Forgot a graphical password on Xiaomi: how to unlock your phone without losing data?

What to do if you forget your Xiaomi graphical password?

Forgetting the pattern lock on Xiaomi is a frustrating situation, but it is not a hopeless one. The brand’s smartphones offer several ways to restore access, from simple (via Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot).

In this article, we will discuss all current methods of unlocking, including official and alternative, taking into account Xiaomi models on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS. Particular attention will be paid to the ways that allow you to save personal files - photos, contacts and messages. If the phone is locked after buying from hand or you do not remember the attached account, radical measures will come in handy.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have access to the Mi Account (login and password) that was linked to the phone?
• 📱 Is the phone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)?
• 🔋 Battery charge above 20% (to avoid switching off during the procedure).

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended way is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13, if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (even if the screen is blocked).
• 🔑 You remember the login and password from the account that was linked to the device.
• 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the login (email or phone number) and password from the account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new graphical password or PIN-code.

Check your internet connection | Make sure you remember the data from Mi Account | Charge your phone to at least 20% | Have a second phone on hand to confirm SMS

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⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, this method won't work).

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If the button Forgot the password does not appear, try to enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row - the system will offer alternative unlock options.

Method 2: Unlock via SMS (for older models)

Some Xiaomi models before the 2019 release (e.g. Redmi 5/6, Mi A1/A2) had an unlock function via SMS.

• 📱 The phone supported two-sim mode.
• 📞 The device has been activated option Unlock through SMS safety-setting.
• 🔑 You know the phone number tied to the device.

How it worked:

1. On a locked phone, tap the Emergency Call button.
2. Dial ##7378423## (code may vary depending on the model).
3. In the menu that opens, select Unlock via SMS.
4. Send an SMS from another phone to the number of the locked device with the reset text.
5. Confirm the unlock on the screen.

Starting with MIUI 11 and later, this method is disabled for security reasons. If you have a modern model (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4, etc.), skip this method.

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (without data loss)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for users who have had their phone debugging mode enabled via USB prior to locking, which is rare, but if you've previously connected the device to a PC for development or modifications, there's a chance.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Delete the file with the graphical password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the graphical password will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, applications) will remain in place.

Method 4: Complete reset via Recovery (Data Loss)

If previous methods didn't work, the radical option is factory reset via Recovery, which erases all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset and wait until it is completed.

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra) may require data entry from the previous Mi Account after a reset if the phone was linked to an account).

Method 5: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)

Fastboot is a method that works for users who are willing to work with the command line, and it resets settings, but requires an unlocked bootloader, and if the bootloader is locked, it won't work without additional manipulation.

What do you need?

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (if not - see spoiler below).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. In the command line, type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Unlocking the bootloader may require additional steps, including confirmation through SMS.

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If the bootloader is locked and the Mi Account is not tied, unlocking via Fastboot is impossible without data loss.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center: 📍 Find the nearest official service. 📄 Bring a check or confirmation of purchase (if the phone is guaranteed). 🔑 If the phone was purchased with hands, proof of ownership (e.g., a box with a handheld phone) may be required. IMEI).
2. Use paid unlocking services: 💳 Cost of service - from 1000 to 5000 ₽ model-wise. ⚠️ Risk of running into scammers – choose proven services with reviews. 🔧 Some services offer unlocking through EDL-mode (emergency firmware), but it requires special equipment.

Before you bring your phone to the service, check:

• 🔍 In forums (e.g, 4PDA) Are there any patches or patches for your model.
• 📧 In the mail or in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) is not saved backup data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi