How to put a password on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways to protect your smartphone from outsiders

Why put a password on Xiaomi Redmi?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones store not only photos and messages, but also bank card data, social network access, work correspondence. Without protection, even a short-term loss of a phone can turn into a leak of personal information, fraud or blackmail. According to statistics, 34% of smartphone thefts end in hacking the victim’s accounts in the first day, which is why setting a password should be the first step after buying a device.

The manufacturer offers several levels of protection: from the classic PIN-But not all methods are equally reliable, like the pattern lock on Xiaomi with a pattern lock. MIUI 14 and later can be bypassed through the recovery mode, if not tied Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all available methods of blocking, their pros and cons, and also tell you how to avoid common errors when setting up.

Importantly, if you buy a Redmi off the hook, the first thing you do is drop the phone back to the factory settings, because the previous owner might have left a bookmark in the system, and you'll find a reset manual at the end of the article.

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

MIUI supports 5 basic protections, depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, and the key features of each method are compared below.

For maximum protection, experts recommend combining methods, such as using a fingerprint for everyday unlocking. PIN-code is a backup. MIUI 13 and later, you can set up automatic lock after 5 seconds of inactivity, which will reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

How to put it PIN-Code or password on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

This method is suitable for all Redmi models, including Redmi. 10A, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO M5. PIN-The code must contain at least 4 digits, the password must contain at least 4 characters (8 are recommended).+ letter-and-numeral).

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Password and Security section → Screen locking.
3. Select a PIN or Password.
4. Enter the combination twice to confirm.
5. Enter an email for recovery (optional, but recommended).
6. Click Ready and confirm the action with a fingerprint/pattern lock (if already configured).

Once you set the password, the system will offer to link the Mi Account. Without the Mi Account binding, you will not be able to unlock the phone after resetting the settings or 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password – this is a key difference between Xiaomi and other brands.

Remember or write down your password in a safe place

- Link Mi Account (required!)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (>20%)

- Shut down. VPN (It can block synchronization with Mi Cloud)-->

If you forgot your password, but remember the data from Mi Account, you can restore access through the https://account.xiaomi.com. This will require confirmation of SMS email.

Setting up a pattern lock: fast, but not secure

A pattern lock is convenient for those who don’t want to remember numbers, but it’s the most unreliable way to lock them: Smartphone screens leave greasy fingerprints on which an attacker can restore the pattern, and on Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and older, you can reset the pattern lock via Fastboot, if you don’t have a Mi Account tied.

To set the pattern lock:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Select the pattern lock.
3. Draw the pattern twice (minimum 4 points, maximum 9).
4. Confirm the action with current PIN-code or password (if already set).

Tip: Use custom patterns that don't start at the corners of the screen, for example, a combination of "Zigzag" or "Spiral" is harder to match than a classic "L" letter.

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To hide the trace from the pattern lock, after unlocking, wipe the screen with a dry wipe or turn on the Black Screen mode in the display settings.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 and later, the pattern lock is automatically reset after 5 failed input attempts, unless the Mi Account is tied.This is done to protect against brute force attacks, but can play against you in forgetfulness.

How to add a fingerprint to Xiaomi Redmi

The fingerprint scanner is one of the most convenient and reliable ways to unlock. On the Redmi Note 11 and later, the sensor is built into the power button, on the POCO X4/X5, under the screen, to add a fingerprint:

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
3. Click Add fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen.
4. Place your finger on the scanner at least 10 times, changing the angle of inclination.
5. Keep the print and name it (e.g., "Indicative Right").

You can save up to 5 fingerprints on a single device, which is convenient if you want to allow family members to unlock or use different fingers (for example, the big one for the right hand, the index one for the left).

Important: After adding the fingerprint, do not delete the main one. PIN-The scanner may fail at low temperature, wet fingers or after updating the firmware.

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Fingerprint does not replace PIN-A code or password is just a complement to it. Always set up a backup method to unlock!

Facial recognition: How safe is it?

The Face Unlock technology on Xiaomi Redmi works differently depending on the model:

• 🔹 Budget models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4): They use a front camera and 2D-This method is fooled by a photo or video.
• 🔹 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5): IR lighting is added to improve accuracy in the dark.
• 🔹 Flagships (Redmi) K60, POCO F5): 3D-scanner with deep analysis, resistant to photos.

To set up Face Unlock:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Turn your head slowly so that the system remembers your profile.
4. Activate the option to Require confirmation after rebooting (recommended!).

Warning: On budget Redmi Face Unlock only works to unlock the screen, but it does not confirm payments and does not open secure applications. PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If you wear glasses or change your hairstyle frequently, the system may not recognize you, in which case add an alternate profile with a different way (for example, no glasses) or disable Face Unlock in favor of a fingerprint.

Additional security settings on Xiaomi Redmi

In addition to locking the screen, MIUI has hidden features to enhance protection:

• 🔐 Application Blocking: You can set a separate password for Gallery, Messages or Settings. → Password and security → Application lockdown.
• 📱 Second Space Mode: Creates an isolated profile with separate apps and data, useful if your child or colleague is using the phone, activated in Settings → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🔄 Autolock: Set the time of inactivity to lock (from 5 seconds to 30 minutes) in Settings → Display. → Sleeping mode.
• 🚨 Failure Alerts: Enable notifications about entering the wrong password in Settings → Password and security → Screen lock settings.

For Redmi owners with MIUI 14, the Private Mode feature is available, which hides notifications on the locked screen.

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Notification settings on the locked screen.
2. Choose Hide the contents of notifications.
3. Activate the option to show only icons.

We also recommend turning off Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted places) if you are often in public places, a feature that is convenient but reduces security.

What to do if Xiaomi Redmi is blocked?

If you typed the wrong password 10 times in a row, the phone will lock and require data from Mi Account. Without a tied account, you can only unlock the device through a reset, which will lead to the loss of all data.

Methods of unlocking:

• 📧 Using Mi Account: On the locked screen, click Forgot your password? Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Confirm the code from SMS Or letters. Create a new password.
• 🔄 Using Recovery Mode: Turn off your phone. Click power. + Volume up before Mi Bunny comes on. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm the reset.

Mi Unlock Tool (for advanced users):

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
3. Follow the instructions of the program (unlocked bootloader is required).

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi Redmi from hand and it is locked on the previous owner, contact the seller to detach Mi Account. self-reset via Recovery will not help - after a restart, the phone will again require old account data.

Redmi models with MIUI 13 and later have a 72-hour lock after failed attempts to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.This is done to protect against theft, but can make life difficult if you forget your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi blocking