Entering an incorrect pattern, PIN code or password on a Xiaomi smartphone with the MIUI or HyperOS shell quickly leads to the screen being locked and the risk of losing access to data through the linked Mi account. Attempts to independently select a combination without knowing the exact algorithm for resetting settings in these security systems often end in completely blocking the device, requiring the owner to immediately and correctly perform the unlocking procedure to save information.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the legal and technical ways to restore access to a smartphone. We will consider both software methods through cloud services and hardware solutions through recovery mode. It is important to understand that most methods of resetting the screen lock on modern versions Android imply complete deletion of user data, so you need to approach the process consciously.
Before taking radical measures, it is worth assessing the situation: do you know the data from your Mi account, is USB debugging enabled and do you have access to the computer. The choice of strategy will depend on the answers to these questions. Next, we will sequentially move from the most gentle methods to more complex ones.
Using the Find Device service for remote unlocking
The most civilized and safe way to unlock is to use a proprietary cloud service from the manufacturer. If your smartphone has been logged in Mi Account and the Find My Device function has been activated, you can remove the password remotely. This method does not require connecting your phone to a computer and works through any browser.
First, you need to go to the official website of the i.mi.com service from any other device. You will need to log in using the same username and password that were used on the locked phone. After successful login, the system will display a map with the location of your devices linked to this account.
⚠️ Attention: The remote reset function only works if there is an active Internet connection on the locked smartphone. If the phone is turned off or in airplane mode, the command will be executed only after the network appears.
Select the desired model from the list and find the “Erase Data” or “Wipe Data” button. Confirming the action will delete the pattern along with all files in the phone's memory. This is the only way to maintain the guarantee and integrity of the system without using complex engineering menus.
Before using the service, make sure that you remember the password for the Mi account, and not just the lock screen, since the system will require re-authorization to confirm the owner's identity.
Reset settings via Recovery mode (Hard Reset)
If cloud services are not available or the phone is not connected to the network, the only way out is to use the system recovery menu Recovery Mode. This method is standard for all devices based on Android and allows you to perform a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) using physical buttons.
The process of entering the menu may differ depending on the firmware version. On most modern models Xiaomi i Redmi you need to turn off the device completely, and 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.
In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe Data and go to it. Next, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by pressing Confirm. The system will warn you about the loss of all data, after which the formatting process will begin.
☑️ Preparing for Hard Reset
After the process is completed, the phone will automatically reboot. The first boot may take up to 10 minutes as the system reinitializes the firmware files. Upon completion, you will receive a clean device, ready for a new setup, but without old passwords.
Unlocking features on new versions of MIUI and HyperOS
In the latest software updates, the company Xiaomi has significantly strengthened security measures, which has affected the password reset procedure. Now, entering Recovery mode often requires additional verification by entering the password from the Mi account directly in the recovery menu.
This is done to protect against theft: if an attacker steals the phone, he will not be able to simply reset it through the buttons and sell it. The system will ask for the owner's login and password before formatting begins. If you do not remember this data, it will become almost impossible to unlock the device using standard methods.
Why does the phone ask for an account after a reset?
This is the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection mechanism. Even after completely deleting the data, the phone, upon first activation, will require you to enter a Google account or Mi account that was synchronized with the device earlier.
It is also worth noting the change in the interface in the shell HyperOS. Menu items may have a different name or be hidden in a submenu. For example, instead of a simple "Wipe Data", you may need to connect to Wi-Fi to check the activation servers before allowing a reset.
| System version | Account requirement | Reset difficulty | Risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10-12 | No | Low | Minimum |
| MIUI 13-14 | Often required | Medium | High |
| HyperOS 1.0+ | Required | High | Critical |
| Android 14+ | Required (FRP) | High | Critical |
Removing locking via USB and ADB debugging
For advanced users who had the function previously enabled USB debugging in the developer menu, there is a method for deleting lock files without losing personal data data. This method requires a computer and an installed package of tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Connect the locked smartphone to the PC using the original cable. Open a command prompt on your computer in the folder where ADB is installed. Enter the command to test the connection: adb devices. If a window appears on your phone screen asking you to allow debugging and you previously checked the “Always Allow” checkbox, the device will appear in the list.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
These commands delete files that store pattern and PIN code hashes. After execution, reboot the phone with the command adb reboot. When turned on, you can enter any password or swipe your finger in any direction - the lock will disappear.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10 and newer, this method often does not work due to changes in the file system structure and data encryption. In addition, without first allowing debugging, the method is useless.
FRP lock and Google account problem
After performing a Hard Reset, you may encounter an activation screen that requires you to enter the details of the Google account previously synchronized with the phone. This is a protection system FRP (Factory Reset Protection)designed to prevent the use of stolen devices.
If you do not remember the password for your Google account, restoring access becomes more difficult. You will have to use the password recovery procedure through a spare email or phone number on any other device. Only after resetting your password on Google servers will you be able to log in to the reset phone.
In some cases, if the phone was purchased second-hand and the previous owner did not log out of his account, the device may become a “brick” for the new user. In such a situation, the official customer service Xiaomi can only help if you have a purchase receipt confirming ownership.
FRP locking is tied to the phone's hardware and cannot be removed by flashing it, so knowing your account information is critical before resetting.
Frequent errors and how to fix them elimination
During the unlocking process, users often encounter typical problems that can be solved without a visit to the service. For example, the phone may get stuck at the logo after a reset or reboot endlessly. This often indicates corruption of system files or low battery power.
Another common mistake is entering your Mi account password incorrectly too many times. The system temporarily blocks the ability to log in for several hours or days. In this case, you should not try to guess the password further; it is better to use the recovery form on the website.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone says “Device is locked” and requires a bootloader unlock code, this means that Bootloader is locked. Further actions will require official unlocking through the Mi Unlock website, which takes from 7 to 15 days.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with the sensor. If your phone screen is broken and unresponsive, it may be difficult to enter Recovery mode. In this case, you can try connecting a USB mouse via an adapter OTG - the cursor will appear on the screen and you can control the menu.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account, which I don’t remember?
You need to go to the i.mi.com website and click “Forgot your password”. Restoration is possible through the linked phone number or backup email. If access to them is lost, you will need to contact support with a receipt of purchase.
Will resetting the password delete photos and contacts?
Yes, any hard reset methods (Hard Reset, Find Device) delete all user information from the internal memory. The data on the SD memory card is usually saved, but it is recommended to remove it before the procedure.
Is it possible to unlock the phone without losing data?
Without losing data, it is only possible through the Find Device service (the “Unlock” function, if available) or through USB debugging (ADB). A standard button reset always deletes data.
Why does the phone require you to enter the old password after a reset?
This is FRP protection. The system remembers the last used Google account. You need to enter exactly his data. If the account has been changed recently, you may need to wait 24 hours.
How to enter Recovery if the volume buttons do not work?
If the buttons are faulty, you can try sending a command via ADB: adb reboot recovery. Also, in some models, entering a code in the “Phone” application works, but this depends on the specific firmware.