Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer advanced privacy protection tools that hide the contents of individual programs behind an additional authorization screen, a feature that is especially useful when you give your children or colleagues a phone to hide instant messengers or access to bank accounts. However, there are times when this protection becomes unnecessary: you change security policies, transfer the device to another user or just get tired of entering code every time you launch your favorite social network.
The process of disabling protection does not require complex root rights manipulation or device flashing. MIUI and the new HyperOS shell have built-in access control mechanisms that can be easily deactivated through the standard settings menu. It is important to understand that deleting your password will make your data available to anyone who unlocks the screen of the smartphone itself, so weigh the pros and cons before making changes.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions to remove blocking from applications, consider the nuances of working with different versions of the operating system and answer frequent questions that arise from users when managing privacy functions.
What is used to block applications in MIUI
App Lock is designed to create an extra layer of security on top of the main screen unlock, so if your phone is in the wrong hands and an attacker can bypass the screen pin or fingerprint, secure apps will remain inaccessible, critical for financial applications, personal photo galleries and instant messengers.
This feature allows you to configure access flexibly. You can leave your browser and games open, but close access to contacts and notes. The system remembers choices and requires verification of identity only when you first start a secure program after turning on the screen or after a certain downtime.
- 🔒 Protecting Bank Data from Stranger’s Eyes in Public Places.
- 👶 Restricting children’s access to certain phone features or purchases.
- 👁️ Hiding the history of correspondence and calls from curious colleagues.
It's worth noting that activating this feature often goes hand in hand with Second Space or Hidden Applications, creating a comprehensive privacy system, but if you decide to completely abandon digital locks, it will make it easy to get everything back to its original state.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling the password on apps makes their contents available immediately after unlocking the smartphone's main screen. Make sure your device has a strong master password or biometrics installed on your device.
Preparation for lifting access restrictions
Before you start changing your security settings, make sure you remember your current password, pattern lock, or security settings_pattern_, If you forget the access code, the procedure for its recovery or reset may take longer and require you to enter the Mi Account to which the device is associated.
It is also recommended to check for system updates. In newer versions of MIUI 14 or HyperOS, some menu items may have changed from older versions such as MIUI 12 or 13.
If you plan to transfer your phone to another person, it makes sense not only to remove passwords, but also to check if the Guest Mode or Second Space feature is enabled, which may also require separate actions to completely clear access.
☑️ Checking before deleting the password
Step-by-step: how to disable password through the Security app
The main access control method is in the Security system application, and that's where all the security tools are concentrated. Open the green shield app on your desktop. Search the App Lock interface, and ask for a password or fingerprint when you first log in.
Once you have successfully logged in, you'll see a list of all the programs installed. The ones that are protected will be marked with the appropriate lock icon. To remove the password, you need to find a switch next to the application name and put it inactive. Some firmware versions will require re-confirmation of the action.
If you want to remove the password from all applications, it's easier to use the lock module settings itself. Click on the gear icon in the corner of the screen or select Settings from the menu. Here you can find the option to completely disable the function or reset the password for all programs at once.
⚠️ Note: When resetting your password through security settings, the system may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account to confirm the identity of the device owner.
After you do the steps, check the result. Try to run a previously secure application. If it opened without asking for code or scanning your face, then the procedure was successful.
Access management through basic system settings
An alternative way to manage passwords is through the smartphone’s general settings menu, which is convenient if the Security icon has been removed from the desktop or hidden. Go to Settings, then select the App section. In the list of options, find the “App Lock” option.
Here, the interface may vary depending on the shell version. In HyperOS, the logic of the item layout has become more linear. You will need to log in to the password management menu. If you forget the code, this is often where the "Forgot password?" link is located, which will trigger the recovery procedure through an SMS or email associated with the account.
| Action. | The Way to MIUI 12/13 | The Way to HyperOS/MIUI 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to the menu | Security → Blocking | Settings → Applications → Blocking |
| Withdrawal of defence | Tumbler opposite the appendix | Tumbler opposite the appendix |
| Change of password | Settings (cogs) → Change the password | Settings → Change the password |
| Resetting a forgotten password | Forgot the password. → Mi Account. | Forgot the password. → Mi Account. |
Using the system settings also allows you to configure the “smart lock” settings, you can set the time after which the application will again require a password after leaving it, or allow fingerprint unlock without entering a pattern lock.
What to do if the menu item is missing?
Nuances of work with biometrics and digital code
Many users prefer to use a fingerprint or facial recognition instead of entering a digital code, which speeds up access, but creates the illusion that there is no password. To completely remove the protection, it is not enough just to stop using your finger, you need to turn off the function in the settings.
If you want to replace a complex pattern lock with a simple one PIN-code or vice versa, this is done in the same "App Lock" menu via "Change password"; the system will suggest entering the old code and then coming up with a new one; a digital password is often more convenient to enter with one hand, whereas a pattern lock is harder to peek from the side.
- 👆 Fingerprint only works if the application lock itself is enabled.
- 🔢 A pattern lock is harder to remember, but it’s more visually understandable for some users.
- 👁️ Face ID Xiaomi is fast, but can make mistakes in low light.
However, if you are selling a phone, be sure to remove all fingerprints from the system completely, not just disable their use to block apps.
💡
Use different passwords for the lock screen and for apps to improve security, so if an attacker learns one code, the second barrier will remain unblocked.
Possible problems and solutions
When passwords are turned off, users may experience a situation where the system requires a password over and over again, or settings are reset, often because the “Steal Protection” feature is enabled or the “Lost Device” mode is activated through Google or Xiaomi services.
Another common problem is the interface bug, when the switch switchboard does not respond to clicks, in which case cleaning the cache of the Security app helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Security, select Clean and click Clear Cache. App data will not be affected.
If nothing works, you can try resetting the security module itself, but that will require reconfiguring all privacy settings, and in rare cases, restarting the device in safe mode to eliminate the impact of third-party launchers or viruses helps.
⚠️ Note: If the device is corporate and under control MDM-Mobile Device Management – you can’t remove passwords yourself – it’s controlled by your organization’s administrator.
💡
In most cases, password removal issues are solved by simply restarting the phone or updating the Security app through GetApps.