Protecting your personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone starts with a strong password, without which your photos, Telegram/WhatsApp correspondence, banking apps, and even your browser history are vulnerable to outsiders. According to Kaspersky 2023 statistics, 68% of smartphone data thefts occur because of a lack of basic screen locking, and Redmi, POCO, and Mi owners often face confusion: where exactly MIUI hides password settings, what distinguishes a PIN from a pattern lock, and why the system asks you to link a Mi Account.
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to set a password on Xiaomi, from standard screen lock to hidden Second Space (second desktop) and App Lock (locking individual applications). We will analyze the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14), explain why sometimes the system requires a factory reset, and give tips on choosing the most reliable type of protection.
1. Standard password setting through MIUI settings
The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2018 (with MIUI 10 and later), the main advantage is that you do not need an Internet connection or an account link.
To put a password:
- Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Lock screen and password (in some versions – Lock and protect).
- Select Set the password of the lock screen.
- The system will offer 4 options: 🔢 PIN-code (4-16 digits) – fast but less reliable. 🔑 Password (minimum 4 characters, with letters and numbers) – optimal security balance. 🎨 pattern lock (pattern of 4-9 points) – convenient, but easy to peek. 👤 No – Unlocking the lock (not recommended).
Enter the password twice and confirm.
⚠️ Note: If you select a pattern lock, the system may require you to link your Mi Account to restore access. MIUI 13/14 — Without an account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone with a forgotten pattern.
Make sure your phone is at least 30 times charged%|Remember or write down your password in a safe place|Check if your Mi Account is linked (Settings) → Xiaomi account)|Turn it off. VPN — It can interfere with synchronization.
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2. Difference between PIN, Password and pattern lock
Not all types of locks are equally reliable, so let’s look at the pros and cons of each option:
| Password type | Level of security | Input speed | Suitable for | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIN-code | ⭐⭐ (low-key) | ⚡ Quickly. | Daily use | Easy to pick up (if 4 digits) |
| Password. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-end) | 🐢 Slowly. | Storage of confidential data | Inconvenient to enter often |
| pattern lock | ⭐⭐ (low-key) | ⚡ Quickly. | Children, older users | You can see the tracks on the screen. |
| Print + PIN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maximum) | ⚡⚡ Very quickly. | All cases | Doesn't work with wet fingers. |
💡 Expert advice: If you store bank card data or work documents on your phone, choose a password no shorter than that. 8 symbols with a mixture of letters, numbers and characters (for example, X!a0m1_24). For everyday use, it is sufficient PIN from 6 figure + fingerprint.
3. How to put a password through your Mi Account (additional protection)
Linking a Mi Account not only helps restore access to a forgotten password, but also adds a layer of protection, for example, if an attacker resets the phone to factory settings, he will need to enter your Mi Account information to activate the device (Mi Cloud Lock).
To link your account and enable additional protection:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Sign in to your account (or register a new one).
- Return to Settings → Lock screen and password.
- Select Lock Settings → Add Mi Account to recover.
- Confirm the action via SMS or mail.
⚠️ Note: If you are selling or transferring a phone, be sure to untie your Mi Account through Settings → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
4. Hidden protection features: Second Space and App Lock
MIUI offers two little-known tools for enhanced protection:
🔒 Second Space (Second Desktop)
This feature creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, files and settings, useful if you want to hide personal information from outsiders who can temporarily use your phone.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
- Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions.
- Set a separate password for the second desktop.
🔐 App Lock (Blocking Applications)
It allows you to password individual apps (like WhatsApp, Gallery, Bank) and even if someone unlocks the phone, they won't be able to open secure programs.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
- Enable the function and set a password (may match the screen password).
- Select the applications that you want to block.
💡
If you use Second Space, update your applications regularly in both spaces, otherwise vulnerabilities in older versions could be a loophole for hackers.
5 What to do if you forget your password on Xiaomi
Forgotten password is one of the most common problems of Xiaomi users, and recovery methods depend on whether the Mi Account is linked to the phone:
🔄 With a Mi Account.
If the account is linked:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot your password.
- Enter your Mi Account details (mail or phone).
- Confirm the recovery via SMS/mail.
- Set a new password.
⚠️ No Mi Account.
If the account is not linked, only a hard reset remains (all data will be deleted!):
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the reset.
⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi from hand, check if the previous Mi Account is untied. → Xiaomi account – if there is someone else’s email, demand from the seller detachment!