Forgot the password from the Xiaomi phone: how to unlock

When you pick up a smartphone and realize you have forgotten your pattern lock or digital code, many users are familiar with this problem, as owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices face this problem regularly, because the security systems MIUI and HyperOS have strict security protocols. Trying to guess the code can lead to a temporary lock of the device, and in the worst case, complete loss of access to data.

There are several proven ways to restore access to the gadget, but it is important to immediately tune in to the fact that resetting a password often involves deleting all personal information. If you did not back up to a cloud server, photos and contacts can be lost.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current methods of bypassing a screen lock, we will look at both software solutions through a Google account and Mi Account, and hardware reset via the engineering menu. Carefully study each step to choose the right one for your model and version of the operating system.

Use the Find Device function for remote reset

The most civilized and safe way to unlock is to use the cloud service Find Device. This method only works if the locked smartphone was signed in to Mi Account and enabled the search function of the device, you will need access to the Internet from another gadget and accurate authorization data.

Go to the official website of id.mi.com from a computer or other phone. Enter the username and password from your Mi Account. The system will suggest selecting a device from the list of associated gadgets. After selecting a model in the action menu, you need to click the button "Block" or "Erase data", which initiates a remote reset.

⚠️ Warning: Once you've completed the erasure command, the phone will automatically reboot and require you to enter a password from your Mi Account to prove ownership, a theft protection that you can't get around without your original credentials.

It is important to understand that this method is effective only if you have an active connection to the network. If the SIM card is blocked or the Wi-Fi is turned off, the command will be executed immediately after the device is connected to the Internet. 30-40%, to ensure that the process is successful.

Reset via Google Account and Android Device Manager

An alternative option for devices with an active Google profile is Find My Device, which is relevant for phones where sync with the search giant’s services has been enabled by default or customized by the user, a mechanism similar to Xiaomi’s, but uses a different ecosystem.

To start, go to android.com/find and log in to the same mailbox that was used on the locked phone. The system will try to locate the gadget. In the control interface, select the option "Erase Device" (Erase Device), which will permanently delete all files, including the screen lock password.

• 📱 Make sure that geolocation and data transfer are enabled on the phone.
• 🔑 You’ll need an exact password from Google Mail, Two-Factor Authentication Can Make Signing In Hard.
• ⏳ The process of deleting data can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information.

Once cleaned, the phone will return to factory settings, requiring the first boot to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset, a standard FRP (Factory Reset Protection) measure to prevent the use of stolen phones.

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If you changed your Google account password less than 24 hours ago, unlocking may not work.Security requires that your account be active on your device within 24 hours of changing your password.

Hard Reset with Recovery Mode: Step-by-step instructions

If cloud services are not available, the only reliable option is Hard Reset via the recovery menu, which works even when the sensor is completely broken or the Internet is not available, but it is guaranteed to delete all user data, since it involves a full formatting of the memory partition.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the key combination: usually an on button and a volume button. + Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button while still holding the volume.

In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Select the language (usually English), then go to Wipe Data and confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The reset process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will prompt you to return to the main menu and restart.

Once you reboot, the device will look like a new one, just out of the box, you'll have to reset the original setup, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your accounts, and if reset protection was turned on before the reset, the system will request confirmation of the owner.

Bypassing the lock via ADB (for advanced users)

Method of using debugging USB (USB Debugging is only suitable for those users who have activated this feature in the Developer Menu beforehand. If the option was enabled before the screen locks, there is a chance to delete the password file without losing personal data, although this is increasingly rare on modern versions of Android.

You'll need a computer with an ADB driver installed and a USB cable-connected phone. Open the command line on your PC and type a command to delete the key file. The command syntax is as follows:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

Or, depending on the version of the system:

adb shell rm /data/system/password.key

⚠️ Note: On devices with Android 11 and above, as well as on shells MIUI 12+, Access to system files through ADB root-free is often restricted. If a command fails or returns an access error, this method will not work.

Once you've done the command, you need to reboot the device. In some cases, the lock screen disappears and you can set a new pin, but you should consider that this method is more the exception than the rule, and you should not rely on it as the main one.

Mi Account Problems After a Reset (FRP Lock)

A common problem after forced resets is that you have an activation screen that requires you to enter your Mi Account password, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which links the device to the owner's account, and if you forget that password, the phone becomes a brick for the average user.

To restore access, you need to go to i.mi.com and use the password recovery function, you need access to a linked phone number or backup email, and if the number is lost, the recovery process can take considerable time and require contacting support with a receipt for purchase.

Entering the wrong password several times can lead to a temporary lock of the account for 24 hours. Don't try to guess the code by pumping, you better use the recovery form. Also make sure that the device has the current date and time, as desynchronization can cause security certificate verification errors.

• 🔒 Check if two-factor authorization is enabled in the mail.
• 📞 Make sure that the SIM card with the attached number is active.
• 🧾 Keep the check guarantee electronically to confirm ownership.

Prevention of blocking and backups

To avoid being caught off guard, it is important to regularly take preventive measures. A modern smartphone stores huge amounts of critical information, and losing access to it can be a serious problem.

Use MIUI's built-in tools to sync contacts, notes and calendar to the cloud. Google Photos or Mi Cloud is the best for photos and videos. Make sure that sync is successful and new files are saved to the server.

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Regularly synchronizing data with the cloud is the only way to ensure that information is safe when you need to completely reset your device.

It is also recommended to write complex passwords in a paper notebook or use specialized password managers that can be accessed from another device.Don't rely on your memory alone, especially if you use different codes to lock your screen, accounts and apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)