How to change the password for the protection of applications on Xiaomi: all ways

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key features of MIUI. App password (or App Lock) prevents unauthorized access to instant messengers, gallery, banking programs and other sensitive services. But what if you forgot your current code, want to update it to a more reliable one or encountered an unlock error? In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the password protection – from standard settings to bypassing through Second Space and resetting through Mi Account.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the version. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS, smartphone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T etc.) and type of lock: this may be a classic PIN-We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific scenarios — for example, if the phone does not recognize your current password or requires confirmation through a validation. SMS.

1. Standard method: change password through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to change the password directly from the App Lock menu, which works if you remember the current code and have access to the main screen of the smartphone.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Applications → Application Lock (in some versions of MIUI, the path may look like Settings → Password and Security → Application Lock).
3. Enter the current password for confirmation.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock Settings.
5. Slip on the item Change password and follow the system prompts.

At this stage, you can choose a new one. PIN-Note: If you use Second Space, your password is changed separately in the Settings section of the Settings section. → Special facilities → Second Space.

If apps continue to request old code after changing their password, restart the device. In rare cases, cleaning the system cache helps: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points → Show system → Settings and click Clear cache.

2. reset password through Mi Account (if you forgot the current one)

This is even more complicated if you don’t remember the App Lock password, and if you have a linked Mi Account, you can use it if you:

• 📱 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
• 📡 Find the device activated in the settings.

Resetting instructions:

1. On the app lock screen, click Forgot your password? (or similarly written).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the account details (email or phone number + password).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Set a new password for App Lock.

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If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, try rebooting your smartphone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → "Reboot Safe Mode"). In this mode, some MIUI restrictions are removed.

Important: Once reset via Mi Account, all blocked apps will be unlocked. You will need to manually re-activate App Lock for each of them. Also note that this method does not work on HyperOS devices without a Xiaomi account attached.

3. Bypass of locking through Second Space (second space)

Second Space in MIUI allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate settings, including the App Lock password. If you forget the code in the main space, but have access to the second, you can bypass the limitation:

1. Switch to Second Space (swipe down the notification panel → user icon → space selection).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
3. Disable App Lock for all applications (unless a password was set in the second space).
4. Return to the main space - the lock should be reset.

If the second space also has a password, but you remember it, you can change the App Lock settings from there and then sync the changes to the main space.This method does not work on all models: for example, on POCO F5 and Redmi K60 with HyperOS, additional confirmation may be required through Mi Account.

4. Reset password through Recovery Mode (advanced method)

If the standard methods don't work, the radical solution is to reset your settings through Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data from the device, including passwords, but will return access to your smartphone. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for MIUI and HyperOS:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO X3, Redmi Note 10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

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Recovery Mode removes ALL data, including photos, contacts and apps. Before the procedure, try to restore access via Mi Account or Second Space.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) may require data entry from the Mi Account attached to the device after a reset. If you don’t remember them, use the account recovery service.

5. Features for HyperOS and new Xiaomi models

With the release of HyperOS (replacing MIUI on 2026 devices), App Lock has changed its approach, and now the application protection password is closely integrated with the Privacy Safe and Privacy Mode, with key differences:

HyperOS also has Auto Unlock on Trusted Networks (such as at home or work). To set it up, go to Settings → Privacy → Application Protection → Additional settings and activate Trusted Networks.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When changing the password of App Lock, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• ❌ "Check the keyboard layout (possibly Caps Lock enabled). If the password is correct but the system does not accept it, restart the device. On HyperOS, disabling the Smart Lock feature in the security settings can help.
• ❌ "Server not available" when reset via Mi Account Make sure the smartphone has the correct date and time (settings) → Additionally. → Date and time: If the problem persists, connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile Internet.
• ❌ Applications remain blocked after changing the password Clear the cache of the service com.miui.guardprovider (settings) → applications → application management → systemic).

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If App Lock stopped working after resetting the password, check if the MIUI Protection service is disabled in the battery settings (Section AutoRun).

Another common mistake is looping on the password screen, which happens when the system can't verify the data.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via Mi Assistant (official software from Xiaomi).
2. Reset your password through your computer (Unlock App Lock).
3. If the Mi Assistant does not recognize the device, update the drivers using the Mi Flash Tool.

7. Alternative ways to protect applications

If the standard App Lock doesn’t suit you, consider alternative methods of protecting confidential data on Xiaomi:

• 🔐 Third-party apps like AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) or Norton App Lock offer advanced settings, including geolocation or time locks. MIUI.
• 📁 Private Safe (Secure folder) Built-in function MIUI/HyperOS, So you can hide files and apps behind a password. → Confidentiality → Secure folder.
• 👤 The guest space is analogue to Second Space, but with limited rights. Useful if you need to temporarily transfer your phone to another person. → Special facilities → Guest space.

When using third-party blocking apps, disable the built-in App Lock to avoid conflicts. Also remember that some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) have their own security mechanisms and can block access if third-party lockers are detected.

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Built-in MIUI/HyperOS (App Lock, Private Safe) tools are more reliable than third-party solutions because they are integrated at the system level and have less impact on performance.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

If none of the above methods worked, contact the official Xiaomi service center. Providing proof of purchase (check or box), you can unlock the device without losing warranty. For POCO and Redmi models with global firmware, support is also available through the MIUI forum.