How to turn on the lock screen on Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a barrier against random clicks, but a full-fledged tool for protecting personal data, without which your messages, photos and payment applications become vulnerable to outsiders. However, many users face difficulties when setting up the lock for the first time: the system may require an old password, not recognize a fingerprint, or even “forget” the settings after the update. MIUI.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to turn on the lock screen on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From standard PIN code to face recognition, we will focus on common errors (for example, when the system says "Cancel lock failed") and how to fix them. If you just bought a smartphone or want to update the protection method, here you will find step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the device. MIUI 14 previous versions.

Why Xiaomi may not have a lock screen

Before we get to the setup, it’s important to understand why the lock sometimes refuses to turn on, and the reasons fall into two categories: software failures and hardware limitations.

Among the program problems most often encountered:

• 🔄 Conflict after update MIUI — New firmware version can reset security settings or block access to them.
• 🔐 Safe Mode - In this mode, many functions, including biometrics, are disabled.
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings without deleting your Mi Account leads to blocking the protection function.
• 🛠️ Damaged system files – for example, after incorrect root access or custom firmware installation.

Hardware restrictions are usually associated with:

• 👆 Faulty fingerprint sensor – if the sensor is physically damaged, the system will not allow the addition of a finger.
• 📸 Contaminated front camera – interferes with the work of facial recognition.
• 🔋 Discharged battery – at a charge level below 15%, some safety features are blocked.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands, check if it is not tied to someone else's Mi Account. In this case, you can only turn on the lock after untiring the device through the official Xiaomi service.

Standard method: Enabling lock through settings

This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12/13/14. The instructions are suitable for Redmi Note models 10/11/12, Xiaomi 12/13/14, POCO F4/F5 others.

To activate the lock screen:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
3. Select the option Lock the screen.
4. Click Add Add Screen Lock.
5. Select the type of protection: 🔢 Password – from 4 to 16 characters (numbers, letters, special characters). 🔳 PIN code – only numbers (minimum 4 characters). 📊 pattern lock – a pattern of 4-9 points.

Follow the system’s hints to confirm the new locking method.

After setting up, be sure to check the lock by locking the screen with the power button. If the system requests an old password and you don't remember it, go to the section "What to do if Xiaomi requires an old password."

Setup of biometric lock: fingerprint and face

Biometric methods are more convenient than traditional passwords, but require the right setup. There are two options available on Xiaomi: fingerprint and facial recognition (on models with an infrared camera, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi). K60 Pro).

How to add a fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter your current password/PIN (if set).
3. Click Add fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Put your finger on the sensor 6-8 times at different angles for better recognition.

How to set up facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter the password for confirmation.
3. Click Start setting and place your face in the frame.
4. The system will take several pictures from different angles.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9) facial recognition works only in good light. In the dark, the system automatically switches to password input.

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If your fingerprint doesn't work well, try registering the same finger twice at different angles, which will improve recognition.

What to do if Xiaomi requires an old password

The situation where a smartphone asks "Put in the password of the previous lock," but you don't remember it, is one of the most common.

• 🔄 You reset your settings but didn’t delete your Mi Account.
• 📲 The device has been updated with MIUI 11 on MIUI 14 with data retention.
• 🔧 Someone else (such as the previous owner) has previously installed a lock.

The decisions depend on whether the Mi Account is linked to the phone:

If your Mi Account is tied to you:

1. Connect to the Internet (required!).
2. On the screen of entering the old password, click Forgot the password?
3. Sign in to your Mi Account via a browser on another device.
4. Go to Account Settings → Devices and remove the current smartphone from the list.
5. Return to the phone and reset the lock.

If your account is not yours or is not linked to:

1. Make a full reset via Recovery Mode: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. <power-up> + <volume-button> before the logo appeared MI. 3. Choose. → →. 4. After restart, set your phone as new.
2. If the lock remains after the reset, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

How to turn on the lock if it is disabled by the administrator

On Xiaomi corporate or training devices, the screen lock can be disabled via Android Enterprise or Mi Device Management policies, in which case the standard settings will be blocked, and the passwords and security menu will appear a notification "Managed by the organization".

To regain control of the device:

1. Check which app manages policies: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find programs like Android Device Policy, Mi Device Management, or Knox.

If you can delete the app, do it. If you can't, try:

Recovery Mode

Contact the administrator who issued the device with a request to remove the restrictions.

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2 or POCO F1 On pure Android, you can disable administrative policies through ADB-team:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.managedprovisioning

Use this method only if you are confident in your actions – the wrong command can disrupt the system.

Additional security settings on Xiaomi

In addition to the main blockage, the MIUI There are additional features that enhance data protection:

1. Application lock-up

Allows you to set a separate password for instant messengers, gallery or banking applications:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Block applications.
2. Set your password (if not set).
3. Select the applications that you want to block.

2. Secure folder (Private Folder)

Hidden storage for files, access to which is protected by a password:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Safe folder.
2. Create a password and add files through Files → Safe folder.

Second Space Mode

Creates a separate user profile with its own settings and lock:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Set up a password for the second profile.

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Second Space is useful if you give your phone to your children or colleagues — they won’t be able to access your data even through Recovery.

Resolving Errors When Setup Blocking

If the lock screen is not turned on or is not working correctly, use this diagnostic manual:

Error: "I failed to activate the lock"

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check your internet connection (required to sync with your Mi Account).
• 🕒 Update date and time in settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Error: "Prince sensor is not responding"

• 🧴 Wipe the sensor with an alcohol napkin.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 30% or more.
• 🔄 Re-register the fingerprint in the settings.
• 🛠️ If the sensor is physically damaged, contact the service.

Mistake: "Face recognition doesn't work"

• 📸 Clean the front camera of dirt.
• 💡 Make sure that the lighting is sufficient (for the 2D-camera).
• 🔄 Restart the camera service (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Stop it).
• 📱 Check if the camera is turned off in the permission settings.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The facial recognition feature can be disabled due to regional restrictions, in which case only flashing to the global version will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking on Xiaomi