How to change the digital password on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

The digital password on Xiaomi smartphones is the first barrier to protecting your data from outsiders. But what if you want to update it? Maybe the current combination seems too simple, or you suspect someone has spied on it, or maybe it's just time for a planned password change for security reasons.

In this article, we will discuss all the official ways to change the digital password on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 14/15. You will learn how to do this through the settings, what to do if you forgot your old password, and what nuances are important to consider so as not to lose access to the phone. We will also give recommendations for creating a strong password and talk about hidden locking functions in Xiaomi firmware.

If you’ve never changed your password on your Xiaomi, don’t worry, it takes less than a minute to do so, and for those who have experienced problems (e.g., the phone doesn’t accept the old password), we’ve prepared separate solutions.

📊 How often do you change your phone password?

Once a month

Six months

Only when I forget.

Never changed.

1. Standard method: change password through settings

The easiest and most secure method is to change the password directly in the settings menu. It works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others with MIUI 12 and later.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

Open the Settings app (cog icon).
Go to the Passwords and Security section.
Select Screen Lock.
Enter the current password for confirmation.
Press the Password (or Digital Password if you have a pattern lock).
Enter the new password twice and save the changes.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Lock screen → Lock type → Password.

Know the current password | Phone charged at least 30% | There is a backup of important data | Connected to the Internet (for synchronization of the Mi Account)

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Important! If you use a Mi Account, the system may require you to enter a password to verify your identity, which is an additional security measure that cannot be disabled.

2. Alternative ways to change the password

You can't always change your password through the standard menu, for example, if you have Find Device enabled and your phone is linked to your Mi Account, you can reset your password remotely, and there are options for cases where you forgot your current password, but remember the data from your Xiaomi account.

Let’s look at all the available methods:

🔄 Through the Mi Cloud website: Go to i.mi.com, log in, select your device and use the "Unlock Screen" option. Only works when you're online on your phone and your account is tied.
📱 Recovery mode: Suitable for advanced users. Requires factory reset (data will be deleted.
🔑 Through ADB: If debugging is on USB, You can send a command to change your password from a computer, and it's technically complex and requires skill.

The most reliable and secure option is to use the Mi Cloud, which does not cause data loss and works even if the phone is locked, but to do so, you need to turn on mobile Internet or Wi-Fi on the device.

What if the Mi Cloud can’t see the device?

If your phone doesn’t appear on the list on i.mi.com, check: 1. Is the Internet on the locked device enabled (try connecting to Wi-Fi via the notification panel if available). 2. Is the phone linked to this Mi Account (sometimes users create multiple accounts). 3. Is the Find Device feature enabled in the security settings. If nothing works, only a reset via Recovery remains.

3. How to change your password if you forget your old one

The situation where you don't remember your current password, but the phone requires you to enter it to change is one of the most unpleasant. Fortunately, Xiaomi has several mechanisms to restore access, the main thing is not to panic or try to guess the password repeatedly (this can lead to a complete lock of the device).

Here's the algorithm for action:

Try to remember your password: Often users confuse numbers with places or forget they used their date of birth. Think about what combinations you could put.
Use your Mi Account: On the lock screen, click "Forgot your password?". Enter your username and password from your Xiaomi account. Follow the instructions to reset your screen password.

Reset via Recovery

Turn off the phone.
Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
Confirm the action. Attention! All data will be deleted.

If the phone has Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled, you will need to enter the previously associated Mi Account after the reset, without which you will not be able to use the phone!

If you often forget passwords, set up a backup. PIN-code in your Mi Account. Go to Settings for this → Xiaomi account → Security → Standby PIN-code and create a 4-digit combination that will help you restore access to the device in an emergency.

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4.Requirements for a new password on Xiaomi

MIUI firmware has certain lock password requirements, which depend on the system version and the phone model, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 has stricter rules than the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.

Main limitations:

Password type	Minimum length	Maximum length	Additional requirements
Digital PIN	4 characters	16 characters	You cannot use repeating numbers (e.g. 1111) on MIUI 14+.
Alphabetical digital	6 characters	16 characters	It is necessary to have letters and numbers, the register is important.
pattern lock	4 points	9 points	You cannot use simple patterns (e.g. the letter "L").

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the system may block the ability to set too simple a password. If you see a message "Password is too weak", try the following options:

🔢 Use a combination of 6+ numerals alternately (e.g. 384927).
🔤 Add letters in different registers (k5T9p2).
🔄 Avoid sequences (123456, 654321).

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi blocks the ability to use passwords that have been compromised in known data breaches. If the system refuses to accept your password, try another combination — it may be listed in the database of insecure.

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5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you change your password to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, some of which can lead to a complete lockdown of your device, and consider the most common errors and ways to prevent them.

🔴 Mistake 1: Repeatedly incorrectly entering a password

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, MIUI blocks the possibility of further attempts for 30 seconds. After 10 attempts, the lock time increases to 5 minutes, and after 20 - the phone may require you to enter the Mi Account to unlock.

🧠 Remember passwords by exclusion (e.g., try out options with frequently used numbers).
📱 If you do not remember the password, immediately go to restore through the Mi Account.

🔴 Error 2: Reset password without a linked Mi Account

If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, after resetting through Recovery, you'll need to enter his details. FRP-The problem can only be solved by contacting the seller or through the official Xiaomi service (a check of purchase is required).

🔴 Error 3: Using an incompatible password

For example, trying to put a pattern lock on a device with a Secure folder feature enabled can cause a failure, and some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) require that the phone have a PIN or password at least 6 characters long.

Before changing your password, check which apps can be linked to it. For example, some messengers (such as WhatsApp) require you to enter a lock password to confirm that chats are backed up.

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6. Additional security settings

Changing your password is just one of the steps to protect your Xiaomi. There are a few hidden features in MIUI firmware that will help make your device even safer.

🔒 Two-step authentication for Mi Account

This feature protects your Xiaomi account from hacking. if someone finds out your password, without the code from the code SMS Or the authenticator app, it can't log in. → Xiaomi account → Security → Two-step verification.

📱 Hidden albums and a secure folder

Xiaomi Gallery has a Hidden Album feature where you can move sensitive photos and videos, which will only be available after you enter the lock password.

Open the gallery.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
Select Hidden Album and set a password (it may differ from the lock password).

🔍 Log of attempts to unlock

MIUI 15 has a password log that helps you track if someone has tried to access your phone. You can view the log here: Settings → Passwords and Security → Security log.

How do you turn on the peep protection?

MIUI has a Privacy Protection feature that hides notifications on the lock screen if the phone is lying on the table or not holding it.To activate: 1. Go to Settings → Always on screen and lock. 2. Select Privacy Protection. 3. Enable the option to Hide Notifications in Suspicious Movements.

7. Tips for Creating a Strong Password

Many Xiaomi users set simple passwords like 0000 or 123456, believing that their phone is not needed, but even an “unnecessary” device can contain access to social networks, email or banking applications.

🔐 Use mnemonic rules

Think of a phrase that's easy to remember, and turn it into numbers.

📌 My cat Pushok was born on March 15, 2020" → Password: 5P150320 (5 letters in the word "Funnel", date of birth).
📌 I love pizza with pineapples" → Password: L8c4 (8 letters in "pizza", 4 in "pineapple").

🔢 Alternate registers and symbols

If your phone supports alphanumeric passwords, use combinations of the following:

🔹 X!a0m1 (sub-character).
🔹 pOcO7#F5 (alternation).

⚠️ What's not worth doing:

🚫 Use your birth dates (or your loved ones).
🚫 Set the same passwords on your phone and bank cards.
🚫 Write down the password on a piece of paper stored with the phone.

The most reliable option is to use a password manager (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass), which can generate and store complex passwords, as well as synchronize them between devices. MIUI They are integrated through the Autocomplete function in the settings.

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FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change my password to Xiaomi without losing data?

Yes, if you remember your current password or your associated Mi Account, in which case changing your password through your settings or Mi Cloud doesn't affect your user data, and if you forget both, you'll have to reset through Recovery, which will result in deleting all files.

Why does Xiaomi not accept my new password?

Probable reasons: Passwords are not MIUI compliant (too short or simple). You try to use a password that has already been compromised (MIUI checks for leaked passwords); corporate policies are enabled on your phone (e.g., Android Enterprise); try another combination or reboot your phone.

What if the phone needs an old Mi Account after resetting the password?

It's FRP-Factory Reset Protection: This occurs if the phone was dropped without detachment of the account. Solutions: Enter the account that was tied before the reset. If the phone is bought from hand, contact the seller. If proof of purchase (check) contact the Xiaomi service center. Bypass yourself FRP newer MIUI impossible.

Can I put a password on individual applications in MIUI?

Yes, MIUI has an Application Lock feature that allows you to set a separate password (or use a screen lock password) to access selected programs, which goes like this: Settings → Passwords and Security → Application Lock. Note: this feature only works if you have a password, PIN or graphical key on your phone.

How often should I change the password on my Xiaomi phone?

Recommendations on frequency of password change: 🔄 Every one. 3-6 months – if you actively use banking applications or store sensitive information. 🔄 Immediately after suspicious situations (for example, the phone was in the hands of strangers or you entered a password in front of someone). 🔄 Update MIUI — Sometimes new versions of firmware change password requirements, so if the password is complex and nobody knows it, you don't have to change it for years, but you don't have to use it for other services.