Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to change the security code, which may be due to the desire to install a more complex combination, update a forgotten pin code or simply change a familiar pattern lock to a digital password. MIUI system offers flexible tools for access control, but the settings menu can vary depending on the version of the shell.
Security of personal data in a modern smartphone is the first place, as the device stores access to banking applications, personal correspondence and photos. Incorrectly configured or too simple lock code can become a vulnerability. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to change passwords, including hidden settings and nuances of biometrics.
The process of changing the code does not require root rights or a connection to the computer. All actions are performed by regular means of the Android operating system with the MIUI add-on. It is important only to remember the current code or have access to the account when it comes to restoring access.
The main types of blocking in MIUI
Before you start setting up, you need to understand what kind of protection your smartphone offers. The MIUI system distinguishes between several levels of protection, each of which has its own application characteristics, the user can choose one main method or combine them for different use cases.
The most common option is a pattern lock, which is convenient for quick unlocking. PIN-Biometric methods, such as fingerprint scanners or face unlocking, often work in conjunction with a master password that requires periodic input.
- 🔑 pattern lock – connecting points in a certain sequence on the screen.
- 🔢 Digital. PIN-code – combination of 4 or more digits for quick input.
- 🔐 Mixed password – a combination of letters, numbers and special characters for maximum protection.
- 👁️ Biometrics – Unlocking from a fingerprint or face scan (requires setting a master password).
The choice of lock type directly affects the speed of access to the device and the level of protection of confidential information. For ordinary users, a balance between convenience and security is often recommended, for example, using a fingerprint in conjunction with a reliable digital code.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the screen password
Changing the lock code is standard for all Xiaomi devices. To get started, you need to get to the main settings menu, which can be done through the gear icon on your desktop or through the notification curtain.
Once you log in, find the security section of your device, which may be called differently in different versions of your firmware, but the logic of the layout remains the same, and you need to confirm your rights to make changes by entering your current password or using biometrics.
☑️ Password change algorithm
The settings interface may be slightly different on the global and Chinese versions of firmware. If you don't find the right item right away, search by settings by entering the word "password" or "lock." The system will automatically redirect you to the desired section of the Settings menu → Passwords and security → Screen password.
⚠️ Note: When you change the type of lock (for example, from a pattern lock to a digital password), the old method will be completely removed.
Setting up a password for Privacy and Applications
There is a separate layer of protection in the MIUI shell to hide files and restrict access to specific applications. This password may differ from the screen unlock code, which creates an additional barrier for attackers.
Application Protection allows you to set a password to run any program, whether it's messengers, a gallery or bank clients, and when you turn it on, it will suggest you create a unique code or use an existing one, which is especially useful if you give a phone to children or colleagues.
To activate the protection, go to Settings → Applications → Application Protection. Here you will see a list of all installed programs. Switch the switchboard opposite the desired application, and the next time the system starts, the system will request confirmation. You can set up automatic lock immediately or after a certain period of time.
What is Second Space?
The Privacy folder (or hidden albums) is also subject to a separate code that users often forget, and if you set a new password here, the system may suggest using the same one as the lock screen to make it easier to remember.
Using Biometrics and Smart Unlocking
Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are equipped with advanced security modules, a fingerprint scanner built into the screen or on button allows instant access to the device, but biometrics does not replace the full digital password, but only complements it for convenience.
Smart Lock allows you to configure scenarios where the phone does not require a password, for example, the device can remain unlocked when it is in the owner’s pocket, connected to a trusted Bluetooth device (earphones or car), or located in a specific geographic location.
You can configure these settings in Passwords and Security → Face unlock / Fingerprints. New biometrics are added here. It is recommended to add multiple fingerprints to improve usability in different situations.
| Type of protection | Reliability | Speed of access | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium | Tall. | High. |
| PIN-code (4-6 figure) | Medium | Medium | High. |
| A complex password | Maximum | Low. | Low. |
| Fingerprint. | Tall* | Maximum | Maximum. |
Biometric data is stored in a secure TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) module of the processor and is not transferred to Xiaomi servers or third parties, which ensures that even if the system is hacked, your fingerprints will not be stolen.
💡
Add the index finger print of the second hand, which will allow you to easily unlock the phone when one of your hands is busy with a bag or shopping.
Password problems and their solution
Users sometimes experience a situation where the phone stops accepting the correct password, which can be caused by a software failure, a sticking sensor or damage to the file system settings, in such cases, do not panic and enter codes at random, as this can lead to a temporary locking of the device.
If the touch screen is not working properly (for example, due to cracking or contamination), the system may not read touches in certain areas. USB-keyboard OTG-adapter.
⚠️ Attention: After 5-10 Incorrect attempts to enter the password system MIUI can block the input 30 Further errors may result in a Mi or Google account being required to verify the owner’s rights.
If you complete your password, the only safe way to do this is to completely reset your device to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which is to turn off your phone and press the Volume Up + Power button combination to enter Recovery mode. Remember, this process will delete all data from the internal drive.
💡
Regular backup of data to the Mi Cloud or your computer is the only way to guarantee that you can save information in case of access problems.