How to change the password on Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones and Mi Account

Why it is important to change your password on Xiaomi regularly

Xiaomi smartphones store a huge amount of personal data, from photos to banking applications. Even if you use a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition, the main password remains the key to the entire system, and the manufacturer recommends updating it at least once every 3-6 months - especially if you connect the device to public Wi-Fi networks or transfer it to other people.

In 2023, security researchers discovered a vulnerability in MIUI that allowed them to bypass the ADB lock screen on some models. Although the problem was fixed, it reminds us that even modern systems are not immune to risks.

This instruction is relevant for all devices based on MIUI 12/13/14, including Redmi smartphones, POCO, Mi 11/12/13 And Xiaomi Pad tablets. We'll look at changing the lock screen password, PIN-code, pattern lock, and password from your Mi Account – with the latest security updates.

How to change the password of the lock screen

There are three types of screen protection available on Xiaomi devices: password (digital letter), PIN-The process of changing them is the same, but there are nuances depending on the current type of lock.

If you forget your current password, go to the section "What to do if you forgot your password."

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security
2. Select Screen Locking
3. Enter your current password/PIN/key to confirm
4. Click Change the lock screen password
5. Select a new type of lock (or leave the old one)
6. Twice enter a new password and confirm

Make sure the battery is more than 20% charged.

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (to sync with Mi Account)

Remember or write down a new password in a safe place

Check if you have access to email/SMS for recovery.

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On models with MIUI 14 and later, the system may require confirmation through Mi Account when changing the password, an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized access when the device is stolen.

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If you use a pattern lock, avoid simple combinations like the letter "Z" or a square. The best option is a key that uses all 9 points and has at least one "turn" (for example, the shape of the letter "M" with an additional dot).

Requirements for a strong password on Xiaomi

The weak password on Xiaomi’s smartphone is like an open door for scammers. In 2022, 38 percent of Android device hacks were due to simple combinations like “123456” or date of birth. MIUI imposes minimal requirements, but they are not enough to protect real security.

Important: on devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the lock screen password is used to encrypt data at the hardware level, and resetting it without knowing the current password will lead to complete data loss!

To generate a strong password, you can use the built-in password manager Mi Security:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Password Manager
2. Press the Password Generator
3. Select the length of 12+ characters and include all character types
4. Copy the generated password and use it to lock the screen

Digital PIN

pattern lock

Alphabetical digital password

Fingerprint/face (without password)

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How to change the password from your Mi Account

Mi Account is not just a login to Xiaomi ecosystem, but also the key to recovering access to the device. If you forget your account password, unlocking your smartphone after a reset will be impossible without confirmation via email or SMS.

To change the Mi Account password directly from your phone:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account
2. Click on the profile avatar at the top of the screen
3. Select Mi Account → Account Security → Password
4. Enter the current password
5. Enter a new password (minimum 8 characters with numbers and letters)
6. Confirm via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled)

If you do not remember your current password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com:

1. Press Forgot your password?
2. Enter the linked email or phone number
3. Select the recovery method: SMS or mail
4. Follow the instructions in the message (the link is valid for 15 minutes)

After changing the Mi Account password, the system may require re-entering on all connected devices (smartphones, smartwatches, routers) – this is normal security practice – Xiaomi prevents unauthorized access in case of data leakage.

What to do if you forget your Xiaomi password

A forgotten lock screen password is one of Xiaomi's most common problems, and unlike the iPhone, where after 10 failed attempts, the device is permanently locked, MIUI provides several ways to recover, but each has limitations.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (works if the device is tied to the account and has Internet access):

1. After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button Forgot the password will appear?
2. Click on it and select Unblock it with Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account
4. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email
5. Set a new screen password

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (will result in data loss!):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to log in to Fastboot
3. Connect the device to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool to flash it back.
4. Select the clean all option (complete cleaning)

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Fastboot resets ALL data, including photos, messages, and apps, and should only be used if other recovery methods are unavailable and you have a backup.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi smartphones by default), a reset via Fastboot will require authorization of the Mi Account. Without a tied and confirmed account, you will not be able to unlock the phone!

If none of these methods worked, contact the official Xiaomi service center. To confirm ownership, you will need a purchase check or a box with IMEI.

Additional security measures after changing the password

Changing your password is just the first step to protecting your device, so to minimize the risks, make additional adjustments:

• 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication for Mi Account in the Account Security section. Use the Google Authenticator app instead of the one you use. SMS — It's more reliable.
• 📱 Set up a safe place in Settings → Special features → Second space: This will create an isolated area with a separate password for sensitive data.
• 🔄 Activate automatic backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Link it to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🚨 Enable suspicious activity notifications in Settings → Passwords and security → Security notifications.

For owners of flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) is available hardware data isolation:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Privacy Protection
2. Activate the option to protect personal data
3. Select applications that will work in an isolated environment (for example, banking or instant messengers)

This feature creates a virtual container that applications cannot access without an additional password.

Frequent Password Change Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to device lockdown or data loss, and the most common are:

• ❌ Using the same screen password and Mi Account, when a data breach is leaked, attackers gain access to the entire account.
• ❌ Shutting down the Internet before changing your password. Without a network connection, the system will not be able to sync the changes to Mi Cloud, which can lead to lock errors.
• ❌ Ignoring backup. 67% of users who lost data after a reset didn't have a backup.Configure automatic backup at least once a week.
• ❌ Enter a password when you connect to public Wi-Fi, and attackers can intercept it through phishing hotspots, and use the mobile Internet for sensitive operations.

Another common problem is looping when you enter your password, and if you keep asking for your old password after you change, do the following:

1. Reset the device
2. Make sure the date and time are set automatically
3. Clear the Settings cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management
4. If the problem persists, reset your security settings through Settings → Passwords and Security → Reset your security settings

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 or later, if you change your password frequently (more than 3 times per hour), the system can block this function for 24 hours. This is a measure against brute force attacks. If you urgently need to change your password, use the web version of Mi Account on account.xiaomi.com.

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