The modern smartphone contains a huge amount of confidential information, from correspondence in messengers to banking applications. That is why the issue of protecting the device is the first place for every Xiaomi owner. Standard factory settings often involve the use of a simple swipe or basic PIN code that is easy to find, owners often think about how to strengthen the protection or simply change the uncomfortable password to a more reliable one.
The procedure for changing the type of lock in the MIUI or HyperOS shell does not require deep technical knowledge. However, it is important to understand the difference between changing the password when you remember the old one and restoring access if data is lost. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of lock screen settings, consider hidden security features and help avoid typical errors that can lead to data loss.
It’s worth noting that the Android security system on Xiaomi devices is closely integrated with Mi Account and Google.This creates an additional layer of protection, but also imposes certain limitations when trying to change critical access settings. Before you start making changes, make sure you know your current credentials.
The main types of screen locking in MIUI
The system offers the user several options for securing access to the desktop, depending on the balance between convenience and the required level of security, each type has its own implementation and vulnerability.
The most common option is the pattern lock, which is a 3x3 grid connection in a specific sequence, a visually understandable method that many consider more reliable than a digital code, although on a bold screen fingerprints can give a trajectory. For older people or those who do not remember numbers well, this is often the optimal choice.
Digital. PIN-Code and password are considered more reliable in terms of entropy. PIN-The code is usually 4 or 6 digits, whereas the password can include letters, numbers and special characters. The more complex the combination, the harder it is to find brute-force methods, but this reduces the speed of unlocking the device in everyday use.
⚠️ Warning: Using simple combinations like "1234", "0000" or geometric shapes like the letter "L" makes your defense almost useless.
Biometric methods such as Face ID and fingerprint scanner are not formally a password, but serve as a convenient way of authorization.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the password
If you remember your current password and want to change it, it takes less than a minute to do the procedure, and you have all the settings in the standard menu, and you have to unlock the device and go to Settings.
In the list of options that opens, you should find Passwords and Security. In some versions of the firmware, it can be simply called "Screen Lock." Inside this section, you need to select the option "Screen Lock" and the system will immediately prompt you to enter the current security code to confirm that the action is being taken by the owner of the device.
☑️ Password change algorithm
Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a list of available security methods, and you can choose a password, a pattern lock, or a password. PIN-If you choose a new method, the system will ask you to enter it twice for confirmation. If you change the type of lock (for example, from a pattern lock to a password), the old method will cease to work immediately after confirming the new one.
While setting up, the system may offer additional features such as Password for Secondary Space or Child Protection, and don’t ignore these suggestions if you’re using your phone in multiple user mode.
Setup of biometrics and Face ID
Biometric identification makes it much faster to access the device. Xiaomi smartphones have facial unlock that uses a front-facing camera and machine learning algorithms to recognize the owner. This is convenient but requires proper initial calibration.
To set up, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Face unlock. You will need to enter the current screen lock password. Follow the instructions on the screen: keep your phone 20-40 cm away from your face and slowly turn your head so that the camera captures the angles.
- 📸 Lighting quality: Face ID It can work worse in total darkness if your device does not have an infrared sensor (as in the Redmi Note series with IR unlocking).
- 👓 Accessories: Glasses, masks or headgear can reduce recognition accuracy by requiring re-setting the profile.
- 🔄 Adaptability: The system gradually learns, remembering changes in appearance, but with a radical change in the image profile is better to update.
In parallel with the face, you can configure a fingerprint scanner that is located on the back, in the on button or under the screen. Under-display scanners require tight finger pressing, while capacitive scanners in the button fire from a light touch. It is recommended to add the same finger twice as different fingerprints to improve response speed.
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Add a thumbprint of your right hand and your index finger of your left hand, which will cover 90% of your phone’s use cases when it’s lying on a table or in a case.
What to do if I forget the lock password
The situation of the user forgetting the password is one of the most stressful. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and the MIUI shell do not allow you to simply reset the password through a Google or Mi Account, as it was in the old versions.
There are several scenarios, and the first and most reliable is to remember your password, and if that's not possible, you'll have to reset your device completely to the factory settings, and this action will delete all your data -- photos, contacts, apps, and correspondence -- if it's not synced to the cloud.
To perform a reset via the Recovery menu:
- Turn off your smartphone completely.
- Press the Volume+ button and the Power button at the same time.
- Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the power button while continuing to keep the volume.
- From the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, select power button) select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the phone will ask for a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was tied to the device before locking (FRP). Without this data, the phone will not be able to turn on.
If you had Google’s Find Device feature enabled, you could theoretically try to delete your password remotely via google.com/android/find, but on modern Android versions, this feature more often simply locks your device or erases data rather than changing your password.
Comparison of data protection methods
To choose the best protection option, it is worth comparing them by key parameters: reliability, speed and convenience. Below is a table that helps you decide on the choice.
| Method | Reliability | Input speed | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium | Tall. | Screenprints, video surveillance |
| PIN-code (4-6 figure) | Low/Mediocre | Medium | Pumpkin selection, "1234" |
| Alpha-numeric password | Very high. | Low. | It's hard to remember, it's long to enter. |
| Face ID/Prince | Tall. | Very high. | False positives, dirty hands. |
As you can see from the table, there's no perfect method, and combining biometrics for everyday use with a complex password for rare but critical authorization is the best strategy, and you shouldn't rely on your fingerprint alone, because it might not be read in the cold or in wet skin.
Additional security settings
MIUI offers a number of features that enhance standard locking, one of which is Pocket Mode, which prevents accidental taps in your pocket by locking the screen if the proximity sensor is closed but the phone is unlocked, which prevents unintentional calls and purchases.
Also worth paying attention to is the application blocking feature, which allows you to set a separate password for running specific programs (gallery, bank client, notes), even if an attacker gains access to the desktop, he will not be able to open secure applications without additional code or fingerprint.
In the Security section, you can configure notifications to appear on a locked screen, and it is recommended to hide the contents of messages, leaving only the name of the sender, which will prevent the leak of confirmation codes (SMS) and personal correspondence when the phone is lying up.
Secret code to check the status of the lock
In security patches (Security Patch), Xiaomi closes vulnerabilities through which hackers could bypass the lock screen or access data via USB debugging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data if I forget my password?
Why does the phone say "Device locked" after resetting?
How to turn off the screen lock completely?
Does a complex password affect the speed of your phone?
What to do if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the update?
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Regular password change and two-factor authorization for your Mi Account are key to the long-term security of your personal data.
In conclusion, lock management on Xiaomi is a balance between paranoia and common sense. A password that is too simple makes your device vulnerable, too complex, annoying every time you use it. Find your middle ground, use biometrics for comfort, and remember to periodically check who has access to your device through the trusted menu.