How to set up screen lock on Xiaomi: all ways to protect and optimize

Locking the screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to protect against accidental clicks, but a full-fledged barrier to unauthorized access to personal data, POCO Mi offers several options for locking: from the classic PIN-But many users are limited to factory settings, unaware that there are significant improvements in both security and usability.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods of locking the screen on Xiaomi devices under control MIUI 12/13/14, You'll learn how to choose the most reliable way to protect yourself, set up automatic locking, and what to do if you forget your password. 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

How to lock the screen on Xiaomi: comparison and choice

Xiaomi smartphones support up to 5 different locking methods, each with its own pros and cons. The choice depends on your priorities: maximum security, unlock speed or balance between them.

• 🔢 PIN-code is a classic 4-16-digit method, more reliable than a pattern lock, but requires input every time.
• 🔄 pattern lock – convenient for visual perception, but easily peeped by outsiders.
• 🔑 Password is the safest option (a combination of letters, numbers and symbols), but the longest to enter.
• 👆 Fingerprint – fast and reliable biometrics, works even with wet or dirty hands (on models with ultrasonic scanner).
• 😊 Facial recognition is convenient, but less safe (you can fool the photo on some models).

It is important to note that biometric data (print, face) does not replace, but complements the basic method of blocking. PIN Password is a security measure against bypassing protection through Fastboot or Recovery.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro) facial recognition works in 3D, If you're looking at security, combine biometrics with a photo. PIN-8-code+ figure.

Step-by-step setting up the screen lock in MIUI

To change or add the blocking method, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Lock the screen, the system will require you to enter the current PIN/Password (if you have one). Then choose the method you want and follow the instructions. Let's look at the configuration of each option in detail.

1. Installation PIN-code

This is a basic method that you should be sure to configure, even if you plan to use biometrics. PIN-For a password, use a combination of capital letters, numbers and characters (for example, X!a0mi2026).

Use 8.+ numbers for maximum security

Avoid repeating sequences (1111, 1234)

Do not use dates of birth or simple combinations.

Write the code to a safe place (not on your phone!)

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Once you have entered the new code, the system will suggest you confirm it, remember it or save it in a safe place, because without it, you can't unlock your phone after you reboot, even if you have a biometric setup.

2. Setting up the pattern lock

The pattern lock is easy to unlock quickly, but it has a low level of security.

1. In the screen lock menu, select the pattern lock.
2. Draw a pattern by connecting at least 4 points.
3. Repeat the pattern for confirmation.

⚠️ Attention: pattern lock is easy to peek at on-screen footprints. If you use your phone frequently in public, avoid this method or wipe your screen regularly.

3. Adding a fingerprint

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi can be:

• 📱 Built-in screen (optical/ultrasonic scanners on flagships).
• 🔙 On the back (on budget models like Redmi) 10A).

To add a print:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen, putting your finger at different angles.
4. Add at least 2 fingerprints (for example, index and thumb of the right hand).

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In the models with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13), the fingerprint scanner works faster if the finger is slightly wet. But don't overdo it - water drops can cause false positives.

4.Face recognition setup

Face Unlock is available on most models, but its reliability depends on the hardware:

• 📸 2D-Recognition (on budget models) – vulnerable to photos.
• 👁️ 3D-Recognition (on flagships like Xiaomi 14) – uses an infrared camera and is protected from deception.

To set up:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Follow the instructions while keeping your phone at eye level.
3. Enable the option to "Require eye confirmation" (if available) for additional protection.

⚠️ Note: On models without an IR camera (e.g, POCO X5) Face recognition only works in good light, and in the dark, you'll have to use an alternative method.

Automatic screen lock: timeouts and Smart Lock

By default, the Xiaomi screen is locked after 30 seconds of inactivity, but this value can be changed. MIUI There is a Smart Lock feature that allows you to disable the lock in trusted conditions (for example, at home or when connecting to a smartwatch).

1. Change of time of automatic locking

To set up a timeout:

1. Go to Settings. → Display. → Sleep and screen lock.
2. Select Screen Lock through and set the value from 15 seconds to 30 minutes.

Time selection recommendations:

• 🔋 15–30 seconds – optimal for battery savings.
• ⚡ Never – comfortable when reading or watching videos, but risky for security.
• 🏠 5 minutes – a compromise for home use.

2.Setting up Smart Lock

Smart Lock allows you to turn off the lock in a safe environment, such as when you're at home or connected to a trusted device, to set it up:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Add trusted terms: 📍 Safe places – the lock is disconnected by GPS (for example at home or work). 🔗 Trusted devices – unlocking when connected to a smartwatch or car. 👤 Voice recognition (not available on all models).

⚠️ Warning: Smart Lock can reduce security if a trusted device (such as a fitness bracelet) is stolen along with your phone.

What to do if you forget the lock password on Xiaomi

Forgotten PIN-A code or password is one of the most common problems. Unlike an iPhone that requires a complete reset, Xiaomi has several ways to restore access without losing data. Let's take them from the simplest to the most radical.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account

If your phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, you can reset the lock through it:

1. After 5 unsuccessful attempts of entering, the button “Forgot the password?” will appear.
2. Click on it and enter the data from the Mi Account (email and password).
3. Follow the instructions for resetting the lock.

2 Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If the Mi Account is not linked or cannot be restored through it, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14) This method may not work due to increased protection.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking via Fastboot can result in a reset of all data if the phone has enabled the “Data Protection When Unlocked” function (activated by default on the phone). MIUI 14).

3. Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If other methods fail, you only have to reset completely through Recovery, which will delete all the data from your phone, so use this method as a last resort.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

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After a hard reset, the phone will require you to enter the Google account that was linked before the lock, and if you don't remember the Google password, restore it in advance through your computer.

Hidden screen locking features on Xiaomi

MIUI It offers a few little-known features that can improve both security and usability of the lock, most of which are hidden in the depth of settings or require activation through Developer Mode.

1. Block applications separately from the screen

You can block access to individual applications (such as banking or instant messengers) even if the screen is unlocked.

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
2. Set a password to lock (may differ from the main one).
3. Choose apps that require additional protection.

2. Double-press setting for locking

On some Xiaomi models, you can double-press the screen to activate:

1. Open the Settings. → Display. → Double touch for locking.
2. Turn on the switch.

This feature is handy if you have a broken power button or want to lock the screen faster.

3. Display notifications on a locked screen

You can control which notifications are displayed on the locked screen:

1. Go to Settings. → Notifications → On a locked screen.
2. Choose one of the options: 🔒 Do not show - maximum confidentiality. 📌 Show icons – only application icons without text. 📄 Display content – full text of notifications.

Pocket mode

If your phone is often unlocked in your pocket, turn on Pocket Mode:

1. Open the Settings. → Display. → Pocket regime.
2. Activate the function and adjust the sensitivity.

This feature blocks random touches when the phone is in motion (like when you walk).

Optimizing locking to save battery

Locking the screen directly affects battery consumption, and settings that are wrong can cause the phone to wake up for no reason or unlock too often in the background, and here's how to optimize locking to increase the time it lasts:

1. Always on the screen (Always on Display)

The feature is Always on Display (AOD) It shows time, notifications and other data on the screen that's off, and it's useful, but it uses extra energy:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Always On Display
2. Select the display style (for example, only the clock or clock) + date).
3. Set up a schedule or turn on the "Only upon notification" mode.

Nana AMOLED-screens (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro) AOD It consumes minimal energy, because only the pixels that display information are illuminated. LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 10C) The function consumes significantly more battery.

2. Shutdown "Rise to wake up"

The "Raise to Wake Up" feature automatically turns on the screen when you pick up the phone, which is convenient but causes you to wake up too much.

1. Go to Settings. → Display. → Raise to wake up.
2. Turn off the switch.

3. Optimization of background processes

Some apps may wake up the screen to display notifications to limit this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
2. Turn off auto-run for unnecessary applications (especially instant messengers and social networks).
3. Go to Settings. → Battery → Optimize the battery and select "Balanced" or "charge savings" mode".

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The biggest battery consumption is not due to the lock itself, but to background processes that bypass it. → Battery → Battery utilization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking on Xiaomi