How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi if you forget your password: 7 proven ways

Forgetting your smartphone password is a difficult situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Especially when it comes to Xiaomi Redmi devices, where the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access. The main thing is not to panic or try to find a combination at random: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the phone can lock up for 24 hours or completely erase all data. In this article, we will discuss the legitimate unlock methods that work on models from Redmi 5 (2018) to Redmi Note 13 (2026), and also explain how to minimize the risk of losing photos, contacts and other important files.

It is important to understand that the effectiveness of a method depends on three factors: the version of MIUI (the shell Xiaomi), the status of the Mi Account (whether it is linked to the device), and the availability of debugging over USB (if you have already enabled it). For example, on Redmi 9 with MIUI 14 reset via Fastboot will take 5 minutes, and on Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5 may require confirmation via SMS. We structured the instructions from simple to complex so that you can choose the best option without unnecessary manipulation.

If you are reading this article on a locked phone with another device, check immediately whether the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Some methods (such as unlocking via Find Device) require an active Internet connection. Also prepare the charger: the process can take up to 30 minutes, and battery drain in the middle of the operation will lead to irreversible damage to system files.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi Redmi is tied to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember your password), this method will unlock your device without losing data.Works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5, but requires access to the email or phone number specified during registration.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (usually appears after the lock). 3-5 failed-input).
• 🔄 The system will prompt you to enter the username and password from Mi Account. If you do not remember, click "Restore password".
• 📧 The email or phone you sign up for will receive a confirmation code, enter it in the appropriate field.
• 🔓 Once authenticated successfully, the phone will unlock and the old password will reset. PIN graphical.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled the Find Device service (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device, this method won't work, and it's also not available if the phone was bought hand-held and the previous owner didn't untie his account, in which case you'll need to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

2. Reset password via Find Device (remote)

Xiaomi's Find Device service allows you not only to track your phone, but also to manage some functions remotely, including resetting your password. It works even if the phone is off (provided it's connected to the network). The function must be activated before blocking in the Settings menu → Mi Account → Find Device.

Instructions:

1. Sign in with the same account as the blocked Redmi.

⚠️ Note: After remotely unlocking, all data on the phone will be saved, but you may need to re-enter the password from Wi-Fi and some applications (for example, Google Pay). If the option "Unlock the device" is inactive, then the Find Device function has been disabled in the settings.

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If you don't have access to your computer, use the Mi Home app on another smartphone (Android/iOS) to log in to Find Device. log in and follow the same steps.

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If previous methods failed, you’ll have to resort to a hard reset via the Recovery menu, which erases all data on your phone, including photos, messages and installed apps, but will return access to the device, which is suitable for all Redmi models except those with a factory-operated Bootloader lock (usually devices purchased in China).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (manage volume and power buttons), select "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data".
4. Confirm the action by choosing "Confirm".
5. After reset, select "Reboot" → "Reboot to System".

The phone will reboot in factory condition. In the initial setup phase, you can restore data from the Mi Cloud backup (if it was created earlier) or Google Account. If you used device encryption (optional in Settings → Lock and Protection), after reset, you will need to enter the old password to decrypt, without it, the data will be lost irretrievably.

Write it down. IMEI phone (on a box or under a battery)|Check the level of charge (minimum 30%)|Prepare a backup (if you have access to the Mi Cloud)|Make sure that SIM-card extracted (for models with hybrid slot)-->

4. Bypassing the lock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if you have access to a computer and are ready to work with the command line. It allows you to reset the password without losing data on some Redmi models (for example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3), but requires an unlocked Bootloader. If you have never unlocked the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool, this method will not work.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).li>
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android website).
• 🔧 Archive with Mi Flash Unlock utility (official page — en.miui.com/unlock).

Process:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode:


- Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.




Connect to your computer via USB.





2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and check the connection:


   fastboot devices


(Serial phone number should be displayed).





3. Unlock the Bootloader (if not unlocked):


   fastboot oem unlock


(Approval via Mi Account is required).





4. To reset your password without losing data, use the command:


   fastboot erase userdata


or


   fastboot erase locksettings


(on some firmware).





5.Reset the phone:


   fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase locksettings are not available on all versions. MIUI. On Redmi with MIUI 14 You may need to reset completely via fastboot. -w, Before you execute commands, be sure to check compatibility with your model in the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

5. Use of service codes (hidden MIUI functions)

MIUI firmware has hidden service codes that allow you to reset some settings, including the lock password, which does not work on all models and versions of the software, but can be a salvation for Redmi 8, Redmi 9A or Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 10-12.

Try the following combinations:

• 🔢 Resetting the pattern lock: ##7780## → Select "Resetting" (data will not be deleted).
• 🔢 Hard discharge: *2767*3855# (Delete all data, similar to Recovery).
• 🔢 Account Status Check: ##4636## → Go to Phone Information and check the Mi Account binding.

⚠️ Attention: Code *2767*3855# It permanently deletes all data, including files on internal memory. 11 And newer, these codes can be blocked by the manufacturer, and don't enter codes at random, some combinations (e.g., the codes are not random, ##3646633##) run the engineering menu and if used incorrectly can damage the firmware.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔒 The phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Bootloader is locked and Mi Unlock Tool cannot be unlocked (Couldn't unlock error").
• 📱 The device will give an error "This device is locked" when trying to reset.
• 💳 You need to save the data, but none of the methods worked.

What will be required for the application:

1. Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
2. Passport (for identification).
3. IMEI of the phone (you can find it on the box or via the command *#06# on another device).
4. If the phone was in use, the data of the previous owner (if possible).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and complexity. In some cases (for example, when blocking Mi Account by the previous owner), you may need to replace the motherboard, which will cost 30-50% of the cost of the phone.

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The official service is the only legal way to unlock Redmi with a tied Mi Account. Self-attempts to bypass (for example, through firmware) can lead to blocking IMEI and the complete loss of the device.

7. Alternative methods (with caution)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock Xiaomi Redmi online, from using apps like Dr.Fone to running the SP Flash Tool, most of which either don’t work or carry risks:

If you do decide on one of these methods, follow the rules:

1. Download firmware and utilities only from official sources (MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Take it off before the firmware. SIM-Card and memory card – they can be damaged.
3. Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 (on the back of the PC).
4. Do not interrupt the firmware process – this will lead to irreversible damage to the loader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi