The situation when the owner of a smartphone Redmi or Xiaomi forgets the screen lock password occurs quite often. This could be a complex pattern, a long PIN code, or biometric data that is no longer recognized. At this point, the device turns into a “brick”, access to which is limited, and photos, contacts and applications become inaccessible. Fortunately, the operating system Android and the shell MIUI provide mechanisms for forcibly restoring access.
The only effective way to unlock the phone in such a situation is a complete data reset, known as Hard Reset. This procedure returns the gadget to its out-of-the-box state, deleting all user files, settings and, most importantly, the forgotten password. The process does not require special knowledge, but requires care, since the consequences are irreversible. Below we will analyze in detail all the available methods.
It is important to understand that modern security systems, such as Google FRP and Mi Accountare designed to protect against theft. Therefore, after the reset, the phone will require proof of ownership. This means that you will need the account information that was previously linked to the device. Without this step, you will not be able to use the phone, which is an important element of protecting personal data.
Preparation for the reset procedure and precautions
Before taking decisive action, it is necessary to assess the current state of the device and the presence of important data. If your phone is locked but the screen responds to touches, try connecting to Wi-Fi or transferring files via a USB cable to your computer, if technically possible. In most cases, when the screen is actively locked, access to the file system is blocked, but it’s worth a try.
The main problem of Hard Reset is the complete loss of information. If important documents are stored on the memory card, it is better to remove them before starting the procedure, although modern versions often encrypt card data along with the phone. Make sure the battery charge is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to low battery may result in damage to system partitions. SD important documents are stored, it is better to remove them before starting the procedure, although modern versions MIUI Card data is often encrypted along with the phone. Make sure the battery charge is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to low battery may result in damage to system partitions.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting via Recovery does not delete data from cloud storage if synchronization has been enabled. Check your Google Photos or Mi Cloud account from another device, perhaps your contacts and pictures are already there.
It is also worth preparing your account login information. You will definitely need a login and password from Google account, which was the main one on this device. If you have a smartphone Xiaomi, the data from Mi Accountis critical. Without them, the device may remain locked even after a reset due to the anti-theft function.
Method 1: Reset via Recovery mode (standard method)
The most common and reliable way to unlock Redmi —use the built-in recovery menu. This method works even when the phone is completely locked and does not respond to password entry. The main condition is that the device must be turned off or be able to reboot.
To enter Recovery mode on smartphones Xiaomi a combination of physical buttons is used. Press and hold the volume up button (Volume Up) and the power button (Power) at the same time. Hold them until the logo Mi or Redmiappears, then release the Power button while continuing to hold the volume. After a few seconds, the main menu will open.
Navigation in this menu is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and selecting an item is done with the power button. You need to find the line Wipe Data. After selecting this item, the system will warn you about the risks. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
After cleaning is completed, a message will appear on the screen Data wiped successfully. Press the power button to return to the main menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and the initial setup will begin, as when it was turned on for the first time.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Some global firmware versions or Chinese models may have a menu in Chinese. In this case, be guided by the location of the buttons. Usually Wipe Data is in the second or third item from the top. If you make a mistake, nothing bad will happen until you confirm the action. You can safely exit by selecting Reboot (usually the last one).
Method 2: Using the Mi Account service account
Device owners Redmi have the unique ability to unlock through the manufacturer’s cloud service if the “Find device” function has been activated in advance. This method is convenient because it does not require the use of physical buttons and can be performed remotely from a computer or another smartphone.
You need to go to the official website of the cloud service Xiaomi and log in using your own Mi Account. In the interface, select your blocked device from the list. If your phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), you will have the option to block or wipe.
Select the function Wipe Device (Erase device). The system will send a command to the phone and it will automatically reset to factory settings. This is an ideal option if the volume buttons are faulty or the screen partially does not respond to touches.
| Parameter | Recovery Mode | Mi Cloud | Find My Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet required | No | Yes (on the phone) | Yes (on the phone) |
| Mi Account required | No (only for unlocking after) | Yes (required) | No (Google required) |
| Works when the screen is off | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty | Average | Low | Low |
⚠️ Attention: The interface of the Mi Cloud website and the set of available functions may be changed by the developer. If you do not see the erase button, the device may not be synced with the cloud or the function has been disabled in the security settings.
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
An alternative to the proprietary service Xiaomi is the standard tool from Google. It is built into every certified smartphone based on Android. For this method to work, the phone must be turned on, have an active Internet connection and geolocation enabled.
Go to the site from a computer or another phone android.com/find and log in to the Google account that was used on the blocked one Redmi. The system will try to determine the location of the device. If the connection is established, in the menu on the left, select the option Clear device (Erase Device).
After confirmation, the phone will receive a reset command. Unlike manual Recovery mode, this method is guaranteed to delete all data and reset FRP protection, since the command comes from the account owner. However, if the phone is in airplane mode or without a network, the command will only be executed the next time it is connected.
If the phone is lost and you are afraid for your data, use the “Lock” function to display a message on the screen with a contact number. This can help you get your device back without deleting the data right away.
Problems with accounts and FRP protection after a reset
After a successful Hard Reset and reboot, you will be greeted with the initial setup screen. At this stage, the security mechanism FRP (Factory Reset Protection) comes into force. The system will require you to enter the password for the Google account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset.
This is done so that the thief who stole the phone cannot simply reset it and continue using it. If you have forgotten your Google account password, you must recover it through the recovery procedure on any other device. Without this step, you will not be able to activate the phone.
A similar situation is observed with Mi Account. If device search was enabled in the phone settings, after resetting Redmi you will be prompted for your account password Mi. Entering the wrong password several times may temporarily block your ability to log in. Entering the correct data removes the lock and allows you to fully use your smartphone.
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a level of protection that cannot be bypassed by simply resetting the buttons. Only knowing the passwords from linked accounts guarantees access to the device.
Frequent errors and ways to solve them
Users often encounter a situation where the phone freezes on the logo Mi or Androidafter a reset. This could mean system files are corrupted or there is not enough space for temporary files during the update. In this case, try repeating the reset procedure, but in the Recovery menu also select the item Wipe Cacheif it is available separately.
Another common problem is that the phone does not enter Recovery mode. On some models Redmi with the new version MIUI or HyperOS entry into Recovery is only possible when the USB cable is connected to the computer or charger. If the button combination does not work, connect the cable and try again.
- 📱 The screen does not respond: If the sensor does not work, use a USB mouse via an OTG adapter to navigate to the menu if the phone supports this function in Recovery.
- 🔋 Cyclic reboot: If the phone keeps rebooting, the system may be damaged section. You will need to flash the firmware via a computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
- 🔒 Forgotten Mi account: Restoring access to Mi Account is possible only through the official recovery form on the website, having access to the linked email or phone number.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to unlock FRP using third-party software from unverified sources may lead to the installation of malware or permanent failure of the device (brick). Use only official account recovery methods.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to reset your password without losing photos and contacts?
Unfortunately, no. Android's security mechanism is designed in such a way that a password encrypts user data. Resetting the password is not possible without removing the encryption key, which means losing all data. The only way to save photos is if they are synchronized with Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
What to do if the phone says “Device is locked” after a reset?
This means that the Mi Account protection has worked. You need to enter the username and password for the Xiaomi account that was linked to this phone. If you don’t remember them, use the password recovery function on the mi.com website.
How long does the Hard Reset process take on Redmi?
The data clearing procedure itself usually takes from 2 to 5 minutes. However, the first boot after a reset may take longer than usual (up to 10-15 minutes) as the system optimizes applications and checks files.
Will the operating system be deleted when resetting?
No, the operating system Android and shell MIUI will remain in place. Only user data, settings, installed applications and media files are reset. The phone will return to its state immediately after purchase.