How to turn off application protection on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to restrict access to certain programs, whether banking apps, messengers or gallery. The application protection feature in the MIUI shell provides a strong barrier that requires a password or fingerprint to be entered every time you run, but there are times when this protection becomes an obstacle: a password is forgotten, the phone is transferred to another user or access to data is required in an emergency.

The Redmi 9’s deactivation process is different, depending on the Android version and interface modifications. Unlike simple screen locks, it uses a separate security mechanism that can be linked to a Mi Account, and understanding the architecture of this protection is essential to keep the device locked permanently and keep important data from being lost.

In this guide, we will look at all legal ways to remove restrictions, from standard settings to more sophisticated methods of resetting through a computer. It is important to understand that the security of your data is a priority, so some actions will require verification of the identity of the owner.

Standard shutdown through security settings

The easiest and most obvious way to remove protection is to use the standard settings interface if you remember your current password or have access to biometrics, go to Settings and find the App item, and the options list is about App Protection, which is usually located at the top of the menu or inside the Security subsection.

Once you enter your current unlock password or your fingerprint, you'll see a list of all the protected programs, and you'll see the switches in front of each application, and you'll just have to put the slider inactive to unlock it, and the system can request a reconfirmation to prevent accidental changes.

If you want to turn off the feature completely, rather than just unprotect a particular program, look at the top of the screen for a gear icon. By clicking on it, you'll be taken to a deep protection settings menu, where you can turn off your password request when you start, remove the application deletion lock, or disable the concealment of notification contents.

• 🔒 The standard path requires the mandatory entry of the current password protection.
• ⚙️ Full disabling of the function is available through the settings menu in the upper right corner.
• 👆 Using a face unlock or fingerprint speeds up access to the control menu.

⚠️ Note: If you forgot your password, the standard method through settings will not work, since the system will not let you inside the menu without authorization.

Resetting password through Mi-account

In situations where the password is forgotten, but the Redmi 9 smartphone is tied to the Mi Account, there is a recovery mechanism. If you have several failed attempts to enter the code, the screen will read “Forgot your password?” By clicking on this link, the system will prompt you to log in to your Xiaomi account, which is the most secure way, not requiring deletion of data.

Once you have successfully logged in, you will be prompted to set a new application protection password, and if the password was previously only tied to local storage, the system may suggest backing up or syncing the data to the cloud.

In some versions of MIUI, you may need to confirm via SMS to a linked phone number or email. Make sure the device is connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, otherwise the request for authorization servers will not pass.

Use of guest mode or second space

MIUI offers unique features for space sharing, such as Second Space or Guest Mode. While they don't remove protection directly, they allow you to access the system without having to hack the main profile. By creating a new user, you get a clean desktop without the set restrictions that were set in the main profile.

This method is useful if you need to use your phone urgently, for example, to make a call, and the main screen is blocked by application protection. You can switch to this mode through Settings → Special Options → Second Space. After switching, you will find yourself in an isolated environment where application protection is turned off by default or not configured.

However, it is important to understand that this method does not allow access to data, photos or correspondence protected in the main profile, it is more a temporary solution to ensure the functionality of the device than a method to restore access to hidden files.

• 🔄 The second space creates a completely independent environment with its own settings.
• 👤 Guest mode allows you to use basic phone functions without access to personal data.
• 📱 Switching between profiles takes a few seconds and does not require a reboot.

Full reset (Hard Reset)

If none of the software methods worked, the radical but guaranteed way remains to completely reset the device to factory settings.This process completely deletes all user data, including passwords, photos, contacts and installed apps. Redmi 9 will return to the state it was in when it was purchased.

To reset without access to the settings menu, you need to use Recovery mode. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release power, but keep the volume down until the recovery menu appears.

In the Recovery menu, you control volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After the process is complete, select Reboot to restart the system.

⚠️ After resetting on modern versions of Android will work protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection: You will need to enter your username and password from a Google account or Mi Account that was previously synced with your phone.

Removing protection through computer and ADB

For advanced users, there is a method of removing the security component through USB debugging, which allows you to remove or freeze the system application responsible for blocking, without losing personal data. However, to implement it, you need to have the option “Debug by USB” on the developer menu pre-installed on the phone.

You'll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and an ADB utility installed. Connect your smartphone with a cable to your PC and type a command to check the connection. If the device is accepted, you can proceed to uninstall the security package, usually called com.miui.securitycenter or has a similar name depending on the regional firmware.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter

Executing this command will remove the security center for the current user, which automatically removes all restrictions on running applications. To return everything as it was, just reset the phone or reinstall the system update. Be careful: removing system components can lead to unstable operation of other MIUI functions, such as memory cleanup or antivirus.

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Before using ADB, be sure to back up important data to your computer or the cloud, as an error in commands can cause the system to fail.

Frequently encountered problems and their solution

Redmi 9 users may find themselves in a situation where, after updating the system, the security settings get confused or stop working correctly. Sometimes the Security app may freeze when trying to enter a password. In this case, it is recommended to clear the cache of this application through the Settings menu → Apps → All applications → Security → Memory → Clear.

Another common problem is the endless cycle of requesting a password every time you run, even if the protection seems to be off, which can indicate a conflict of versions of system components. Check for MIUI updates in the About Phone section. If the problem persists, try removing security updates through the application management menu, returning it to the factory version.

Also worth mentioning are third-party launchers: Some users install alternative shells that can ignore or block system security settings. If you use a third-party launcher, try temporarily returning to the standard interface to check if the access problem persists.

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The most reliable way to avoid access problems is to update your password regularly and remember the data from your linked Mi Account, as this is the only recovery key without losing data.