Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer advanced tools to protect personal information. One of the most popular features is the ability to hide the contents of certain programs for additional digital protection. This is especially true if your device is used by children or if you often give the phone to colleagues and acquaintances. However, users often face a situation where the standard code is forgotten or there is an urgent need to change it to more complex.
The procedure for changing security data is not always obvious, because Android security and the manufacturer's proprietary add-ons have their own peculiarities. Unlike unlocking the screen, it uses separate mechanisms for encrypting access to specific applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods of password management, including using a fingerprint, a pattern lock and a Mi Account to restore access.
It is important to understand that the correct configuration of this feature requires care. Errors when entering new data can lead to blocking access to important data, such as correspondence in messengers or personal photos. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the algorithm of actions and make sure that you have access to the associated account for insurance.
Set up and change the type of protection in the security menu
The main tool for access control in Xiaomi smartphones is the system application "Security." This is where all the privacy settings are concentrated. To change an existing password or set a new one, you need to go to the corresponding menu section. Usually the path is: open the Security application, scroll down to the Tools block and select Application Protection.
If the security is already activated, the system will ask you to enter the current code or attach a finger. Once you have successfully authorized, you will be placed on a list of applications that are restricted to access. At the top of the screen, usually, there is an icon of a gear, which is the input to the settings, and you can not only add new programs to the list of protected, but also completely change the authentication method.
The system offers a number of security options to choose from. You can use a standard pattern lock, a digital key. PIN-The choice depends on your preferences in the balance between convenience and security level. To change the type of protection, you often need to confirm the action through the linked Mi Account.
It's worth noting that when you change your password type, the old access data stops working immediately, which means that if you switch from the pattern lock to the digital one, you can only unlock applications in a new way.
Using biometrics for quick access
Entering a password every time you run a secure application can be tedious. Fortunately, modern Redmi and Poco smartphones allow biometrics to be used to speed up this process. A fingerprint scanner or face ID can replace the need to enter code manually, which is not only convenient, but also increases security, because biometrics are unique.
To activate this feature, go to the application protection settings and find the “Use fingerprint” or “Uplock face” switch. Once enabled, the system will ask you to add a biometric template if it is not already created in the main settings of the phone.
⚠️ Note: Biometric unlocking may not work if the phone has been rebooted or if more than 24 hours have passed since the last successful unlock.
And there are limitations to using a fingerprint, too: if your finger is wet, dirty or damaged, the system may not recognize the owner, and in these situations, a backup password becomes the only way to get into the app, so never rely on biometrics alone, always remember the code, or store it in a safe place.
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Use different fingers to unlock the screen and to protect apps if your scanner supports multi-touch, or just train to enter your password quickly so you don’t get annoyed when biometrics crash.
Resetting password through Mi Account
The most common problem users face is a forgotten password, and if you don't remember a combination of characters or a pattern, the only legal way to restore access is through a linked Mi Account, a cloud-based service that synchronizes data and allows you to manage your device remotely, and without a pre-linked account, it's almost impossible to restore access to secure applications.
The reset process is as follows: on the password entry screen, click on the link "Forgot your password?" The system will prompt you to log in to your Mi Account. After successful login, you will be prompted to set a new password. This method only works if the smartphone has an Internet connection.
What to do if the Internet is not working?
The table below shows the main scenarios and opportunities for restoring access depending on the settings:
| Situation | Mi Account is tied | The Internet. | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forgot the password. | Yes. | Yes. | Successful reset via account |
| Forgot the password. | Yes. | No. | Network connection required |
| Forgot the password. | No. | Yes/No | Recovery is not possible, data reset is needed |
| Change of phone | Yes. | Yes. | Password is not transferred, you need to set again |
It is important to understand that resetting your password through your account does not restore the content of your applications if they have internal protection (for example, two-factor authentication in a bank).
Step-by-step instructions for changing the password
If you remember your current password and you just want to change it to a new one, follow this instruction. The process takes no more than a minute, but requires care. Make sure you're in a calm environment so you don't accidentally enter the wrong data several times in a row.
To start, open the Security app on your device. Find the App Protection icon (usually looks like a lock). Enter your current password or use your fingerprint to log in. In the menu that opens, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner.
In the settings menu, find "Change password" or "Password type" and the system will ask you to enter the current combination to verify your identity, then you will be prompted to enter the new password twice, and try not to use obvious combinations like "1234" or "000000", as this reduces the effectiveness of the security.
⚠️ Note: When changing your password, the system may require re-authorization to your Mi Account for security reasons.Do not ignore this step, otherwise the new password may not be saved correctly.
After you successfully change your password, check it, try to open any of the secure applications, and if the system requests a new code and lets it in after you enter it, then the procedure was successful. Now the old password is no longer valid.
Features of protection in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI
With the release of HyperOS and the updated versions of MIUI 14/15, the interface and logic of some security features have changed, with new shells focusing on ecosystem integration and stricter privacy policies, and users may notice a repositioning of menu items or new ways of biometric verification.
HyperOS has improved its work with Second Space and hidden apps, and now the application protection password can be synchronized with the second space password if the user chooses to use it, making access management easier, but requiring more careful settings when first running.
Newer versions of the firmware also include the Advanced Protection feature, which requires you to enter a password not only when you first start the app, but also periodically during your use if your phone is locked, which prevents you from accessing data if the device has been unlocked by someone else in your absence.
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In newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS, application protection settings may be in the general Privacy menu, not just in the Security app.
If you have upgraded to a new version of the system and can not find the old settings, search the phone settings. Type the phrase "protection" or "privacy" into the search box, and the system will redirect you to the desired menu section.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the system's cleverness, users sometimes experience technical failures, such as app protection, which may stop responding to input, or the fingerprint may no longer be recognized in a particular application, often due to software errors or update conflicts.
One common problem is the “departure” of a security application. If you try to enter a password, the screen flashes and returns to the desktop, try clearing the Security app cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find Security and click Clear Cache. This won’t delete your settings, but can fix an interface error.
Another situation is time desynchronization, where if the date and time on the phone are downed, the password check through Xiaomi servers may not work, and make sure that the settings have automatic network time synchronization, which is a critical parameter for cloud security features.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to install third-party apps to hack or reset passwords from unknown sources. at best they will not work, at worst you will infect your device with malware that will steal your data.
If nothing works, the radical method is to completely reset the phone to factory settings, but it will delete all the data, so it is only a last resort when access to information inside the applications is not as important as restoring the smartphone.