Xiaomi Redmi phone is blocked: a complete guide to unlocking

You picked up your Xiaomi Redmi to check notifications, but the screen shows "Device locked" or requires a password you don't remember? Or worse, the phone doesn't respond to touch at all after failed input attempts? The situation is familiar to many - statistically, one in five Redmi owners has experienced a screen lock at least once. The reasons can be different: from banal forgetfulness to failures after the MIUI update, but there is always a solution.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible lock scenarios, from a simple forgotten pattern lock to a “brick” after a failed firmware. You’ll learn how to unlock the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14 models without losing data (if possible) and with minimal risk. Importantly, the methods vary depending on the MIUI version and the type of lock — so first determine what exactly happened to your device.

Warning: some methods require prior preparation (e.g., Mi Account binding or USB debugging enabled). If you are reading this article after blocking, skip irrelevant sections and move on to methods for your situation. For convenience, we have highlighted critical nuances that 90% of users ignore, but they solve the problem the first time.

1.Diagnostics: Why is Xiaomi Redmi blocked?

Before you rush to reset, determine the type of lock, which depends on which method will work:

• 🔒 Forgotten password/pattern lock – the phone works but doesn’t let it onto the main screen, most common case (60% of calls).
• 📱 Blocking after update MIUI — The screen shows "System not responding" or hovers on the Redmi logo. 8/9 prior MIUI 14.
• 🔌 Hardware locking – the phone does not respond to charging, does not turn on or shows a black screen, may be caused by a fall, moisture or battery failure.
• 🚫 Mi Account locking – requires entering the Mi Account login/password even after resetting. Found on devices with an associated account and the Find Device feature enabled».
• 🔧 «Brick after firmware - the phone doesn't turn on, flashes a red light or vibrates when connected to a PC.

If your case doesn't fit any of the items, check if Fastboot (a black screen with a green robot and the inscription FASTBOOT) is activated. This is not a lockdown, but a service mode from which you can exit by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A/10A) Recovery resets can result in Mi Account blocking, even if you didn't have one before.

2 Unlocking through Mi Account (if linked)

If you have previously logged into a Xiaomi account on a locked phone and remember the data, this is the fastest way to return access. MIUI 12-14 and does not require resetting.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot password?” (or “Forgot password?” on English firmware).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

If you don't have a password, try entering any password 5 times in a row, and after the fifth failed attempt, the system will suggest alternative ways to log in.

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network

Check if sync is enabled in your Mi Account settings (if your phone is unlocked on another device)

Use the original USB cable to connect to your PC (when recovering via your computer)

Do not enter a password more than 10 times – the device can be locked for 24 hours-->

What to do if you do not remember the information of the Mi Account? Restor access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. If the phone number is attached, use the recovery by SMS. For email users, check the Spam folder - a letter with the code can get there.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ And the "Find Device" feature that you're resetting through Recovery will require you to enter Mi Account data, even if you haven't previously linked your account to it.

3. Recovery Mode reset (without data loss is not always possible)

If you don't have a Mi Account attached or you don't remember the data, the next step is to reset through Restore Mode, which will delete all the data from the phone, but return access to the system, and is suitable for most Redmi models, except those that are locked at the account level.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most Redmi: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data), then confirm the action. Once reset, the phone will reboot to its original state.

Important: On devices with encrypted storage (by default in MIUI 12+), a reset via Recovery will result in the loss of all data, including photos and messages. If you need to save files, try the methods in Section 5.

Reset via Recovery

Recovery through Mi Account

Used Fastboot.

I went to the service center.

I've tried nothing.-->

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery is unavailable or reset doesn't help, the next step is unlocking through Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer, USB cable and installed Xiaomi drivers. Suitable for devices that don't respond to standard methods, but are determined by a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools or Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn on Fastboot: Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power until the screensaver with the robot appears.

cmd

platform-tools

fastboot devices

If you've got a device, go ahead. If you haven't, install Xiaomi drivers manually.

fastboot oem unlock

Attention:

For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10/11 and later), you will need official permission from Xiaomi. Request unlock through en.miui.com/unlock (you need a Mi Account tied to the device at least 7 days ago).

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If the fastboot oem unlock command doesn’t work, try unlocking the bootloader first through the Mi Unlock Tool, then repeat the procedure.

Alternatively, if unlocking via Fastboot failed, but the phone is determined by the PC, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and follow the instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash (select the Clean all option for a full reset).

5. Unlock without loss of data (methods for power users)

If you have important data on your phone and you don't want to reset it, there are a few ways to get around locking without deleting files, and they require some pre-preparedness (such as USB or root rights), but if you set up your phone in advance, the odds are high.

Method 1: Delete the lock file via ADB Works only if USB debugging was previously enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps by build number → For developers → USB debugging).

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
2. Check the connection: Adb devices If the device is determined – continue.
3. Delete the lock files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Method 2: Use TWRP (root only)

If the phone has a custom TWRP recap, you can delete the lock files manually:

1. Sign in to TWRP (button combinations depend on the model, usually Volume up + Power).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files by way /data/system/: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm

Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: Delete files through ADB or TWRP It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If the system was encrypted, MIUI 13+ This method only works on 30% of devices due to enhanced protection.

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If USB debugging was not enabled in advance, the only way to unlock without losing data is to contact the service center with proof of ownership of the device (check or box).

6.Unlock through EDL mode (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn't turn on, respond to buttons, and is not detected in Fastboot, there's a last chance: firmware via Emergency Download Mode (EDL), a mode used to repair devices with damaged firmware or bricks.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm).
• 🔑 Authorized Mi Account (for new devices).

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone (if it reacts, remove the battery for 10 seconds if it is removable).
2. Click the combination: For Qualcomm: Volume up + Volume down + Power (hold 10-15 seconds). For MediaTek: plug the phone off to a PC with the Volume up button pressed.

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

here

Mi Flash Tool

Clean all and lock

For MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 9/10), use the SP Flash Tool and.scatter firmware. The process is similar, but requires choosing the right auth file for your model.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL on devices with a blocked boot loader (Redmi Note) 11/12, Xiaomi 13/14) requires the Mi Account to be logged into the Mi Flash Tool, and without it, the firmware will end in error. SLA Auth.

7. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If all of these methods did not work, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔐 Your phone is locked with your Mi Account and you don’t remember the data or can’t restore access.
• 💥 The device does not turn on after a failed firmware ("brick»).
• 🔧 Requires replacement of hardware components (for example, a broken power button or charging connector).
• 📱 This device is locked or Custom is displayed on the screen. ROM not allowed.

What to bring with you:

• Phone with a charged battery (minimum 30%).
• Document confirming the purchase (check, box with IMEI).
• Passport (for identification).
• Mi Account details if the phone is tied.

The cost of unlocking in the service center Xiaomi varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock. in informal workshops, the price may be lower, but the risk of damage to the device is higher.

Timeline for repairs:

• Unblocking your Mi Account: 1-3 days (requires a request to Xiaomi).
• Firmware via EDL: 1-2 hours.
• Replacement of hardware components: 1-5 days (depending on the availability of spare parts).

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Before visiting the service center, make a backup of the IMEI phone (printed on the box or under the battery) to help avoid problems with network recovery after repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi