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

Protecting your personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone starts with a properly configured password, and even if you’re sure your phone is always under control, accidental loss or theft can result in photos, emails and bank data being leaked. The manufacturer offers several options for locking the screen - from the classic PIN-It's not like the code is right before biometrics are used, like fingerprints or facial recognition, but how do you choose the best way? And what do you do if you forget the combination?

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of password installation on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (including models 2023–2026 years MIUI 14/15 You will learn how to set up lock from scratch, change the type of protection, and what to do if the phone is locked, and pay special attention to hidden security settings that the manufacturer does not advertise in the standard instructions.

Why it is important to set a password on Xiaomi

According to Kaspersky, more than 30% of smartphone users don’t use any lock screen, relying on “maybe”. PIN This reduces the risk of unauthorized access by 85%, and on Xiaomi devices, this is particularly critical for three reasons:

• 🔓 Mi Account integration: Without a password, an attacker can access cloud storage where contacts, notes, and even backups of messages are synced.
• 💳 Mi Pay and banking apps: Many payment services allow transactions to be confirmed by unlocking their phone.
• 📱 Remote control: Find Device (set up in Mi Account) can track the location of the phone, but only if it is locked with a password.

Moreover, on Xiaomi with MIUI HyperOS password protects not only the screen, but also the screen:

• 🔒 Encrypted folders in the gallery (Private Folder)
• 📁 Second Space (second work profile)
• 🔑 App Lock – Blocking individual applications

⚠️ Attention: If you use a pattern lock, avoid simple combinations like the letter "Z" or the square. Attackers know these patterns and pick them up in a few minutes. The best option is a combination of 6-9 dots with intersections.

How to set a password on Xiaomi: a comparative table

Before you start setting up, decide on the type of lock. Each method has pros and cons – we have summarized them in the table below.+) Some methods (for example, face recognition) work only in pairs with PIN-code-key.

For maximum safety, we recommend combining methods. PIN-code as the main method, and fingerprint for quick unlock. on models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) is available feature AI Face Unlock, which analyzes the depth of the face and is more difficult to fool the photo.

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

The process of setting a password is the same for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, But it may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS if you have an older version (e.g, MIUI 11 on Redmi Note 8, path to settings may change a little.

Make sure your phone is at least 20 times charged%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network|Close all background applications|Prepare a backup email for your Mi Account-->

Step 1. Open the security settings

Go to the Settings menu → Password and security → Screen locking on some models (e.g, POCO F5) The path may look like this: Settings → System system → Lock and password.

Step 2. Select the type of password

The system will offer options:

• 🔢 PIN-code (recommended for balance of security and convenience)
• 🔄 pattern lock (convenient but less secure)
• 🔑 Password (the most reliable, but inconvenient)

Choose the right one and follow the instructions on the screen.

Step 3: Set up additional parameters

After setting the primary password:

1. Activate Show notifications on the locked screen (if you need to see messages).
2. Turn on Automatic Lock after 5–30 seconds of inactivity.
3. On models with a fingerprint sensor, go to the Fingerprint Addendum and register 2-3 fingers.

Xiaomi has a Smart Lock feature with HyperOS, which allows you to turn off your password in secure places (such as at home or at work). → Password and security → Smart Lock.

⚠️ Note: If you set a password for the first time, the system may require you to link Mi Account (Xiaomi account). Without this, when you reset your phone, you will not be able to unlock it without losing data! → Xiaomi account.

How to Change or Delete Your Password on Xiaomi

If your current password seems unreliable or you want to change the type of lock, you can do it in two clicks. Importantly, to change the password, you need to enter the current combination. If you forgot it, skip this section and read what to do in this case.

Instructions for changing password

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Enter the current password/pattern lock.
3. Click Change Password or Delete Password (if you want to disable the lock).
4. Follow the system's clues.

Xiaomi has an option with HyperOS called Emergency Information, which allows you to display a contact to communicate in case of loss of your phone on the lock screen. → Password and security → Emergency information and provide phone number or email.

What to do if the fingerprint sensor is not working

If the smartphone has stopped recognizing the fingerprint:

• 🧼 Wipe the sensor and finger with a dry wipe.
• 🔄 Re-register the fingerprint in the settings (Settings) → Password and security → Fingerprint).
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes a crash occurs due to a temporary system glitch.
• 🔧 Update the firmware: on older versions MIUI The sensor may not work properly.

💡

If the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi stopped working after falling or getting moisture, do not try to disassemble the phone yourself.

How to Reset Your Xiaomi Password If You Forgot

Forgot your password? Don't panic - there are several ways to get back to your phone. The rule is: don't try to pick up a combination at random. After 5 failed attempts, the system can lock the device for 30 minutes or erase all data (if you turn on the function "Erase data" after 10 failed attempts).

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account

If your phone is linked to your Xiaomi account, use the Find Device feature:

1. On your computer or other phone, open i.mi.com.
2. Sign in with the same account as on the locked device.
3. Select a locked phone and click Unlock the device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ This method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
• 🔑 Mi Account was not deleted from the phone.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss!)

If Mi Account is not tied or the phone is not connected to the network, then all that remains is a hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, apps and settings.

Once reset, the phone will look like new.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if you remember the data).
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the Mi Account password even if you don't remember it.This is anti-theft protection).

Hidden security settings on Xiaomi

In addition to standard locking methods, Xiaomi has hidden features that few people know about, which will help to strengthen protection or bypass the system limitations.

1. Blocking individual applications (App Lock)

App Lock allows you to set a password to specific applications (e.g. WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Block applications.
2. Set a password (it may be different from the screen lock password).
3. Choose the apps you want to protect.

2. Second working profile (Second Space)

If you're afraid that someone might be looking at your password, create a second profile with separate apps and data.

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Second Space
2. Set up a separate password for the second profile.
3. Install applications that will only be available in it.

Switch between profiles can swipe down the lock screen (on some models – through the profile icon).

3.Protection against accidental purchases

To prevent you from shopping on Google Play or Mi Store without your knowledge:

• 🔒 In Google Play: Open the settings → Authentication → Require authentication when shopping.
• 🛡️ At Mi Store: Settings → Purchase password.

4. Encryption of the telephone

In the models with MIUI 13+ And HyperOS has full encryption, and it protects the data even if an attacker extracts the flash memory from the phone:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Phone Encryption.
2. Set a password (it should be different from the screen lock password).
3. Connect your phone to charge and wait until the process is complete (may take 1-2 hours).

💡

Phone encryption reduces performance by 5 to 10 percent, but significantly improves security, and is recommended for phones with sensitive data (such as work devices).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting a password on Xiaomi, users often make errors that lead to data locking or leaking, and we have collected the most common ones and tell you how to prevent them.

Mistake 1: Use of Date of Birth or Simple Combinations

PIN-Codes like 1234, 0000 or 1990 (year of birth) are selected in seconds.+ Use associations to remember it (for example, the first digits of the phone numbers of loved ones).

Mistake 2: Disabling Smart Lock in Public Places

Smart Lock automatically unlocks your phone in "safe" places (home, work), but if you activate it in a cafe or mall, you risk losing access to your phone if it is stolen in that place. → Password and security → Smart Lock.

Error 3: Ignoring backup email in Mi Account

Without an email link, it is almost impossible to restore access to your Xiaomi account.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Account Security
2. Click the Reserve Email and provide a valid address.
3. Confirm it through a letter.

Error 4: Storing passwords in notes or screenshots

Many users retain PIN-You can code your notes or take screenshots, which is like leaving your apartment key under the mat:

• 🔐 Use password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password).
• 📝 Write your passwords in a notebook and store it in a safe place.
• 🔑 Set up App Lock for Password Apps.

Mistake 5: Neglecting Security Updates

Old versions. MIUI There were vulnerabilities that could bypass the locking of the screen. MIUI 10 there was an emergency call bug that allowed you to access the settings to avoid these risks:

• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Enable automatic installation of security updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions