How to change the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi 5

Protecting personal data in a modern smartphone is the number one priority for most users, and Xiaomi’s Redmi 5 is no exception. The default or previously created pattern lock is the first barrier to attackers trying to access the gallery, correspondence or banking applications. However, over time, a simple pattern may become too obvious, or you may just want to improve your device’s security by replacing a complex figure with a more robust one. PIN-code.

The process of changing the way the MIUI screen is locked in the Redmi 5 shell is intuitive enough to be able to do so, but it requires careful input. It is important not only to know where the settings are, but also to understand the difference between the different types of protection to choose the best option for your use case. In this article, we will take a look at each step in detail, from entering the security menu to setting up additional settings such as Smart Lock or face unlock.

Before you make any changes, make sure you remember your current password or have access to your device, as the system will require proof of identity before making any changes to your security settings.This is a standard procedure to prevent unauthorized access if the phone is in the wrong hands but the screen has not yet gone out after the last successful login.

Navigating the Security Settings Menu

The first step to change the security settings is to log into the main settings menu of your Redmi 5. Find on the desktop or in the list of all applications the icon with the image of the gear, which indicates the Settings section. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the section that is usually called “Passwords and Security” in the Russian version of MIUI firmware or simply “Screen Block and Passwords”, depending on the version of the Android operating system.

Inside this section, you will be greeted with a list of all available authentication methods, including fingerprint, facial recognition, pattern lock, PIN-The system may prompt you to enter the current lock key immediately upon entering this menu, which is a normal operating system security response. If you use multiple profiles or guest mode, make sure that changes are made to the main profile of the device owner.

Note that the interface may vary slightly depending on which version of MIUI (Global or China) is installed on your Redmi 5. In some cases, the password control point may be hidden in the “Additional Settings” sub-menu, but on current builds it is put into a separate, easily accessible unit for quick privacy management.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your current pattern lock or password, you won’t be able to enter the settings menu to change it in the standard way, in which case you will need a complete reset procedure through Recovery Mode, which will result in the deletion of all files from the phone.

Choosing a new type of screen lock

Once you have successfully logged in, you will be able to choose a new security method. Click on Password Type or Change Screen Lock Password to see the full list of options available. For Redmi 5, the standard set is a pattern lock, a 4-digit PIN, a password of numbers and letters, and biometrics if supported by a particular device modification.

If you decide to abandon drawing figures in favor of a numerical code, select the item PIN-This is often a more convenient option for those who wear a phone in a case with thick sides that prevent the accurate finger from swiping the screen, or for users who find it easier to remember a combination of numbers than a complex pattern. PIN-The code will need to be used twice to confirm the correctness of the input and to exclude random errors.

For those who prefer visual patterns but want to make it harder for outsiders, the option is to create a more complex pattern lock. The system allows you to connect points in any order, but prevents you from reusing the same point within the same key, which creates a certain mathematical combination that is harder to match with the pump.

• 🔒 pattern lock – connection of at least 4 points in a certain order, visually memorable pattern.
• 🔢 PIN-code – a sequence of 4 or more digits, a quick and convenient way to unlock.
• 🔣 Password – a combination of numbers, letters and symbols that ensure the maximum level of cryptographic data protection.
• 👆 Fingerprint – a biometric method that requires scanner pre-setting (located on the back of Redmi 5).

When you select a new type of lock, the system may suggest that you enable the "Show Password When Entering" feature, which will allow you to see the characters you type in or the visible pattern at the time of dialing, which is convenient when you first set up, but for everyday use, it is better to leave this option off so that others can not peek your secret code.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the pattern lock

Let's take a closer look at how you replace your old pattern lock with a new or different type of protection. After you log in to the Screen Lock menu, select Change Password. The device will request the current security key to be entered — carefully repeat the pattern you know, connecting the dots in the right order. An error when you enter the current key can temporarily block the ability to change settings.

Once you have your identity confirmed, the system will suggest you select a new type of password. If you leave a pattern lock, a grid of 9 dots will appear on the screen. Come up with a new combination that is different from the previous one and will not be obvious (for example, the letter "G" or "L"). Swipe your finger around the dots, creating a pattern, and release your finger when the figure is completed.

The next step is to confirm the new key by repeating the pattern exactly. If the patterns don't match, the system will ask you to start the process anew. If the two patterns are successfully matched, the new lock key will be activated, and from that point on, this new sequence of connections will need to be played back to unlock Redmi 5.

It is important to note that when you change the type of lock from the pattern lock to the password or PIN-The code, the old pattern automatically ceases to work, you will no longer need to remember or remember it, but for security reasons, it is recommended not to use old, already compromised patterns in the future.

⚠️ Note: When entering a new pattern lock, try not to leave greasy traces from your fingers on the screen, since the fat traces in certain lighting conditions can restore the unlock pattern.

Setup of biometric protection and Face ID

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 5 is equipped with a fingerprint scanner located on the back of the device, which allows you to combine traditional methods of protection with biometric. PIN-It is highly recommended to configure fingerprint unlocking, as this greatly speeds up access to the device and increases the overall level of cybersecurity.

To set up, go to Passwords and Security and select Add fingerprint data. The system will ask you to enter the current screen lock password to confirm the operation. Follow the on-screen instructions: put your finger on the scanner many times, changing the angle of inclination slightly until the progress bar reaches 100%.

In addition to the fingerprint scanner, Redmi 5 also has facial unlock, which uses a front-facing camera to recognize the owner, and although less secure than a fingerprint scanner, it's extremely easy to access, and you can activate it in the same settings menu by selecting Add Face Data and following the system's prompts to scan your face.

• 👍 The most reliable and fastest biometrics method on Redmi 5.
• 📸 Face unlocking is a convenient alternative that works even when the screen is off, but is less protected.
• ⚙️ Combination of methods – the ability to use both biometric methods simultaneously for maximum comfort.

It is worth remembering that biometric data is stored in a secure part of the memory of the processor and is not transferred to Xiaomi servers or third parties. However, if biometrics for some reason does not work (wet hands, poor lighting), the device will always require a backup pattern lock or a backup pattern lock. PIN-code you have previously installed.

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Add fingerprints in good lighting and in different angles so that the scanner remembers not only the center of the pad, but also the edges of the finger – this will increase the percentage of successful unlocks.

Additional settings and smart locking

The MIUI shell offers Redmi 5 users advanced security settings that allow them to flexibly manage access to the device in a variety of situations. One such useful feature is Smart Lock, which allows you to keep your phone unlocked in trusted places or with a number of trusted devices, such as a Bluetooth headset or smartwatch.

You can activate this function through the screen lock menu -> Additional -> Smart Lock. Here you will need to enter the current security password. After that, you can add trusted places (geolocation) or devices. As long as the phone is in a given radius or connected to the selected gadget, the screen will not require you to enter a pattern lock, which eliminates the need for constant authorization.

This section also provides settings for displaying notifications on a locked screen, so you can choose whether to display content immediately, hide it before unlocking, or not display notifications at all, an important privacy aspect, especially if you often leave your phone unattended in your office or home.

Another important option is to set the time to automatically lock, so you can set the screen to go off and lock immediately after the backlight is turned off or after 5, 10, 30 seconds. For maximum security, it is recommended to choose a minimum time interval so that in case of loss of the phone, an attacker does not have time to access the data.

⚠️ Warning: Smart Lock reduces the overall level of protection of the device, as in a trusted area, the phone can unlock anyone.

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Competent setting of additional security parameters allows you to find a balance between maximum data protection and convenience of daily use of the smartphone.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

During the operation of Redmi 5 users may encounter various technical nuances associated with the operation of the locking system. One of the common problems is "fanomic" touches or "ghost presses", when the screen reacts to non-existent touches, which prevents the correct input of the pattern lock, in such cases, it is recommended to check the quality of the protective film and replace it if necessary.

Sometimes, after updating the MIUI firmware, the security settings may reset or not work correctly. If you notice that the phone is not accepting the correct password or the fingerprint scanner has stopped responding, try to force the device to restart by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds, which will help clear the temporary cache of the system and restore the normal operation of the security modules.

In rare cases, the system can be locked after repeatedly incorrectly entering a password. The screen will display a countdown timer that prohibits attempts to enter for a certain time (from 30 seconds to several hours), During this period, the only correct decision is waiting; attempts to guess the code or reboot the phone during the timer action can lead to its increase or complete locking of the device.

• 🔄 Reboot – the first action in case of any failure in the operation of the sensor or scanner.
• 🧹 Screen cleaning – removing dirt and fat that interfere with the exact input of the pattern lock.
• 🔋 Battery charge – when low, some functions (fingerprint scanner) may run slower or shut down.

If key input problems are systematic and not solved by rebooting, you may need to calibrate the touchscreen through the engineering menu or reset to factory settings. However, before performing radical actions, always make sure you have an up-to-date backup of important data.