How to set a password for a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways to protect

Protection of personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone begins with a correctly configured password. Even if you only store photos and messages in your phone, without locking the screen, the risk of information leakage increases significantly. PIN-But how do you choose the best method? And why a standard pattern lock on Redmi or a standard one? POCO It may be less reliable than it seems?

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to set a password on Xiaomi, including hidden settings. MIUI, You'll learn how to combine authorization techniques (e.g., fingerprinting). + PIN), What to do if you forgot your password, and why some users experience the error "failed to lock." AMOLED-screens – for them there are separate nuances of the Always-on Display setting with a password.

What types of passwords support Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) offer 5 basic ways to lock the screen, each with its own pros and cons in terms of security and convenience.

• 🔢 PIN-code: 4-16 digits Quick input, but vulnerable to selection if you use date of birth or simple combinations (e.g. 1234 or 0000).
• 🔑 Password: minimum 4 characters (letters) + figure + The most reliable option, but slow for everyday use.
• 🎨 pattern lock: 4-9 dot pattern, easy to see on-screen tracks (especially on glossy panels).
• 👆 Fingerprint: works on sensor models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+). Quick and reliable, but it won't save you if you're forced to unlock your phone.
• 👤 Facial recognition (Face) ID): Available on flagships with an IR camera (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), less reliable than a print, as you can fool a photo.

Important: devices with MIUI 14+ have a dual check feature, a combination of two methods (e.g. print + PIN), which improves security, but requires additional action when unlocked.

⚠️ Note: If you use a pattern lock, avoid simple patterns like the letter "L" or a square. Attackers often guess these combinations with 3-5 attempts.

Step-by-step: how to set a password on Xiaomi

The lock setup process is the same for most Xiaomi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. We will look at the universal algorithm for the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other popular devices.

To set the password:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Lock Screen (or Password and Security on older versions of MIUI).
3. Select the option Set the password of the lock screen.
4. The system will suggest you to choose the type of lock. PIN-code or password – they are required to configure the biometrics.
5. Enter the combination twice to confirm.
6. After successful installation, you can add a fingerprint or facial recognition to the same menu.

If you have Xiaomi with AMOLED-display (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60), After setting the password, the Always-on Display option will appear, where you can choose which data will be displayed on the locked screen (time, notifications, battery).

Make sure your phone is at least 20% charged.

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network (required to back up keys)

Remember or write down your password in a safe place (not in your phone’s notes!)

Turn it off. VPN — It can block synchronization with your Mi Account.-->

How to add a fingerprint or face ID

Biometric authorization speeds up unlocking, but requires pre-setting the primary password (PIN or pattern lock) without it, you can't add a fingerprint or face - this is a security measure in case the sensor fails.

To adjust the fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: press your finger to the sensor 6-8 times at different angles.
4. Add a backup print (such as the index finger of the other hand) in case the main one doesn't work.

For facial recognition:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Point the camera over your face and turn your head slightly so that the system captures different angles.
3. Enable the option to Require Password Confirmation if you want additional protection.

⚠️ Note: On models without an IR camera (e.g., Redmi) 10A) Facial recognition only works in good light and can trigger a photo.

What to do if you forget your Xiaomi password

Forgotten password is one of the most common problems Xiaomi users have. If you don't remember the combination, there are several ways to restore access, but all of them involve data loss (if there was no backup).

Method 1: Reset via Mi Account

If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), you can reset your password through the website:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from another device.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. Select the locked phone in the list of devices and click Find the device.
4. Use the Unblock function (available if Find Device in Settings is enabled).

Method 2: Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If the Mi Account is not tied or Find Device is disabled, only a full reset will remain. On models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 9A), this will require authorization to Mi Account even after the reset!

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume button up for 10 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
5. After the reboot, the phone will be like new — without a password, but also without data.

Reset via Mi Account|Hard Reset (Hard Reset)|ADB-team|I'd go to the service center.-->

Hidden security settings in MIUI

Beyond standard locking methods, MIUI has hidden features that enhance data protection, often overlooked, but can save your data in a critical situation.

1. Blocking applications with a separate password

You can set an additional PIN for specific applications (e.g. Gallery, Messages or banking programs).

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Block applications.
2. Set your password (it may be different from the main one).
3. Choose apps that require additional protection.

2. "Second Space" mode

Second Space creates an isolated profile with separate apps, files and settings, useful if you have multiple people using your phone or want to hide your personal data.

1. Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Follow the setup wizard and set a separate password for the second profile.

3. Protection against accidental pressing

If you’re afraid someone might unlock your phone while you’re sleeping (for example, through Always-on Display), turn on:

• 🔒 Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Requesting a password upon waking up (select Immediately).
• 📱 Settings → Display. → Always-on Display → Hide notifications (so that messages don’t appear on the locked screen).

💡

If you often pass your phone to colleagues or friends, set up guest mode in Settings → System → Multiplayer mode, which will only have basic features without access to personal data.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When setting up a password on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. "Failure to set the lock" error

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 System failure: Reboot your phone and try again.
• 📱 Insufficient Memory: Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🔒 Security policy restrictions: If the phone is linked to corporate email (Exchange), the administrator can block password change. IT-service.

2. The fingerprint sensor is down.

What to check:

• 👆 Clean sensor: Wipe the sensor with a dry wipe (on some models it is combined with a power button).
• 🔋 Software Update: Outdated firmware may cause crashes. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Re-registration of the fingerprint: Remove the old print and add again.

3 Facial recognition doesn't recognize in the dark

This is normal for models without an IR camera (like the Redmi Note 10).

• 💡 Use an external light source.
• 🔒 Add a backup unlock method (PIN print).
• 📱 Turn off Unlock when lifting in facial recognition settings – it often works falsely.

💡

If your biometric sensors stop working after the MIUI update, reset your security settings: Settings → Password & Security → Reset your security settings. This won’t delete the data, but it will return your lock settings to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the password on Xiaomi