Protecting personal data in a modern smartphone is the number one priority for any Xiaomi owner. MIUI and its new version of HyperOS offer flexible access control tools to combine different blocking methods. Changing your password is not just a formality, but a necessary measure if you suspect a compromise or simply to improve the security of your device.
The procedure for changing the access code can vary depending on the firmware version and the model of the gadget, whether it is a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from entering the settings to fine-tuning the biometrics so that you can be sure of the safety of your information.
Before you start, it’s important to understand the difference between the screen unlock password and the Mi Account password. This article will focus on the local phone interface access code that is requested when you turn on your device or exit sleep mode.
Types of screen locks in MIUI and HyperOS
The Chinese-made Android shell system provides users with a wide range of protection options. The choice of a particular method depends on the balance between the unlock speed and the level of protection you prefer, PIN-code, numerical password and complex alphanumeric combination.
The pattern lock remains a popular choice due to its visual nature, but it is less reliable than complex passwords, as fingerprints on the screen can give off a trajectory. Numerical codes, especially those with more than 4 digits, provide a significantly higher level of resistance to selection.
⚠️ Warning: Using simple combinations like "1234" or "0000" makes your phone vulnerable to attackers.Try to avoid birth dates and repeating numbers when creating new code.
For those who use modern models of AMOLED-The Always On Display feature is available, which also requires you to set your password correctly to work. If you decide to change the type of lock, the system will automatically prompt you to delete old biometric data for security.
Preparation for changing the access password
Before changing your security settings, make sure the device is ready for the procedure, and first check the battery level: it should be at least 30-40% so that the phone does not accidentally turn off at the critical time of updating the security data.
It's also worth remembering your current password, if it's set. In most cases, the system will require you to verify your identity by entering the old code before allowing you to install a new one. If you forget your current password, the procedure will be radically different and require a complete data reset.
It is recommended to sync important contacts and photos with the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud in advance. Although changing the password does not delete data, accidental failure or erroneous code entry several times in a row can lead to a temporary locking of the device or a login requirement.
☑️ Checking before changing password
Make sure your phone has an active Mi Account, a critical element of Xiaomi’s ecosystem that helps restore access to your device if you’re locked, and without a linked account, the risk of losing access to your phone if you make a mistake is significantly increased.
Step-by-step: how to change the password
The process of changing the access code in MIUI is standardized, but the names of menu items may vary slightly between versions of the firmware. Below is a universal sequence of actions that is suitable for most current models.
To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon (cogs). In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the Passwords and Security section. This is where all the access control tools for your gadget are concentrated.
Inside the section, select "Screen Lock" and the system will request a current password or fingerprint to confirm administrator rights, and after successful authorization, a menu will open where you can change the type of lock or change the password itself.
Settings → Passwords and security → Screen lock → Change passwordClick on the "Change password" button, and you will be prompted to enter the new code twice to eliminate typos. If you change the type of lock (for example, from a pattern lock to a pattern lock). PIN-code, the system will warn that the old biometric data will be deleted.
What to do if the password change button is inactive?
Once you have entered the new code, the system may suggest setting additional settings, such as displaying notifications on a locked screen or using smart unlock, which are optional and depend on your preferences.
Setup of biometrics and additional methods
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with advanced fingerprint scanners built right into the screen or in the on button. After changing the main password, it is recommended to rescan your fingers for maximum accuracy of recognition.
Face Unlock also requires data updates if you change the type of lock, which is especially true for models without infrared cameras, where security is not limited to the screen. 2D-The scaling is lower and is often used in conjunction with PIN-code.
| Protection method | Level of security | Speed of operation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Low. | Medium | For basic protection against accidental access |
| PIN-code (4-6 figure) | Medium. | Tall. | Optimal balance of comfort and protection |
| A complex password | High-pitched | Low. | For the storage of confidential data |
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | Very high. | Recommended as the main method |
Remember that biometric data is stored in a secure TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) partition and is not transferred to Xiaomi or Google servers. However, when you change the main password, the system automatically resets the biometric keys for security reasons.
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When scanning your fingerprint, try to touch the sensory area with different areas of the pad, not just the center, which will increase the success rate of unlocking in poor light or if the finger is slightly moist.
Mi Account Password Management
It is important not to confuse the screen unlock password with the Mi Account password, which is used to access cloud storage, search for lost devices through Device Search, and synchronize data between gadgets.
You can change your account password through your browser or in your phone settings, and go to "Mi Account", select "Account Security" and click "Change Password" and you will need access to your associated phone number or backup email to receive the confirmation code.
⚠️ Note: Never provide a confirmation code from SMS Xiaomi employees never ask anyone, even if the caller is a support employee.
Regularly changing your password from your account is a good digital hygiene practice, if you use the same password on multiple sites, the risk of being hacked increases many times, and it is recommended to use unique character combinations for each service.
What to do if you forget your password
The situation of the user forgetting the lock password is one of the most stressful: there is no magic “forgot password” button in Android and MIUI that simply resets the code without losing data, as was the case in very old versions of the system.
The only official way to access the phone is to reset the phone completely to the factory settings (Wipe Data) via the Recovery menu, which requires turning off the phone, then clamping the button combination (usually Volume+ and Power) until the Mi logo appears.
From the recovery menu, select the language (English or Chinese), then click Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Once confirmed, the phone will be cleared. When you first turn on, it will require you to enter a password from a previously synchronized Mi Account or Google Account to confirm ownership.
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A full reset via Recovery is the only way to remove a forgotten password, but it is guaranteed to delete all photos, contacts and apps from the phone's internal memory.
If the phone was not tied to any account, unlocking will be successful, but all data will be irretrievably lost, which is why regular backups are critical to smartphone use.