Modern Xiaomi smartphones that work on shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, which requires you to install screen protection by default. PIN-For many users, this security measure becomes an unnecessary barrier, especially if the gadget is used exclusively at home or owners prefer the speed of unlocking from a fingerprint.
The process of removing protection is not a trivial one-click action, as the manufacturer deliberately complicates this procedure to prevent unauthorized access to data in the event of a device theft. You will have to go through several settings menus and possibly face security warnings. However, knowing the exact algorithm of actions, disabling the password request is quite realistic without losing personal files.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the nuances of the procedure, explain why the system can resist your actions, and provide current instructions for different versions of firmware, and we will also address security issues so that you understand the risks associated with not protecting the screen.
Why the system requires a mandatory security installation
The Android security policy that Xiaomi has been tightly implementing dictates its rules: the lock screen is not just a protection against prying eyes, but also a foundation for other functions. Without a password or key, biometric authorization methods such as Face ID or a fingerprint scanner become unavailable, since the system is a benchmark for comparison, which is stored in a secure storage that is opened only by the main password.
In addition, many of Google Pay’s banking apps and services (or similar ones) require strong device protection to make payments, and if you choose to remove your password completely, some high-security apps may not function properly or require re-authorization each time you run.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling your password makes your data available to anyone who physically accesses the unlocked smartphone. If the device is lost, finding it through Device Search or remotely blocking it will be much harder without active protection.
However, for some use cases, such as when the phone acts as a stationary smart home control panel or is given to children, having a constant code request can be uncomfortable, and users compromise on choosing the simplest pattern lock or short PIN, although the system technically allows you to remove them.
Preparation for screen protection
Before you start making changes to your system settings, you need to make sure you remember your current password. The system won't allow you to change or delete your existing security method without confirming it. If you forget the code, the procedure will look different and require a complete data reset, which we'll talk about later.
It’s also worth checking whether Find Device is activated in your Google or Mi Account. In some firmware versions, having an active link to the cloud service can block the ability to completely abandon your password, requiring you to turn off device search first.
☑️ Readiness to change settings
It is recommended to back up important contacts and photos in advance. While the standard procedure for changing the type of lock to "No" does not delete files, any manipulation of system security parameters carries minimal, but the risk of software failures. Backup is the gold standard before any interference with security settings.
Step-by-step: how to remove password through settings
The main method of disabling protection is in the standard settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for passwords and security.
Follow this algorithm:
- 📱 Open the Settings menu and go to Passwords and Security (sometimes just called Security) and manage all authentication methods.
- 🔑 Select Screen Lock. The system will immediately ask you to enter your current password, pattern lock or fingerprint to confirm access rights.
- 🗑️ In the menu that opens, select the option to Disable or Not. If you can’t see it immediately, click on the current protection type (such as pattern lock) and select Delete».
- ✅ Confirm the action by re-entering the password, and the system will issue a warning about the risks that you need to accept.
After successfully completing these steps, the lock screen will disappear. When you turn on the phone or wake up the screen, you will immediately enter the desktop. Note that in some cases, especially after restarting the device, the system may request a password once or twice. PIN-code entered earlier as an additional protection measure before complete shutdown.
💡
If the “Disable” option is inactive (gray), check if the device encryption is enabled or if a corporate application that imposes the security policy is installed.
What to do if the “Disable” button is inactive or hidden
Users often experience a password deletion menu item that is missing or blocked, not a bug, but a feature of security policies, most often due to active administrative rights in certain applications.
The most common culprits of blocking:
- 🏢 Corporate profiles: If you have work applications installed on your phone (Microsoft Intune, various other applications). VPN corporate level, they may require a password.
- 🔒 Blocking Apps: Parental controls or Digital Wellbeing sometimes intercept lock screen control.
- ☁️ Mi Cloud Synchronization: In rare cases, active synchronization of certain system data may temporarily block changes in security settings.
To resolve the problem, try temporarily removing suspicious applications or disabling their device administrator rights in the security settings. Also check Advanced Settings → Privacy, where additional restrictions may be hiding.
Hidden Developer Settings
Comparison of locking methods: what to choose instead of a complete shutdown
No protection is not the only option. If your goal is to speed up unlocking but keep a minimum level of security, you should consider alternatives. Different methods offer a different balance between convenience and security.
Below is a table comparing the main types of locks available on Xiaomi:
| Protection method | Level of security | Unlock speed | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| No (Disconnected) | Absent. | Instantly. | Maximum. |
| Smart Lock | Low/Mediocre | Automated. | High. |
| pattern lock | Medium. | Quickly. | Average. |
| PIN-code (4 digits) | Medium. | Middle-Average | Normal. |
| Password (mixed) | High-pitched | Slowly. | Low. |
Smart Lock features that allow you to keep your phone unlocked in certain conditions: when it is in your pocket, connected to a trusted Bluetooth device (such as a smartwatch or headphones), or located in a given geo-zone (at home), this is the perfect compromise: at home, you don’t ask for a password, but on the street the device is protected.
You can set up a smart lock on the way Settings → Passwords and security → Screen locking → Smart Lock. You can add trusted devices and places here, using biometrics (print or face) in conjunction with simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple, simple. PIN-Code is also a great strategy: code is only needed when you reboot, and in everyday use you use fast biometrics.
What to do if you forget the password from the lock screen
The situation where a user wants to remove a password because they just forgot it is critical. resetting a forgotten password without losing data on modern versions of Android is almost impossible due to disk encryption. User data is tied to an encryption key, which in turn depends on the lock password.
The only working way to get your phone back is a full Hard Reset, which will delete all photos, contacts, apps and files. Before you start, make sure you remember the data from your Google account and Mi Account, as after the reset, the phone will require them to confirm ownership (FRP protection).
To perform the discharge:
- 🛑 Turn off the smartphone completely.
- ⬆️ Press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously before the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.
- 🔄 In the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, select power button) select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait until the process is over, then select Reboot. Once turned on, the phone will be as new. When you first set up, enter the account information you used earlier. If your phone has been stolen and you don’t know your password, this method won’t help you bypass the security, as without the original Google account, your device will remain locked. ⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors or older firmware versions had vulnerabilities to reset passwords through a computer and special utilities, but in the case of a computer, the company said. 2026-2026 And don't believe the programs on the Internet that promise to crack a password without losing data -- they're mostly viruses (FAQ) Can you turn off the password only for certain applications? Standard system tools don't. The lock password is a global security setting. However, you can use the built-in App Lock to set a password to run specific programs (such as Gallery or Banking apps) by leaving the screen unlocked or protected with a weak key. NFC Yes, it's critical. NFC-Payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay) are required to have a screen lock installed. If you remove the password, the payment function through the phone will stop working, as this violates payment system security standards. Will the password failed counter reset after the reboot? No, the failed-try counter and the timeout are not reset by a simple reboot. If the phone is locked for 30 seconds or an hour due to a lot of errors, you'll have to wait until that time expires. You can only reset the timer by turning off power completely (if the design permits) or by waiting. Will Find Device work without a password on the screen? Google's Find Device service will continue to work if the phone is connected to the Internet and logged in to your account. However, remote control may be limited, for example, the “Protect Device” function (which locks the screen with a new password) may not work correctly if the original protection has been removed. 💡Disabling your password significantly reduces the security of your personal data and disables payment systems, so it is recommended to use biometrics or Smart Lock instead of completely abandoning protection.