How to Set a Password on Xiaomi Phone: All Ways to Protect from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15

Protecting your personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone starts with a basic lock setting, and even if you’re sure your phone will never fall into the wrong hands, your password or pattern lock will save you from accidental tapping, unauthorized access when you steal or lose your device. In this article, we will analyze all available methods of blocking on Redmi phones, POCO And Mi is from the classic. PIN-code to the fingerprint scanner, and also tell you how to avoid common errors when setting up.

The manufacturer updates the MIUI shell regularly, and the password setting process may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. We updated the instructions for MIUI 14/15 (2023-2026), but even if you have an older version, the principles remain the same. Importantly, some budget models (such as the Redmi A2 or POCO C50) may not support all types of locking, which we will also discuss below.

Why Xiaomi should be password-setting: 5 real threats

Many users neglect to lock the screen, considering it unnecessary, but the statistics of theft and data leaks suggest otherwise. PIN-code:

• 🔓 Device theft: Without a password, the thief will have access to photos, correspondence in the Telegram/WhatsApp, banking applications and social networks, even if SIM-The card will be blocked, the data on the phone will remain vulnerable.
• 👀 Peeping: On public transport or cafes, outsiders may see your notifications (such as codes from the public transport or cafeteria). SMS) or open tabs in the browser.
• 💳 Payment fraud: On an unlocked phone, an attacker can confirm a transfer via SberPay, Google Pay or mobile bank without further confirmation.
• 📱 Remote control: If the phone is connected to the same Mi Account as other devices (such as smartwatches), it can be unlocked remotely.
• 🔄 Factory Reset: Without a password, anyone can make a hard reset through Recovery Mode by deleting all your data.

In addition, some MIUI features (e.g., Second Space or Hidden Albums) require you to set a password without it, and you won’t be able to use these privacy tools.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi for work and store corporate data on it, the absence of a password may violate the company’s security policy.

What types of locks support Xiaomi smartphones

The MIUI shell offers several screen protection options, which vary depending on the phone model and firmware version, and here is a complete list with the pros and cons of each:

Important: On phones without a fingerprint sensor (such as the Redmi A2 or POCO C51), only the pattern lock, PIN and password are available. If you choose biometrics, the system will necessarily require you to set a backup unlock method (PIN or password) in case the sensor fails.

Step-by-step: how to set a password on Xiaomi

The locking process is the same for most Xiaomi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. We will show a universal method that works on MIUI 12-15. If you have an older firmware (for example, MIUI 11), the paths in the menu may be slightly different.

To set the password:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Password and Security section (on some models – Screen Lock).
3. Select Screen Lock or Lock Type.
4. Enter your current password (if it has already been set) or confirm unlocking through your Mi Account.
5. Select the desired type of lock from the list (for example, PIN-code).
6. Follow the instructions on the screen: Create and enter the password twice for confirmation.
7. Configure additional settings (for example, Show notifications on a locked screen).

After saving the settings, the phone will require you to enter a password the next time you turn on the screen. If you choose a biometric (print or face), the system will suggest adding a fingerprint scan or adjusting recognition.

Make sure your phone is charged (minimum 20%)

Remember or write down your password in a safe place

Disable Smart Lock (if not necessary)

Check the fingerprint sensor (if you plan to use it)-->

Tip: If you’re afraid to forget your password, write it down in Google Keep or another secure service (but don’t keep it in notes on the phone itself!) and you can also use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

How to Change or Remove Your Password on Xiaomi

If you want to change the type of lock or remove the password, you can do it in the same settings menu.

• 🔄 Change password: Go to Settings → Password and security → Lock the screen, enter the current password and select a new type.
• 🗝️ Delete password: In the same menu, select No (or Swipe to unlock the swipe).Caution: without a password, you will not be able to use some features MIUI, For example, hidden folders.
• 👆 Reset via Mi Account: If you forget your password, you can reset it through your Xiaomi account, but this will require confirmation by your account. SMS email.

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X4 Pro), when you delete your password, the system can request confirmation through Mi Account, a security measure to prevent attackers from simply turning off protection.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the password and then want to reset it, the system may require you to wait 24 to 72 hours (depending on the model.

Frequent Password Setting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems after setting a password on Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔢 Too simple. PIN: Avoid combinations like 1234 or 0000. These passwords are easy to match. Use at least 6 digits.
• 🖼️ pattern lock peeks: There are finger marks on the dirty screen that can be used to reconstruct the pattern.
• 👤 Biometrics don't work: If your fingerprint doesn't work, check if the sensor is dirty. Also, add the same finger again -- sometimes it helps.
• 📵 Phone does not accept password after update: After major updates MIUI (For example, 13 to 14, you may need to reboot. If the password doesn't fit, try entering it through Mi Account.
• ⏳ Forgot password: Don't enter at random - after 5 failed attempts, the phone will lock for 30 seconds, then the time will increase.

If you often forget passwords, set up a backup email in Mi Account to help restore access even if you lock your phone, and it’s also helpful to enable Automatic Deletion after 10 failed entry attempts (located in the security settings).

Additional security settings on Xiaomi

The password on the lock screen is only the first step, and to protect your Xiaomi as much as possible, we recommend you to configure these settings:

• 🔒 Device Encryption: Encrypts all the data on the phone. Included in Settings → Additionally. → Coverage and credentials. Attention: the process can take up to an hour, and once turned on, it will be impossible to disable encryption without resetting the settings.
• 📱 Second space: Creates a separate profile with other applications and data, useful if you have multiple people using your phone. → Second space.
• 🔑 Autocomplete Passwords: Save application logins and passwords in secure storage. Included in Settings → Passwords and security → Auto-filling.
• 🛡️ Application protection: Allows you to set a separate password for specific programs (for example, banking). → Application protection.
• 📍 Find the device: Allows you to track the phone, lock it or delete data remotely. Included in Mi Account at account.xiaomi.com.

Also, check out the Smart Lock settings (Settings → Screen Lock → Smart Lock) where you can set up automatic unlocking under certain conditions, such as:

• When the phone is connected to a trusted Wi-Fi network (such as at home).
• When the device is in motion (determined by sensors).
• When headphones or other accessories are connected.

These features are convenient, but they reduce safety, and only use them if you're confident in the environment.

💡

If you often pass your phone to colleagues or friends (for example, to show a photo), set up Guest Mode in Settings → System → Guest Mode. This mode will hide personal data and notifications.

Security comparison: PIN vs Password vs Biometrics

So what is the most secure lock? We tested all the options on Xiaomi phones and compiled a comparison table on the key criteria:

Conclusion: For maximum security, combine a fingerprint + a complex password (for example, T7#pL9!kM2). If you care about speed, choose biometrics, but do not forget about a backup PIN. The pattern lock is only suitable for basic protection against accidental pressing.

💡

No locking method offers 100% protection, always duplicate important data in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) and configure two-factor authentication in critical services (banks, social networks).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the password on Xiaomi