How to unlock the screen on Xiaomi: from pattern lock to Hard Reset

A forgotten password or graphical key on Xiaomi is a situation that almost every user faces.The smartphone is blocked after several failed attempts to enter, and access to data seems lost. But don't panic: there are at least 5 working ways to unlock the screen, and most of them do not require special skills.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (using ADB or Fastboot). Importantly, some methods will lead to complete data loss if the device does not have backup enabled. So first check whether your Xiaomi is connected to the Mi Account, this will simplify the process.

If you’re using a model older than 2020 (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), note that some methods may not work due to outdated versions of MIUI. For new devices (like the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), additional options like unlocking through Find Device are available.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
• 🔄 On the smartphone enabled synchronization with the account.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button Forgot the password will appear on the screen. Click on it and follow the instructions:

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm the entry via SMS or email.
3. Create a new password or pattern lock.

💡

If the Forgot Password button doesn’t appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network – sometimes blocking occurs due to lack of internet.

Some models (such as the POCO X3 or Redmi 10) may require additional confirmation via Google Account if it has been added to the device, in which case the system will prompt you to enter data from Gmail.

⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, do not try to find a password - after 10 unsuccessful attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.

2 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)

Find Device (similar to Find My iPhone) allows you to remotely unlock Xiaomi if:

• 🌍 The device is connected to the Internet.
• 📍 In the settings enabled option Find the device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).
• 🔋 Battery is not discharged (minimum 10% charge).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the locked device in the list.
3. Click Unlock the screen and confirm the action.

After 5-10 minutes, the smartphone unlocks automatically, which works even if the device is turned off, but the next time you turn on, you will need to connect to the network.

3. Hard Reset (reset to factory settings)

Hard Reset is a radical way to remove all data from your device, including photos, contacts and apps, and use it if other methods fail or you don’t remember the data from Mi Account.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark):

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time 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 selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot.

Disable your Google Account (if you remember your password) to avoid FRP-lock-in

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

Download the latest firmware for your model (in case of errors)

Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case, look for items with characters (clear data) and (reboot).

⚠️ Note: After Hard Reset on devices with MIUI 12+ might work FRP-Factory Reset Protection: To avoid this, unplug your Google Account in your settings before resetting.

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If USB debugging is enabled on your smartphone, you can unlock the screen through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without losing data, a method that is suitable for models with MIUI 10-14.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After rebooting, the pattern lock or password will be reset.

💡

The ADB method only works if USB debugging has been enabled before the screen locks, and if the option is disabled, it won't help.

For devices with MIUI 13+, an additional command may be required:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

It runs the password change menu directly.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for tech-savvy)

If ADB is not available and Hard Reset is not helpful due to FRP, you can try unlocking via Fastboot.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for Xiaomi models with Qualcomm chipsets (such as the Snapdragon 865/870/888).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader.
5. Once unlocked, run the device through fastboot flash or install custom recovery (TWRP).

Some models (such as the POCO F3 or Xiaomi 11T) may require waiting 7-14 days after linking an account to the device before unlocking Bootloader.

Mi Account

Hard Reset

ADB

Fastboot

None of the above.-->

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

Unblocking through Google Account (for MIUI 9 and older)

On some devices, after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password, the option Forgot the pattern lock? with a suggestion to enter data from Google Account.

• 📧 Google Account has been added to the smartphone.
• 🌐 Internet access.

(b) Bypassing locks through Safe Mode

If the screen is blocked due to a virus or app crash, try booting into Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold Disable Power – a prompt will appear to go to Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, remove suspicious apps or reset your password.

(c) Contacting the service centre

If none of the methods worked, contact the official Xiaomi service.

• 📄 Checks or warranty card.
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi