Xiaomi Redmi 7’s “This device is locked”: how to unlock a smartphone in 2026?

The message “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi Redmi 7 screen means that the device is locked due to incorrect password, pattern lock or fingerprint input. In some cases, the lock occurs after resetting the settings, if previously was activated Mi Account (Xiaomi account) with a connection to the device. unlock Redmi 7 in several ways – from simple input backup PIN-code before complex manipulations through Fastboot or service center.

It is important to understand that unlocking methods depend on the type of lock: software (forgotten password / key) or hardware (binding to Mi Account after reset). For example, if you just made a mistake with the password, Hard Reset will help through Recovery. And if the phone requires entering the username / password from Mi Account after reset – you will need official unlocking through Xiaomi or workarounds (for example, through the reset). EDL In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for Redmi. 7 base MIUI 12/13/14 Android 9/10.

⚠️ Warning: Some methods (e.g. firmware via Fastboot or EDL) This can lead to loss of warranty or “bricking” of the device. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the Xiaomi service center.

1. Unlocking through backup PIN-code or Mi Account

The easiest way is to use backup data to log in. If you forget your pattern lock or password, but remember. PIN-unlock code (set when you set up the lock screen), try the following:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password / key 5 times in a row.
2. The message will appear “Forgot the password?” – click on it.
3. Enter backup. PIN-code (usually 4-6 digits) that you specified when setting up.
4. If the PIN fits, set a new password or pattern lock.

If there is no backup PIN, but the phone is tied to the Mi Account, try unlocking through your account:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap the button “Unlock via Mi Account” (if any).
• 🔑 Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
• 📧 If you do not remember the password - restore it through the official website (you will need access to an email or a password). SMS).
• ⚠️ If your account is not tied or you don’t remember it, this method won’t work.

⚠️ Warning: After 3 failed attempts to enter a password from Mi Account, the device can be locked for 24 hours, in which case only Hard Reset or contact the service remains.

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (reset to factory settings)

Recovery is a universal way to unlock if you don't remember the password, but Mi Account isn't tied to the device. This method removes all data from the phone, including photos, messages and apps. If Redmi 7 has enabled sync with Mi Cloud, some data can be recovered later.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 7:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Important: If after the reset, the phone requires you to enter a username / password from Mi Account, then the account was tied. №4 (Fastboot) or №5 (EDL Mode).

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes on the Mi logo after reset, try repeating the procedure or flashing the device through Fastboot (see next section).

3 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is tied)

If after Hard Reset Redmi 7 requires data from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, you can try to bypass the lock via Fastboot mode. If the bootloader is blocked, you will need official unlocking through Xiaomi (see method). №5).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with utility ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 7 (for example, official) MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive from the platform-tools to the root of the C:\ disk (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).
2. Turn off Redmi 7 and press Volume Down + Power button to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with utilities: cd C:\platform-tools\
5. Check the connection of the device command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear) - continue.
6. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock Note: New Xiaomi devices require official permission to unlock through the Xiaomi website.
7. Use the official phone (example for the MIUI 12): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can cause the device to "break" and use only official images for Redmi 7 (codename of the device is onc).

4. Unlocking through EDL Mode (Emergency Mode)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader.

• 🔧 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuits of the circuit board.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Redmi 7.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

⚠️ Attention: This is recommended only for advanced users, and the wrong actions can cause the phone to fail.

Instructions:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Download the firmware for Redmi 7 (for example, onc_global_images_...).
3. Turn off the phone and transfer it to EDL Mode: Method 1: Use EDL cable (the jumper between GND and EDL contacts on the board). Method 2: Enter the command via ADB (if the phone is on and USB debugging is allowed): adb reboot edl

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes) and restart the device.

🔹 Important: On Qualcomm-powered devices (like Redmi 7) EDL Mode is stable, but new firmware may require authorization through Mi Account.

5. Official unlock through Xiaomi (if Mi Account is blocked)

If you forget your Mi Account and your phone needs it after you reset, the only legal way to do this is to contact Xiaomi.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 📧 Access to an email linked to an account.
• 📞 Phone number specified during registration.

The unlocking process:

1. Go to the support page: account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select “Forgot your password?” and try to restore access.
3. If recovery fails, contact support via:

⏳ Unlock time: 3 days to 2 weeks (depending on customer service workload) In some cases, payment may be required (e.g. if the device is not warranty-free).

6. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try workarounds, which are suitable for Redmi 7 with outdated versions of MIUI (up to version 12) or custom firmware.

Method 1: Delete lock files via ADB

If the phone is enabled debugging over USB and it is determined by the computer, you can delete the files responsible for blocking:

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

⚠️ Condition: Root rights and debugging enabled. New versions MIUI This method doesn't work.

Method 2: Use exploits (e.g., Mi Account Bypass Tool)

There are utilities on the network to bypass the Mi Account lock, for example:

• 🛠️ Mi Account Unlock Tool (works on older versions) MIUI).
• 🔓 Xiaomi Tool V2 (Requires Fastboot and unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Risks: These tools may contain viruses or not work on new firmware. Use them at your own risk.

💡

If Redmi 7 is locked after firmware or update, try returning the official firmware through Fastboot.Castom firmware (like LineageOS) may conflict with the Mi Account lock.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 7 users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset: → Try re-doing Hard Reset or flashing through Fastboot.

If none of the methods worked, there is likely a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions