Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer advanced privacy protection tools to hide the contents of individual programs behind an additional security barrier. However, users often face a situation when this feature becomes an obstacle: password is forgotten, Mi Account is blocked or simply no longer need for dual protection. Owners of devices based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS may have difficulty finding the right switches in the menu.
There are several proven ways to unlock hidden data or completely deactivate application protection. The choice of a particular method depends on whether you remember the current unlock code or access to the system is completely lost. Below we will discuss in detail all possible scenarios, from standard system settings to more radical measures.
It is important to understand that the Android operating system in conjunction with Xiaomi's branded add-ons creates layered protection that is not so easy to get around without data loss. Before you start taking action, you need to assess the importance of information inside blocked applications. In some cases, restoring access may require a complete reset of the device, which will lead to the deletion of all user files.
Staff Disconnect Protection Through Security Settings
The easiest and safest way to lock is to use the built-in tools of the system, if you remember the code or have access to biometrics. MIUI groupes all security functions into a single control center, where you can flexibly configure access rights for each software installed. First, you need to open the main menu and find the standard Security application, which usually has a green icon with a shield.
Inside this app, you scroll down to Application Protection or App Lock, and that's where you keep a list of all the restricted programs, and if you request proof of identity, you can enter your current pattern lock, digital code, or fingerprint, and after you've successfully authorized, you'll see a list of secure programs with active switches in front of each one.
To disable the protection, simply put the switchboard in an inactive state opposite the desired application or use the Remove button in the upper corner of the screen to completely remove restrictions from all programs. The system can request a re-confirmation of the password to make sure that the action is performed by the owner of the device, and not by an outsider.
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If you often forget passwords, link the recovery function via Mi Account in the security settings to be able to reset the code over the Internet.
It is worth noting that in new versions of HyperOS, the security menu interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same: the user must find the privacy section and manage access rights manually, a standard method that does not require third-party software and guarantees stable operation of the system after the changes are made.
Using a Mi Account to Reset a Forgotten Password
This is complicated if the user has forgotten the previously installed application unlock code, in which case the standard login to the application protection settings will not be possible without entering the correct data. However, Xiaomi developers have provided a recovery mechanism through the linked Mi Account. On the password entry screen, after several unsuccessful attempts, a link “Forgot the password?” or a similar option may appear.
Clicking on this link, the system will prompt you to log in to your Mi Account, which is critical: if you didn't have an account attached in advance or you don't remember the data from it, this will not work. Once you successfully log in, the system will allow you to install a new unlock code or disable the protection function completely, which is the standard verification procedure for the device owner.
What to do if your Mi Account is not tied?
In some versions of the firmware, password reset may require confirmation via SMS to a linked phone number or email, the process is as follows:
- 📱 On the application lock screen, click “Forgot the password».
- 🔐 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account.
- 🔄 The system will suggest creating a new code or disabling the protection.
- ✅ Confirm the action and access will be restored.
This is the preferred method because it allows you to save all the data inside the application, but it requires you to set up and link your account before you start, which many users forget when you activate the security feature.
Cleaning the data of the “Security” application
If you don't have an account binding and your password is forgotten, you can try to bypass the lock by clearing the system application's service data. This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, because in recent security updates, this loophole often closes, but on older firmware, it can be effective. The essence of the method is to force the security process to stop and clear its cache.
To do this, you need to go into the general settings of your smartphone. Find the Apps section, then go to All Apps. You need to find the Security system application in the list. It's important not to confuse it with a shortcut on your desktop, but to find the system component in the depth of the program management menu.
☑️ Algorithm of action
Once you select Clear and confirm Clear All, the application protection settings will be reset to factory-based, meaning that the list of protected programs will be cleared, and the next time you run Security, the system may request a new password or simply start without restrictions, but be prepared for the fact that modern versions of the system may require you to enter an old password even to perform this operation.
This approach is a crutch that helps in emergencies, and it doesn't guarantee 100% results on devices with current security patches, but it's worth trying before more serious interventions, and if you ask for a password after you clean up the data when you run a secure application, it doesn't work, and the data is securely encrypted.
Resetting settings through Recovery mode
When software methods are exhausted and access to data inside applications is not critical (or more importantly access to the phone itself), you can consider resetting. However, it is worth distinguishing between resetting application settings and a full reset device (Hard Reset). A full reset via Recovery Mode will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and the applications themselves, returning the device to a factory state.
This method is only useful if blocking applications somehow affects the operation of the entire system or if you are willing to lose all data to unlock. To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone and pinch the combination of power buttons and increase volume. In the menu that appears, the volume button selects the "Wipe Data" item, and the confirmation is carried out by the power button.
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A full reset via Recovery will delete all user data, so use this method only as a last resort.
The process is technically as follows:
- Turn off the Redmi smartphone completely.
- Press the Loudness+ button and Power at the same time.
- Wait for the Mi logo to appear, then let go of power, but keep the volume.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (if required) and go to Wipe Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to end.
Once rebooted, the phone will be like new, without any passwords to the apps, because the apps themselves and their settings no longer exist, and it's a guaranteed way to remove any software locks, but the cost of doing so is to lose information completely if it wasn't stored in the cloud.
Use of third-party utility and ADB-team
For advanced users who don’t want to lose data and don’t have access to Mi Account, there is a theoretical possibility of using USB debugging and ADB tools, which requires a computer, an installed driver and basic command line knowledge. However, if USB debugging was not enabled before blocking, this method will also prove useless.
If you have access to debugging, you can try to remove or reinstall the locking component, which is a risky operation that can cause the system to malfunction, and you type commands into the terminal on a computer connected to the smartphone.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenterThis team is trying to disable the Security system component, which can remove the constraints. However, on modern devices with or without superuser rights, the system can block such actions. In addition, there are specialized programs from third-party developers that promise to remove the locks, but their use carries risks of data security and malware infection of the device.
The table below compares the methods for efficiency and risk of data loss:
| Method | Data security | Difficulty | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings (with password) | 100% | Low. | Tall. |
| Through the Mi Account. | 100% | Medium | High (if tied) |
| Cleaning up the "Security" data | 100% | Low. | Medium (depending on the version of MIUI) |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | 0% (total removal) | Medium | 100% |
Precautions and prevention of blockages
To avoid such situations in the future, digital health experts recommend a number of rules when setting up Xiaomi smartphones. First of all, always link the device to the Mi Account immediately after purchase, which not only allows you to recover passwords, but also helps to find the device in case of theft through the “Device Search” feature.
It is also recommended to use biometric security methods (fingerprint, face unlock) as an addition to the pattern lock, which simplifies daily use, although it does not eliminate the need to remember the main code. Regular backup of important data to the Mi Cloud cloud or Google Drive will minimize losses if you need a full reset.
⚠️ Warning: Do not set passwords on apps unless you are sure you can recall or restore them. Forgetfulness can lead to loss of access to important instant messengers or banking applications without the ability to restore them.
Remember that data security is a balance between convenience and security. Excessive complexity of access can be a cruel joke. If you share a phone with children, use guest mode or the Second Space feature, which creates an isolated environment without having to put passwords on each individual application.
⚠️ Warning: Using third-party software to "hack" passwords can lead to virus installation or theft of your personal data.
Compliance with these simple guidelines will allow you to effectively manage the security of your Redmi or Xiaomi without being in a situation where the device becomes unavailable to the owner.