How to remove graphical password on Xiaomi phone: all working ways of 2026

Forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi can be a real headache – the phone blocks access to data, messages and applications, and standard methods of unlocking (for example, through the use of a mobile phone). PIN-It gets complicated if you don't remember the data from your Mi Account or have never linked your device to your account. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to remove a pattern lock on Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, including models from 2023 to 2026, with the latest updates MIUI.

It’s important to understand that some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., enabled debugging over USB), others only work if you have a backup or a linked account. We’ll describe each option in detail, specify their pros and cons, and warn you of possible risks, from data loss to full locking of the device. If you’re looking for a way to get around your graphical password without loss, start with the first partition. If you’re ready for radical measures (e.g., reset before factory settings), go to the instructions for Recovery Mode.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.It works on all models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5, but requires:

  • πŸ“± Linking the device to the Mi Account before blocking.
  • 🌐 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ Login knowledge (email/phone) and account password.

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong graphic password 5 times in a row.
  2. The message will appear β€œForgot the password?” – click on it.
  3. Select β€œUnblock via Mi Account” and enter the login details.
  4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or reset your phone to factory settings without logging out of your account, this method will not work. Xiaomi may also request additional verification (such as a linked phone number) if you log in from a new device.

πŸ“Š What Unlocking Method Have You Tried Before?
Mi Account
Recovery Mode
ADB
Reset via Fastboot
I've tried nothing.

2. Reset your graphical password via Recovery Mode (without data loss?)

Recovery Mode is often marketed as "safe," but it's not quite so. It allows you to bypass the pattern lock, but:

  • βœ… It works on most Xiaomi models (except new ones). MIUI 14+ protection FBE).
  • ❌ Deletes all data if no backup is made.
  • ⚠️ May result in Mi Account blocking if the device has been tied.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo (Recovery mode) appears.
  3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
  4. Go to Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe All Data (on some models – Erase All Data).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Critical detail: devices with MIUI 14 and later may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick.

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 4

3. Use ADB (only if USB debugging is enabled)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is one of the few that allows you to delete a graphical password without losing data, but it only works if USB debugging was enabled before locking, and if you've never connected your phone to your computer in developer mode, it won't work.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (original to avoid connection problems).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
  3. Enter the commands in turn: 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
  4. After the reboot, the graphical password will be reset.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) Password files may be stored elsewhere due to encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption. ADB It will not help, you will need a complete reset.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If the adb device command returns an empty list, check it out: 1. Are Xiaomi drivers installed?> (Download from [the official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)). 2. Is debugging on-line USB in the developer settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 once) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB). 3. Try another one. USB-cable. 4. On some models, you need to confirm trust in the computer on the phone screen (unless it is completely locked).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You are ready for a complete data dump.

This method is more complicated than Recovery Mode, but sometimes it is the only one available (for example, if the phone does not boot or locks at the bootloader level).

Instructions:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
  3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
  4. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
  5. Enter the command to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock Warning: this erases all data and can void the warranty!
  6. Swipe the phone with the command: fastboot flash all (or fastboot update name file.zip for some models).

⚠️ Note: On models with bootloader lock (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra will require official permission to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.The process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting!

πŸ’‘

Before you run your Fastboot firmware, check the phone model with the fastboot getvar product command. Using firmware from another model will cause irreversible breakage!

5. Alternative methods (for older models)

If you have an older Xiaomi model (such as the Redmi 4X, Mi A1 or Mi 5), you can try bypassing the graphical password through:

MethodModels.Risks.Efficiency
Phone call.Xiaomi Mi 3/4, Redmi 2/3It does not work on new versions of MIUI.Low (10%)
Use of Safe ModeRedmi Note 3/4, Mi 5sIt may not work on MIUI 10+.Medium (40%)
Delete gesture.key file via TWRPAnyone with an unlocked bootloaderRequires root rights, brick riskHigh (80%)

Example of the method through Safe Mode:

  1. Press the power until the turn off menu appears.
  2. Press and hold β€œSwitch off” – a prompt will appear to go to Safe Mode.
  3. In Safe Mode, remove an application that may have set a password (such as a third-party screen blocker).
  4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 12 and later, Safe Mode does not disable the graphical password, as it is tied to system files, not third-party applications.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

  • πŸ” Your phone is locked with your Mi Account and you don’t remember the data.
  • πŸ“± New device (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) modern-day.
  • πŸ’° You are ready to pay for the service (the cost of unlocking is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles).

What will be required to unlock:

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner.
  • πŸ“± The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).

Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS usually unlock the phone within 1-3 days, but be prepared for the fact that:

  • πŸ”„ All data will be deleted (unless backup is made).
  • πŸ”’ Proof of ownership may be required (e.g. through IMEI).
  • πŸ“΅ In some models (e.g. with MIUI 14 Global) Unlocking is possible only through the official account Xiaomi.

πŸ’‘

Officially unlocking the service is the only legal way to bypass Mi Account without risking turning your phone into a brick.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten graphical password again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ”‘ Use it. PIN-code instead of a pattern lock, it is easier to remember.
  • πŸ“ Write your passwords in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep or Google Keep). 1Password).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly do backup data through Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ”§ Put the debugging on. USB In advance (even if you don’t plan to use it).
  • πŸ“§ Link your phone to your Mi Account and confirm email/phone.

It's also useful to know:

  • On MIUI 14+, you can configure emergency information (contacts for communication in case of blocking) in Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Emergency information.
  • Some models (like the POCO F5) support face unlock or fingerprint – set them up as a backup option.

⚠️ Warning: Never install third-party screen locking apps (such as AppLock) over a standard graphical password.This increases the risk of double locking, which is harder to get around.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

Can I remove a graphical password without losing data?
Yes, but only if USB debugging (ADB) is enabled, or you remember the data from Mi Account. On new models with MIUI 14+ and FBE encryption, even ADB won't help, you'll need a reset.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restore it through the official website. If you have an email/phone attached, follow the password reset instructions. If not, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Why does the phone ask for an old Mi Account after resetting via Recovery?
This is a Mi Cloud Lock feature, and if the phone was linked to an account, you'll have to reset it, and without it, the device won't be activated.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through IMEI?
No, Xiaomi doesn't provide such a service: Fraudsters offering "IMEI unlock" usually sell dummy or stolen accounts.
How do I know if my Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked?
Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down. If you see Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked, you'll need official permission through the Mi Unlock Tool.