How to turn off protection on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to change standard security settings, whether it’s due to forgetfulness when the password is forgotten or the desire to gain full control of the device for installing custom firmware. MIUI’s shell offers a layered security system that, while effective, sometimes becomes a barrier for power users.

In this article, we will discuss all aspects of removing restrictions in detail, from simply removing the screen password to the complex procedures for unlocking the bootloader. It is important to understand that each level of protection has its own characteristics of undoing, and improper actions can lead to data loss. Unlocking a Mi Account without a password is possible only if you have a receipt for the purchase of a device.

Before any action is taken, risks must be assessed: a complete shutdown makes the device vulnerable to unauthorized access if it falls into the wrong hands. However, if the gadget is only used in a safe environment or is preparing for resale, these measures are necessary.

Removing the screen unlock password

The easiest way to disable protection is to remove the password, pattern lock, or PIN-This method works if you remember your current password and have access to your smartphone desktop. → Passwords and security → Device protection.

Here, the system will require you to enter the current unlock code. Once you have successfully authorized, select the option "Switch off your password." You will be asked to choose a new way of protecting yourself or leave the device fully open. If you choose to unsubscribe, the system will warn you of the risks, but will allow you to complete the procedure.

In some versions, MIUI may require confirmation via Google or Mi Account, an additional security measure to prevent children or unauthorized persons from accidentally disabling protection.

It's worth noting that once you disable your password, biometrics like fingerprints will also stop working to unlock, and you'll have to re-enter the code if you decide to restore protection in the future, which is standard Android security behavior.

Resetting settings via Recovery Mode

If you can’t access your desktop because of a forgotten password, the only option is to force a reset through Recovery Mode, which will completely delete all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, returning the phone to factory status.

To enter Recovery mode, turn off the device completely. Then press the volume and power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while keeping the volume up. From the menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese) and press Wipe Data.

Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin, it can take between seconds and a couple of minutes, the phone will suggest rebooting when it is completed, and when it is first activated, the system may request a password from a Google account that has been synced to the device before, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.

⚠️ Note: Recovery does not remove the lock of the Google account or Mi Account. If the phone was linked to the account, after the reset, you will need to enter the username and password from it, otherwise the device will remain locked.

Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)

To make a deep modification, install custom recavators or obtain superuser rights (Root), you need to unlock the bootloader, a complex procedure that requires pre-preparation and waiting. The official tool is called the Mi Unlock Tool.

The first step is to link the device to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → The phone. → Press 7 times on the version MIUI, To activate the developer menu. Then go to Additional → For developers and include the items "Factory unlocking" and "Debugging by USB».

Next, download and install Mi Unlock on a Windows computer. Launch the program, log in to your account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamping the power and volume buttons when the phone is turned off).

Most often, the first time you try, the system will tell you to wait, the standard waiting time is 168 hours (7 days), during which time you can not unplug your account or reset your phone, otherwise the timer will reset, after the expiration of the procedure is successful.

Bypassing the Mi Account lock

Mi (Mi Cloud) account locking is a major obstacle that often occurs when you buy a used phone or after you forget your password, and it's an anti-theft system that you can almost legally circumvent without a password, and the official way is to restore access through i.mi.com.

If the device was bought from hand and locked by the previous owner, the only option is to contact the seller for remote unlock through the cloud, so the owner needs to go to the site, find the device in the list and click "Unlock."

There are service centers that can unblock when you present proof of ownership (check, box with IMEI), software methods of bypassing, which can be found on the network, are often viruses or fraud, as they require deep intervention in system partitions.

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When buying a used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to log out of the Mi Account and make a full reset with you.

It is important to distinguish between a screen lock and an account lock, the first one can be reset, the second one can only be removed by entering a password or removing a device from the cloud by the owner, and attempts to select a password can lead to locking the device over IMEI on the company's servers.

Disabling device search and advertising

Often, “protection” means intrusive ads in embedded apps or a “Device Search” feature that can accidentally lock the screen, which makes it easier to use but less safe to steal.

To disable ads in system applications, you need to go to the settings of each of them (for example, “Conductor”, “Music”, “Themes”) and find the “Receive recommendations” switch. You can also turn off the msa service (MIUI System Ads) in the application menu, although the system will resist this action.

To disable device search, go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Device Search and turn off the switch. The system will require a password from the account to confirm. After that, the phone can be unlocked without being linked to the cloud, but in the event of a theft, it will be impossible to track it.

Some users also tend to disable app signature verification or installation from unknown sources, which are in the security section.Be careful: disabling signature verification opens the way for malware that can steal bank card data.

⚠️ Warning: Disconnecting system security services through ADB or special applications can lead to unstable operation of the interface, the disappearance of notifications or the inability to run some banking applications.

Using ADB to Remove Restrictions

For advanced users, there is an ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge) that allows you to control your device from your computer, remove system applications, and change hidden settings without superuser permission, a powerful tool that requires accuracy.

To work, you need to install Xiaomi and Google USB drivers on your PC, as well as the SDK Platform Tools platform. After connecting the phone with USB debugging enabled, you can enter commands. For example, a command to remove a specific system application looks like this:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet.applications

With ADB, you can turn off the lock screen if it is caused by a system failure, or remove password requirements in some scenarios. However, this is not a universal solution for forgotten graphics keys, since modern versions of Android store password hashes in a secure partition that is not available without an unlocked bootloader.

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ADB is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, but it’s not a magic pill for removing all kinds of protection, especially Google and Mi accounts.

Work with ADB Removing critical system components can lead to a "bootloop" (cyclic reboot). Always check the name of the package before you delete. If you are not sure about the purpose of the component, it is better to leave it unchanged.