Xiaomi's lock screen is not just a protection against accidental clicks, but also the first barrier to the security of your smartphone. PIN-A code, password or pattern lock is not always convenient: too small buttons, inconvenient location or lack of tactile feedback can be annoying with daily use, MIUI allows you to change the keyboard on the lock screen - and you can do this in several ways, depending on the firmware version and device model.
In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from standard MIUI 14/13 settings to hidden features for advanced users, learn how to change layout to a digital, letter or even custom keyboard, and what to do if the desired option is not on the menu, especially models with a Snapdragon chip and Mediatek - they may have different ways to access the settings.
1. Standard method: changing the keyboard through the MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 firmware and later, and important: if you have a pattern lock installed, you first have to switch to a PIN or password.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Password and security.
- 🔒 Select Lock Screen (or Screen Lock in older versions).
- 🔢 Tap on the current type of lock (for example, PIN-code).
- ⚙️ In the upper corner of the input screen will appear icon ⋯ (three dots. Press it.
- 🔄 Select the Keyboard Type and select the preferred option: Digital, Letter or Random.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the path may be slightly different:
Settings → System → Additional → Screen Lock → Keyboard Type⚠️ Note: If the keyboard type option is not available, then your firmware does not support changing the layout by standard means.
Backup | Make sure battery power >30% | Connect to Wi-Fi (to download additional modules) |Remember your current PIN/password in case of a crash-->
2. Alternative methods for devices without option in settings
If you don't have the option to change the keyboard through the menu in your version of MIUI, don't despair. There are a few workarounds:
Method 1: Using the Developer Mode
Activating developer mode opens up access to hidden settings, including keyboard lock options, which works on Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 and other models with MIUI 13/14.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Lock Keyboard Type option (could be called Lockscreen Keyboard layout).
- Select the desired option and restart the device.
Method 2: Installation of custom firmware
For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical method – install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which will not only change the keyboard, but also completely redesign the lock interface.
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial software can lead to data loss, blocking IMEI or problems with banking applications.Be sure to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool before the procedure.
Digital (PIN)|Letter (password)|pattern lock|Random layout|Another.-->
3. Features for different Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones handle lock keyboard settings the same way. Here are the key differences:
| Model/Series | Support for changing the keyboard | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 series | ✅ Yes (MIUI 14) | The option is hidden in Additional → Security |
| Redmi Note 12/11 | ✅ Yes (MIUI 13/14) | Developer mode activation is required |
| POCO F4/F5 | ⚠️ Partially. | Digital/letter only, no random layout |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | ❌ No. | Custom software is required or ADB-team |
On devices with a Mediatek chip (such as Redmi 10C), there may be no option to change the keyboard due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only manual editing of system files via ADB or Magisk will help.
How to check the type of processor on Xiaomi?
4. Change the keyboard via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure lockscreen_keyboard_type 1 where 1 — keyboard, 2 — letter-like.
- Reset the device.
List of available values for the team:
- 🔢 0 - Standard keyboard (depending on region)
- 🔤 1 - digital (PIN)
- 🔠 2 - letter (password)
- 🎲 3 – random layout (if supported)
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause you to reset or lose functionality. Create a backup copy via adb backup before executing commands.
adb shell settings delete secure lockscreen_keyboard_type5. Problem Solving: The keyboard doesn't change or disappears
Sometimes, after changing the settings, the keyboard may not behave correctly, disappear, not fully displayed, or return to the standard view, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The keyboard doesn't change. | Firmware restrictions | Update MIUI or use ADB |
| Numbers/letters are gone | Failure of the system cache | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → System → Android Keyboard |
| The keyboard is reset after rebooting | Conflict with Magisk modules | Disable modules associated with the lock |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the security settings:
- Go to Settings. → Password and security.
- Select Reset lock settings.
- Set a new PIN/password – the system will prompt you to choose the type of keyboard again.
💡
Before resetting your security settings, make sure you remember your Mi! account! without it, unlocking your device after reset will be impossible.
6.Security: What to Know Before Changing Your Keyboard
Changing the keyboard on the lock screen is not just a matter of convenience, but also security.
1. Accidental layout vulnerability
Random digit layout (random keyboard) may seem more secure, but it actually reduces the rate of input and increases the risk of error, and attackers can use social engineering techniques to peek at the sequence of taps.
2. Letter passwords vs. PIN-code
Letter passwords are theoretically more difficult to pick up, but:
- ⏱️ It takes longer to enter.
- 👀 It's easier to peek over your shoulder.
- 🔄 More often, they require resetting due to forgetfulness.
3. Biometrics as an alternative
If you don't like the keyboard, consider using a fingerprint or facial recognition. On the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro models, the scanner works even when the screen is off.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (ROM RU) Some security options may be limited due to local regulations, such as not being able to turn off a password request when you turn on a smartphone.