Forgetting the graphical password on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a bad situation, but it is not a hopeless situation. Even if you can not remember the combination of dots, you can return access to the device in several ways. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to find a password at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system will lock the phone for 30 seconds, and after 20 - can completely erase all data.
In this article, we will analyze all the current unlock methods for Redmi Note models. 12/11/10/9, Redmi A2/A1, POCO X5/X4 and other devices on MIUI 14/13/12. From simple methods (via Mi Account) to radical ones (full reset via Fastboot). Importantly, some methods require prior preparation, such as a tied Xiaomi account or enabled debugging. USB.
If you are reading this article on a locked phone through another gadget, check if Redmi is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi. This is required for most unlocking methods.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (the easiest way)
If your Xiaomi Redmi has a Mi Account attached (even if you don’t remember the password), the chances of getting back access are as high as possible, which works on all Redmi models released after 2018 and doesn’t require a data reset.
After 5 failed attempts to enter a graphical password, the button "Forgot pattern?" will appear on the screen.
- 📱 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- 🔑 Get the confirmation code by SMS or.
- 🔓 Enter the code in the appropriate field - the phone is unlocked.
If you do not remember your account details, restore access via [Xiaomi official website] (https://account.xiaomi.com/). Importantly, once you have your password restored, you may need to re-enter the code on your phone.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may not have the "Forgot Password?" button.
2 Unlock via SMS (only for older versions of MIUI)
This method worked on MIUI 8-10 and some custom firmware. If you have a modern version of the system (12+), skip the section.
After several unsuccessful attempts to enter a password, the system can offer an alternative option to unlock via SMS.
- Click "Unlock via SMS" (if the button appears).
- Enter the phone number used in SIM-map inserted into Redmi.
- Get an SMS with a confirmation code.
- Enter the code and the phone will be unlocked.
On newer versions of MIUI 12-14, this method is disabled for security reasons. If there is no button, move on to other methods.
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Before buying used Xiaomi always check whether the previous owner’s Mi Account is tied to it. Otherwise, when you reset, you can get a “brick” requiring someone else’s data to enter.
3. Reset graphical password via Recovery Mode
If previous methods didn't work, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is a universal way, but it deletes all the data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages) and make sure you have a backup of important files in advance.
Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (maybe in Chinese or English).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
- Confirm the reset, the phone will reboot and be like new.
After the reset, you will need to reconfigure Redmi, including the Mi Account binding. If the phone was protected by Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection), after the reboot, you will need to enter data from the last connected Google account.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 8/9/10) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you don't remember it.
Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged
Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Prepare a backup copy of the data (if you were synchronized with Mi Cloud)
Know the data from Mi Account (in case of a case) FRP-lock-in)-->
4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If Mi Account is not tied and resetting through Recovery doesn't work, then the method is Fastboot, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. All data will be erased, but the phone is guaranteed to unlock.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
- Turn off Redmi and switch to Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined – continue.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot
Once the phone is rebooted, it will look like new. If you have a request to enter Mi Account, use the official unlock tool from Xiaomi (more in the next section).
| Method | PC required | Erase data | It works without a Mi Account. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ Only with a tie. |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Possible. FRP-lockdown |
| Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Possible. FRP-lockdown |
| Official unlock | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, but we have to wait) |
5. Official unlock tool from Xiaomi (Mi Unlock)
If a phone requires a Mi Account you don’t remember to reset via Fastboot or Recovery, the official unlock tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is still available, and only works for devices that were previously associated with an account, but allows you to bypass the lock after the reset.
Instructions:
- 💻 Download Mi Unlock Tool from [official website](https://en.miui.com/unlock/).
- 📱 Put Redmi into Fastboot mode (as in the previous method).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔑 Sign in to the program under your Mi Account (if you remember the data).
- ⏳ Wait for the check (may take up to 72 hours).
- 🔓 Press Unlock – the lock will be removed.
Important: Xiaomi can refuse to unlock if the phone was purchased less than 7 days ago or previously unlocked by another account, in which case you only need to contact the service center.
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t work?
6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If all previous methods did not work, the last option is to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi. This is a paid service (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model), but guaranteed to return access to the phone.
What will be required:
- 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- 🆔 Passport of the owner.
- 📱 The phone itself (preferably with a charge) >30%).
The service center will remove the lock through special software that is not available to ordinary users.
⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops with "unlock in 5 minutes" offers, and you're at risk of getting a phone with damaged firmware or stolen data.
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Service Center is the only legal way to unlock if you don’t remember the data from Mi Account and can’t use Fastboot.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
Error 1: After resetting via Recovery, the phone asks for an old password.
Solution: This FRP-Google locks, enter the last Google account you had on your phone, and if you don't remember, use Fastboot with the fastboot erase frp command.
Error 2: Mi Unlock Tool says "Device not bound"
Solution: So the phone wasn't tied to the Mi Account before the lockdown, and then only the service center will help.
Error 3: After entering the code from SMS, the phone did not unlock.
Solution: Retry or restart the device. If the "Unlock via SMS" button is gone, the method is not supported by your firmware.
Error 4: The computer can't see the phone in Fastboot mode.
Solution: Install ADB drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Update Driver" → "Search on this computer" → specify the folder with Platform Tools).