Modern smartphones store a huge amount of personal information, from bank applications to bottom photos, so protecting access to the device becomes the number one priority for the owner. If you are the lucky owner of the flagship Xiaomi Mi 9 or just decided to improve the security of an existing gadget, the first step will be to install a reliable access code.
The MIUI password change procedure installed on the Mi 9 is intuitive, but has some nuances to know about in advance. Incorrect settings can lead to account locking or data loss if you forget the new complex code. In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the steps of replacing security data, consider the types of locks and answer frequent questions that arise from users.
Choosing the optimal type of screen lock
Before you get into the technical part of the process, you need to decide which security method will be most convenient and safe for you. Android, in conjunction with the MIUI shell, offers a wide range of options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages in everyday use, the choice depends on how often you unlock the phone and how valuable the data stored in it is.
The most common option is a pattern lock, which is a connection of dots on the screen in a certain sequence, which is convenient for muscle memory, but it is easy to peek from the side, since the screen often remains greasy fingerprints. A digital password consisting of at least 4, and preferably 6 or more characters, is more reliable, since the number of combinations here is much higher.
For maximum protection, experts recommend using a mixed password that includes letters and numbers, although entering it every time can be tedious.The owner of the Xiaomi Mi 9 can also rely on biometric methods such as an underscreen fingerprint scanner or facial recognition system, but they still require the installation of backup digital or graphic code in case of a biometric failure.
- 🔑 pattern lock – convenient, but fingerprints can reveal the code.
- 🔢 Digital. PIN-Code – Balance between the speed of input and the reliability of protection.
- 🔐 Mixed password – maximum security, but longer to enter.
- 👆 Biometrics – fast, but requires a backup password.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a complex password, be sure to write it down in a safe place, as it is almost impossible to reset the forgotten code on modern versions of Android without losing data.
It’s important to understand that the type of lock you choose now will not only be used to unlock the screen, but also to confirm your Google Play activity, log in to banking apps, and protect your personal folders. If you plan to use Second Space or guest mode, the primary password you choose will be the key to managing these isolated environments, so don’t use simple combinations like “1234” or date of birth.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the password
Changing the security code on the Xiaomi Mi 9 takes a couple of minutes and requires no connection to a computer or special skills. All the necessary tools are already built into the system settings of the operating system. The main thing is to carefully follow the algorithm so as not to get confused in the menu and not to activate random lock.
To start, you need to get to the main settings menu of the device, which is usually indicated by the gear icon. If you can't find this shortcut on the desktop, just swipe the notification curtain from top to bottom and click on the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Find and select a section called "Passwords and Security" or "Lock screen and passwords" depending on the language of the interface.
- In the menu that opens, click on the "Screen lock" option.
- The system will ask you to enter your current password, pattern lock, or fingerprint to confirm administrator rights.
- After successful authorization, select a new type of lock from the list.
- Enter the new password twice to confirm and click "OK" or "Done".
If you switch from a pattern lock to a digital code, the system can alert you that certain features that depend on the type of lock may change. For example, hiding notifications on a locked screen may work differently for different types of passwords. Once all actions are confirmed, the new code will immediately take effect, and the next turn on the screen will require it to be entered.
☑️ Checking before changing password
It is worth noting that once you change your password, the system can automatically log you off from some Mi Account or Google services for security reasons. This is a normal data protection reaction, so just log in again using a new access code if necessary. It is also recommended to check the biometric sensors immediately, as sometimes after changing the main password, you need to re-attach fingerprints.
Set up Mi Account and Cloud Synchronization
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is closely integrated with its Mi Account, which plays a critical role in device security, especially the “Device Search” feature. When changing your screen lock password, it’s important to make sure that your account is also protected by a strong password, as it is through this account that you can remotely unlock your phone if you forget the code, but only if this feature was previously activated.
Mi 9 owners should check their cloud data sync status regularly. If you change your screen lock password, this does not change the password from the account itself, but may require re-authorization in some system services. Make sure that the account settings include the Device Search option, which allows you to remotely control your smartphone via a web interface.
The table below compares the security features of a local lock and a cloud account so you understand the difference and importance of each layer of protection:
| Function | Local password | Mi Account. |
|---|---|---|
| Protection against theft | It makes it difficult to access data | Blocks the device remotely |
| Data recovery | Impossible without code. | Maybe through the cloud. |
| Resetting action | Data is deleted | Account login required |
| Network dependency | Not required | Internet is required |
Don’t ignore the login notifications from new devices. If you change your password and Mi Cloud sends a sign-in alert, change your account password immediately, as this could mean your data is compromised. The security of Xiaomi Mi 9 is based on a bundle of physical access and cloud verification.
Using biometrics instead of passwords
Xiaomi Mi 9 features an advanced optical fingerprint scanner built right into the display, making unlocking quick and convenient. However, many users forget that biometrics is only a convenient replacement for password input, but not its full counterpart. The system periodically, usually after a reboot or once every few days, will require the input of digital or graphic code, not a fingerprint.
To set up the biometrics, go to the Passwords and Security menu and select "Unlock by fingerprint." You need to apply your finger several times to the specified area of the screen so that the system reads the pattern of papillary lines. The optical scanner works when the screen is off, highlighting the reading area, which is very convenient in the dark.
Beyond the fingerprint, the Mi 9 supports face unlocking using a front-facing camera and artificial intelligence algorithms. While this method is less secure than a finger scanner, since the owner's photo can theoretically unlock the phone, for many it's an acceptable trade-off between speed and convenience.
⚠️ Note: Biometric data is stored in the secure memory sector of the phone and is not transferred to Xiaomi servers, however, when resetting to factory settings, they will be completely deleted and require re-registration.
If you are actively using the NFC (Mi Pay, Google Pay) payment feature, remember that it is often the primary password or biometrics that are configured as a reliable authentication method that are required to confirm transactions. Make sure that the security settings allow the use of a fingerprint for payments, otherwise you will have to enter a long code every time, which negates the convenience of contactless payment.
What to do if you forget your password
Unfortunately, the situation of a user forgetting a password is quite common, especially if the code was complex and rarely used. On modern versions of Android and MIUI, there is no magic "forgot password" button that would allow you to reset the code without losing data, as was the case with older versions of the system.
The most reliable way is to use a Google or Mi Account if the Device Search feature was enabled in advance, you can go to google.com/android/find or i.mi.com from another device, log in to your account and select the device lock option with a new temporary password. By entering this new password on the locked Mi 9, you will be able to access the settings menu where you can change the protection to a simpler one.
If the accounts were not linked or the Internet on the phone is turned off, the only option is a complete reset of the device to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which will irrevocably delete all user data, photos and contacts not stored in the cloud.
- 📵 Turn off the smartphone completely.
- 🔘 Press the volume buttons "Up" and power at the same time.
- 🔄 Wait for the Mi logo to appear, then release the power button while continuing to keep the volume up.
- 🖱️ In the Recovery menu, select English and Wipe Data.
Can I get around a password without losing data?
After the reset procedure, the phone will ask you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device earlier (FRP — Factory Reset Protection: If you do not remember your account password, the process of restoring access can be very complicated and require you to contact the service center with a check for purchase.
Additional data protection measures
In addition to the standard screen lock, the Xiaomi Mi 9 offers a number of advanced features to protect sensitive information, one of the most useful is the Hide Content feature in notification settings, which prevents text messages and application names from being displayed on a locked screen.
Also, look at the app lock feature, which allows you to set a separate password or fingerprint to run specific programs, such as a gallery, messengers or bank clients, even if the main screen of the phone is unlocked, which creates an additional layer of security if you give the phone to someone to play or watch a photo.
To activate this feature, go to the settings, find the "Application Protection" section, and set a special password (this may differ from the unlock password of the screen), after which you can select from the list all the applications that should be restricted, which is especially true for the Mi 9, which is often used as the main working tool.
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Turn on Pocket Mode in the lock settings so that the phone does not react to touches in your pocket and does not make false calls or actions.
Regularly update your security through the About Phone menu, as Xiaomi periodically releases patches that close vulnerabilities in the lock mechanism. Ignoring updates can leave your device open to exploits that allow you to bypass protection. Always store a backup of important data on an external medium or in the cloud, as no password provides 100% guarantee against technical failure.
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Integrated protection Xiaomi Mi 9 It consists of three elements: a complex screen password, attached to the Mi/Google Account and additional blocking of important applications.