How to remove password when logging into applications on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users advanced tools to protect sensitive data. One of these features is blocking individual applications, which prevents unauthorized access to correspondence, gallery or bank accounts. However, sometimes this protection becomes unnecessary, for example, when the device is only owned by one person, or constant requests for code become annoying, in which case the user is faced with the task of removing the password when logging into applications on Xiaomi Android.

The process of disabling protection is not always obvious, since security settings in Xiaomi are often hidden in the depths of the system menus. Moreover, the interface can vary depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware. Understanding the structure of the Security menu will help you quickly find the right switch and return familiar access to programs. We will analyze all possible scenarios, including situations with forgotten code and configuring alternative authorization methods.

It is important to consider that completely disabling protection reduces the security of your personal data. If you decide to remove the lock, make sure that the device does not store critical information that can be accessed by outsiders. In this article, we will describe each step in detail so that you can flexibly manage your device’s privacy settings.

Purpose and features of the MIUI application blocker

The application lock feature in Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is implemented at the shell level, which provides a high level of reliability. Unlike third-party programs from Google Play, the built-in tool does not consume excess energy in the background and is deeply integrated into the system. The main purpose of this mechanism is to create an additional barrier between user data and a potential attacker who received physical access to the unlocked phone.

When this option is activated, the system requires a separate password, different from the screen unlock code, so that even if someone knows the login code, they can’t open the secure apps. The user can choose which programs will be hidden behind the lock: messages, contacts, notes or bank customers. The flexibility of the settings allows you to create personalized security profiles.

One key feature is the ability to use biometric authorization: Xiaomi smartphones support fingerprint or facial recognition, which greatly speeds up the access process, but if the biometrics do not work or are not configured, the system will require a pattern lock or digital code to be entered each time the secure software is launched.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling app lock will make all previously protected data available to anyone who picks up your phone.Make sure you're in a safe environment before removing the protection.

Note that settings may vary depending on the firmware version. In newer versions of HyperOS, the logic of the work remains the same, but the visual design of the menu may have changed, and users should be careful when searching for the right items so as not to accidentally reset other important system parameters.

Step-by-step instructions for disabling protection through settings

The most reliable and correct way to remove a password is to use the standard system settings, which do not require the installation of additional software and ensures that all system files remain intact, and first you need to get to the main menu of security settings, where this functionality is managed.

Follow the algorithm to find the right switch:

  • 📱 Open the Security app (the shield and lightning icon) that is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones.
  • 🔒 In the menu that opens, find Application Protection (or “App Lock”) and click on it.
  • 🔑 The system will ask you to enter a current password or use a fingerprint to confirm the administrator’s rights.
  • ⚙️ Once you log in, you'll see a list of all the apps with switches in front of them. To remove the protection, just press the switch, making it gray (inactive).

If you want to turn off the feature completely so that it stops asking for code when you enter the settings menu, look for the Settings button (usually as a gear) in the top corner of the screen. The menu that opens will have an Application Protection slider. By turning it to the Off position, you completely deactivate the protection module.

☑️ Check before disconnecting the protection

Done: 0 / 4

Once you do this, when you run previously blocked programs like WhatsApp or Gallery, the system will no longer request authorization, and access to them will be the same as any other programs on the desktop, which will give you back speed, but will require more care when transferring the device to others.

Alternative methods of access management

In addition to the classic security menu, there are hidden or alternative ways to control access in the MIUI shell, and some users prefer not to turn off the protection completely, but to change the type to a less intrusive one, for example, you can replace the input of a complex pattern lock with a quick fingerprint login, which does not formally remove the password, but eliminates the need to enter it manually.

To set up your biometrics, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Unlock by fingerprint. Make sure your fingers are added to the system. Then go back to the Application Protection menu and activate the Unlock by fingerprint option in the settings (cogs).

There's also the option of using Second Space, which is a feature that creates an isolated environment on the phone with its own set of apps and its own password. If you've got a mess of space and can't figure out why the password doesn't fit, check which profile you're in, and switch between the main and second spaces through settings or a special widget on your desktop.

What to do if the application protection menu is hidden?
In some regions or custom firmware, the standard Security app can be replaced or restricted, so try searching for your phone’s settings by saying “App Security” or “App Lock.” If the search doesn’t yield results, it may have been cut out by the manufacturer for a particular model and you’ll have to use third-party solutions from Google Play, although they’re less effective.

Another method is to use guest mode if it is supported by your version of Android. The guest profile usually does not have access to the owner's main applications, so the password issue is not there, but it is more a way to hide data than to remove the password in the main profile.

Comparison of protection methods and their impact on the system

Different methods of restricting access have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best security strategy.

Protection methodLevel of securityUsabilityImpact on the battery
pattern lockHigh-pitchedLow (you need to draw every time)Minimum
Fingerprint.High-pitchedVery high (instant access)Low.
Facial recognitionMedium.High.Average (camera operation)
Lack of protectionAbsent.Maximum.Absent.

As you can see from the table, giving up your password completely is the most convenient but it sacrifices security. Using biometrics is the golden mean, allowing you to keep your data private without unnecessary inconvenience. A pattern lock remains the most reliable way if there is a risk that someone might copy your fingerprint while you sleep.

If there is nothing more important than personal photos and correspondence, you may want to leave at least basic protection, but if the device is used only for calls and navigation, disabling the password is a smart move.

📊 What method of unlocking applications you use most often?
pattern lock/Cyphic password:Fingerprint:Face recognition:Not using protection at all

What to do if you forget the password from the applications

The situation where the user forgets the code installed to protect the applications is one of the most common. Fortunately, Xiaomi's system provides a recovery mechanism through the Mi Account, the only official way to reset the forgotten code without losing data.

To restore access, follow the following steps:

  • 🔑 Enter the wrong password several times until the link Forgot the password appears on the screen?.
  • 📲 Click on this link. The system will prompt you to log in to your Mi Account.
  • 📩 After a successful login, you will be prompted to set a new password or disable application protection completely.

If the Mi Account was not linked or you don't remember the data from it, the situation becomes complicated, in which case the standard means of removing the password will not work, the only option is a complete reset of the phone to the factory (Hard Reset), which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and applications.

⚠️ Note: Password reset via Mi Account is only possible if the phone is connected to the Internet.

It is important to regularly check whether your Mi Account is linked to the device, which will save you in case of loss of access to the security system, and it is also recommended to periodically change passwords to more memorable, but difficult to match.

Configure content hiding and notifications

Often, users want to not just remove the password, but to solve the problem with notifications that display the text of the message on the locked screen. Even if the application is password protected, the preview of the message can be seen by everyone. To fix this, you need to configure the content hiding settings.

Go to the Application Protection menu and click on the settings gear. Find Hide the contents of notifications. By activating this option, you will make the message text on the lock screen read "Content Hidden" or "New Notification" and this increases privacy even without entering a password.

In addition, you can turn on the Block When Deleted option in the security settings, which prevents you from removing secure applications without first logging in. If you plan to remove your password, this feature should also be disabled so that it does not interfere with desktop management.

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Use Guest Mode to temporarily transfer your phone to your children or colleagues, and you can hide certain apps without having to turn on and off your password all the time.

Configuring notifications correctly keeps the balance between convenience and privacy, and you can see that a new message has arrived, but you can't read it until you unlock the device in the main way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you remove the password for one particular application, leaving protection for others?
Yes, it's possible. The Application Protection menu lists all the installed programs, so you can individually switch sliders across each app, for example, you can leave a password on the Bank, but remove it from the Gallery.
Does the password disappear after the MIUI update?
Security settings are usually saved after the system update, but in rare cases, when you switch to a major version of Android (for example, from Android 12 to 13), the settings may reset.
Does the enabled application protection affect the operation of widgets?
Yes, protected app widgets can stop updating or displaying up-to-date information on the desktop if background activity is banned. Once the password is removed, the widgets usually recover.
What happens if I remove the Security app?
You can’t delete the system application Security on Xiaomi without root rights. You can only delete its updates or clear the data, which will reset the settings, but will not remove the protection module from the system itself.
How to hide the icons of the application, and not just put a password?
It uses the Hidden Apps function. It's in the same menu, Application Protection -> Hidden Apps. Icons disappear from the desktop and are only accessible through a special gesture or code entry to the dialer.

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Complete disabling of application protection is possible only through the “Security” menu or by resetting the phone settings if the password is forgotten and the Mi Account is not tied.