Redmi series smartphones have long proven themselves as reliable devices, but even the most stable system requires periodic updates of security measures. Redmi 5 owners often face the need to change the access code to protect personal data from prying eyes or simply change the combination to a more memorable one. MIUI There are some nuances that are important to consider when setting up.
Before you start changing your security settings, make sure you remember the current screen unlock code.The Android system that Xiaomi runs on requires proof of identity to make any changes to your lock settings.If you forget your current password, the recovery procedure will be radically different and will likely require a complete data reset.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each step required to install a new security code. We will look at the different types of locks available on Redmi 5 and discuss which one is the most secure for your use case.
Types of screen locks in MIUI
The MIUI operating system on Redmi 5 offers users the flexibility to choose how to protect the device, and the choice of the specific type of lock depends on whether you prefer maximum unlock speed or the highest level of security, and understanding the differences between the two will help you make an informed decision.
The most common option is the pattern lock, which is to connect dots on a 3x3 grid in a particular order, and it's convenient because it's easy to replicate with muscle memory without looking at numbers, but research shows that fingerprints on a screen can give off a trajectory, which reduces the safety of this method.
A more reliable option is considered PIN-code. PIN-The code is usually composed of 4-6 The number, whereas the password can include letters, numbers and special characters. The longer and more complex the combination, the harder it is to find brute-force if the device falls into the wrong hands. 5 It is often the optimal balance between comfort and protection.
⚠️ Warning: Using simple combinations like "1234", "0000" or geometric shapes like the letter "L" or "Z" makes your phone vulnerable to hacking in seconds.
Also worth mentioning are biometric techniques, such as the fingerprint scanner that is present in Redmi 5. While this is a quick way to unlock, the system still requires a backup digital or graphical password to be set in case the sensor can't read the finger, which is the backup password that we'll be setting up in the next sections.
- 🔒 pattern lock: Finger connection, convenient for quick unlocking, but less secure due to screen marks.
- 🔢 PIN-code: a sequence of 4 or more digits, the middle ground between speed and reliability of data protection.
- 🔣 Complex password: A combination of letters, numbers and characters provides maximum protection, but takes longer to enter.
- 👆 Print. + Password: biometrics for quick access, password is a mandatory backup method of authorization.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the password
The process of changing the MIUI shell access code on Redmi 5 is standardized, but requires careful input. Start by going to the main settings menu, find an icon with the image of a gear on your desktop or in the notification curtain and click on it.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the security section of your device, and depending on the version of MIUI, it can be called "Passwords and Security" or simply "Screen Lock," and that's where all the access control tools for your gadget are concentrated.
☑️ Checklist before changing password
After logging into the security section, the system will ask you to enter the current password, PIN-This is a mandatory security measure to prevent unauthorized change of settings by unauthorized persons, and only after successful authorization will the unlock management menu open.
Then you select "Change screen password" or the same. The system will prompt you to enter the new combination twice to confirm. Be careful when entering the second one: an error can lead to blocking the change attempt or, in the worst case, to temporary locking of the device.
| Step. | Action. | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings | Main menu of system parameters |
| 2 | Select Passwords and Security | Transition to the data protection section |
| 3 | Enter current code | Proof of rights of the owner |
| 4 | Click Change the screen password | Field for entering a new combination |
| 5 | Enter and confirm a new code | Successful change of method of protection |
setting up the pattern lock and PIN-code
If you decide to change the type of lock, for example, to switch from numbers to a pattern lock, the process will be different. In the menu of selecting the password type on Redmi 5, you will be offered several options. Select "pattern lock" to activate the grid of dots.
When creating a pattern lock, it is important to swipe the dots smoothly and clearly. The system will show the trajectory, and if it is too simple (connects less than 4 dots), the MIUI will issue a warning.
For PIN-The minimum length is usually 4 digits, but for increased security, it is better to use 6 or more characters. When entering numbers, try to close the screen with your palm or body so that surveillance cameras or curious glances do not help attackers read the code.
What if I forgot my new password immediately after the shift?
Once a new method is installed, the system may suggest setting additional parameters, such as showing the contents of notifications on a locked screen or hiding them, which affects privacy: if the password is weak, it is better to hide the preview of messages.
- 🎨 Difficulty of drawing: avoid straight lines and angles, use cross movements for a pattern lock.
- 🔢 Length PIN: Increasing the number of digits exponentially increases the time it takes to select a code.
- 👁️ Hiding notifications: an important feature for those who use not-so-complex passwords.
Managing application passwords
Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a unique feature called Application Protection, which allows you to set a separate password for running specific programs. This is the second layer of security that works regardless of the password unlocking the screen. Even if someone unlocks the phone, they will not be able to open, for example, a banking application or a gallery without additional code.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Applications → Application Protection. Here you will need to create a separate password for protection or use the same one as you used to unlock the screen. It is recommended to create a unique code for this section to make life difficult for potential attackers.
⚠️ Note: Application protection passwords are not restored through Mi accounts as easily as screen passwords. Write them down in a secure location, as if you lose access to secure applications, you will lose data inside them.
Once you set a password, you can select from a list all the apps that require additional authorization when you run, and the system will ask for a code or fingerprint every time you or someone else tries to open the app of your choice, which is especially useful for instant messengers and financial services.