Xiaomi Redmi 9: How to unlock your phone if you forget your password or pattern lock

The message “This device is locked. FRP lock” on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 screen is one of the most common problems users face after resetting, buying a used device or a forgotten password. Unlike standard screen locking, this error is due to the Mi Account (Xiaomi account), which is tied to the phone’s hardware ID. The system requires you to enter a login and password from an account that was authorized on the device earlier — but what if you do not remember it or the phone is bought with hands?

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to unlock the Redmi 9 (including the Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T models) that are relevant for 2026. It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI, the type of lock (password, PIN, pattern lock or FRP) and access to the original Mi Account. Some solutions require a PC, others only the phone, and we will also warn about the risks that can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device.

If you see only the Xiaomi logo on the screen and the phone doesn't load any further, the problem may be with the damaged firmware, not the lock, in which case you go to the Fastboot recovery section.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If Redmi 9 is synced to Mi Account and you remember the login details, this is the easiest and safest way to unlock, the system will prompt you to enter an email or phone number associated with the account, and then send a confirmation code.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the lock screen, click the button “Forgot password?” (or similar on Chinese firmware).
• 📧 Enter an email or phone linked to Mi Account. If you don't remember, try to restore it through the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔑 Enter your password and confirm the entrance through SMS email.
• 🔓 After successful authorization, the phone will be unlocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased by hand and the previous owner has not untied his account, this method will not work, in which case you will need to contact the seller or use alternative methods (see the following sections).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset removes all data from the phone, including lock settings, but does not remove the Mi Account binding if it has been activated.

• 🔄 You forgot your password/pattern lock, but your Mi Account is not tied.
• 📱 Phone locked after failed code entry attempts.
• 🔧 You need to return the factory settings before selling.

Instructions for Redmi 9:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 9 firmware (especially Chinese ones), the Wipe Data option can be blocked by requesting a password).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If resetting via Recovery didn’t help or the phone doesn’t turn on at all, you can use Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool or ADB utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Redmi 9 on PC.
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
3. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock If the command doesn’t work, try: fastboot flashing unlock
5. Follow the instructions on your phone screen (unlock confirmation via Mi Account may be required).

🔧 Alternative: If fastboot unlock fails, you can flash the phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

• Download the firmware for Redmi 9 (select the Fastboot version).
• Unpack the archive and launch MiFlash.exe.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and press Refresh.
• Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass on Redmi 9

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the data of the previous Mi Account (message "This device is locked. FRP lock, which means that the protection is activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection: It's officially impossible to get around it, but there are several working methods:

Method 1: Emergency Call (for MIUI 12 and below)

• 📞 On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call).
• 🔢 Enter the code: ##4636## (test menu opens).
• 📱 Return to the main screen and go to Settings → Accounts.
• 🔄 Delete your old Mi Account and add your own.

Method 2: Use of the OTG-cable and file manager

It will. OTG-Adapter and flash drive with pre-prepared files:

1. Download the flash drive. APK-conductor file (e.g, FX File Explorer).
2. Connect the flash drive to the phone via OTG.
3. On the lock screen, select "Connect" USB-storage device” (if notice is given).
4. Install the Explorer and delete files through it: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db
5. Reboot the phone.

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If OTG-The cable is not recognized, try using a different adapter or check if your model supports the Redmi 9. OTG (The specifications should be “Support” USB OTG").

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to unstable phone operation. Once unlocked, it is recommended to reset settings via Recovery.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If all independent attempts to unlock the Redmi 9 were unsuccessful, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 You have documents on the phone (check, warranty card).
• 🔐 Previous owner cannot provide data from the account.
• 📱 The phone is under warranty (in this case, unlocking can be free of charge).

Procedure in the service:

1. Bring your passport and documents to the phone.
2. Write a statement for unlocking with the reason (loss of data, purchase of used, etc.).
3. Pay for the service (the cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region).
4. Wait for confirmation from Xiaomi (can take up to 3-5 days).

📍 How to find an official service: Go to Xiaomi's support site and choose your city. avoid "grey" workshops - they may use illegal methods that will lead to blocking IMEI.

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Officially unlocking through the service center is the only way to ensure that IMEI is safe and legal, and doing so by doing something like running firmware or deleting system files can cause the network to be lost or the device to “brick.”

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to unlock Redmi 9, users often face typical preventable problems:

• 🔌 "Phone is not defined in Fastboot" - check the cable (better use the original), install Qualcomm drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 "After the firmware was done, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, which means the firmware was wrongly selected. MIUI For your model (check the device code in Fastboot with the command fastboot getvar product).
• 🔒 "Mi Account does not accept passwords – try resetting your password through Xiaomi or use backup email/If your account is not yours, contact the seller.
• 📱 "Sensor fails after unlocking, it could be a result of a damaged firmware. Complete reset via Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a Redmi 9 with your hands, always check if the Mi Account is untied:

1. Ask the seller to reset the settings with you.
2. After restarting, make sure that the phone does not require the entry of account details.
3. Check the status of the lock through Settings → My account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions