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BYPASSING MIUI APPLOCK ON REDMI NOTE 11T 5G MEDIATEK WITHOUT DATA LOSS ADB DISABLEDBUT ACTIVE

Bypassing MIUI AppLock on Redmi Note 11T 5G (MediaTek) Without Data Loss via ADB and System Modifications

We understand the frustration and complexity involved when you are locked out of critical system applications like Settings and File Manager on your Redmi Note 11T 5G due to a forgotten MIUI AppLock password. The constraint of preserving data makes standard recovery options like Factory Reset unacceptable. Your device state—unlocked home screen, active internet connectivity via 5G+, and an enabled “Unknown Sources” setting—provides a unique window of opportunity. While ADB is disabled and the bootloader is locked, preventing standard fastboot operations, the active internet connection and specific system behaviors of MIUI based on Android 11/12 allow for several advanced bypass techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a systematic approach to regaining control of your device. We will leverage the active internet connection, the device’s behavior when connected to a PC, and potential exploits involving background activities and overlay triggers. Our goal is to remove the AppLock restriction without compromising your personal data. We will prioritize methods that utilize the current privileges granted to the user session and the device’s connectivity status.

Understanding the Redmi Note 11T 5G (Dimensity 810) Lockdown State

To effectively bypass the AppLock, we must first analyze the specific limitations of your current device state. The Redmi Note 11T 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, operates differently from Qualcomm-based devices regarding low-level access.

The MediaTek Constraint

Unlike Qualcomm devices, which utilize the edl mode (Emergency Download Mode) easily accessible via firehose loaders, MediaTek devices rely on BROM (BootROM) and Preloader stages. The handshake failed error you encountered with mtkclient is a critical indicator. It usually signifies a driver conflict or a timing issue where the Windows OS enumerates the device as a standard COM port or MTP device before the LibUSB driver can claim the interface. Furthermore, on MediaTek devices with a locked bootloader, accessing BROM often requires bypassing the SLA (Secure Logic Authentication) or DAA (Device Authentication Agent) challenges. Since we do not have DA authentication files, brute-forcing BROM is generally impossible on modern MTK devices without specialized equipment.

The ADB and Bootloader Limitation

The fact that ADB is disabled and the bootloader is locked is the primary wall. Standard ADB commands cannot be sent to enable ADB without physical access to the device’s developer settings. However, the “Unknown Sources” setting being enabled is a crucial variable. It allows the installation of APKs via external sources, which opens the door for “split APK” installations or background service exploits if we can trigger the installation UI.

The Active Internet Advantage

Your device is online with 5G+ and FCM is connected. This is the most potent weapon in this scenario. The ##426## check confirms the device can communicate with Google servers. This connectivity allows for remote push installations via the Google Play Store (Play Console) and ensures that any background task relying on the internet will execute immediately. It also allows the device to maintain a persistent connection to the Mi Cloud or Google Drive, potentially triggering synchronization events that can be exploited to bypass lock screens.

Phase 1: Leveraging Active Connectivity for ADB Enablement

Since ADB is disabled, we cannot connect via USB and run adb devices. However, we can attempt to trigger an installation that grants ADB privileges. We will focus on the Play Store Web method, which relies on the android.intent.action.VIEW intent being handled by the Package Installer.

Method A: The “Deep Sleep” Bypass via Play Store Web

You mentioned attempting remote install via Play Store Web, but it hasn’t triggered. This is likely because the device’s Doze mode is aggressive, putting the app into a suspended state.

  1. Wake the Device: Ensure the device screen is on and the charger is connected to prevent Doze.
  2. Trigger Network Activity: Open a browser on the device (if possible) or keep the device active.
  3. The Play Console Push: Go to the Google Play Store on a separate PC. Navigate to your “Library” and find an app you do not have installed (e.g., “Activity Launcher” or a lightweight ADB enabler app).
  4. Select Device: Click “Install” and select your Redmi Note 11T 5G from the list of available devices. Ensure the device is listed as online.
  5. The Notification Trick: If the install hangs, check the notification shade. MIUI often groups notifications. Look for a “Get Apps” notification or a Play Store notification. Swipe down to expand fully.
  6. Bypassing the AppLock on the Installer: The moment the installation starts, the Package Installer activity (com.android.packageinstaller) will pop up. This is the critical moment. If the AppLock is active, it may cover this screen. However, AppLock usually does not lock the “Package Installer” system app by default. If it does, you need to be fast.
    • Alternative Trigger: Use a direct link to an APK hosted on a GitHub raw server. Open the browser on the phone and download the APK. When opening the APK, the system asks “Do you want to install this application?” This prompt is usually a system-level dialog that AppLock cannot intercept because it is not an app, but an Activity.

Method B: Remote CMD via ADB over Wi-Fi (If ADB can be triggered)

If we can somehow get a single ADB command to run, we can enable ADB over Wi-Fi. Since we cannot connect via USB, we need a “bridge.” If you have a previous ADB authorized session (which is unlikely given the “Disabled” status), we could use adb connect. Without prior authorization, the PC will see the device as unauthorized or offline.

However, the “Unknown Sources” allows us to install an APK that requests BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN or WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS permissions. If we can install an APK silently (via Play Store push or File Manager exploit), we might be able to toggle the ADB setting.

Phase 2: Exploiting UI Glitches and Activity Launches

The user attempted the “Right Click -> Import Photos” (PTP) trigger and Activity Launcher remote install. These often fail on modern MIUI due to strict permission scopes. We need to look for Overlay attacks or Notification-based launches.

The Notification Overlay Exploit

MIUI 12.5/13 handles notifications with “Bubbles” and rich notifications. We can attempt to force a notification that allows opening a specific Activity.

  1. Push a Notification: Since FCM is active, we can use a third-party service (like Pushbullet or a custom Python script using FCM) to push a notification to the device.
  2. Deep Linking: The notification can contain a PendingIntent that opens a specific Activity, such as com.android.settings.Settings$DevelopmentSettingsActivity.
  3. The Bypass: If the notification arrives, swipe down the notification shade. The AppLock usually locks the opening of the app, but not the viewing of the notification. If we can tap an action button within the notification (e.g., “Enable ADB”), it might launch the Activity directly, bypassing the lock screen requirement.

The “Split Screen” Workaround

This is a classic method for bypassing AppLock on MIUI.

  1. Open a Unlocked App: Open an app that is not locked (e.g., Calculator or Clock).
  2. Enter Split Screen: Long press the “Recent Apps” button (or use the gesture if applicable) to put the app into split-screen mode.
  3. Select Settings: In the top or bottom half, select “Settings” or “File Manager.”
  4. Result: In some MIUI versions, the split-screen view ignores the AppLock context because it is managed by the System UI, not the launcher. If this works, you can navigate to Apps > Manage Apps and disable the AppLock service or clear its data.

Phase 3: The MediaTek BROM/Preloader Strategy (Driver Fix)

The user’s attempt with mtkclient failed at the handshake. We must address this because it is the only path to patch the boot.img to disable security checks or force ADB enablement. We will assume we are on a Windows environment, as stated.

Resolving the Handshake Failure

The [LIB]: Status: Handshake failed on MTK usually happens because the PC fails to switch the device from the Preloader mode to the BROM mode fast enough, or the drivers are not correctly handling the CDC interface.

  1. Driver Cleanup:
    • Open Device Manager.
    • Connect the phone (powered off, or in BROM mode - Vol+ Vol- hold while plugging USB).
    • Look for libusb-win32 devices or Unknown Devices.
    • Uninstall all drivers related to MediaTek, Preloader, and LibUSB. Check “Delete the driver software for this device.”
  2. UsbDk vs. Zadig:
    • UsbDk is often recommended, but Zadig is more reliable for specific driver binding.
    • Download Zadig.
    • Go to Options > List All Devices.
    • Select MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM (Android) (or whatever appears when you plug in the phone in BROM mode).
    • Install the driver using LibUSB. Warning: This replaces the stock driver. Be prepared to reinstall stock drivers if you need to use the phone normally.
  3. The “Preloader Port” Timing:
    • The Preloader port appears for only a split second (about 1-2 seconds) after plugging in the USB cable while holding Volume Up/Down.
    • You must execute the mtkclient command before plugging in the cable.
    • Hold Volume Up and Volume Down.
    • Plug in the USB cable.
    • Immediately hit Enter on the command.
    • python mtk.py da seccfg unlock (This is a common command to unlock security features, but usually requires a preloader dump).

Why BROM Access is Critical

If we can successfully perform the handshake, we can dump the boot.img. Once we have boot.img:

  1. Extract boot.img using magiskboot or a similar tool.
  2. Patch the init.rc or default.prop to set ro.debuggable=1 and persist.sys.usb.config=adb.
  3. Repack and flash using mtkclient (if we have da access) or by writing directly to the boot partition. However, without SLA bypass, this remains the “Holy Grail” of the request.

Phase 4: The “Forgot Password” Logic Bomb (Resetting the Lock)

Since the Mi Account credentials are lost, we cannot use the standard “Forgot Password” reset via the AppLock screen. However, there is a logic flaw in how MIUI handles the AppLock database.

Clearing AppLock Data via System Crash

If we can induce a crash in the com.miui.securitycenter (which houses AppLock), the system might revert to a default state or fail to load the lock on the next boot.

  1. Method: Use the “Storage” clean-up.
  2. Execution: Since Settings is locked, we cannot access “Storage” directly.
  3. The Alternative: Use the “Recent Apps” menu.
    • Open any app.
    • Open Recent Apps.
    • Long press on the “Security” app (if visible) or any app.
    • Select “App Info”.
    • If the “App Info” intent is not locked, this takes you to the App Info screen for that app.
    • From there, navigate to “Storage” > “Clear Data”. Note: This usually requires authentication.

The “Date Reset” Trick (Legacy, but worth checking)

This is an old exploit that sometimes works on older MIUI versions (V12.0.1 and below).

  1. Go to System Settings > Date & Time.
  2. Change the date to a very old date (e.g., 1 year ago).
  3. Restart the phone.
  4. Attempt to open the locked app. The mismatch in system time can sometimes cause the encryption key check for AppLock to fail, allowing access.

Phase 5: Utilizing Magisk and Root Access (If Achieved)

If any of the previous methods allow us to enable ADB or install a root manager, our repository Magisk Modules becomes the ultimate solution. We specialize in providing modules that can bypass these exact restrictions.

The “MIUI AppLock Remover” Module

Once root access is achieved (via patching boot.img and flashing via TWRP if bootloader unlocks, or via magiskboot if BROM access is gained), we can install the Magisk Module designed to remove MIUI bloatware and lock mechanisms.

LSPosed and Xposed Framework

If TWRP is not available, but ADB is enabled, we can use LSPosed.

  1. Install LSPosed via Magisk.
  2. Download a module like “Miui Home” or “System Framework” tweaks that allow hiding AppLock.
  3. These modules hook into the shouldIntercept method of the Security Center and return false for all apps, effectively neutralizing the lock.

Advanced Troubleshooting: The Driver Handshake Deep Dive

Let’s revisit the mtkclient handshake failure, as this is the most technical but promising route for a MediaTek device.

Step 1: Isolate the Preloader

  1. USBDeview: Download USBDeview to see all USB devices connected to your PC.
  2. Disconnect everything: Unplug the phone.
  3. The Sequence:
    • Open a command prompt in the mtkclient directory.
    • Type python mtk.py payload (or any command that waits for a device).
    • Hold Volume Up (some models prefer Up, some Down).
    • Plug in the USB.
    • Watch USBDeview. A new device named “MediaTek Preloader” should appear for a fraction of a second.
    • If mtkclient detects it, the handshake initiates.
  4. Driver Signature Enforcement: Windows 10/11 Driver Signature Enforcement might block the custom LibUSB driver.
    • Solution: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement temporarily (Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Restart > Press F7).

Step 2: Alternative MTK Tools

If mtkclient fails, we can try:

Summary of Actionable Steps for the User

Based on your specific device status (Redmi Note 11T 5G, MTK, Locked BL, Disabled ADB, Active Internet), here is the priority order of operations we recommend:

  1. Immediate Action (Zero Risk):

    • Attempt the Split Screen trick. Open an unlocked app (Calculator), enter split screen, and try to launch Settings or File Manager. If successful, navigate to Apps > Manage Apps > Show System Apps > Security > Clear Data. This resets the AppLock configuration.
  2. Network Action (Low Risk):

    • Use the Play Store Web method. Push the installation of “Activity Launcher” or a similar activity-starter app. Watch the notification shade closely. If the “Install” button appears in the notification, tap it immediately.
    • Try to download an APK directly in the browser (e.g., a simple file manager). When the download finishes, tap “Open”. The package installer prompt might bypass the AppLock.
  3. The “Unlock” Action (Medium Risk):

    • If the Date trick works, change the date to 2019 and reboot. Try to open the locked app.
  4. The “Hail Mary” (High Complexity):

    • Fix the MTK Handshake. This requires disabling Windows Driver Signature Enforcement and using Zadig to force libusb-win32 onto the Preloader port. If successful, dump protection info and attempt to patch seccfg.

We advise against factory resetting as the last resort, as data preservation is the priority. The MediaTek Dimensity 810 is a secure chip, but the UI layer of MIUI offers enough surface area for these bypass techniques to succeed without touching the bootloader partitions. Keep the device charged and connected to Wi-Fi to ensure the mtalk.google.com connection remains stable for any remote triggers.

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