How to set up screen lock on Xiaomi phone: PIN, password, fingerprint and Face ID

Locking the screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to protect personal data from outsiders, but also a must-have security element in the era of digital threats. Even if you only store photos and messengers on your phone, the lack of locking makes your device vulnerable to data theft, accidental clicks or unauthorized access. In this article, we will discuss all available locking methods on Redmi devices, POCO And Mi is from the classic. PIN-code before biometric technologies, and also tell how to avoid common errors in setting up.

It is important to understand that modern Xiaomi smartphones support several types of lock, and the choice depends on your priorities: maximum protection (password), convenience (fingerprint) or balance between them (pattern lock).We will also touch on the nuances of locking on different versions of MIUI — from 12 to 14 — because the interface and location of settings may differ. If you just bought a new Xiaomi 14 or use a proven Redmi Note 12, this instruction will help you adjust the protection in minutes.

Why screen locking is important for Xiaomi

Many users neglect to set up a lock, considering it unnecessary formality, but statistics of theft and data leaks suggest the opposite: according to a report by Kaspersky for 2023, more than 30% of incidents of personal information leakage occur due to the lack of basic protection on mobile devices.

• 🔑 Passwords from social networks and banking applications (if autocomplete is enabled).
• 📸 Personal photos and videos, including backups from Gallery or Google Photos.
• 💳 Payment system data (if you have cards tied to Mi Pay or Google Pay).
• 📍 Location history (if Google Services or Mi Location are enabled).

Without locking the screen, an attacker can copy all this data in minutes or even remotely control the device via Settings → Accounts. Moreover, on devices with MIUI without locking it is impossible:

• ⚙️ Set up the Developer Mode (required) PIN loader-free).
• 🔄 Enable Device Encryption (available only with active locking).
• 🛡️ Use Mi Cloud to search for stolen phone.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13+ When resetting settings through Recovery, you may need to enter the old PIN-This is a security measure against theft, so write the backup lock code to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or on paper).

How to lock the screen on Xiaomi: a comparison of methods

Xiaomi smartphones offer five main types of lock, each with its own pros and cons. Below is a comparison table that will help you choose the best option.

For maximum security, we recommend combining methods, such as using a fingerprint for everyday unlocking and a password as a backup option, especially for devices with MIUI 14, where biometric data is stored in a secure TrustZone chip.

How to turn it on PIN-code or password on Xiaomi

Setting up PIN-Code or password is the most versatile way to lock, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi. A2 and flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Instructions are suitable for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, but may differ slightly in the paths in the menu.

To establish PIN-code:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Lock screen and password (in some versions – Lock and protect).
3. Select Add Fingerprint or Set Password/PIN (if the biometrics are already set, you may need to enter the current code first).
4. Press the password or PIN-code according to preference.
5. Think of and type the combination twice. Passwords will require at least 6 characters, including letters and numbers.
6. Confirm the retention.

Remember or write code to a safe place|Make sure the battery is charged at more than 20 times%|Shut down. VPN (It can block synchronization with Mi Cloud)|Check that the date and time on the phone are correct (important for encryption)-->

If you choose between a PIN and a password, consider:

• 🔢 PIN-The code is easier to unlock quickly, but easier to pick up (especially if you use a date of birth or a simple combination like 1234).
• 🔐 Passwords are more secure, but you can enter them longer, and we recommend using password managers (for example, Bitwarden or Bitwarden). 1Password) for generating and storing complex combinations.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 with five times incorrect input PIN-If you have a code or password, you lock your phone for 30 seconds. After 10 failed attempts, you may need to reset your Mi Account (if it's tied) This is brute force protection, so don't use obvious combinations.

Setting up a pattern lock on Xiaomi

Graphic keys are a popular method of locking because of their ease of use, but they have a significant drawback: fingerprints on a screen can tell an attacker your pattern. To minimize risks, choose complex combinations (such as those that do not start from the central point) and regularly wipe the screen.

To activate the pattern lock:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and password.
2. Select the pattern lock (if the option is inactive, set a PIN or password first).
3. Draw the pattern twice for confirmation. Minimum length is 4 dots, but we recommend using 6-9 for greater security.
4. Tie up the backup. PIN-The code (required!) that you will need to unlock if you forget the pattern.

Tips for choosing a pattern lock:

• 🎨 Avoid simple patterns (such as the letters L or Z).
• 🔄 Do not use repetitive movements (for example, two laps in a row).
• 👆 Don’t start or finish the pattern in the same corner.

💡

If you're afraid that the pattern lock will look, turn on the Hide Trajectory option in the lock settings, and then when you type in the pattern, the lines won't show, and the points will just light up.

Biometric lock: fingerprint and face unlock

Biometric methods are the most convenient way to unlock, but they require special equipment, such as a fingerprint scanner.

• 👆 Underscreen (on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro).
• 🔘 On the back (budget models such as Redmi) 12C).
• 🔁 Side (in the power button, like on Xiaomi) 11T).

To adjust the fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and password → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current PIN/password (if set).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Place your finger on the scanner at different angles until the scale is 100% full.
4. Add a backup unlock method (PIN or password).

Face Unlock is faster, but less reliable.

1. Open Settings → Lock screen and password → Face recognition.
2. Scan your face from different angles (especially in good lighting conditions).
3. Enable the option of Improved Recognition (if available) for dark work.

⚠️ Note: On devices without an infrared camera (e.g. Redmi Note 11), Face Unlock only works with sufficient light and can be triggered by a photo. PIN.

Additional lock settings: timeouts and notifications

In addition to choosing the type of lock, MIUI has additional options that affect convenience and security, which can be found in the Settings section → Lock screen and password → Additional settings.

Key options:

• ⏱️ Autolock: The time it takes for the screen to lock after inactivity, and we recommend setting 5 seconds or 15 seconds to balance convenience and safety.
• 📱 Display notifications on a locked screen: disable this option if you want to hide the content of messages from outsiders.
• 🔒 Lockdown SIM-maps: requires input PIN-code SIM Every time you turn on your phone (useful if your phone is stolen).
• 🔄 Reset lock via Mi Account: will allow you to unlock your phone through your Xiaomi account if you forget the password.

Also note the Smart Lock setting (available on some models) that allows you to:

• 🏠 Leave your phone unlocked on trusted networks (such as at home).
• 🎧 Unlock the screen when connecting headphones or smart watches Mi Band.
• 🚗 Automatically turn on the navigator when connecting to the Bluetooth of the car.

💡

If you often forget to unlock your phone but are afraid for security, turn on the option to Show the owner on the lock screen and provide an alternative number to communicate, which will help you return the device if you lose it.

What to do if you forget your password or PIN-Xiaomi

A forgotten lock code is one of the most frustrating situations for a Xiaomi owner. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore access, but their effectiveness depends on which features were configured in advance.

Methods of unlocking:

1. Through Mi Account (if tied): On the lock screen, click Forgot your password?. Enter your username and password from your Xiaomi account. Confirm unlock via SMS or email.

Through Find Device (if synchronization is enabled):

• Visit i.mi.com from another device.
• Select your phone and click Unlock the device.
• Fastboot (for advanced users): fastboot oem unlock This method requires an unlocked bootloader and can result in data loss.

Once reset, the phone will return to factory settings, and all data will be deleted.

• 🔗 Link Mi Account and enable Find Device.
• 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 📝 Keep the backup. PIN-code in a safe place (not on the phone!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking on Xiaomi