How to put a lock on Xiaomi: all ways to protect your smartphone

Protecting your personal data on Xiaomi starts with the right lock setting. Even if you lose your device or get stolen, a strong password or biometrics will prevent attackers from accessing your photos, emails and banking apps. But how do you choose the best lock method among all the options available?

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to install a lock on Xiaomi – from the classic PIN-You will learn how to configure protection on different models (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series), which methods are most secure, and how to avoid typical errors in setting. MIUI, where some functions are hidden in non-obvious menu sections.

Why it is important to set a lock on Xiaomi

Without screen protection, your smartphone becomes vulnerable to:

• 🔓 Unauthorized access – anyone can view your messages, photos or browser history.
• 💳 Financial losses – through mobile banking or payment systems (such as Mi Pay) scammers can write off money.
• 📱 Data Leaks – Contacts, passwords from social networks and email can be copied in minutes.
• 🔄 Misuse of the device – for example, sending SMS to pay numbers or install malicious applications.

Statistics from Kaspersky Lab show that more than 30% of smartphone thefts end in the theft of money from tied cards. At the same time, Xiaomi with an unlocked screen this happens 2 times more often than on the iPhone - due to the features of the MIUI architecture and less protection by default.

Even if you are sure that the phone is always under control, locking is useful in everyday situations: for example, when a child picks up a device for games or when you leave a gadget on the table in a cafe. MIUI 14 and later added a feature Private Mode, which hides notifications on a locked screen is an additional layer of privacy.

How to lock the screen on Xiaomi: a comparison of methods

Xiaomi smartphones have 5 main types of locks available, and their reliability and convenience depend on the device model and the version of MIUI. Below is a comparison table:

For maximum safety, experts recommend combining biometrics (print or face) with a biometric PIN-For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, you can set up fingerprint unlock, but when you reboot the device, you will need to enter it. PIN — This protects against bypassing through Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) A pattern lock can leave a mark on a display in bright light. Use this method only if you are sure that there are no prying eyes.

How to install PIN-code or password on Xiaomi

This is the basic locking method that works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models on the platform. MIUI 9-10. The instructions are universal for Redmi, POCO and Mi line:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Lock Screen (or Password & Security → Lock screen on new versions).
3. Select Set a Password or Add a PIN.
4. Type the combination twice. For a PIN, the minimum length is 4 digits, but it is better to use 6+.
5. For a password, the system will require letters, numbers and special characters (for example,!@#$%).
6. Confirm the retention.

Nana MIUI 12 and newer after installation PIN-The code will appear option Hidden mode - it allows you to hide notifications on a locked screen. Activate it if you want to hide the content of messages from outsiders.

Make sure the code is remembered (write it in a safe place)|Check the emergency call (click "Emergency call" on the lock screen)|Set up automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity|Disable notifications on the locked screen (if necessary)-->

If you're afraid of forgetting your PIN, write it down in a password manager (like Bitwarden or KeePass) or on paper stored in a secure location. Don't save the code in notes on your phone - that's the equivalent of no security.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3) After 5 failed attempts to enter PIN The phone locks for 30 seconds. After 10 attempts, you may need to reset to factory settings via Recovery.

Setting up the pattern lock: pros and cons

The pattern lock is easy to unlock quickly, but it has a number of drawbacks, and the main drawback is the vulnerability to peeping: the trajectory of the finger can be remembered or seen from the tracks on the screen, but many users choose this method for speed.

To set the pattern lock:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Select the pattern lock.
3. Draw a pattern connecting at least 4 points. The more complex the trajectory, the better.
4. Confirm the pattern with re-entry.
5. Adjust the visibility of the trajectory (in MIUI 14 you can turn off the highlighting points for more privacy).

To improve safety:

• 🔄 Use a pattern that does not repeat letters or numbers (e.g., avoid drawing "Z" or "N").
• 👆 Don’t start or finish a pattern in a central point – it’s the most predictable place to be.
• 🔒 Enable the option to Hide the trajectory in the pattern lock settings.
• 📱 Clean the screen regularly – on a dirty display, fingerprints are visible better.

If you still prefer a pattern lock, combine it with Smart Lock, a feature that automatically unlocks your phone in secure places (such as at home or work). → Password and security → Smart Lock.

Biometric lock: fingerprint and face ID

The fingerprint scanner and facial recognition are the most convenient and quickest ways to unlock, but their reliability depends on the Xiaomi model:

• 👆 Fingerprint: Flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4) use an ultrasonic or optical scanner under the screen - it's more accurate and faster. On budget models (Redmi 10, POCO M4) the scanner is located on the back panel or power button – can fail when wet or dirty fingers.
• 👤 Facial recognition: Xiaomi 12 Pro and newer used 3D-I'm not fooling you with a photo, like on an iPhone. Redmi Note 11 and older models — 2D-A camera that can be fooled by a high-quality photo.

To add a fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – put your finger on the scanner from different angles.
4. Add a few fingerprints (such as your index and thumb) for convenience.

To adjust facial recognition:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Confirm your identity with the help of PIN-code.
3. Place your face in a frame and wait for the scan to be completed.
4. On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) the option Require open eyes is available – it prevents unlocking when you sleep.

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If the fingerprint scanner doesn't work well in winter, try adding the same finger again - the cold can change the texture of the skin. The new Xiaomi (with MIUI 14) has a feature called "Enhanced Recognition" that adapts to the changes in the finger.

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens and scanners under the display (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Don't put a security glass with a sensor hole on it, it makes reading accuracy worse. Use full-screen, scanner-enabled glass.

Additional security settings in MIUI

In addition to locking the screen, MIUI has hidden features that enhance the device’s protection, which are often overlooked, but can save data in a critical situation:

• 🔐 Application Blocking: Allows you to set a separate password for specific applications (e.g. banking or instant messengers). → Password and security → Application lockdown.
• 📱 Second space: Creates an isolated profile with separate apps and data, useful if multiple people use the phone. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🚨 Emergency. SOS: When you press the power button five times, the phone sends SMS with trusted-contact coordinates. Activated in Settings → Password and security → Emergency. SOS.
• 🔄 Autocleaning: Some models (Xiaomi 13, Mix Fold 2) can set up automatic data deletion after 10 failed unlock attempts. → Password and security → Deletion of data.

The Remote Lock feature via Mi Account is especially useful, and if your phone is lost, you can block it remotely via i.mi.com.

1. Sign in to your Xiaomi account.
2. Select the device in the list.
3. Click Block and set a new password.
4. Optionally, turn on the option to erase data if there is critical information on the phone.

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All the additional security features require a linked Mi Account, and without it, remote locking and backup will not work.

What to do if you forget your password or PIN-code

If you forget the lock code, the recovery options depend on whether the Xiaomi account is linked to the phone and whether USB debugging (ADB) is enabled.

Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60) with MIUI 14 may require the previous Mi Account to be reset due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP) after resetting via Recovery. If you do not remember your username/password, you will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use software to "hack" blocking from dubious sites. They often contain viruses or can permanently block the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi blocking