of Recovery Mode (without data loss on some models)
If your Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data from it, the next step is to download to Recovery mode. This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 12 and older, but does not guarantee the safety of data on all models. On Redmi 9/9A/9C and POCO M3/M4, the chances of saving files are higher than on flagships.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English and Chinese)
- Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (some models may have different paths).
Hidden feature: On Qualcomm Snapdragon processor devices (like POCO F3 or Redmi K40), the Recovery menu may have the option "Mount/data." If it's active, there's a chance to connect the phone to your PC via ADB and manually delete the key file.
How to check your Xiaomi processor?
| Xiaomi model | The probability of saving data in Recovery | Is a Mi Account Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 Pro | Low (20%) | No. |
| POCO X3 Pro | Average (50%) | No. |
| Mi 11 Lite | High (70%) | Yes (to unlock after reset) |
| Redmi 9A/9C | High (80%) | No. |
3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed and the data on the phone is not critical, you can use Fastboot mode.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a connection to a computer and install drivers. ADB/Fastboot.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install it on an Android PC SDK Platform-Tools.
- 📱 Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable.
- 💻 Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and enter:
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot rebootWarning: The fastboot erase userdata command will completely delete all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and apps. On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro), after this procedure, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account.
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Before you reset via Fastboot, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device. If not, you will need official permission from Xiaomi via en.miui.com/unlock.
4 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If you don't succeed, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
- 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card or box with IMEI).
- 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
- 📱 The locked smartphone itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).
The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. It can take from 1 to 5 working days to unlock. The service center uses special software that resets the lock without losing data on some models (for example, Mi 10T or Redmi K30 Pro).
⚠️ Warning: Informal service centers may offer “10 minutes unlock” with data saved, often involving vulnerabilities in firmware that could lead to a loss of warranty or identity leakage. Xiaomi’s official centers never guarantee the safety of information when unlocked.
5. Alternative methods (for specific models)
Some Xiaomi models have unique unlocking features, such as:
- 🔧 Redmi 5/5A/6/6A: On these devices, you can bypass the pattern lock through an emergency call. Type in the dialer ##4636##, Then go to Usage Statistics. → Back and try to open the settings.
- 🔄 POCO F1: Hold the power and volume button upwards of 30 seconds to force reboot. Sometimes this resets the temporary lock.
- 📡 Mi A1/A2 (Android One: These models support unlocking through Google Find My Device. Log in to Google Find My Device and select the "Device Lock" option to install the new one. PIN.
Important: Vulnerabilities that bypass locks without resetting are regularly closed in new versions of MIUI. If your device gets an update after 2023, the chances of success of alternative methods are minimal.
Charge your phone to at least 50%
Take a photo of the IMEI (on the box or under the battery)
Prepare a check or a warranty card
Check if the warranty period has expired.
Keep a backup of important data (if you have access to the cloud)-->
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock, follow the following simple rules:
- 🔑 Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock – it is more difficult to forget, and it is almost impossible to pick up by chance.
- 📱 Link your Mi Account and enable data sync to the cloud (Settings) → Mi Account → Synchronization).
- 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
- 📧 Set up password recovery from Mi Account via email and phone.
On devices with MIUI 14, Face + PIN, a combination of facial recognition and digital code, has been introduced, which reduces the risk of locking, since if the face scanner fails, you can always enter a PIN.
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The most reliable way to protect against blocking is the combination of biometrics (print or face) with a spare one. PIN-The pattern lock is convenient, but it's easy to forget, especially if you rarely unlock your phone.