How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi Redmi: All the Working Methods of 2026

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a situation that one in five users encounter. According to statistics from service centers, 18% of requests to unlock devices are due to loss of access due to loss of access due to the loss of access. PIN-Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to restore access without losing data (in most cases, the manufacturer has provided several official and informal ways to restore access without losing data).

In this article, we will discuss 5 current password reset methods on the Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi A2/A1, Redmi 9/8 and other models from 2018-2026. from simple recovery through Mi Account to advanced techniques using ADB and Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the new restrictions of Xiaomi 2026, which block some old ways of unlocking.

Recovery through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all Xiaomi devices released after 2016, provided that:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 You have access to email/phone linked to Mi Account
• 🔄 The "Find the device" function was activated in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email code.
5. Create a new password to unlock.

The device is connected to the Internet|You know. email/phone from Mi Account|Remember the password from the Xiaomi account|The "Find the device" function was enabled-->

Important 2026 limitation: On devices with MIUI 14/15, after 5 failed password attempts, the system blocks recovery through Mi Account for 24 hours.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie his Mi Account, this method will not work).

2 Unlock via SMS (only for older models)

The method works on Redmi. 4X, Redmi 5A, Redmi Note 4 and other devices until 2018, the bottom line is that the system allows you to reset your password through the device. SMS-command, if the Emergency Unlock function was previously activated.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, tap the emergency call.
2. Dial the combination: ##7378423## (code may vary depending on the firmware).
3. In the menu that opens, select Reset Password.
4. Send SMS with the text reset to +86123456789 (standard service number Xiaomi).
5. In 1-2 minutes, a response message will come with an unlock code.

Why the method stopped working: Starting with MIUI 11 (2019), Xiaomi removed support SMS-If your device is newer, use other methods.

Redmi Note 12/11/10|Redmi A2/A1|Redmi 9/8/7|Redmi 6/5/4|Another model-->

3. Reset via Recovery Mode (full data cleanup)

If previous methods have failed, you will have to reset hard through recovery mode, which will delete all data on your device, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it as a last resort!

Instructions for Redmi based on MIUI 12-15:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models) 🔘 Power button + Loudness down (for Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi) K30)

Mi

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the action of the power button.

Reboot

Reboot to System

Reset time: The process takes 3 to 10 minutes depending on the model.Redmi Note 12 with UFS 2.2 memory reset is faster than on older devices with eMMC.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After a hard reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you don't know that, the smartphone will turn into a brick, so you can contact the service center with the purchase documents.

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

It's good for USB debugging enabled devices (configured before locking). If you've previously connected your smartphone to your PC and allowed debugging, you've got an 80 percent chance of success.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (original)
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download to Android) SDK)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(Serial number of the device should be displayed)




4. execute commands to delete the password:




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




5. Reset the device:




reboot

What to do if ADB does not see the device:

• 🔄 Reinstall Mi drivers ADB Driver.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔄 Switch the Connection Mode on your smartphone (if available) to File Transfer.

💡

If you still request a password after deleting your key files, try creating a new pattern lock using adb shell locksettings set-pattern 12345678 (instead of 12345678, enter any 8-digit code).

5.Use Fastboot for reset (if ADB doesn't work)

If USB debugging has been disabled, but the bootloader is unlocked, you can use Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for Redmi with unlocked bootloader (usually on devices where custom firmware was previously installed).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds until the hare appears in the eardress cap (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the terminal.
4. Check the connection: fastboot devices
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

What is an unlocked bootloader: This is a mode in which the user has officially unlocked the bootloader through the Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 360 hours to wait).

💡

Fastboot reset deletes all data, but does not affect the firmware. This is safer than flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, which can lead to a "brick" if errors occur.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not work, there is an official service: Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking documents in authorized centers, the cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model.

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The device itself with a charge of at least 30%.

How long does it take to unlock:

Where to find the official service: List of authorized Xiaomi centers in Russia is available on the website mi.com/ru/service/location. Avoid “gray” workshops – they often use illegal unlocking methods that can lead to lockdowns. IMEI.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to reset your password yourself, you often have a problem with the typical password, and here are the most common ones:

1. Error "Command not allowed" in ADB: Reason: No root rights or debugging over USB not activated. Solution: Try the method with Fastboot or unlock the bootloader.
2. The device is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool: Reason: Drivers are not installed or a non-original cable is used.Solution: Install Mi PC Suite and reconnect.
3. After the reset, you need the old Mi Account: Reason: Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is activated. Solution: Contact the service center with the documents.

How to avoid problems in the future:

• 🔐 Set up a backup. PIN-code in security settings.
• ☁️ Activate sync with Mi Cloud for automatic backup.
• 📝 Write your Mi Account data to a secure location (for example, a password manager).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions