Protecting personal data on a modern smartphone is the number one priority for any owner. Xiaomi and Redmi devices provide flexible screen locking tools to choose the most convenient way to protect your screen. However, over time, it becomes necessary to change the combination of numbers or the pattern lock to more complex ones, or restore access if old data has been forgotten.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of password management in the MIUI shell, learn how to change the type of lock, adjust biometrics, and what to do in critical situations when access to the system is limited, and understand these processes will help protect your photos, correspondence and banking applications from outside interference.
Consider not only the standard procedures through the settings menu, but also the nuances of working with the Mi Account account, which plays a key role in the security system of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Preparing for changing the password and choosing the type of lock
Before you start changing the access code, you need to make sure you're in the security settings menu. MIUI It offers multiple layers of protection, each with its own characteristics, PIN-numeric code or full alphabetic-digital password.
The type of lock you choose has a direct impact on your data protection, and the pattern lock is easy to unlock quickly, but it's easy to see from the outside. PIN-A code is considered more reliable, especially if the combination is not a simple sequence like "1234" or "0000".
⚠️ Note: If you change the lock type, the system will automatically delete previously stored fingerprints and facial recognition data. You will need to configure the biometrics again after you set the new password.
To get started, go to the main settings menu of your device, find the security section, which can be called differently in different versions of firmware, usually passwords and security or device protection.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the password in the settings
The process of changing the password on Redmi and Xiaomi devices is standardized, but requires careful input, and you first need to log in using your current password to confirm that you are the one who has access to the phone.
Once you log into the password management menu, you will see a list of active protection methods, where you can change your screen lock, privacy password, or access to hidden apps.
- 🔒 Enter your current password, pattern lock, or PIN-code that is currently in use.
- 🆕 Select a new type of lock from the proposed list (key, PIN, password).
- ✍️ Come up with and enter a new combination, then confirm it with re-entering.
- ✅ Press the confirmation button to save the changes.
☑️ Checking before changing password
Don't use birth dates or simple sequences, and the system can alert you if the combination you choose is considered too weak from a security standpoint.
Biometric Security and Mi Account
Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to combine traditional passwords with biometric data, which significantly speeds up access to the device without reducing the level of protection. After changing the main password, it is recommended to immediately update the fingerprint scanner or face unlock system.
Mi Account integration is a critical security feature, which is tied to a device and allows you to remotely locate the phone, lock it, or erase data in the event of a theft, and without an associated account, it is almost impossible to restore access with a forgotten password.
| Type of protection | Level of reliability | Convenience | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium. | High. | Screenprints, peeking. |
| PIN-code (6+ figure) | High-pitched | Average. | Enterprise selection |
| Alphabet password | Maximum | Low. | Hard to enter on the go. |
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | Maximum. | False positives, dirty hands. |
To adjust the biometrics, go to Data and Biometrics, where you can add a few fingerprints, which is convenient if you are carrying your phone in different hands or using a case that covers the scanner, and Face ID is available, which uses a front-facing camera to recognize.
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Add the fingerprint of the index finger of the other hand – this will help unlock the phone when one of the hands is busy with a bag or holding a handrail in transport.
Change the privacy password and hidden apps
The MIUI shell has a separate layer of protection for specific files, folders and applications, a privacy password that is different from the screen unlock password and protects access to hidden photos, notes and installed applications, and requires a separate procedure to change it.
To change this code, you need to log into your privacy settings, which is usually hidden in the app menu or accessible by long-clicking on the Security icon. Enter the current password or pattern lock set for this feature.
Once you log in, select the option to Change your password. The system will suggest you create a new combination. Note that this password is also used to log into hidden gallery albums. It is highly undesirable to forget it, since it will be difficult to recover data without linking to your account.
⚠️ Note: If you change your privacy password, access to previously hidden files through older methods (such as widgets or shortcuts) will be temporarily blocked until you re-authorize.
Why do you need a separate password?
What to do if you forget the password from the phone Xiaomi
It's not uncommon for a user to forget a password. If you can't remember the combination to unlock the screen, standard reset methods are not available. The only working option is to completely reset the device to the factory settings.
To do the reset, you need to turn off your smartphone and enter Recovery mode. On most Redmi models, this is done by pressing the volume button and the power button at the same time. In the menu that appears, select Wipe Data using the volume buttons, and then confirm the action.
- 📱 Turn off the smartphone completely.
- 🔘 Press the power and volume button (+) before the logo appeared.
- 🔄 Select the language (if available) and the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option.
- ✅ Confirm the reset and wait for the device to restart.
It's important to understand that this process will delete all user data: photos, contacts, apps and messages. If you've been enabled to sync with Google or Mi Cloud, some of the data can be restored after you log in, but local files will be lost irretrievably.
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Hard Reset removes all data from the device, but it is the only way to access the phone with a forgotten password without using special service tools.
Frequent questions and problems when changing your password
Users often face technical nuances when accessing, such as not accepting a new password if it doesn’t meet security requirements, or requiring an old Google account password to be entered after a reset, which are anti-theft (FRP) features that can’t be easily circumvented.
Sometimes there is a problem when the touch screen reacts incorrectly, and it becomes impossible to enter the pattern lock. USB-mouse-adapter OTG. This will allow you to click on the right points or enter a digital code.
If the phone requires a password from a Mi Account that you do not remember, you need to use the recovery procedure through the manufacturer's official website. Without this step, you will not be able to activate the device after the reset, since the server will check the lock status.
⚠️ Attention: Software to crack passwords from the Internet is 99% malicious.Do not enter your account details on suspicious sites that promise instant unlocking.