Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi and can't unlock the screen? The situation is familiar to many — especially if the phone has long been unused or the key has been installed by a child. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several official ways to restore access, and for advanced users there are alternative methods.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to unlock (including those that work without losing data), explain the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), and warn against common errors. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation, such as a tied Mi Account or enabled debugging over USB. If none of this is left, only hard reset, but there are nuances.
Let’s start with step-by-step instructions – choose the right way depending on your situation.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is the use of a tied account Mi Account. It works on all models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them).
- 🔄 Synchronization with the account is enabled on the device (activated by default).
If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row. the message will appear: "Forgot your password?".
- Click on the Forgot Password button? (or Forgot pattern? in English firmware).
- Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the authorization details.
- After successful login, the system will suggest creating a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is installed MIUI 13/14 with the latest security updates, confirmation may be required SMS or an email linked to your account. Make sure you have access to it.
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If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official website account.xiaomi.com via email or phone number.Do not use third-party services - there is a high risk of fraud!
2. Reset the pattern lock via Find Device (remotely)
If your phone is connected to the Internet but you can’t enter your account details directly (for example, because of a damaged screen), use Xiaomi’s Find Device service, which allows you to:
- 🔓 Unlock the device remotely (without data loss).
- 📍 Find out the location of your phone (if it is lost).
- 🔋 Check the battery level.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
- In the menu on the left, select Find Device (or Find Device in Russian).
- Your smartphone will be displayed on the map – click on it.
- In the right panel, press Unlock Device (Unlock Device).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
⚠️ Note: The function only works if on the phone:
- ✅ Remote management enabled (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
- ✅ Internet access (Wi-Fi/mobile).
- ✅ Battery level above 15%.
What if the Device can’t see the phone?
3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (hard reset)
If you haven’t tied Mi Account or forgotten your data, the only reliable way to reset to factory settings is through Recovery Mode, which deletes all data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages) but is guaranteed to unlock the device.
The manual is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including:
- 📱 Xiaomi 12/13/14 series.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12.
- 📱 POCO F4/F5/X5.
Step-by-step action:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (until 2019): Volume up + Volume down + Power.
Recovery
Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → ConfirmReboot
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 With pure Android, the path in the Recovery menu may be different. If you can't find Wipe Data, look for Factory Reset.
Turn off the phone from charging (risk of damage when reset)
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.
Prepare a backup of the data (if the phone has previously been unlocked)
Remember the data from the Mi Account (required after the reset)-->
4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone has USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock developer options), you can delete the pattern lock through ADB without losing data. The method works on MIUI 12/13/14, but requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original, undamaged).
- 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
- 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
- After rebooting, the pattern lock will be reset.
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) You may need to unlock the bootloader to work with ADB. It erases all data. FAQ.
5 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)
On some devices (especially with custom firmware or after unsuccessful updates), Recovery may be blocked, in which case Fastboot mode will help - it allows you to reflash your phone or reset your settings via your PC.
⚠️ Note: This method deletes all data and requires an unlocked bootloader.If Bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and check the connection: fastboot devices
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once the phone is restarted, it will unlock, but all data will be deleted, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi Mi 10/11, Redmi K40/K50 and other models with unlocked bootloader.
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Fastboot is an extreme method. Use it only if other methods have failed, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and erases all data.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:
| Method | Mi Account required | PC required | Loss of data | Difficulty | Suitable models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ (simple) | All models. |
| Find Device | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ (simple) | All models with the Internet |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (simple) | All models. |
| ADB | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Models with debugging over USB |
| Fastboot | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Models with unlocked Bootloader |
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of the methods worked, the following reasons are possible:
- 🔒 bootloader is blocked (official unlocking via Xiaomi is required).
- 📵 Phone does not connect to PC (problem with drivers or cable).
- 🔋 Device discharged (charge at least 20% before resetting).
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (damaged connector, buttons or motherboard).
In such cases:
- Contact the Xiaomi service center (the list of official partners is on the mi.com website).
- If the phone is warranty, do not try to unlock it yourself - this will void the warranty.
- For older models (until 2018), you can try specialized services like the Mi Flash Tool, but it is risky.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid "miracle unlock programs" like the Miracle Box or UFi Box. They often contain malware and can permanently disable your phone.