How to Set a Password on Xiaomi: All Ways to Protect Your Phone in 2026

Protection of personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone begins with a correctly configured password. Even if you store only photos and messages in your phone, without locking the screen, the risk of information leakage increases significantly. In 2026, the manufacturer offers several ways to protect yourself from the classic device. PIN-It's not like the code is pre-biometric, like fingerprint scanners or facial recognition, but how do you choose the best option and customize it without errors?

In this article, we will look at all the current password setting methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from basic to advanced. You will learn how to combine locking methods for maximum security, what to do if you forget your password, and why some settings can be automatically reset after you update MIUI. And also, typical user errors that negate all protection.

Why Xiaomi should have a password (even if there is nothing to hide)

Many users neglect to lock the screen, believing that they have “nothing to fear,” but statistics suggest otherwise: in 2023, 37% of smartphone thefts in Russia led to a data breach due to a lack of password (Kaspersky Lab data). Here are the real risks that even a simple 4-digit PIN:

• 🔓 Access to banking applications: without a password, an attacker can confirm transfers via SMS or push notifications.
• 📸 Leakage of personal photos / videos: even if you do not keep "kompromat", photos of documents (passport, rights) or screenshots of correspondence can be used for blackmail.
• 💳 Mobile payments: in MIUI Mi Pay, Google Pay and other services are tied by default – they are easy to use without blocking them.
• 📱 Remote management: You can erase data or lock your device through your Mi Account, but you need access to your phone.

In addition, the password protects against random actions, for example, when the phone is in your pocket and the screen is activated from touch. and on models with Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) without locking, anyone can see notifications directly on the screen.

⚠️ Note: If you use cloud sync (such as Mi Cloud or Google Photos), even a reset password will not save the data from leakage.

What types of passwords support Xiaomi smartphones in 2026

The MIUI branded shell (versions 14 and later) offers 5 basic ways to lock the screen, which can be combined or used separately. Below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each method:

Important: on the new models (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Smart Lock feature is enabled by default (Settings → Lock screen → Smart Lock) and automatically disables the password in “safe” conditions (for example, at home or when connecting to a trusted Wi-Fi network).

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If you choose between a pattern lock and a PIN, prefer a PIN: it is harder to peek over your shoulder, and 6+ digit combinations are almost impossible to brute-force attacks.

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

It takes less than a minute to set a password, but it requires attention to detail. For example, if you forget the pattern lock, it will be impossible to unlock your phone without resetting the data (unlike a PIN, which can be restored through Mi Account).

1. Open the settings: Taip by icon ⚙ Settings on the home screen or swipe down from the top edge of the screen and press the gear.
2. Go to the Lock section: select the Lock screen (on some models – Password and security).
3. Select the type of password: type according to the desired option (for example, PIN-code).
4. Create a combination: For PIN: enter 4-16 digits (recommended 6+). For pattern lock: swipe 4-9 points (repeat 2 times). For text password: use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g. X!a0mi2026).

Confirm.

Ready.

Once you have a password, the system will suggest adding biometrics (fingerprint or face), which we recommend you do immediately, so unlocking will be faster and security will not be affected.

How to add a fingerprint or facial recognition

Biometrics speed up unlocking, but they don't replace the master password, they just add to it, like when you reboot your phone or 48 hours without using a fingerprint, the system will still request a PIN. To configure the biometrics:

Fingerprint.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current PIN/kode for confirmation.
3. Click Add fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen (Put your finger on the sensor from different angles).
4. Keep up to 5 fingerprints (for example, index and thumb of both hands).

Facial recognition

1. Open Settings → Lock screen → Face recognition.
2. Select Add Face Data and place the face in the ovale on the screen.
3. Repeat the scan 2 times (some models require a head rotation).
4. Activate the option to Require PIN at startup for additional security.

In the models with 3D-face scanner (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or MIX Fold 3's setup process takes longer, but accuracy is higher - the phone doesn't unlock from the photo. 12C) used 2D-scanner that is less reliable.

⚠️ Note: If you use facial recognition on a model without 3D-If you scan the scanner, an attacker can unlock your phone with a photo of you from another device's screen, disable this feature if you store sensitive data.

What to do if you forget your Xiaomi password

Forgotten passwords are one of Xiaomi’s most common problems, and unlike iPhones, where you can reset your password via iCloud, MIUI has fewer options, and recovery options depend on which settings were activated before locking:

• 🔑 Through Mi Account: If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, you can reset your password via account.xiaomi.com (Find the device section). MIUI 12+.
• 📧 Google: If you sync with Google Account, try entering the wrong password 5 times – will the button Forgot the password? with the recovery option via Gmail appear.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: extreme method, erases all data. + Volume up to log in to Recovery Mode, then select Wipe Data.

Important: if the phone was enabled data encryption (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, then after resetting through Recovery, it will be impossible to unlock the device - you will need to enter the old password. MIUI 13+.

Common mistakes when setting a password on Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that nullify all protection, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🔢 Too simple. PIN: combinations like 1234, 0000 or dates of birth (1987) are hacked in seconds. Use random numbers (e.g. 7492).
• 🔄 Mi Account disabled: it will be almost impossible to restore access without linking to the account. → Xiaomi account.
• 👤 One fingerprint: If your finger is damaged or wet, it will be impossible to unlock. Add 2-3 fingerprints.
• 📱 Ignoring updates: in older versions MIUI (Up to 12) there were vulnerabilities that allowed you to bypass the lock through Recovery!
• 🔒 Smart lock in public places: If the phone is automatically unlocked at home but does not require a password in a cafe, the risk of data theft increases.

Another common mistake is using a single password for your phone and banking apps, so if an attacker picks up a combination, they'll have access to all your accounts, and use different passwords and managers like Bitwarden or 1Password.

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The most reliable combination is an 8+ digit PIN + fingerprint + Mi Account binding, which protects against 99% of attacks.

Additional security settings on Xiaomi

The password on the lock screen is just the first step. To maximize the security of data, set these parameters:

1. Lockdown SIM-Maps: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-Install the cards. PIN-code SIM (password-free!).
2. Encrypt your device: Activate in Settings → Additional → Encryption and credentials. It takes 30 to 60 minutes, the phone needs to be charged at 80%+.
3. Limit notifications on the locked screen: In Settings → Lock screen → Notifications turn off the display of message content.
4. Two-step authentication for Mi Account: Enable in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.

On models with MIUI 14+, the “Private Mode” feature (Settings → Privacy → Private Mode) is introduced, which allows you to hide notifications, photos and apps from prying eyes even after unlocking the phone – you will need a second password to access.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the password on Xiaomi