How to remove the application lock on Xiaomi: from PIN-pre-fingerprint

Application locking in MIUI is a useful feature for protecting sensitive data, but sometimes it turns into a headache: Have you forgotten your password, bought a used phone with locked programs or just tired of entering a PIN every time you open WhatsApp? In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to disable locking, from standard settings to workarounds for forgotten codes.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12/13/14), the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the type of lock (password, pattern lock, fingerprint).We tested each method on current firmware 2023-2026 and indicated where root rights or factory resets will be required.

1. Standard lock shutdown via MIUI settings

If you remember the password or have access to the main lock screen of the phone, the easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings.This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with a firmware version at least MIUI 10.

Open the Settings menu → Applications → Application lock. Here you will see a list of blocked programs. To remove the protection:

• 🔓 Click on the lock icon next to the desired app (e.g. Gallery or Messages).
• 📱 Enter the current password, PIN Or use your fingerprint to confirm it.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window – the lock will be removed.

If you want to disable the feature completely for all applications, go to Settings → Password & Security → App Lock and deactivate the slider. The system will require you to enter your current password for confirmation.

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On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) the path to settings may be different: Settings → Privacy → Application lock. If you do not find an item, search by settings (the icon of the magnifier at the top).

2.Reset the lock password through the Xiaomi account

Forgot the password from the lock, but the phone is tied to the Xiaomi account? In this case, you can use the recovery function.

• 📧 Your phone has your Mi Account logged in.
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 The "Find the Device" function is activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Application Lock.
2. Click on “Forgot your password?” (or similarly written at the bottom of the screen).
3. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
4. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
5. Follow the system instructions to create a new lock password.

Important: Once you reset your password, all previously blocked applications will remain on the lock list, but their protection will be deactivated, and you will need to manually re-enable the lock if you still need it.

3. bypass the lock through safe mode (no root)

If you don’t remember your password and are not tied to your Xiaomi account, you can try bypassing the lock through Safe Mode, which works on most models (Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 11 Lite), but requires physical access to the device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button before the MI logo appears.
3. Once the logo appears, hold the volume button until the phone boots.
4. In the lower right corner of the screen will appear the inscription "Safe mode".

In Safe Mode, all third-party applications (including MIUI lock) are disabled.

• 📁 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the "Application Lock" list (com.miui.applock).
• 🗑️ Click "Delete Data" and confirm the action.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.

After rebooting, the application lock will be reset, but all lock settings (the list of protected programs) will remain. You will need to reset the password or disable the function.

4.Use of ADB to remove the lock (advanced method)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires the included debugging on USB And access to a computer, but you don't need root rights. MIUI 12–14.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.applock

This command will reset the application lock settings. After you do, restart your phone. If the command doesn't work, try the alternative:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

Then repeat the first command. This method works on MIUI 13/14, where Xiaomi has restricted access to some APIs.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)

Connect your phone to the original cable

Allow debugging on the smartphone screen-->

5. Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset hard, and it will delete all the data from your phone, including photos, messages, and apps, and only use this as a last resort.

How to reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power and volume buttons simultaneously until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe Data (or "Erase Data").
4. Confirm the action by choosing Yes.
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Once reset, the phone will return to factory settings and the app lock will be disabled, but you will need to reconfigure the device, restore data from the backup (if any) and log in to your Xiaomi account.

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Resetting to factory settings deletes ALL data, including files on internal memory, and if the phone had important photos or documents without a backup, they will be lost forever.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) after reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account account that was previously associated. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will turn into a brick!

6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and root

If you're willing to take risks, you can use third-party tools or get root rights, which are suitable for power users and require technical knowledge.

Popular utilities for bypassing the lock:

To use TWRP or Magisk, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.This voids the warranty and can lead to unstable phone operation. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13), unlocking the bootloader can take up to 720 hours of latency!

⚠️ Note: Installing third-party firmware or system modifications may result in Mi Account being blocked for suspected fraud. Xiaomi is actively fighting unofficial bypassing techniques, so use them at your own risk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi app lock