Forgot the combination of the graphical password on a Xiaomi smartphone and can't unlock the screen? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the device has been left unused for a long time or the key has been changed accidentally. PIN-When it comes to code or fingerprint, a graphical password is harder to recover from memory โ itโs easy to confuse with other combinations.
Fortunately, there are several official and alternative ways to unblock, and not all of them require a complete reset. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from the simplest (via Mi Account) to the radical (hard reset), you will learn how to proceed depending on the version of MIUI, the availability of a backup and access to the computer, and also โ how to unlock on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) from the old (Redmi 4X, Mi A1).
1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)
If your Xiaomi has a Mi Account linked and synchronization enabled, this method will allow you to remove the graphical password without losing data, the main condition is that the device must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
Instructions:
- ๐ On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row - the message "Forgot the password" will appear?ยป.
- ๐ง Click on the โUnblock via Mi Accountโ button (or similar).
- ๐ Enter the username and password from your Mi Account. If you forgot the data, restore them on account.xiaomi.com.
- โ After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new graphical password or disable the lock.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g. Poco) F5 or Redmi K60) After 5 failed attempts, a waiting timer (30 seconds to 24 hours) may appear, in which case wait for the specified time or restart the device.
This works on all versions of MIUI, including the latest versions (14 and 15), but if you have never registered a Mi Account or turned off sync, move on to the next method.
2. Reset graphical password via Find Device (remote)
Xiaomiโs Find Device feature not only allows you to track the location of your smartphone, but also remotely unlock it.
- Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other device.
- Sign in under the same Mi Account as on a locked smartphone.
- Choose your device (if there are several) from the menu.
- Click on โUnlock Deviceโ (or โUnlock Deviceโ).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
โ ๏ธ Note: This method only works if:
- ๐ถ The internet is on on the smartphone (Wi-Fi/mobile).
- ๐ Battery level above 15% (otherwise the function may not work).
- ๐ The device is not in Lost Mode (lost) mode).
If Find Device doesnโt see your smartphone, check if geolocation and permissions for the service are enabled in the settings. On newer models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), this feature may be disabled by default due to privacy policy.
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If you donโt have access to your computer, use the Mi Remote app on another Xiaomi smartphone to unlock through Find Device.
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If previous methods failed, you can try to remove the graphical password through Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer with ADB drivers installed and is suitable for models where bootloader is unlocked. On new devices (Xiaomi 12/13/14 series), the bootloader is usually blocked, so the method may not work.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the computer via USB.
- Download Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and type:
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot rebootAfter the reboot, the graphical password will be reset, but all data on the device will be deleted (except for files on the device). SD-If the bootloader is blocked, the system will request confirmation via Mi Account, which is additional protection on new models.
What if the fastboot doesnโt recognize the device?
4. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If no other method has worked, it leaves a complete reset, which will delete all data on the device, including apps, photos and settings, but is guaranteed to unlock the smartphone, a method suitable for all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version of MIUI.
How to make a Hard Reset:
- ๐ Turn off the phone.
- ๐ง Press the power button. + Volume up before the Recovery menu appears.
- ๐ Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe Data (or "Erase Dataยป).
- โ Confirm the action (usually choose Yes or Confirm).
- ๐ After reset, select Reboot System.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some models (Redmi 9, Poco) X3) After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account, which was previously linked to the device. This is a measure of protection against theft (Mi Cloud Lock). If you do not remember the account, it will be difficult to unlock the smartphone โ you will need to contact Xiaomi support.
| Xiaomi model | Does it support unlocking through Mi Account? | Do I need to confirm after Hard Reset? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 / 13 / 12 | Yes. | Yes (if the account was linked) |
| Redmi Note 12 / 11 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Poco F5 / X5 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Redmi 9 / 8 / 7 | Yes (on MIUI 11 and newer) | No (on older versions of MIUI) |
| Mi A1 / A2 (Android One) | No. | No. |
โ๏ธ Preparation for Hard Reset
5. Alternative methods (for older models)
On devices with MIUI 8-10 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi 5), sometimes workarounds that Xiaomi has closed in new versions, one of which is a call to a locked phone:
- Call the locked smartphone from another phone.
- Take the call, then quickly go to Settings โ Lock screen.
- Turn off the graphical password or change it.
Another way to do this is to use Safe Mode:
- ๐ Turn off the phone.
- ๐ง Press the power button before the logo appears MI, Then let go and immediately press the Volume down.
- ๐ฑ Hold until downloaded to Safe Mode (the corresponding inscription will be at the bottom of the screen).
- ๐ Try to delete the graphic password through settings.
โ ๏ธ Note: These methods do not work on all devices and may be blocked after the update. MIUI. On the newer models (Xiaomi 11 and newer), they are almost useless due to the increased protection.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If you have tried all the ways, but the smartphone remains locked, there are two options:
- Contact Xiaomi Service Center, which requires a confirmation of purchase (check or box) and a passport to unlock, and in some cases, can help even without a check if the device is not blacklisted.
- Use paid unlock services. There are services on the Internet to delete Mi Account or graphical passwords through special software (for example, Mi Flash Unlock), but it is risky - you can run into scammers or damage the firmware.
The official unlock price at Xiaomi Service Center is usually 1000-3000 rubles, depending on the model. Before visiting, check whether they are engaged in unlocking your model - some centers refuse to work with old devices (Redmi 3S, Mi 4).
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If the smartphone is enabled Mi Cloud Lock (anti-theft protection), unlocking it without data from Mi Account is almost impossible, in which case you only need to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership.