Xiaomi’s smartphones today store a huge amount of sensitive information, from banking apps to personal photo archives, which is why privacy is a priority for millions of users around the world. If you’re thinking about changing your password on a Xiaomi phone, you’re aware of the importance of updating security measures or you’re faced with the need to change your access key due to data compromise.
Procedure for changing the protective code in the shell MIUI Or the new HyperOS is simple enough to run, but requires care, and the wrong actions can lead to a temporary lock on the device or, in the worst case, loss of access to data if a backup unlock method has not been configured. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible scenarios: from a simple change PIN-Resetting a forgotten password through Mi Cloud.
Before you start manipulating, make sure your device has a battery charge of at least 30-40%. Interrupting the security setting process due to battery discharge can cause a software failure in the data encryption module. It is also recommended to have access to the attached phone number or mailbox at hand if the system requires proof of identity.
Basic Password Types in Xiaomi Ecosystem
The Android security system that powers Xiaomi smartphones offers multiple layers of protection, so users can choose one or combine methods to enhance security, and understanding the differences between them will help them choose the best option for your use case.
The most common method is digital. PIN-It's a combination of 4, 6 or more digits, and it's a fast and convenient way that's easy to type with one hand, but it's relatively easy to pick up with brute force if the code is too simple (like 1234 or your date of birth).
A more reliable option is a pattern lock, which is a combination of dots on a 3x3 grid in a certain order, a pattern is harder to guess than 4 digits, but it can be remembered by others if you often unlock your phone in crowded places, and there is an option of a complex password that includes letters and symbols, which is recommended to use to maximize the protection of critical data.
⚠️ Note: Use of biometrics (fingerprint or Face) ID) Periodically, for example, after a reboot, the system will still require the input of digital or graphical code.
When choosing the type of lock, it is important to consider ergonomics. If you wear gloves often, the facial recognition option may not work properly, and entering a complex password in the cold will be difficult. Xiaomi allows you to flexibly adjust these settings depending on your needs.
Step-by-step: change password through settings
The standard and most secure way to change a password is available to every user with access to the settings menu, which does not require a computer connection or special skills. The algorithm is the same for most models, whether it is a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi.
To start, open the main menu and find the Settings icon. Depending on the firmware version, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. You need to follow the path: Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Protection. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be referred to simply as Screen Lock.
☑️ Checking before changing password
After going to the Device Protection menu, the system will ask you to enter your current password, pattern lock, or PIN-This is a mandatory security measure to prevent unauthorized users from changing their settings when they access an unlocked phone. Once authenticated successfully, the unlocking method management menu will open.
Click on "Add password" or "Change password" if the change option is already available. The system will prompt you to select a new type of lock. If you want to simply replace the numbers with others, select «PIN-If you want to strengthen your security, select Password. Enter the new combination twice to confirm.
After a successful code change, the system offers to configure additional settings, such as displaying notifications on a locked screen or smart unlocking. Don't ignore these settings, as they affect the balance between the convenience and security of your smartphone.
Setting and changing the Mi Account password
The Mi Account password is not just a code to unlock the screen, it is key to Xiaomi’s entire ecosystem of services, including cloud storage, device search and contact synchronization, and changing that password is critical if you suspect your data may have been compromised.
You can change your Mi Account password directly from your phone settings. Go to Settings → Mi Account. At the top of the screen, you'll see your profile. Click on it to open details. From the account management menu, select "Account Security."
Here you will find the option “Change password.” To confirm the operation, the system will require you to enter the current password and confirmation code, which will come to the associated phone number or backup email. Two-factor authentication in this case ensures that even if the password is leaked, the attacker will not be able to change the settings without access to your phone.
💡
Use a password manager to generate and store complex unique passwords for your Mi Account, which will protect you from phishing and data theft.
It’s important to understand the difference: Mi Account passwords can be used to unlock your device if you choose to do so, but they are different entities. Changing your account password will automatically update it across all related services, but won’t necessarily change your local password. PIN-screen unlock code if they were set separately.
What to do if I forget the password from the lock screen
The situation of a user forgetting a password is one of the most stressful. Unfortunately, the security policies of Android and Xiaomi are designed in such a way that without knowing the code, it is almost impossible to access data, and this is done to protect the owner's information in the event of a device being stolen.
If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-There are a number of ways to solve this problem, and the most humane way is to use the "Forgot Password?" feature, which can come up after a few failed attempts to type, but this option only works if the phone is connected to the Internet and linked to an active Mi Account.
In this case, a reset link may appear on the lock screen, and by clicking on it, you can log in to your Mi Account and set a new unlock code, which allows you to save all data on the device, but it is not available on all firmware versions and not in all regions.
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Account reset option does not appear, the only official way to return phone access will be a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset).
Hard Reset completely deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages and apps. The phone returns to the “out of the box” state. To perform a reset, you usually need to pinch a key combination (such as Volume up + Power) when the phone is turned off and select the Wipe Data item in the Recovery menu.
Why can’t you just “crack” your password?
Comparison of blocking methods: security table
The choice of security method should be based on an understanding of the level of risk and convenience. Below is a comparison of the main types of passwords available on Xiaomi devices, so you can make a balanced decision about changing your current settings.
| Protection method | Level of security | Input speed | Risk of selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium. | Tall. | Screenprints, surveillance. |
| PIN-code (4 digits) | Low. | Very high. | High (10,000 combinations) |
| A complex password | Maximum | Low. | Minimum |
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | Instant. | Requires a backup password |
As you can see from the table, a complex password provides the highest degree of protection, but sacrifices the convenience of daily use. The pattern lock is the middle ground for many users, but requires caution when entering in public places.
For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to combine methods, for example, use a fingerprint to quickly unlock during the day, but keep the requirement to enter a complex password on each phone turn on or after 4 hours of downtime on.
Removing password and resetting security settings
Sometimes you don't have to change your password, you have to remove it completely, and this may be when you transfer your phone to another user, or when you sell a device, and the deletion process is similar to the change process, but with the choice of "No" or "Disable".
Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Protection. The system will require you to enter the current access code. After that, select the lock type and click “Delete password” or select “No.” Confirm action.
It's important to remember FRP, or Factory Reset Protection, if a Google account or Mi Account has been set up on the phone, after resetting (even through Recovery), the device will require you to enter the password for that account when you first activate it, which is a theft protection that you can't legally circumvent without the owner's data.
When preparing your phone for sale, make sure to reset the entire settings menu by untethering your Mi Account beforehand, and then go to your Mi Account settings and click “Delete your account.” Only then do a data reset, which ensures that the new owner does not encounter activation locks.
💡
Deleting your account before resetting is the only way to avoid activation blocking (FRP) issues when reselling your device.