How to set up a screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways from PIN-pre-Face Unlock code

Locking the screen on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a protection against accidental clicks, but a full barrier to unauthorized access to personal data. Even if you lose your phone or it is stolen, the correctly configured lock will prevent leakage of photos, correspondence and banking applications. However, many users either ignore this feature or choose unreliable methods (such as swipe to the side) that do not provide real security.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to lock the screen on Redmi - from the classic version. PIN-We will focus on the nuances of working on different versions of the code before biometric technologies (Face Unlock and fingerprint scanner). MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and typical bugs that result in loss of access to the device: If you just bought a new Redmi Note 13 or use Redmi 10A For years, the instructions are suitable for any model.

Why is it important to set up a screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi?

According to Kaspersky, more than 30 percent of smartphone thefts in 2023 resulted in a leak of sensitive data precisely because of the lack of a screen lock or the use of primitive passwords (for example, 1234 or 0000).

• 🔓 By default, many models come with the lock disabled (swipe only).
• 📱 MIUI Stores backups of data in the Mi Account cloud, but without a screen lock, it is more difficult to restore access to them.
• 💳 Linked bank cards in Mi Pay or Google Pay are becoming vulnerable.
• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery can be viewed by anyone who picks up your phone.

On Redmi smartphones with Snapdragon processors 4xx/6xx And MediaTek Helio, the fingerprint scanner is slower than the flagship, but that's not a reason to give up biometrics. MIUI adapt to read speed, reducing delays when re-unlocking.

Another important point: without a configured screen lock, you will not be able to use some features, for example:

• 🔒 Private Mode in the Gallery (Second Space).
• 📲 A secure folder for hidden files.
• 💼 Enterprise email clients (e.g. Microsoft Outlook with security policies).

How to lock the screen on Xiaomi Redmi: comparison and recommendations

V MIUI There are 5 major types of locks available, and their reliability and convenience depend on the smartphone model and the firmware version. Below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each method.

For most users, the best option is — PIN-code+ The pattern lock is convenient but unreliable: it can be guessed by the greasy marks on the screen. Face Unlock is suitable for quick unlock in a safe environment (for example, at home), but will not protect against hacking if the phone is stolen.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 12 and older when changing the type of lock (for example, from a pattern lock to a pattern lock) PIN) The system might require you to enter your old password, and if you forget it, you'll have to reset your phone to the factory settings!

Step-by-step: how to enable screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi

The customization process is the same for most Redmi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. We will show you a universal method that works on MIUI 11-14 and HyperOS.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some firmwares – Screen Lock and Passwords).
3. Select Screen Lock. If you request a current password, enter it (it may be empty or 0000 by default).
4. Click Add Screen Lock (or Lock Type) → Add).
5. Choose the desired method: 🔢 PIN — Enter 4-16 digits (recommend 6 digits)+). 🔄 pattern lock – swipe your finger at 4+ point. 🔐 Password – Combine with letters and symbols.

Confirm the new password and press Ready.

If your model supports biometrics, after setting up PIN-A password or code will be able to add a fingerprint or Face Unlock:

• 👆 For fingerprint: Passwords and security → Fingerprint. → Add a print.
• 👤 For Face Unlock: Passwords and Security → Facial recognition → Setting up.

Remember the new PIN/password|Make sure the battery is charged (>20%)|Shut down. VPN (It can block access to settings)|Backup of important data-->

Important: Redmi with HyperOS (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) The path to settings may look like this: Settings → Lock screen → Lock type. If you don't find a section, search by settings (lamp icon at the top of the screen).

How to set up a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi

Fingerprint scanner is available on most Redmi mid- and premium models, starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro. On budget devices (for example, Redmi). 10A or Redmi 9C) This feature is not available – check the characteristics of your model before setting up.

Instructions for adding a fingerprint:

1. Make sure that the phone is already set up PIN-Password or code (without it, biometrics does not work!).
2. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
3. Click Add Add fingerprint and enter current PIN/password.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: Place your finger on the scanner (usually on the back or under the screen) until the scale is 100% full.
5. Add at least 2-3 fingerprints (such as index and thumb) for reliability.

On Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The fingerprint scanner is built into the display:

• 📱 Put your finger on the bottom of the screen (usually there is a backlight or icon).
• 🔋 Make sure the screen is clean and dry – moisture or dirt interferes with reading.
• 🔄 If the print is not recognized, re-register it (remove the old one and add it again).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) after upgrading to MIUI 14 fingerprint scanners can be slower, and it's connected to security optimizations, so you can delete all the fingerprints and add them back.

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If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after the phone fell, check the integrity of the glass panel above the sensor. Microcracks can block the signal, in which case only replacing the back cover at the service center will help.

Xiaomi Redmi's Face Unlock: Fast, but not always secure

Face Unlock has been introduced on Redmi since Snapdragon models 7xx MediaTek Dimensity (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi) K40). This feature uses a front-facing camera to scan the face and unlock the phone in a fraction of a second, but it has serious security limitations:

• 😷 Does not work with medical masks (on the MIUI 13+ There is an eye recognition option, but it is less reliable).
• 🌙 In the dark, screen lighting is required (can drain the battery).
• 👥 It can work on the owner’s photo (on older models).
• 🔒 No substitute PIN-code for payments and critical transactions.

How to set up Face Unlock:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Click Add Face Data and enter the current PIN/password.
3. Place your face in an oval frame on the screen and wait for the scan to be completed (usually takes 5-10 seconds).
4. Turn on the Unlock option when the screen is turned on to speed up access.

On Redmi with HyperOS (like Redmi Note 13), Face Unlock is faster thanks to AI optimizations, but still inferior to the fingerprint scanner in reliability. PIN-code.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi Redmi users are experiencing problems with locking, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

One of the most frustrating situations is a locked phone after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password. On Xiaomi Redmi, after 5 wrong attempts, the system can:

• 🔒 Block the input for 30 seconds (on the MIUI 14+).
• 📵 Require to enter Mi Account (if tied).
• 🔄 Offer reset to factory settings (data loss!).

To avoid blocking:

• 📌 Write it down. PIN-code in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, bugs with locks have been fixed.
• 👤 Link Mi Account to your phone (will help restore access).

⚠️ Note: Redmi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9T) After resetting through Recovery, you may need to enter an old password to unlock the encrypted data. If you do not remember it, the data will be lost!

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Redmi models with HyperOS (2026 and later) have an Emergency Access feature, so you can add a trusted phone number that will come with an unlock code when you lose your password. Set it up in advance with Passwords and security. → Emergency access!

Additional security settings on Xiaomi Redmi

Locking the screen is just the first step to protecting data, and there are a few more useful security features on Xiaomi Redmi that you should configure:

• 🔐 Second Space: Creates a separate work profile with its own applications and data, useful if you have multiple people using your phone. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 📱 Application blocking – protects individual programs (for example, banking) with an additional password. → Passwords and security → Application lockdown.

On Redmi with NFC (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) You can also set up secure payments through Mi Pay:

1. Add a bank card to Mi Pay (the app is pre-installed).
2. Set up a fingerprint confirmation for payments.
3. Enable the option Requires confirmation when paying in the Mi Pay settings.

If you lose your phone frequently or fear theft, activate remote control via Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable Find the Device and Remote Lock.
3. Make sure your phone has mobile internet or Wi-Fi on to determine your location.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions