How to block Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to smart watches

Xiaomi devices are some of the most popular in the world due to their combination of price and functionality, but as they grow in popularity, the risk of unauthorized access is growing, from the simple theft of a phone to hacking into smart cameras or routers. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to block Xiaomi equipment - from standard to standard. PIN-codes before hidden functions MIUI and remote control methods.

It's important to understand that locking isn't just about losing a device, for example, parents often restrict access to certain smartphone features, and smart home owners want to protect cameras from being hacked, and we'll look at solutions for everything from full lockdown to temporary shutdowns.

This article is relevant for all Xiaomi devices, including smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, tablets (Pad series), smart watches (Mi Band, Watch), TVs (Mi) TV), Mi Router and Mi Home Security: If your model isn't mentioned directly, don't worry: the principles of locking are universal.

1. Standard methods of blocking Xiaomi smartphones

Let's start with the basic ways that are available out of the box. MIUI (Xiaomi’s proprietary shell has several options for locking the screen, and their combination gives reliable protection.

To set up a lock, go to Settings → Password and security → Screen lock. It's available here:

• 🔢 PIN-code – a simple 4-digit code (it is recommended to use at least 6 characters).
• 🔑 Password – a combination of letters, numbers and symbols (the most reliable option).
• 📱 pattern lock – a pattern of 4–9 dots (convenient, but less secure).
• 👤 Face unlock/print – biometrics (works only with the PIN/password!).

Important: If you use biometrics (Face Unlock or fingerprint), the system will still require you to enter the device. PIN/Password after reset or through 72 It's a security measure from Xiaomi that can't be turned off.

⚠️ Never use birth dates, simple sequences (1234, 0000) or repeating characters as your own. PIN-The burglars check them first.

For maximum protection, we recommend:

1. Set a password at least 8 characters long with letters, numbers and special characters.
2. Add a fingerprint (up to 5 fingerprints) MIUI).
3. Enable the option to erase data after 10 failed attempts (see the same lock settings).

2. Hidden functions MIUI extra protection

MIUI It offers some non-obvious tools that many users are unaware of, and these features will help block not only the screen, but also individual apps, settings, or even the screen. SIM-map.

One of the most useful solutions is Second Space, which is a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a new profile and set a separate password for it.
3. Set up what applications and data will be available in this space.

The advantage of this method is that even if someone learns the password from the main profile, the data in the second space will remain secure, which is useful if you give the phone to children or colleagues.

Another hidden feature is App Lock, which allows you to set a password for individual programs (e.g. banking applications, instant messengers or a gallery). → Password and security → Application lockdown.

Also in MIUI You have Guest Mode, a temporary restricted profile, and to activate it, swipe down the notification bar, click on the user icon in the top right corner, and select Guest.

💡

If you often give your children a phone, set up Parental Control in Settings. → Special features: You can limit the time of use, block purchases and hide unwanted content.

3. Remote locking through Mi Account

If a phone is lost or stolen, it can be remotely blocked through your Mi Account, an official service from Xiaomi that works even if you have a phone that is not a phone. SIM-card retrieved (provided you are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data).

To lock the device:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. The map will show the last known location of the phone.
4. Click Lock the device and set a new password.

Once locked, your message (such as a number) will appear on the phone screen.

• 📍 Track location (if the device is online).
• 🔊 Turn on the sound (useful if the phone is lost at home).
• 🗑️ Delete data (last resort if the phone has confidential information).

⚠️ Warning: Remote lock function only works if Find device option is enabled on the phone (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device. Check it in advance!

If the phone is turned off, the lock command will be executed the next time you connect to the network. However, please note that after resetting via Mi Account, the device may require you to enter Xiaomi account data at the first setting (protection). FRP). This will make it harder for an attacker to use the phone.

4.Blocking Xiaomi smart devices (watches, cameras, routers)

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi is releasing a lot of smart gadgets that also need protection.

Smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band, Watch)

To block the Mi Band or Mi Watch:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for new models).
2. Go to the device profile and select Security.
3. Activate the option to Lock the screen and install PIN-code.

Some models (e.g. Mi Band 7 or Watch) S1) It's also available to unlock through a smartphone, which is convenient, but less secure -- if the phone is stolen along with the watch, the protection loses its meaning.

Smart Cameras (Mi Home Security Camera)

Xiaomi cameras are often targeted by hackers, so their protection is critical.

• 🔒 Set a complex password for your Mi Home account (don’t use the same password as your Mi Account!).
• 🌐 Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings.
• 📶 Disable access to the camera from an external network if you do not use remote viewing (Camera settings) → Network settings).
• 🔄 Regularly update your camera firmware (outdated versions are vulnerable to hacking).

Routers (Mi Router)

To block access to the router:

1. Connect to the router network and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
2. Log in (the default login and password is usually a combination) admin/admin, unless you've changed them).
3. Go to System Settings → Password and set a new one.
4. In the Wi-Fi Security section, select the encryption type WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if maintained).

We also recommend disabling remote router management over the Internet if you do not use it (Settings). → Remote access).

I got it. PIN smartwatch|Changed the default password on the router|Enables two-factor authentication in Mi Home|Updated the camera firmware to the latest version|Disabled remote access to the router-->

5. Blocking through developer modes and ADB

For advanced users, there are ways to block through the developer mode and ADB (Android Debug Bridge: These techniques require technical knowledge but give you more control.

To activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Now you can:

• 🔧 Disable debugging by USB (if not used, to prevent you from connecting to a PC without permission.
• 🔐 Set a password for backup (backup) → Settings → Set the password).
• 📱 Block the installation of applications from unknown sources (Security) → Special permits).

For locking through ADB (For example, if you forgot your password, but have access to the PC):

adb shell input keyevent 26 # Turns off the screen (does not block!)


adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle #Sleep Mode




adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS # Closing dialogues

However, the complete lockdown is ADB It is difficult to implement - usually it requires root rights, which void the warranty).

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, use standard lockdowns.

6 What to do if the device is already blocked by an attacker

If your Xiaomi device is blocked by someone else (for example, after being stolen or hacked), there are several ways to regain control.

Smartphone with a lock screen

If you forget your password, remember your Mi Account:

1. Try to enter the password 5 times in a row - the button Forgot the password will appear.
2. Follow the instructions for resetting through your Xiaomi account.
3. If it doesn’t work, use Fastboot mode (requires PC and cable) USB).

For reset via Fastboot:

fastboot oem unlock # Unlock bootloader (requires confirmation via Mi Account)


fastboot erase userdata # Deletion of user data (including password)

Smart watch or fitness bracelet

If the Mi Band is blocked:

• Reset it to factory settings via the Mi Fitness app (Device Profile) → Untie).
• If the watch does not respond, press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.

router or camera

For the router:

1. Press and hold the Reset button on the back for 10 seconds.
2. The router will reset to factory settings (login / password will become admin/admin).

For the Mi Home camera:

1. Turn off the power for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
2. Press the reset button (usually next to the power connector) for 5-10 seconds before the beep.

In all cases, after the reset, you will need to reconfigure the device. If it was tied to the Mi Account, you may need proof of ownership.

💡

If the device is blocked by an attacker, first try official recovery methods through Mi Account. Using unofficial firmware or bypassing the lock can lead to a loss of warranty or a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

7. How to protect yourself from future blockages

The best protection is prevention, and follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of being blocked or hacked:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords and never store them in plaintext (e.g., in notes on your phone).
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication for Mi Account and Mi Home app.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware – new versions close vulnerabilities.
• 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources (especially hacked versions of programs).
• 📡 Turn off unnecessary features such as remote router management or automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks.

Also useful:

• Backup of important data (via Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).
• Write it down. IMEI phone (type *#06#) – this will help when blocking through the operator.
• Install a tracking app (e.g. Google Find My Device in addition to Mi Find Device).

If you travel frequently or work with sensitive data, consider using device encryption. MIUI It's included in the settings. → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials. Please note that once encrypted, resetting your password will result in loss of all data!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi blocking