How to put a password on the phone Xiaomi: all ways to protect from strangers

Protection of personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone begins with a correctly configured password. Even if you store only photos and correspondence in your phone, without locking the screen, the risk of information leakage increases significantly. PIN-And then there's the biometrics, like fingerprint scanners and facial recognition, but how do you choose the best way? And why can a standard pattern lock be less reliable than it looks?

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the password types available on Xiaomi (including the Redmi and POCO models), show you step-by-step picture instructions, and reveal nuances that aren’t mentioned in the official manuals. For example, did you know that some MIUI firmwares can set double passwords for individual applications? Or that Face Unlock works even in complete darkness on Xiaomi 13 flagships? And you’ll also learn how to bypass locks if you forget the combination – without losing data.

Why to put a password on Xiaomi: real risks

According to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in three smartphone users experienced unauthorized access to a device, and it's not just theft, but often the phone goes unattended in public, at work or at home.

• 📱 Photo and video leaks: Even if you don’t keep any dirt, personal photos can be used to blackmail or shared online.
• 💳 Money theft: through Mi Pay, Google Pay or banking apps, scammers will write off funds in minutes.
• 📊 Access to accounts: social networks, mail, messengers – all this is open to attackers if the phone is unlocked.
• 📍 Location tracking: through Settings → Google → Location history can be seen in all your movements.

Moreover, Xiaomi with MIUI firmware has the default Remote Management feature (Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → Find the device) if the phone falls into the wrong hands, it can be tracked, blocked or even erased remotely – but only if the device has a password!

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with pure Android (e.g, POCO F1 Xiaomi A3) The security menu may be different. → Security and location.

Types of passwords on Xiaomi: which one to choose?

MIUI supports 5 main types of screen locking, depending on the phone model and the software version, and the pros and cons of each option are below:

Important: On phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Face Unlock uses the same device. 3D-It's scanning, which makes it almost as reliable as a fingerprint. 9A Face recognition is tricked even by photography – it is better to use it as an additional method, not the main one.

How to put a password on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

It takes less than a minute to set a password, but it requires attention to detail, for example, if you choose a pattern lock, the system may require a backup. PIN-Here is a universal guide for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Password and Security section (on some firmwares – Screen Lock).
3. Select Screen Locking → Type of lockdown.
4. Enter the current password (if it is already set) or click Add the password.
5. Choose the desired type: 🔢 PIN-Code: Enter 4-16 digits (you can repeat). 🔄 pattern lock: swipe your finger at 4–9 points (minimum 4 connections). 🔑 Password: Combine letters, numbers and symbols (minimum 4 characters, but preferably 8)+).

Ready.

Once you have a password, the system will suggest adding biometrics (print or face) that are optional, but convenient. For example, on the Xiaomi 12 Pro, you can unlock your phone with a fingerprint even with the screen off, just tap the scanner.

⚠️ Note: If you are setting a password for the first time, MIUI You may need to link your Mi Account, but if you reset your password through Find Device, it will be more difficult to restore access!

How to add a fingerprint or face unlock

Biometric unlocking saves time, but requires pre-tuning. On new Xiaomi models (like the 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the fingerprint scanner is built into the screen, and on older ones (like the Redmi 9C) it is located on the back.

Fingerprint.

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current lock screen password.
3. Click Add a fingerprint and follow the hints: 👆 Put your finger on the scanner (don’t press hard!). 🔄 Raise and lower your finger several times until the indicator is 100%. 🔒 Name the print (e.g., "Indicator Right") for convenience.

Repeat for other fingers (maximum 5).

Face recognition (Face Unlock)

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter the lock screen password.
3. Click Add Face Data and position the phone at eye level.
4. 😊 Smile (some models require) and wait until the scan is completed.
5. Enable the Unlock option when you turn on the screen (if available).

On phones with infrared cameras (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), Face Unlock works even at night. 10A Facial recognition requires good lighting, otherwise the system will suggest PIN-code.

💡

If your fingerprint doesn't work, wipe the scanner with a dry wipe and re-add your finger. On screens with protective film, sometimes taking the film over the scanner helps.

How to Change or Remove Your Password on Xiaomi

If your current password seems unreliable or you want to delete it, you can do it in two clicks, but remember, disabling your password reduces security, you better replace it with a more sophisticated one.

Change of password

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Enter the current password.
3. Select Change Password and follow the instructions.
4. Find a new combination (for the PIN-code – at least 4 digits, for text password – letters + figure).

Password deletion

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Enter the current password.
3. Select No (or Delete Password)
4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI When you delete the password, you automatically disable the biometrics (print and face) and you have to reconfigure them!

If you delete your password temporarily (for example, for phone repair), we recommend you turn on Smart Lock, a feature that unlocks your phone in secure places (home, work). → Password and security → Smart Lock.

What to do if you forget your Xiaomi password

Forgetting a password is easy, but it's harder to restore access, especially if you don't have a Mi Account attached. The ways to unlock it depend on the model and version of MIUI. Here are proven methods, from the simplest to the radical:

Method 1: Unlocking through Mi Account

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

1. On another device, open i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Click Unlock the device and follow the instructions.
4. Enter a new password – it will be applied to the phone after the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss!)

If Mi Account is not tied, you'll have to reset your phone to factory settings, which will delete all the data, but unlock the device:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will reboot as new.

On phones with MIUI 14, the “Private Mode” feature appeared – it hides notifications on the lock screen for selected applications. It is included in Settings → Notifications → Private Mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about passwords on Xiaomi