Xiaomi mobile devices are famous for their functionality, but sometimes the built-in security system creates inconvenience for owners. Users often face a situation when you need to quickly open a messenger or a banking application, but the system requires a password or fingerprint scanning. This can be annoying, especially if access to the device is already protected by the main key of the screen unlock. However, removing this additional protection requires understanding the logic of the MIUI shell.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable blocking of individual programs. We will look at standard methods through system settings, working with dual applications and the nuances associated with superuser rights. It is important to understand that removing protection reduces the level of privacy of your data, so approach this step consciously. Below are the current instructions for current versions of firmware.
Before we start to make changes, it’s worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware (Global, CN, EEA).However, the overall security setting structure remains the same for the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Standard Password Disabling Through Security Settings
The easiest and most legal way to remove a password request when you log in is to use the standard functionality of the system. In the MIUI shell, this feature is provided by the built-in Application Protection service, which allows you to hide the contents of selected programs from prying eyes, and to deactivate this feature, you will need access to the main account of the owner of the device.
The process of disabling starts with going to the settings menu, you need to find the security section, or search the settings by typing in the "App Protection" query. Once you log in, the system will ask you to verify your identity with a current password or biometrics, and only after successful authorization will a list of protected programs open.
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Protecting applications for list access.
- 🔑 Enter the current password or use your fingerprint to log into the control menu.
- ❌ Click on the switch opposite the desired application to remove the lock from it.
Once you switch the switch to an inactive state, the system will no longer request additional credentials when you run the selected program. Please note that if you previously set a second password specifically to protect applications, it will need to be reset separately through the recovery menu if the main one is forgotten.
⚠️ Warning: Once the protection is removed, any data previously hidden in these apps will be made available to anyone who unlocks your phone.
Working with the second space and app clones
Users often confuse protection of individual applications with the function of “Second Space” or “Cloning of Apps”. At Xiaomi, these functions are implemented deep in the system. The second space creates an isolated environment, similar to a new phone inside your device. Cloning allows you to run two copies of the same application (for example, two WhatsApp) with different accas.
If your goal is to remove the password from a cloned application, the logic of action is similar to the basic protection, but there are nuances: cloned applications often inherit the security settings of the main profile, but may have their own limitations if they were set through the Second Space feature.
To remove the restrictions from the clones, follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Cloning of applications.
- 🔄 Remove the clone and create it again without linking to the protection profile if the current one is blocked.
- 🚀 Check the settings of the Second Space through Settings → Second space and turn it off if necessary.
It's important to understand the difference between a simple start password and complete data isolation. If the application is in the Second Space, simply cancelling the password will not be enough, either transfer the data to the main profile or delete the Second Space completely, which will clear all the data inside the isolated loop.
What happens to the data when the second space is removed?
Removal of restrictions through superuser rights (Root)
For advanced users who have received Root rights (for example, through Magisk), there is a possibility of deep security modifications. Standard methods sometimes it is impossible to remove protection if it was implemented by system updates or corporate policies (MDM), in which case specialized modules and file managers with administrator rights come to the rescue.
Using root rights allows you to edit the system configuration files that are responsible for the operation of MIUI Security. However, this is a risky way. Incorrectly changing files can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot) or loss of warranty. Before any manipulation, be sure to make a full backup of data through TWRP or similar backups.
The algorithm for advanced users is as follows:
- Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or MT Manager.
- Go to /data/data/com.miui.securitycenter/databases (the path may vary).
- Find the database responsible for blocking and change access flags or delete records of protected packets.
⚠️ Warning: Editing system databases can disrupt the integrity of the shell MIUI. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to reset the settings to the factory than to climb into the system files manually.
☑️ Checklist before obtaining Root rights
Comparison of protection methods in MIUI
Different Xiaomi models and firmware versions offer different levels of protection, and understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right method of disabling. Below is a table comparing the main types of locks available in the manufacturer’s ecosystem.
| Type of protection | Level of access | Difficulty withdrawal | Impact on data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Protection (App Lock) | Software | Low. | Data is retained |
| Second space | User profile | Medium | Removal required |
| Hidden applications | Visually | Low. | Data is retained |
| Enterprise regime (MDM) | Administrative | Tall. | Total reset |
As you can see from the table, the way to do this is to work with standard application protection, which does not affect the file system deeply and is easy to shut down, and enterprise mode or corporate profiles are the hardest to remove, as they often require a remote command from the administrator or a complete device reset.
If you use the Hidden Apps feature, you just need to enter a special code in the dialer or swipe in the application menu with two fingers, depending on the settings. Unmasking the masking does not require a password unless it is related to application protection.
Problems with forgotten password and Mi Account
The situation when the user forgets the password from the protection of applications is one of the most common. Unlike the screen password, it often works binding to Mi Account. If you linked an account when you created the password protection, you can restore access through an email or SMS reset.
To do this, click on the "Forgot your password?" link on the password screen, and the system will suggest sending the confirmation code to the associated number or mail. Once you enter the code, you can set a new password or disable the protection completely. If the account is not tied, options are limited.
If you don't have an account and a forgotten password attached, the only official way is to completely reset your phone, which will delete all user data, including photos, contacts and installed programs, so having a Mi Account is a critical element of security and recovery.
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Always link Mi Account to the application protection function as soon as it is turned on, and this is the only way to restore access without losing data in the case of a forgotten password.
Third-party solutions and launchers
Some users try to bypass the built-in protection by installing third-party launchers or blocking apps from Google Play. However, it is worth noting that third-party blockers cannot remove the MIUI system protection installed in the “native” way.
Using third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher can change the visual style, but won’t undo system security restrictions implemented at the OS level. Attempts to “cure” the phone by installing questionable password cracking utilities often result in malware device infection.
If standard methods don't work and you don't want to reset, you can try to clean up the data of the system application Security.
- 🛠 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
- 🔍 Find the Security app (green shield icon).
- 🗑 Press "Clear» → «Clear all data».
This method does not work on all firmware versions, as modern versions of Android and MIUI protect critical system data from easy cleaning. However, on older models of Redmi and Xiaomi, this often allowed you to reset the password of application protection without losing personal files.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up the data of the system application "Security" can reset the settings of antivirus, battery optimization and permission lists.
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System application protection in Xiaomi is closely integrated with Mi Account. Without an account, restoring access to blocked programs is almost impossible without a complete reset of the device.