Forgot the old one. PIN-Do you want to put a more reliable code on Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones? POCO Change the locking code in a few minutes β if you know the nuances of the shell MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all current methods for firmware versions. MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese, and tell you what to do if your phone is locked and your password is lost.
It's important to understand: PIN-It's not just numbers to unlock the screen, it's tied to protecting your Mi Account, encrypting your data, even mobile payments, so changing it requires caution. 11T Pro to budget Redmi Note 12, and also took into account the features of the latest security updates from Xiaomi.
Why do we change? PIN-The code for Xiaomi and when it is needed
Many users don't touch their lock settings until they encounter problems for years, meanwhile there are good reasons to update the PIN:
- π Data Leakage: If you suspect someone has learned your code (for example, after a service repair or a phone use by relatives).
- π± Sale/transfer of phone: even after resetting to factory settings old PIN may remain in the system cache.
- π Too Simple Code: Combinations like 1234 or 0000 are hacked in seconds by brute force attacks.
- π‘οΈ Security requirements: banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) can block access if PIN The phone doesn't fit their policies.
According to a 2023 Kaspersky study, 68% of smartphone data thefts are due to weak lock screen protection, while Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ cannot set a PIN shorter than 4 characters, but you can use an alphanumeric password up to 16 characters long β this is much more reliable.
β οΈ Warning: If you use a pattern lock, changing it will automatically reset all fingerprints and facial data to unlock!
Method 1: Standard PIN change via settings (MIUI 14/15)
Itβs the easiest method that works on all current Xiaomi models, including Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ and POCO F5. The main condition is that you must remember the current PIN-code.
Instructions:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some firmwares β Screen Lock and Password).
- Select Screen Lock β enter the current PIN.
- Press the Password (or PIN if you have a digital code).
- Enter the old password again, then a new one (twice to confirm).
If the Password option is inactive, the phone has "Immediate Lock" enabled, and it needs to be temporarily disabled in the same lock menu.
Remember the current lock code
Connect your phone to charge (in case of a failure)
Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your device
Backup of important data-->
Method 2: Change your PIN through your Mi Account (if you forgot the old code)
Forgot the PIN, but the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account? In this case, you can reset the code through Find Device.
- πΆ Active Internet connection on the phone (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π The enabled "Find the device" function in the Mi Account settings.
- π± Linked phone number or email to your Mi Account.
Step-by-step:
- On another device (PC, tablet, phone friend) go to the site i.mi.com.
- Sign in with the same account as you do on a blocked Xiaomi.
- Select your device in the list β click Find the device.
- In the control menu, click Unlock the device.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number).
- Install a new one. PIN-code right in the web interface.
β οΈ Note: Once unlocked via Find Device, all data on your phone will be erased (unless you have a backup in the Mi Cloud), which is only suitable if you care about accessing your device over file security.
What if the Device canβt see the phone?
Method 3: Reset PINs via Recovery Mode (for advanced users)
If none of the previous methods worked, you'll have to hard-reset through Recovery mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, including apps, photos and settings, and only use this as a last resort!
Instructions for Xiaomi with Qualcomm chip (most models):
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) β Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
- After the reset, the phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up as new.
For models on Mediatek (such as some Redmi 9 or POCO M3), the button combination may differ: Power + Volume up + Loud down.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | Food + Volume up | Hold 10-15 seconds. |
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Food + Volume up | On some firmware, you need to first choose a language |
| POCO F3/F4 | Food + Volume Down | In the Recovery menu, use a sensor to navigate |
| Xiaomi Mi series A series | Food + Volume up | Android One Recovery interface in English |
π‘
If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old PIN for your Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the password recovery function on account.xiaomi.com. You will need a linked email or phone number.
How to think of a reliable PIN-code
A weak PIN is like an open door for fraudsters. According to Xiaomi Security Report 2023, 40% of smartphone hacks are due to a guessed lock code.
- π’ Length: minimum 6 characters (in) MIUI 15 can be used to code up to 16 characters).
- π€ Symbols: Use letters (cap and lowercase), numbers and special characters (!, @, #).
- π² Avoid dates of birth, repeating numbers (112233) or sequences (123456).
- π Regular Shifts: Update PIN time 3-6 months.
Examples of reliable combinations:
- 7T#k9P2! (Mixed Register + Special Characters)
- Redmi2026! (based on model name + year)
- 5x@Mi!14 (digits + brand letters)
Donβt store a PIN in your phoneβs notes or cloud services; itβs better to write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place (such as a safe).
Once a month
Six months
Only if you forget the old one
Never changed.-->
Frequent Mistakes When Changing PINs to Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them
Even in a simple procedure, users manage to make critical mistakes.
- Entering the wrong current PIN 5 times in a row β the phone will be locked for 30 minutes (on MIUI 15 - for 1 hour). Solution: wait or unlock through the Mi Account.
- Use of one PIN lock-in SIM-map β If you steal a phone, the attacker will also have access to mobile communications.
- Disable backup before reset β lose all data. Solution: Enable Mi Cloud in your account settings.
- Ignoring the Mi β account binding after a phone reset may require an old password. Solution: link email and phone number to your account.
Another common problem is that the phone failed after the MIUI update, and if the new code was no longer recognized after the PIN change, try:
- Reset the device.
- Enter an old PIN (sometimes the system stores it in cache).
- Reset lock settings through Settings β Passwords and Security β Reset lock settings (requires a password from your Mi Account).
π‘
If fingerprints or facial recognition stop working after changing the PIN, they must be deleted and added again in the lock settings.
Additional security settings after PIN change
Changing the lock code is only half the battle. To protect Xiaomi from hacking, set up:
- π Two-step authentication in Mi Account: Settings β Mi Account β Security β Two-step verification.
- π Remote lock: turn on Find the device and allow data to be deleted remotely.
- π¨ Suspicious Sign-in Alerts: In your Mi Account settings, activate notifications about new devices.
- π Data encryption: Settings β Additionally. β Confidentiality β Encryption (not available on all models).
For owners of flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14), the Black Box function is available - it saves the logs of activity even after reset. It is included in Settings β Passwords and Security β Black Box.
If you use mobile payments frequently (Google Pay, Mi Pay), after changing your PIN, you must:
- Remove all bank cards from your wallet.
- Add them again (confirmation via SMS or client bank is required).
- Check the security settings in the bank application.