Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have powerful built-in security that allows you to hide sensitive data from prying eyes. App Lock has become the standard for users who want to isolate personal correspondence, bank customers or a gallery. However, sometimes there are situations when access to this data needs to be restored, and the password is forgotten or the system is not working properly.
Unlocking may be required not only when code is lost, but also when you change your account, flash your device, or when your MIUI and HyperOS shell fails. It is important to understand that bypassing security is an interference with system processes that requires care. In this guide, we will look at legitimate ways to restore access, ranging from standard reset procedures to more sophisticated technical methods.
Before taking action, you need to assess the risks. Mismanipulation can lead to loss of data or temporary inoperability of certain functions of the smartphone. We strongly advise you to carefully read each step of the instructions and check that your version of the operating system meets the requirements described.
Standard methods of recovery through the Mi Account
The easiest and safest way to access blocked applications is to use the Mi Account attached. If you have previously enabled password recovery, the system will allow you to reset the forgotten code over the Internet.
Once you click on the link, the system will prompt you to log in to your account, which is necessary to confirm that it is the owner of the device who is trying to access. Without linking to the Mi Account and the feature "Find the device" enabled, a standard password reset through the lock screen is impossible, this is a security measure that prevents data from being stolen when a gadget is lost.
If you are successful in signing in, you will be asked to create a new unlock code or choose another authentication method, such as a fingerprint, which works on most modern models, including the Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 12 and later, provided you have an active connection to the network.
It is worth considering that after changing the password, the old biometric data may stop working to unlock applications until they are re-activated in the settings.
Reset via security settings without data loss
In some versions of the MIUI shell, there is the option to disable application protection via the Security System menu if you have access to the phone’s main interface, a technique that is suitable if you have forgotten the password for a specific application only, but can log into your smartphone settings.
To start, open the Security app (green zipper icon) and find the Application Protection section and enter the current password. If you remember the code but want to remove it, just switch the slider in front of the desired application to an inactive state.
This becomes more complicated if the password is completely forgotten, and in this case, you can try to clear the data of the Security app itself. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find it in the Security or Security list.
- 📱 Click on "Memory" or "Storage».
- 🗑️ Select the option “Clear” or “Delete data».
- 🔄 After that, the application protection settings will be reset to the factory.
Importantly, on newer versions of HyperOS, this method may be blocked by requiring you to enter a screen unlock password to confirm that the system has been cleared, and if the system requires a password you don’t remember, it won’t work.
☑️ Pre-resetting checks
Using ADB for Advanced Unlocking
For experienced users who are not afraid to work with the command line, there is a method of unlocking through debugging by USB (ADB). This method allows you to delete application protection configuration files without completely resetting your smartphone, but it requires that the device has previously enabled debugging. USB.
You'll need a computer with ADB drivers installed and a USB-coated smartphone. Once you've connected and confirmed the debugging on your phone screen, open the command line on your PC. Enter the command to log into the device shell:
adb shellYou can then get superuser rights (if the device is rooted) or use special permissions. For standard devices without root rights, you can try to delete the security component data.
pm clear com.miui.securitycenterThis command clears the cache and security center data, which often results in a reset of the application protection password. If the command is successful, the next time you log into the application protection menu, the password will not be requested, or the system will prompt you to install a new one.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands can cause system instability or other important settings to be deleted. Do this only if you understand the nature of the actions being performed.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
The appropriate method depends on your situation: whether you remember the password partially, whether you have access to the account, whether debugging is enabled. Below is a table that helps determine the best way to solve the problem.
| Method | Conditions required | Risk of data loss | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | Account, Internet, Password Memory email | No. | Low. |
| Cleaning the application Security | Access to phone settings | No (only protection settings) | Low. |
| ADB Teams | Included debugging USB, PC | Minimum | Tall. |
| Full reset (Hard Reset) | Access to Recovery or Buttons | Total loss of data | Medium |
As you can see from the table, the safest method is to recover through an account, which requires no technical knowledge and saves all files on the device, and methods using ADB are suitable for enthusiasts who want to avoid resetting the entire phone, but have technical training.
Complete reset is a last resort, and should only be resorted to when other methods have been exhausted, and access to data inside blocked applications is not critical, or this data is in a backup.
What if the Mi Account does not remember the password?
Hard Reset as a last resort
If none of the gentler methods worked, the only option is a full reset of the device to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which will delete all user data, including photos, contacts, applications and, importantly, the password for application protection.
Turn off your smartphone to perform the reset. Then press the combination of the on and up buttons (on most Xiaomi models) until the Mi logo appears or you go to the Recovery menu.
From the Recovery menu (often you need to switch to English if you don't select one), select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. Confirm action. Once you've completed the process, select Reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before reset.This is anti-theft protection (FRP). Make sure you remember this data.
This method guarantees 100% removal of application locking, since the entire file system of the user is deleted, but the cost of this solution is the loss of all data if you did not back up to the Mi Cloud cloud or to your computer.
Preventing access problems
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords in the future, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules: first, always link the device to the Mi Account and check that the recovery function is active. Second, use biometrics where possible, since a fingerprint or face is more difficult to forget than a pattern lock.
It is also useful to periodically write complex passwords to a secure location or use password managers, which are themselves protected by the master password (PIN-code instead of a pattern lock can make it easier to enter in stressful situations.
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Write down your application protection password to a secure location (notebook, cloud notes) immediately after you install it. Human memory tends to distort information over time, especially if the code is rarely used.
Regularly backing up important data to an external medium or cloud service will allow you to complete a full reset if necessary without fear of losing valuable files.
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The best way to unlock is by using this, and linking your account and backing up will save you from losing data at a critical time.