The situation when a user forgets the pattern key on his smartphone Redmi or Xiaomioccurs quite often. This can happen after a firmware update, a long pause in using the device, or simply due to simple forgetfulness. At such a moment, the phone turns into a “brick”, blocking access to contacts, photos and important applications. MIUI, a long pause in using the device, or simply due to simple forgetfulness. At such a moment, the phone turns into a “brick”, blocking access to contacts, photos and important applications.
Fortunately, the system Android and the shell from the manufacturer offer several ways to restore access. The solution to the problem depends on the version of the operating system, whether the Find My Device function is enabled, and whether you have access to the Internet. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the current methods, from a soft reset via an account to completely formatting the device’s memory in Recovery.
Don’t panic if the lock screen does not accept your input attempts. Modern data protection mechanisms sometimes play a cruel joke by requiring you to re-enter your password even after successful unlocking with your fingerprint. We will consider scenarios when a reset is inevitable, and cases when you can do without losing personal information.
Unlocking method through the Mi Cloud service
The most gentle way to save all the data on the phone is to use a cloud service Mi Cloud. This method will only work if several conditions are met: the locked phone must be logged in Mi-account, the device is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi, and the “Find Device” function has been activated in advance.
First, you will need any other gadget with Internet access (computer, tablet or other phone). Go to the official website i.mi.com and log in using the same username and password as on the blocked one Redmi. The interface may seem complex, but we are only interested in one tab.
After logging in, select your device from the list of available gadgets. If the phone is online, you will see its location on the map. In the control menu, find the button "Unlock" or Unlock. The system will warn that this action will delete data only if encryption is enabled, but the pattern will be removed instantly.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Find device" function was not enabled in the security settings before blocking, this method will not work. The server simply will not see your device or will not be able to send a reset command.
Sometimes the process takes several minutes due to server synchronization. Do not try to press the button multiple times to avoid causing your account to be temporarily blocked. After receiving confirmation of successful unlocking, take your phone and try swiping the screen or pressing the power button - the lock should disappear.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes to log into your Mi account from another device.
Reset via Recovery mode
If the cloud service is unavailable or the search function has been disabled, you will have to resort to a more radical method - a hard reset through the menu Recovery. This method is guaranteed to remove the lock, but will lead to the complete deletion of all user data: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications.
To enter recovery mode, you must completely turn off your smartphone. Then hold down the key combination: usually this is the volume up button Volume Up and the power button Power. Hold them until the logo appears Redmi, then release the power button while continuing to hold the volume.
You will be taken to the main menu Recovery. Control here is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed with the power button. You need to find item «Wipe Data» or Clear Data. In new versions of MIUI, this item may require confirmation with a code that will be sent to the linked phone number.
☑️ Preparing for a reset via Recovery
After selecting the cleaning command, the system will ask for confirmation. Select Confirm or Wipe All Data. The formatting process will take from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the amount of internal memory. Upon completion, the phone will automatically reboot to its original state.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings, the phone will ask for data from the Google account that was previously synchronized with the device. This is Anti-Theft Protection (FRP). If you don't remember your Google password, you won't be able to regain access to your phone without complex workarounds.
Using Google's Find My Device feature
An alternative to Xiaomi's proprietary service is a standard tool from the search giant. The service Find My Device works similarly to Mi Cloud, but requires linking to an account Google. This method is relevant if you have not logged into your Mi account, but have actively used Google services on your Redmi.
Go to the site android.com/find from any browser. Log in using the same Google account that is used on the locked smartphone. If the device is online, you will see three options: Ring, Block, and Wipe Device. Selecting the Wipe Device option will initiate a remote factory reset. This action is irreversible and will delete all files, but will remove the pattern. Unlike a local reset, here you do not need to press physical buttons on the phone - everything happens through an Internet command. "Clean device".
Selecting the "Wipe Device" option initiates a remote factory reset. This action is irreversible and will delete all files, but will remove the pattern. Unlike a local reset, there is no need to press physical buttons on the phone - everything happens through an Internet command.
What to do if the phone is offline?
If the smartphone is turned off or does not have access to the network, the reset command will be queued. As soon as the phone connects to the Internet (even after a few days), the reset will occur automatically.
It is worth noting that in some newer versions of Android, the option to remotely unlock without resetting data has been removed for security reasons. Therefore, most often Google only offers full formatting. This is a reliable way to regain control of the gadget, at the cost of losing personal files.
Unlocking via USB debugging (ADB)
For advanced users who have previously activated developer mode and enabled USB debugging, there is a method for resetting the key without losing data. This method requires a computer and installed drivers ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Connect the locked phone to the PC via the original USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to test the connection: adb devices. If the device is displayed with the status device, then the connection is established.
To delete the file storing the pattern key, you must run the following command:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.keyOr an alternative option for some versions of Android:
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.dbAfter successfully completing the command, restart the phone. The lock screen may still require input when enabled, but any pattern or even a blank press will do. It is important to do this quickly before the system recreates the lock file.
⚠️ Attention: This method only works if USB debugging was enabled BEFORE the lock. If the phone asks for permission to debug on the lock screen and you cannot click “Allow”, the method will not work.
The ADB method is the only way to remove the lock without losing data, but it requires preliminary preparation and technical skills.
Unlocking features on different versions MIUI
The reset procedure may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell MIUIinstalled on your Redmi. Developers regularly change security algorithms, complicating the process of unauthorized access.
In versions of MIUI 12 and lower, logging into Recovery often did not require confirmation of the account password. However, starting with MIUI 13 and especially in MIUI 14, the system requires entering the Mi account password or SIM card PIN code before executing the command Wipe Data. This is done to protect against theft.
Below is a table comparing the available methods for different firmware versions:
| MIUI version | Reset via Recovery | Mi password requirement | Remote unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10-11 | Available | No | Full support |
| MIUI 12 | Available | Sometimes | Full support |
| MIUI 13-14 | Available | Required | Data reset only |
| HyperOS | Available | Required + Code | Strict check |
If you have the latest version of HyperOS installed, be prepared for the fact that even if you know your account password, the system may request an additional verification code sent to a trusted device. This is the security level of the banking application.
Prevention and creation of backups
In order not to encounter a similar problem in the future, you need to set up the correct backup system. Regular synchronization of data with the cloud will allow you to restore contacts and photos even after a complete reset of the device.
It is recommended to enable automatic photo uploading to Google Photos or Mi Cloud. Also set up synchronization of contacts with your Google account. This will take a couple of minutes in the menu Settings → Accounts and synchronization, but will save your data at a critical moment.
Write down your pattern keys and passwords in a safe place. You can use a password manager or just a paper notepad kept at home. Don't rely solely on your memory, especially if you use complex combinations to protect financial information.
Periodically check the functionality of the Find My Device feature. Make sure geolocation is enabled and the Internet is working correctly. A simple check every six months will ensure that in an emergency you can remotely control your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may change with software updates. Always check the official user manual for your specific Redmi model if the standard paths do not match.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will resetting the pattern delete all photos and contacts?
When using methods via Recovery or Find My Device - yes, all data will be deleted. The only way to save the information is unlocking via Mi Cloud (if the function was enabled) or via ADB (if debugging was enabled).
What to do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account after a reset?
This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. You need to enter the login and password for the Google account or Mi account that was last synchronized with this device. Without this data, the phone cannot be used.
Is it possible to unlock Redmi without the Internet?
No, for remote methods (Mi Cloud, Google Find) the Internet is required. To perform a local reset via Recovery, you do not need the Internet, but the data will be lost. ADB also works without the Internet, but requires preliminary configuration.
How many times can you enter the wrong key?
Usually, after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the phone is blocked for 30 seconds, then for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and so on. After many attempts, you may need to log in through your Google account directly from the lock screen (on older versions of Android).
Will calling your phone help remove the lock?
On modern versions of Android, this trick does not work. Previously, you could accept a call and go to the menu, but now the security system isolates the lock screen from other functions during a call.