Forgot the password on the phone Xiaomi Redmi – how to unlock without losing data?

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike the iPhone, where unlocking requires an iCloud connection, devices on MIUI offer several alternative ways, but each method has its own nuances, from complete loss of data to the risk of “filling” the phone if you do the wrong thing.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock Redmi (relevant to the 2018-2026 models), including official and undocumented techniques. We will focus on the ADB method, which allows you to bypass the lock without resetting data on some MIUI 12-14 firmware.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if you have previously linked your device to your Xiaomi account, suitable for all Redmi models (Note 10/11/12, 9A/9C, K50, etc.), but requires a stable Internet connection.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔑 Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password” appears?".
• 📧 Click on the link and select the recovery option via email or the phone number associated with Mi Account.
• 🔄 Follow the instructions in the letter/SMS: The system will generate a temporary code to unlock.
• 📱 Once the code is entered, the phone will unlock, but it may be necessary to re-authorize the account.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account details or the phone was bought by hand without being detached from the previous owner, this method won't work.

The advantage of the method is that all data (photos, messages, applications) are saved; the disadvantage is that it works only with an active Internet and an associated account. Some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) may require additional confirmation via SMS.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If you don't have access to the Mi Account, you have a hard reset to factory settings, which deletes all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps installed, and is suitable for all Redmi models, but requires confirmation through your Xiaomi account on some firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power button for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Phones with a locked bootloader may be asked to enter the previous owner's Mi Account data after a reset. If you bought the phone "with your hands", contact the seller to unplug the device.

Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)

Backup important data on your PC

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if required)-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if you can not log in to Recovery or the phone hangs on the Mi logo. Requires a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool. Risk: if you do not act correctly, the phone can turn into a “brick”.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (driver Linux/macOS harder to install).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power button.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\ROM\).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Once complete, the phone will restart in factory condition. Importantly, on some models (Redmi K40, K50) before firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock application (requires Mi Account binding and waits 72-168 hours).

4. Bypassing the lock through ADB (without data loss)

This method only works on firmware. MIUI 12-14 with debugging enabled USB and unlocked bootloader, unless you've previously activated USB Debugging, it's not a good way to unlock a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB Fastboot Tools (you can download it as part of Android) SDK).
• 🔌 Cable USB (necessarily original!).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).


2. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(Serious number of the device must appear).




3. Delete the password file:




adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key




or for PIN-code:




adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




4.Reset the phone:




adb reboot




5 After restart, enter any password - the phone will be unlocked.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, this method may not work due to changes in the security system. Also, after unlocking, it is recommended to immediately disable debugging on the Internet. USB In settings to avoid vulnerabilities.

1. Reinstall the driver via Mi PC Suite.

2. Change. USB-port (better to use port) USB 2.0).

3. Enable File Transfer Mode when Connecting the Phone.-->

5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

5.1 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

Official service centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card), the cost of the service is from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model. Plus: a guarantee of data security. Minus: long (3-7 days) and requires proof of ownership.

5.2 Use of third-party tools (at your own risk)

There are programs on the web like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Redmi Bypass Tool that promise to unlock without losing data.

• 🕵️‍♂️ Personal data breach (many tools contain spyware).
• 💥 Firmware damage (high chance of "bricking").
• 🚫 Violation of Xiaomi License Agreement (may result in blocking) IMEI).

If you do decide to do this, use only the proven tools from the 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu forums and back up via TWRP (if installed).

5.3 Unlocking via Google Find My Device (for Android 8 and older)

If you have a Google account linked to your phone, you can try resetting your password remotely:

1. Go to the Find My Device website.
2. Select the blocked Redmi from the list of devices.
3. Click "Device Lock" and enter a new password.
4. Confirm the action - the old password will be reset.

The method does not work on all Redmi models (depending on the version of Google Play Services).

💡

Always check their reputation on profile forums before using third-party tools. Even "working" methods can contain malicious code or lead to loss of warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Xiaomi Redmi, users often make critical mistakes that exacerbate the problem, and here are the most common ones:

Another common problem is that the phone is not defined in Fastboot.

• 🔌 Check the cable (try another one). USB-port).
• 🔄 Reinstall the driver via Mi PC Suite.
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus (it can block adb).
• 🔧 Enable OEM-unlock mode in the developer settings (if the phone is still turned on).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions