Forgot graphical password on Xiaomi: the complete guide to unlock

When a Xiaomi or Redmi owner forgets a pattern lock installed, it is very common. Human memory is designed so that rarely used combinations quickly disappear from consciousness, giving way to more relevant information. At this point, the smartphone becomes a locked brick, access to contacts, photos and applications becomes impossible.

There are several proven ways to restore access to the device, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI, having a linked Mi Account and debugging enabled over USB. Some methods allow you to save personal data, while others require a complete reset to factory state. Choosing the right algorithm of actions is a critical step.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current methods of bypassing a screen lock, from standard recovery features to forced reset via the Recovery Engineering Menu. You will learn how to proceed if the phone is not connected to the Internet, and what to do if the device requires a password from a Mi Account after a reset.

Standard Recovery Methods with Mi Account

The easiest and safest way to unlock Redmi or POCO if you forget the pattern lock is to use the Mi Cloud service. This method only works if you meet two conditions: the device must be logged in to your Mi Account, and the smartphone must be connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).

To start the procedure, you need to go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device, whether it is a computer or another phone, enter your credentials (login and password) that were used on the locked gadget, and after successful authorization, the system will suggest finding the device on the map.

In the cloud service interface, select Lock, where the system will prompt you to enter a new password that will replace the forgotten pattern lock. Once the action is confirmed, a new lock will automatically apply on the smartphone. You can now unlock the screen using the newly created digital or letter code.

⚠️ Warning: Once you enter a new password through Mi Cloud, the old pattern lock will stop working. Make sure you remember the new combination so you don't get into a re-block situation.

Use the Forgot Password feature on older versions of MIUI

On older versions of the MIUI shell (typically up to and including version 9), there was a built-in function to restore access directly from the lock screen. If your device is from the budget segment of the previous generation or has not been updated for a long time, this method can be a rescue without losing data.

To activate the function, you need to enter the wrong pattern lock five times in a row, after the fifth attempt, the countdown timer and the Forgot Password button will appear on the screen, and clicking on this button will trigger the Mi Account credentials entry window.

• 🔑 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account.
• 📱 Confirm the login and the system will suggest installing a new way to lock.
• 🔄 The old pattern lock will be automatically deleted from the device’s memory.

Unfortunately, current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS have removed this feature for security reasons, so if you have a new smartphone, the Forgot Password button will not appear after multiple erroneous inputs, and you will have to resort to more radical measures.

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The button recovery feature on the lock screen is only available on devices with MIUI 9 and below, as well as on some global firmware without regional restrictions.

Resetting with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If cloud-based methods are not available, the only working option is to completely reset your settings through the Recovery menu, which completely erases all user data: photos, contacts, messages and apps, but it is guaranteed to remove the lock screen, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state.

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery charge is at least 40-50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files and inability to load the Android operation. Turn off the smartphone completely by holding the power button.

To enter recovery mode on most Xiaomi models, you need to simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continue to keep the volume. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will appear.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data section and select the Wipe All Data option. The system will ask you to confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting settings through Recovery, protection will work FRP (Factory Reset Protection: When you first download, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before the reset.

Unlocking through debugging via USB and ADB

This method is only suitable for advanced users who have pre-installed USB Debugging in the Developer Menu.If this feature was active before the screen lock, you can delete the file with the access key through your computer, saving all the data.

You'll need a PC, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. Connect your smartphone to your computer. Open the command line on your PC and type in a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If your device appears on the list, the connection is established, then you need to enter a command to delete the file that stores the pattern lock:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

Or, for older versions of Android:

adb shell rm /data/system/keyguard/gesture.key

Once you have completed the command, restart your smartphone. The lock screen must disappear or accept any input key. This method does not work if the phone has never connected to the computer before and has not been authorized to debug.

Specifics of unlocking Xiaomi with Mi Account

Xiaomi devices have enhanced security tied to the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Even after a full Hard Reset, the phone can lock in at the initial setup stage, requiring a password from the Mi Account, an anti-coupling measure that often leaves users baffled.

If you forget your password and your Mi Account, the procedure becomes more complicated: you will have to restore access to your account through account.xiaomi.com using a linked phone number or email. Without re-establishing access to your account, it is almost impossible to unlock your device legally.

• 📧 Try to restore the password through the email specified during registration.
• 📞 Use it. SMS-code if the SIM card is still active.
• 📝 Contact Xiaomi Support with a receipt for the purchase of the device to confirm ownership.

There is a myth that flashing your phone helps bypass a Mi Account. In fact, locking is tied to a unique device identifier on the company's servers. Changing the firmware won't remove that binding, and in some cases can lead to locking (brick) when the server checks.

⚠️ Warning: Buying Mi-account unlock services from dubious masters often results in money loss, and you can officially unblock the lock only with a purchase check or access to account recovery.

What to do if nothing helps

In cases where none of the software methods worked and access to accounts was lost, the only option is to contact an authorized service center, and engineers have special equipment and access to databases, which allows in some cases to reflash the device with bypassing locks.

To successfully access the service, you will need a document confirming the purchase of the device (cash receipt, warranty card, bank statement). Without proof of ownership, the service employees will refuse to unlock for security reasons.

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Save your e-checks from buying equipment in a separate folder in the mail or take a photo of them, which will make life much easier in the event of loss of access to the device or breakdown.

Don’t try to use untested programs on the Internet that promise “100% unlock.” Often, these utilities contain viruses or are fakes that only make things worse by installing adware or damaging the bootloader.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)