Xiaomi Password Manager: How to Enable, Configure and Use

The built-in password manager on Xiaomi smartphones is a little-known but extremely useful feature of MIUI that allows you to safely store logins, passwords, bank cards and other sensitive data. Many users do not even know about its existence, continuing to use third-party applications like 1Password or KeePass. Meanwhile, the native manager from Xiaomi is integrated into the system, does not require a separate installation and synchronizes through the Mi Account.

You can turn it on in a few minutes, but there are nuances: the function is not available on all firmware, and its location in the menu has changed with the release of new versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15. In this article, we will discuss how to activate the password manager on different models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, configure autocomplete in the browser and applications, and protect data from leakage.

Where is the password manager on Xiaomi and how to open it

Starting with MIUI 12, the password manager is built into the system application Security, but its location depends on the firmware version and regional build.

• 📱 Through "Settings": Settings → Passwords and security → Password manager (on) MIUI 14/15 Global).
• 🔒 Using the Security app: Open the app, go to the Accounts section or Password Manager».
• 🔍 Through Search: Swipe down the main screen and type in the password manager in the search bar.

If none of these methods worked, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Old firmware (below MIUI 12) may not have a feature, in which case update the system or use alternative solutions (discussed below).

Important: On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the password manager may be hidden due to regional restrictions, in which case changing the firmware region to Global or EEA will help - but this is a separate topic that requires unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the password manager

Activation of the manager takes less than a minute, but requires several mandatory steps.

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Password Manager.
2. Click "Start" or "Enable." The system will prompt you to create a master password, which is a separate PIN or graphical key that will protect all the data you save. Never use the same password as you used to unlock the screen!
3. Confirm the creation by repeating the password, and we recommend writing it down on paper and storing it in a safe place, because it will not be possible to recover data if you lose it.
4. Enable the option “Autocomplete” (if you request it), which will allow the manager to automatically substitute logins and passwords in applications and the browser.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Create a backup of important passwords|Create a unique primary password|Enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account-->

Once activated, the manager will suggest saving passwords when you first log in to apps or sites, and you can manually add existing credentials:

• 📝 Press «+» bottom-right corner of the manager's screen.
• 🌐 Select the data type: “Account” (for login / password), “Bank card” or “Notes».
• 🔑 Fill in the fields and save.

💡

If the password manager does not offer to save data when you log in to the application, check the autocomplete settings in Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Autocomplete and select Password Manager as the default service.

How to use a password manager: save, autocomplete, edit

Now that the manager is activated, let's get to the core functions of the manager, which is not only able to store passwords, but also generate complex combinations, synchronize data between Xiaomi devices, and even warn about leaks.

Retention of new passwords

When you first log in to an app or website, the system will suggest saving your credentials. If you missed this point, add them manually:

1. Open the password manager.
2. Press «+» → «Account».
3. Enter the name of the service (for example, VK), login, password and, if necessary, a link to the site.
4. Press Save.

Autocomplete in the browser and applications

To ensure that the manager automatically substitutes logins and passwords:

1. Make sure in Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Autocomplete is selected “Password Manager”.
2. When you enter the application or the site, tap the field for entering the login / password - a pop-up window with an autocomplete offer will appear.
3. Select the desired account and confirm the unlock with the main password.

Data editing and deletion

To change or delete the saved password:

1. Open the password manager and find the desired entry.
2. Click on it → “Edit” (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Make changes or click "Delete" (basket).

Synchronize passwords between Xiaomi devices

One of the key benefits of the built-in manager is the ability to sync through your Mi Account.This means that all your passwords will be automatically available on other smartphones, tablets, or even Xiaomi smartwatches (if they support the feature).

To enable synchronization:

1. Open the password manager.
2. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
3. Select “Synchronization” and turn on the switch.
4. Make sure you are logged in to the same Mi Account on all devices.

If the synchronization is not working:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection on both devices.
• 📱 Make sure both devices are synced in Mi Account settings.
• 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version.

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Synchronization via Mi Account is encrypted with end-to-end encryption (E2EE), but for maximum security, we recommend additionally including two-factor authentication in the account.

Security: How to Protect Your Passwords from Leakage

Storing passwords on your phone is always risky, and if your device is stolen or hacked, attackers can access all of your accounts, and to minimize threats, follow these rules:

⚠️ Note: If you use a simple pattern lock or PIN When you unlock the screen, the password manager becomes vulnerable, the attacker can access all the stored data just by unlocking the phone. Always use a complex alphabetic-digital password for the lock screen!

• 🔐 Set a complex master password for the manager (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) Mi Account:
• 🚫 Turn off autocomplete for sensitive data (bank cards, cryptocurrency wallets).
• 🔄 Change the manager’s password regularly (once in a week). 3-6 months).

Additional security measures:

• 🛡️ Use the Security app to scan for viruses and vulnerabilities.

If you lost your phone or it was stolen:

1. Change passwords on all critical services (mail, banks, social networks) from another device immediately.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Despite the convenience, Xiaomi’s password manager sometimes doesn’t work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Password Manager does not offer to save data

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Autocomplete disabled: check settings in Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Auto-filling.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI last-minute.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: change the firmware region to Global or EEA.

Synchronization between devices does not work

What to do:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📶 Check your internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔧 Enable manual sync: Password Manager → Settings (⚙️) → Synchronization.
• 📱 Make sure that both devices use the same Mi Account.

I forgot the manager's password.

Unfortunately, you can't restore access to saved passwords without a master password, and the only solution is to reset the manager to factory settings, but that will delete all the data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find “Password Manager” and click “Clear Data”.
3. Confirm the action. After that, the manager will be reset, and you can create a new password.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your primary password but remember the Mi Account, try logging in to the password manager on another Xiaomi device with the same account.

Alternatives to the built-in password manager

If you don’t like the native Xiaomi manager, consider third-party solutions that offer more options: cross-platform, advanced encryption, family access, and data export.

If you decide to switch to a third-party manager, don’t forget:

1. Export data from the built-in Xiaomi manager (if possible).
2. Disable autocomplete in MIUI settings to avoid conflicts.
3. Remove sensitive data from the home manager after the transfer.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions