After several incorrect attempts to enter the pattern key, the Redmi smartphone blocks access to the interface, hiding all contacts, photos and installed applications behind an impenetrable Android security screen, which is specially designed to protect the owner’s personal data from unauthorized entry.
However, there is no need to panic prematurely. There are several proven methods for restoring access to the device, which range from using cloud services Xiaomi to completely resetting the system through the engineering menu. The choice of a specific method depends on the version of the operating system, the presence of a linked account Mi Account and the enabled debugging functions. In this article we will analyze in detail each of the available options.
Using the Find Device service from Xiaomi
The most civilized and safe way to unlock is to use the official cloud service Find Device. This method allows you to delete a graphic key remotely without losing personal data, but only if a number of strict conditions are met. The device must be turned on, connected to the Internet via a mobile network or Wi-Fi, and the search function must be activated in the settings in advance.
To start the procedure, you need to go to the official website of the service from any other device, be it a computer or a neighbor’s smartphone. Enter your data from the account Mi Accountthat was authorized on the locked phone. The system will automatically detect the location of your gadget and offer a set of actions to control it.
⚠️ Attention: If the device was not logged into Mi Account or the “Find Device” function was disabled before blocking, this method will not work. In this case, proceed to the following sections of the instructions.
In the management interface, select the “Unlock” option. The system will warn you that this action will delete all data from the device if encryption is enabled, but on many Redmi models with the MIUI shell, this action simply erases the lock key file. After confirmation, the command will be sent to the smartphone.
Make sure that the mobile data is turned on on the locked phone, since Wi-Fi may turn off in sleep mode and the command will not reach the device.
The process of executing the command may take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the quality of the connection. As soon as the phone receives the signal, the screen will go dark and reboot, after which the lock will be removed. This is the most preferred option for those who want to save their files.
Resetting settings via Recovery Mode
If cloud methods are not available, the only working option is to force a factory reset of all settings through the recovery menu Recovery. This process completely clears the device's internal memory, deleting photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps. The key point here is to correctly enter the service menu.
To enter Recovery mode on smartphones Redmi, you must completely turn off the device. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume key until the main menu appears.
☑️ Entering Recovery Mode
Navigation in the recovery menu is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down), and the selection is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe Data and activate it. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
| Action | Control buttons | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Enter menu | Volume + and Power | Launch Recovery |
| Navigation | Volume + / - | Move through items |
| Confirmation | Button Power | Executing command |
| Reboot | Reboot → Reboot to System | Starting a clean system |
After confirmation, the data formatting process will begin, which may take several minutes. When the operation is complete, select Reboot, and then Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and start as new, requiring initial setup.
Unlocking via a Google account
On older versions of the operating system Android (before version 5.1 Lollipop), it was possible to unlock the device via a Google account. If you entered the pattern key incorrectly five times, the “Forgot your key?” button might appear on the screen. or “Forgot your pattern key?” Clicking on it prompted you to enter the login and password for the Gmail account linked to the phone.
In modern versions of MIUI and Android, this function has been removed for security reasons. Now, after multiple unsuccessful input attempts, the device simply locks for a certain time or requires a reset. However, on some custom firmware or very old Redmi models, this method may still work.
Why did Google remove this feature?
Google has strengthened its security policy, since the ability to unlock via email was often used by attackers to bypass the protection of stolen devices. Now priority is given to the factory reset.
If you have a relatively new device, do not waste time looking for this button - it is not there. Proceed straight away to using Mi Account or hard reset. Attempts to manually select a password can lead to temporary blocking of the device for 30 seconds, 1 minute or even 12 hours.
It is worth noting that after resetting the settings on new devices, the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection system will work. This means that when setting up for the first time, the phone will require you to enter the password for the Google account that was synchronized with the device before it was blocked. This is done to protect against theft.
Using USB debugging and ADB
For advanced users who have previously activated USB debugging mode (USB Debugging) in the “For Developers” menu, there is a method for deleting the lock file via a computer. This method requires that you have the ADB driver installed on your PC and a connected cable.
Connect your locked smartphone to your computer and open a command prompt or terminal in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to test connection with the device: adb devices. If the device serial number is displayed in the list, it means the connection is successful and you can proceed to delete the keys.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.keyadb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
Executing these commands deletes the files that store the hashes of the pattern and PIN code. After this, you need to reboot the device with the command adb reboot. When you turn on the phone, it can accept any pattern input or not require it at all, after which you can set a new password in the settings.
⚠️ Attention: This method only works if the USB debugging mode was enabled BEFORE locking the screen. If the phone has never been connected to this computer before, the system may ask for debugging permission directly on the smartphone screen, which you will not be able to confirm.
This method is the most technically complex, but allows you to keep all data on the device intact. It is ideal for those who have prepared their gadget in advance for possible access problems.
Features of unlocking new Redmi models
Owners of the latest models in the series Redmi Note and flagships Xiaomi are faced with additional levels of protection. In particular, on devices with the latest generations of Snapdragon processors, the bootloader can be locked, and access to Recovery is limited without unlocking the bootloader.
In addition, the latest versions of the MIUI shell (and the new HyperOS) have tightened the requirements for account verification. After resetting the settings via Recovery, the phone may require not only a password for your Google account, but also a mandatory login to your Mi Account with confirmation via SMS. This creates difficulties if the SIM card is lost or the number is inactive.
On new Xiaomi devices, reset via buttons almost always requires confirmation by the owner of the Mi or Google account after a reboot (FRP protection).
It is also worth considering that on some global firmware versions the Recovery menu may be simplified and may not contain the Wipe Data item without connecting to a Wi-Fi network. In this case, the phone will prompt you to connect to the router to verify the owner before performing the reset.
If you are faced with a requirement to enter your Mi Account password after the reset and do not remember it, the recovery procedure will have to be carried out through the official Xiaomi website using the account access recovery form. Without this, the phone will turn into a “brick” for the average user.
Prevention and creation of backups
To avoid similar situations in the future, it is extremely important to regularly back up your data. The cloud service Mi Cloud allows you to automatically synchronize contacts, messages, notes, and even the desktop layout. In the event of an emergency reset, you can restore most of the information in a few minutes.
It is also recommended to set up alternative unlocking methods. Using a fingerprint or facial recognition (Face ID) is not only more convenient, but also serves as a reliable backup if you forget the graphic pattern. In the lock screen settings, be sure to specify a PIN code or password, which is easier to remember than a complex pattern.
- 🔒 Turn on the “Find My Device” function in the Mi Account settings for remote control.
- ☁️ Set up automatic synchronization of important data with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
- 🔢 Write down a complex password in a safe place (password manager or paper), without relying only on memory.
Regular software updates are also important, as manufacturers are constantly improving access recovery and security mechanisms. However, before updating, always make sure that you remember your credentials.
What should I do if the phone requires a Google account after a reset, but I don’t remember it?
You need to restore access to your Google account through the recovery form on google.com from any other device. Without entering the correct data from this account, it will not be possible to unlock the phone in a legal way due to FRP protection.
Will resetting via Recovery delete files on the SD memory card?
Usually the standard Wipe Data procedure in Recovery affects only the internal memory of the device. The files on the microSD card remain intact, however, it is not recommended to remove the card during the procedure to avoid file system errors.
Is it possible to unlock Redmi without losing data through a service center?
Official Xiaomi service centers, as a rule, do not remove screen locks while saving data for privacy reasons. They will offer the same reset procedure as Recovery unless you provide a receipt and proof of purchase for account assistance.
Will Find Device work if the phone is turned off?
No, for the Find Device service to work, the device must be turned on and have an active internet connection. If the phone is turned off, the unlock command will be queued and executed automatically when it is turned on and connected to the network.