How to change the style of locking the screen on Xiaomi smartphones: all the ways

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not only about protecting personal data, but also about being a convenience. Many users don’t even realize that devices running MIUI can flexibly adjust not only the type of lock (PIN, password, fingerprint) but also the visual style of display, for example, you can choose between a classic slider, unlock animation, or even hide notifications on a locked screen.

In this article, we’ll look at all the options available to change lock style, from basic security settings to hidden MIUI 14/15 features that allow you to customize your screen to your preferences. We’ll focus on the differences between Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagships, and how to get around common lock-type changes. If you want to make your smartphone unique or just improve its protection, read on.

What types of locks support Xiaomi smartphones

Before you change your lock style, it’s important to understand what options are available on your device. Xiaomi offers several layers of protection, each with its own pros and cons:

• 🔢 PIN-code is a simple 4-6 digit code, quickly typed, but easily matched by observation.
• 🔑 Password is a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, the most reliable, but the longest to type.
• 🎨 pattern lock: 4-9 dots, convenient, but leaves marks on the screen.
• 👆 Fingerprint - biometrics (available on sensor models) Fast and safe, but doesn't work with wet fingers.
• 👀 Facial recognition – face scanning (on Xiaomi flagships) 13/14). Convenient but less reliable than a print.
• 🚫 Without locking, the screen is unlocked by swipe, risky for security.

Newer versions of MIUI 14/15 also feature Dynamic Lock, an animation that responds to gestures. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the screen can blur when touched, creating a fluid effect.

⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate profile (e.g., through Microsoft Intune), the administrator may block the possibility of changing the lock type, in which case an attempt to change will lead to an error".

How to change the type of lock: step-by-step instructions

Changing the lock style on Xiaomi takes less than a minute, but requires knowing the exact path in the settings. Here is a universal guide for all models on MIUI 12-15:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
3. Select Screen Lock.
4. Enter the current password/PIN/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Press the screen lock type.
6. Select a new method from the list (PIN, password, pattern lock, etc.).
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up (e.g., double-enter a new PIN).

If you want to remove the lock completely, select No in step 6. However, remember that this will make your smartphone vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Remember your current password (required for confirmation)

Make sure the battery is charged >20% (in case of failure)

Disable VPN (sometimes interferes with settings)

Check if the Do Not Disturb mode is active (can block changes)

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On some models (e.g., POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), after changing the lock type, the system will suggest setting up emergency information – data that will be displayed on the lock screen (for example, the phone number to contact in case of loss of the device).

How to Change the Visual Style of the Lock Screen

In addition to the type of lock, Xiaomi can customize its appearance.

• 🌄 Lock Wallpaper – a separate image for a locked screen.
• 📱 Notification Style – Whether to Show Content.
• ⏱️ Watches and widgets – the choice of watch design, weather, steps.
• 🎨 Animations – Unlocking effects (e.g., “smoke” on Black Shark).

To change these parameters:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the Lock screen style (on some firmware this item is called Wallpaper Setting).
3. Click Add Lock Wallpaper or Gallery to upload your image.
4. For animations, go to Lock Effects (not available on all devices).

On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the new flagships, there is an option Super Wallpapers – dynamic wallpapers that change depending on the time of day. They also work on the lock screen, creating a paralax effect when the phone is tilted.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5 Pro) dark-colored lock wallpapers extend battery life because the black pixels are not illuminated.

Difference in lock settings on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi

While all Xiaomi smartphones run on MIUI, some locking features vary by device series.

For example, the POCO F4 GT has a unique feature called Shoulder Lock, which is a pressure sensor unlock (pushing the side button harder than usual) that is convenient for gamers, but can trigger accidentally in your pocket.

⚠️ Note: Redmi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Sometimes there is a bug: after changing the type of lock, the ability to unlock with the fingerprint disappears. The solution is to restart the phone or reset the sensor settings in Settings. → Passwords and security → Fingerprint sensor.

PIN-code

pattern lock

Fingerprint.

Facial recognition

Password (letters + numbers)

Unlocked.

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How to Remove or Reset a Lock If You Forgot Your Password

If you forget your password, PIN, or graphical key, you can unlock Xiaomi in a number of ways, depending on which features were configured in advance:

• 🔑 Through Mi Account – if the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the button Forgot the password.
• 📧 Through email – if a backup address was specified during the setting, the system will send a link to it for resetting.
• 🔄 Fastboot is an extreme method, requires PC and command knowledge ADB. Suitable for advanced users.
• 🏭 Reset to factory – via Recovery Mode (deletes all data!). To enter the mode hold the Power + Volume Up with the phone switched off.

MIUI 14/15 has added Emergency Access – if you forget your password, but remember the answer to the control question (configured when you first turn on), you can restore access without reset.

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For devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware is running through the Xiaomi Flash Tool), there is another way to flash the persist partition through Fastboot with the removal of the gatekeeper.password.key file. However, this requires technical skills and can lead to a device blink.

Hidden locking features on MIUI, which few people know

There are some non-obvious things about locking the screen in MIUI, and here are the most useful ones:

• 🔒 Block applications – you can set a separate password for specific programs (for example, Gallery or Bank). → Passwords and security → Application lockdown.
• 🎵 Musical lock - on the lock screen the player controls are displayed (on the POCO And Black Shark, it's on by default).

On Xiaomi 13T and later, there is a Private Mode feature – when activated (double press the power button), the lock screen hides all notifications and replaces wallpaper with neutral ones. This is useful if you do not want outsiders to see your messages.

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Another little-known option is Network Blocking, which prevents you from changing your mobile network settings (like turning off data) without entering a password. This is true for parents who want to limit traffic from their children. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network lockdown.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing the lock style, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "Failed to change password – usually due to active VPN Or corporate profile. Solution: disable VPN Check the administrator settings in the settings → Passwords and security → Device control.
• 👆 Fingerprints do not work after a change PIN — You need to re-register your fingerprints. → Passwords and security → Fingerprint sensor and add your fingers again.
• 📵 The screen does not respond to the swipe after changing the lock - Pocket mode may have been activated (disables in Settings). → Lock screen → Pocket regime).
• ⚡ Fast battery discharge after animations are activated - dynamic wallpaper and lock effects consume additional power. → Lock screen → Blocking effects.

If, after changing the lock type, the phone started spontaneously restarting, it could indicate a conflict with the themes installed from the Mi Theme Store.

1. Go to Themes.
2. Choose the standard MIUI Default theme.
3. Reset the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions