How to set up screen lock on Xiaomi: all ways to protect your phone

Locking the screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to protect personal data from prying eyes, but also a must-have security element in 2026. Even if you are sure that the phone is always under control, accidental loss or theft can lead to leakage of photos, correspondence and access to banking applications. PIN-biometric methods such as fingerprinting or facial recognition.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate a lock on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from budget models to flagships. You’ll learn how to set up protection from scratch, change the type of lock, and what to do if you forget your password. We’ll focus on the nuances of MIUI 14/15 and the differences between old and new firmware. If you just bought a smartphone or want to update your security settings, this guide is for you.

Why it’s important to include screen locking on Xiaomi

Many users dismiss the lock as a formality, but statistics suggest otherwise: Kaspersky 2023 data shows that more than 40 percent of smartphone thefts resulted in unauthorized access to data due to lack of basic security, and even if you don't store sensitive documents on your phone, here's what can happen without locking:

• 📱 Loss of privacy: Anyone can read your messages on WhatsApp, Telegram or email.
• 💳 Financial risks: access to banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff) or wallets (YMoney, Qiwi).
• 📸 Media Leak: Photos and videos may be copied or shared without your consent.
• 🔄 Settings change: An attacker can disable Find My Device, reset your phone, or install malware.

Moreover, without locking the screen, you will not be able to use some MIUI features, such as:

• 🔒 Secure folders in the gallery.
• 💼 Work profiles (to separate personal and work data).
• 📱 Remote management via Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ When the lock is first activated, the system automatically activates the encryption of user data, which means that without a password, it will be impossible to restore information after reset - even through Xiaomi service centers.

How to lock the screen on Xiaomi: which to choose

MIUI supports five main types of locking, each with its pros and cons – choose between convenience and security.

For maximum protection, we recommend combining PIN-A biometric code (or password) such as a fingerprint is convenient for everyday use, and PIN You will need to reboot your phone or after 72 hours without unlocking it (this is an Android security requirement).

How to turn it on PIN-code

This is the most versatile way that works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1) and new (Xiaomi) 14, POCO X6 Pro) The instruction is relevant to MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
3. Select Screen Lock.
4. If the lock is not set up yet, the system will prompt you to select a type, tap the PIN or the pattern lock.
5. For PIN-code: 🔢 Enter a combination of 4–16 digits (we recommend at least 6 digits). 🔄 Repeat input to confirm.

• 🖋️ Draw a pattern by connecting at least 4 points.
• 🔄 Repeat the pattern for confirmation.
• Click Ready and select whether to show notifications on the locked screen.

Remember or write code in a safe place (not on your phone!)|Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|Shut down. VPN (It can interfere with synchronization with Mi Cloud)|Check your Internet connection (needed to back up your keys)-->

Once the lock is activated, the system may ask you to link Mi Account mail to restore access. Don't miss this step! Without a linked account, unlocking your phone when you lose the code will be extremely difficult.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ and MIUI 12+ After 5 failed attempts to enter PIN-The phone locks for 30 seconds, after 10 attempts, for 5 minutes, and after 15, you need to enter the password from Mi Account.

Fingerprint settings on Xiaomi

Biometric fingerprint authentication is one of the most convenient and reliable ways to unlock, even with wet or dirty fingers (on new models with ultrasonic sensors).

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-password or code (if the lock is already set up).
3. Press Add Fingerprint.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: 👆 Put your finger on the sensor (on the back or under the screen). 🔄 Raise and lower your finger until the scanner has captured all areas. 🔍 For reliability, add 2-3 fingerprints (for example, index and thumb).

• 🔓 Screen unlocking.
• 💳 Payment Confirmation (for Google Pay, Mi Pay).

On models with an optical sensor under the screen (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro), scanning is faster, but can fail in bright sunlight.

• 🧼 Wipe your finger and sensor with a dry wipe.
• 🔋 Restart your phone (sometimes helps with sensor driver failures).
• 🆕 Remove the old print and add it again.

💡

If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting it: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → Biometrics and clear the cache.

Facial ID Activation on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s facial recognition technology works differently depending on the model:

• 📱 2D-Recognition (budget models): uses a front camera, less secure (you can fool a photo).
• 🔍 3D-Recognition (flagships): Infrared camera + Dot Projector (like iPhone) is more reliable and works in the dark.

To set up Face ID:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter the current PIN/password.
3. Click Add Face Data and Follow the Instructions: 👤 Keep your phone at eye level (20–50 cm from your face). 🔄 Turn your head slowly in a circle. 🌓 For 3D-Scanning is not good lighting.

After a successful scan, select the use options (unblock, payments).

It's important: 2D-Recognition can only be used as an additional method, it does not replace the PIN-The code when restarting the phone. on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) 3D-Face ID It works even for authorization in banking applications.

⚠️ Note: If you wear glasses or change your hairstyle, the system may not recognize you, in which case add an alternative face image in the settings or use a backup. PIN.

How to change or remove the screen lock

If the current method of locking you is not satisfied (for example, a pattern lock is too simple or a fingerprint does not work well), it can be changed or deleted.

• 🔄 To change, you will need to enter the current code / password.
• 🗑️ When removed, the lock is completely shut down – the phone will become vulnerable!

Instructions for modification:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Enter the current PIN/password/pattern lock.
3. Select Change Password (or Delete if you want to disable the lock).
4. For modification: 🔢 Enter a new code (or draw a pattern). 🔄 Confirm him.

If you want to remove the blockage:

1. In the screen lock menu, select No (or Disable).
2. Enter the current password for confirmation.
3. 📱 The phone unlocks automatically when you press the power button.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up your lock correctly, Xiaomi users face some problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the MIUI update, the biometric settings are missing:

1. Check the firmware version in Settings → About the phone.
2. If this is a beta, roll back to a stable version.
3. Reset your Biometrics settings to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System.

Solution: Remove old prints and add them again. If the sensor doesn't respond, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.