Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with powerful digital hygiene tools that limit access to certain features of the device. Parental control is designed to protect children from unwanted content, but sometimes it becomes an obstacle for the owners of gadgets. Situations when you need to unlock access arise regularly: the PIN is forgotten, the child has set restrictions, or the device was purchased by hand already configured.
The procedure for removing restrictions depends on the method of protection. The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS use different mechanisms, from built-in Second Space features to third-party Google applications. Disabling parental control requires care, as incorrect actions can lead to a complete lockdown of the device or loss of personal data. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to solve the problem, from standard settings to radical reset measures.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand which system of restrictions you are facing, whether it's a standard limited user profile, a "Second Space" function, or a third-party application, the algorithm of actions in each case will be radically different, the wrong choice of method can not only not solve the problem, but also make the situation worse by blocking the Mi Account or causing a reset without the possibility of recovery.
Determination of the type of lock installed
The first step should always be diagnostics. There are several layers of protection on Xiaomi smartphones that users often confuse. Google Family Link's standard parental controls work differently than the built-in Second Space feature or Guest mode. If you try to delete a Google profile thinking it will lift the MIUI restrictions, you'll lose time but not get the desired result.
Note the lock interface. If you're asking for a four-digit code other than the screen unlock code when you unlock or launch an application, you're likely activating a limited profile mode. If you have a separate application icon with your time and limit settings on your desktop, you're talking about Xiaomi's system solution. It's important to identify the source of the problem.
โ ๏ธ Note: Trying to guess password more 5-10 This may cause a temporary lock on the device. 30 You need to enter a Mi Account to confirm ownership.
It is also worth checking for third-party apps. Often parents install specialised locker programs that are not part of the Android system but have device administrator rights. These programs may masquerade as system processes or have hidden icons. Check the list of installed applications in Settings โ Applications โ All applications for unknown utilities with administrator rights.
Use of standard settings MIUI and HyperOS
If access to the phone's basic settings is not blocked, the easiest way is to use standard system functionality. In modern versions of MIUI firmware, restriction management is often placed in a separate section or integrated into security settings. First, try to find the Security app (green shield icon), which is the system control center.
Inside the Security app, scroll down to Restrictions or Parental Control. If the function is active, you'll see a switch or a control button. When you click on it, the system will request a previously set password. It's a routine, and without knowing the code or answering the control question (if it was set up), you won't get around this step.
- ๐ Open the Security app on the home screen.
- ๐ Go to Parental Controls or Second Space.
- ๐ Click on the settings gear in the upper right corner.
- ๐ Select the option to Disable or Remove the second space.
In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, management may be in the general system settings. Go to Settings โ Passwords and Security โ Second Space. You can control the switch between spaces or completely delete the guest profile. However, if you do not remember the password from the second space, the system will prompt it to enter, and without this step, deletion is impossible.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Deleting Second Space will completely erase all data (photos, contacts, apps) inside this isolated profile.
If the standard way through settings is not available or requires a password that is unknown, move on to more sophisticated methods.Remember that Xiaomi's security system is designed to prevent unauthorized access, so there are no simple "one-button" workarounds for forgotten passwords.
Reset via Mi and Google account
Xiaomiโs ecosystem is closely linked to Mi Account, and if you set up your Mi Account when you set up parental controls or a second space, it can be a key to saving your life. In some scenarios, after several failed password attempts, a link appears on the screen, โForgot your password?โ or an offer to unlock through your account.
To use this method, the device must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), the system will send a request to Xiaomi servers for verification. You will need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was used to create restrictions, this is the most secure way, not requiring a data reset.
The same is true for a Google account: if the lock is implemented through Google Family Link, it can only be removed from the parent's device where the app is installed. Locally, you cannot disable Family Link on your child's phone without the administrator password, which is a basic security feature of Android.
It is important to understand the difference between local password and cloud verification. Resetting passwords through Mi accounts is only possible if Find Device is activated before locking, and if the phone is not linked to the account or the search function is disabled, this method will not work, and more radical options will have to be considered.
Safe Mode Method for Removing Applications
If parental control is implemented through a third-party app (not system), an effective method can be to log into Safe Mode, in which Android only loads with basic system applications, and all third-party programs, including blockers, are temporarily disabled, which allows you to access settings and remove the problematic application.
To enter Safe Mode on most Redmi and Xiaomi models, you need to press the power button. When the off menu appears on the screen, press and hold your finger on the Turn Off icon (or Reboot, depending on the version of MIUI). In a few seconds, a request will appear to enter Safe Mode. Confirm action.
Once the device is loaded, the corner of the screen will say โSecure Mode.โ Now you can go to Settings โ Apps and find the application that set the restrictions. Delete it or turn off the administrator rights in the Settings menu โ Passwords and Security โ Privacy โ Special Access โ Administrator Apps.
- ๐ก๏ธ Press the on button and select "Switch offยป.
- ๐ก๏ธ Press and hold the โSwitch Offโ icon on the screen.
- ๐ก๏ธ In the window that appears, confirm the transition to safe mode.
- ๐ก๏ธ Remove the blocker application through settings.
- ๐ก๏ธ Reboot the phone in the usual way to exit the mode.
Once a malicious or restrictive application is removed, the phone needs to restart in the normal way, and the phone will return to normal mode and the lock should disappear.This method does not work against MIUI system functions, as they are part of the firmware, not third-party applications.
The Radical Method: Full Reset (Hard Reset)
If none of the gentler methods work, the last and most effective option is a complete Hard Reset, which is guaranteed to delete all user data, settings, passwords and therefore parental controls, but the cost of this method is total loss of information if you donโt have a backup.
To do the reset, you need to go to the Recovery menu. On Xiaomi smartphones, this is done by a combination of buttons when the device is off. Make sure the phone is completely off. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
Combination for entering Recovery:
1. Turn off the phone completely.
2. Press Volume Up + Nutrition.
3. Hold until the logo appears, then release the Meals.
4. Release Volume when the Recovery menu appears.In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action (Confirm), the process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will reboot as new.
โ ๏ธ Note: Once reset and turned on, the phone may request a password from a Google account (FRP Lock) or Mi-account that was previously synced to the device. This is anti-theft. You should know this data.
This method is a universal solution for any software locks, including forgotten graphic keys and PIN-But it requires access to accounts that were previously linked to the device, and if you bought the phone from your hands and don't know the previous owners, unlocking it may not be possible without going to the service center with checks.
Comparison of methods and possible risks
The choice of method depends on your specific situation, the availability of important data on the device and the type of protection installed, and to make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a comparison table of the main methods.
| Method | Data security | Difficulty | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings (with password) | 100% | Low. | Tall. |
| Through the Mi/Google account | 100% | Medium | Depends on the binding. |
| Safe regime | 100% | Medium | Third-party software only |
| Hard Reset (Dumping) | 0% (all removed) | Tall. | Maximum |
The biggest risk is the Hard Reset procedure. In addition to losing photos and contacts, there is a risk of activating FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If the phone is stolen and an attacker tries to reset it, it will run into the password request wall of the owner. So before reset, make sure that you are the legitimate owner and remember the account details.
โ๏ธ Ready for full reset
Also, the operating system version should be considered. On newer versions of Android 12/13/14 and HyperOS, the security mechanisms have become stricter. Some methods that worked on old firmware (for example, bypassing certain utilities) may be closed. Always focus on the relevance of information for your version of the software.
Prevention and access management
To avoid future locking problems, it is important to set up the device correctly. If you are setting parental controls for a child, be sure to keep passwords in a safe place. Using password managers or writing to a notebook that is stored securely will help avoid a situation of "forgotten code."
Parents will benefit from regular monitoring of installed apps, children often find ways to get around restrictions by installing new programs, checking the list of applications with administrator rights will help keep things under control, and you should not give your child the main password from unlocking the screen if the device has a separate profile.
What to do if your phone requires an activation code?
Using Xiaomi and Google cloud services for backup is not just a recommendation, itโs a necessity. In the event of any software failures or locks, you can restore your contacts, photos and settings to a new or reset device in minutes. Set up autosynchronization right now if you havenโt already.
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Tip: Before handing the phone to your child, create a separate Google account for them and set up Family Link.This will give you full control of the device remotely, without having to physically pick up the phone to check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can parental control be turned off without losing data?
What if the phone says โDevice lockedโ after resetting?
Does this work on all Redmi and Xiaomi models?
How to remove restrictions if the child has installed the application-blocker?
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The main takeaway: The most reliable way to avoid lockdown issues is to regularly back up data and store passwords from accounts in an accessible location.Hard Reset solves the problem, but costs you all the files on your phone.