How to change the password on the phone Android Xiaomi Redmi 9

In today’s digital world, a smartphone has become a storehouse of sensitive information that must be protected. Xiaomi Redmi 9, a popular budget device, offers flexible tools to ensure data security. Changing a password is a basic skill that allows you not only to protect your gadget from prying eyes, but also to update the combination if the old one has become too simple or has been compromised.

The procedure for changing the MIUI shell access code may be slightly different from standard Android, but it remains intuitive. Redmi 9 owners should be careful about choosing a new way to lock, as this depends on the level of protection of personal photos, banking applications and correspondence. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps to install a new password, pattern lock and biometric data.

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the device is charged at least 20-30% to avoid suddenly turning off at a critical time of system setup, and remember the current access code in advance, since without its confirmation, you will not be able to change the security settings. If you forget the old password, you will need a more complex reset procedure through your Mi Account or Google account.

Enter the Security Settings Menu

The first step to change the security data is to go to the system menu. On the home screen, find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. Once you start the app, scroll down to the Passwords and Security section, and that's where all the device access control tools are concentrated.

Inside this section, you will be greeted by a menu with various options, including fingerprint management, facial recognition and screen locking. You must select Screen Lock. The system will immediately request proof of your identity, suggesting you enter your current password, pattern lock or fingerprint, a standard precaution to prevent unauthorized access.

⚠️ Note: If you enter the current password incorrectly several times in a row, the system temporarily blocks the ability to enter. In the event of a complete loss of access to the current code, you can only reset it through the Mi Account account, if it was previously linked, or by a complete data reset (Hard Reset).

Once authenticated, the lock type will be selected, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers a wide range of options, from a simple swipe (which is not protected) to complex alphanumeric combinations, depending on your preferences in the balance between the ease of unlocking and the level of security required.

Selecting the type of screen lock

The lock type screen will offer you several different security options, each with different features and reliability levels, and the following basic formats are available for Redmi 9:

  • πŸ”’ pattern lock – connection of points on the grid 3x3 in a certain sequence; convenient for quick input, but leaves traces on the screen.
  • πŸ”’ PIN-code: four-digit or longer numerical code; classical and reliable method.
  • πŸ”£ Password – combination of numbers, letters and symbols; maximum level of protection, but requires more time to enter.
  • πŸ‘† Fingerprint – biometric unlocking, which is often used in conjunction with the main password.

When selecting a digital pattern lock PIN-The code is considered the β€œmiddle ground” for most Xiaomi users, providing sufficient protection when quickly entered.

πŸ“Š What type of lock you use most often?
pattern lock
PIN-code
A complex password
Fingerprint.
Face ID

It is worth noting that the choice of lock type affects the availability of certain features, for example, when using a pattern lock or a simple key. PIN-Some banking applications may require additional confirmation or not allow the use of quick payments. NFC without entering a full password. MIUI Warn you about possible security limitations when choosing simple methods.

Instructions for setting a new password

Once you have decided on the type of protection, for example, you have chosen a password or PIN-code, the system will prompt you to enter a new combination. Enter the desired code twice to confirm. When entering, be careful: on Xiaomi Redmi 9 there is no "show password" function at the time of installation, so errors may go unnoticed until the screen is locked.

In parallel with the installation of the main code, the system will offer to configure additional parameters, such as smart locking, which allows you not to request a password if the smartphone is in a trusted place (for example, at home) or connected to a specific Bluetooth device, which greatly improves usability without compromising security in a familiar environment.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist for setting a strong password

Done: 0 / 5

An important step is to set the time of automatic locking. In the screen lock menu, find the "Sleep Mode" or "Time Out" option. Here you can set the interval from 15 seconds to 30 minutes, after which the screen will go out and require re-entering the password. For maximum security, you should choose the minimum value.

Setup of biometric protection

Modern smartphones, including Redmi 9, are heavily biometric. The side of the device, combined with the power button, has a fingerprint scanner. To add a fingerprint, go to the Passwords and Security menu β†’ Fingerprints. The system will ask you to enter the current lock password to confirm the administrator's rights.

The scanning process takes about 10-15 seconds. You'll need to put your finger several times to the scanner, slightly changing the angle of inclination, so that the system counts all the faces of the fingerprint. MIUI allows you to save up to 5 different fingerprints, which is convenient if you have multiple trusted people on the phone or if the finger of one hand is often occupied or damaged.

Type of biometricsLocation.Speed of operationReliability
Fingerprint.Side buttonInstant.Tall.
Face ID (2D)Front camera.Fast.Medium
CombinedBoth methodsInstant.Maximum
Voice (rarely)MicrophoneMediumLow.

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 also has facial unlock, which uses a front-facing camera to analyze your face. While it's less secure than a fingerprint scanner (since a photo can theoretically unlock your phone), it's very convenient in situations where your hands are busy.

Additional data protection parameters

The MIUI shell offers unique features that go beyond just locking the screen, and one of them is the Second Space, which is an isolated environment inside the phone that has its own desktop, apps, and most importantly, its own separate password or fingerprint to log in, and you can switch between the main and second space instantly.

How does Second Space work?
The second space creates a virtual clone of the system. When you unlock your phone with a certain finger (like your left thumb), you enter normal mode. If you put your right hand finger, the phone unlocks immediately into Second Space, where your personal photos and files are hidden. To an outsider, it looks like a normal phone login.> The second space creates a virtual clone of the system. When you unlock your phone with a certain finger (like your left thumb), you enter normal mode. If you put your right hand finger, the phone unlocks immediately into Second Space, where your personal photos and files are hidden.

Another important feature is Application Lock, which allows you to set an additional password to run specific programs, such as a gallery, messages or bank clients, even if the phone itself is already unlocked, and you can find this option in the Security app (green zipper icon), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices.

⚠️ Attention: App Lock does not replace the primary password of the screen. If an attacker gains full access to the system, they can disable this protection. Use it as an additional barrier to curious acquaintances, not as a main line of defense.

Remember to use Emergency Call. The lock screen always has access to emergency numbers, and the security settings can also add medical data and emergency contacts that are available without unlocking the phone, which can save lives in a critical situation.

What to do if you forget your password

It's not uncommon for users to forget their password, and if you forget the lock code on Xiaomi Redmi 9, there are a number of ways to fix the problem, but none of them allow you to simply "see" the old password. The easiest way is to use a Mi Account account. If your phone is connected to the Internet and your account is tied, after a few incorrect attempts to enter, the system will suggest resetting the password through your account.

If the account is not tied or the phone is offline, the only option is a full reset (Hard Reset), which will remove all information from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, returning the phone to the factory settings, turning off the phone, then pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until the Mi logo appears.

Once you hit the Recovery menu (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection), select the language (English), then Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Once the process is complete, select Reboot. The phone will start as new, and you can set a new password.

πŸ’‘

Hard Reset is a last resort that deletes all data, and only use it if you can’t recover from your Mi Account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I change my password without knowing the current one?
Without knowing your current password, you can't change it in your settings. This is an Android security requirement, and the only option is to reset it via your Mi Account (if your phone is online) or reset it completely with all your data lost.
What is the hardest password to crack on Redmi 9?
The most resistant to hacking is a long alphanumeric password (a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols) longer than 12 characters. PIN-6 digit code combined with a fingerprint.
Does changing your password affect your phone?
No, changing your password frequently doesn’t affect processor performance or Xiaomi Redmi 9 speed, but it can reduce the risk of others recognizing your code by watching you in public.
What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP)?
This is Google protection. Once you reset, the phone will require you to enter a login and password from a Google account that was synced to the device before, and this protects you from theft and other people using the phone after the reset.