How to change the way to lock the screen on Xiaomi: from PIN-pre-Face Unlock code

Why to change the way you lock and what options are available

Locking the screen is not just protection from accidental pressing, but the first barrier to the security of your smartphone. POCO There are several lock options available, each of which is suitable for different scenarios, some prefer quick fingerprint unlock, others prefer reliability. PIN-But what if the current method stopped working?

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change the lock, from standard (pattern lock, password) to biometric (Face Unlock, fingerprint scanner). Also, we will explain how to circumvent the restrictions of MIUI when changing the type of lock without losing data – this is important for owners of devices with the latest firmware versions. Plus, we will give security tips to keep your Xiaomi secure, but at the same time unlocked as conveniently as possible.

What types of locks do MIUI support?

Xiaomi’s MIUI operating shell offers users a choice of five basic lock types, each with its pros and cons, from unlock speed to protection level.

• 🔢 PIN-The code is a classic 4-6 digit code, quickly typed, but easily matched by observation.
• 🔑 Passwords are a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, maximum protection, but inconvenient for frequent use.
• 🎨 pattern lock: 4-9 dots, convenient, but leaves marks on the screen.
• 👆 A fingerprint is biometric unlocking, fast and reliable, but requires physical contact.
• 😊 Face Unlock is convenient but less secure (deceived by photo on some models).

The new flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) also have a combined lock, such as Face Unlock + PIN for added security, and budget models (POCO M6, Redmi 13C) may not have a fingerprint scanner, so the choice is limited.

How to change the method of blocking: step-by-step instructions

To change the current method of blocking, follow the following steps: note: the system will require you to enter the current code / password to verify your identity, if you forget it, you will have to reset the settings (we will discuss this below).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
3. Select Screen Lock.
4. Enter the current PIN/password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click the screen lock type and select a new method.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen (e.g., double-enter a new PIN or draw a pattern).

If you choose biometric unlocking (fingerprint or face), the system will suggest first setting a backup method (PIN or password), which is a mandatory requirement of MIUI in case the scanner does not work.

Remember the current PIN/password

Check the battery power (minimum 20%)

Disable VPN (may block access to settings)

Make sure there are no cracks on the screen (misrepresenting the fingerprint scanner)-->

Features of Face Unlock and Fingerprint settings

Biometric unlocking techniques require additional adjustments, and let's look at the nuances for each:

👆 Fingerprint.

• 📱 On most Xiaomi scanner is located under the screen (on models with a high-end device). AMOLED) or on the back (budget devices).
• 🔄 You can add up to 5 fingerprints (useful for unlocking with different fingers).
• ⚡ To speed up recognition, turn off animation in Settings → Special facilities → Animation.

😊 Face Unlock

• 🌙 Works worse in the dark – use infrared backlight (available on Xiaomi flagships) 13T, Redmi K60).
• 👓 Fails to recognize face with glasses or masks (configure an alternative method).
• 🔒 In some models (POCO F5) Face Unlock only works for unlocking, not for authorization in banking applications.

Important: Biometric data is stored locally in a secure chip and not transferred to Xiaomi servers, but when you reset the settings, it is deleted without the possibility of recovery.

What to do if you forget your current password

If you don't remember a PIN, a pattern lock, or a password, you can only unlock your phone through a hard reset, and this method will remove all the data from your device, so use it as a last resort.

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Yes.
5. After restarting, set your phone as new.

💡

If a Mi Account was linked to the phone, you may need to enter your login and password to activate it (protection against theft) after the reset.

An alternative way is to unlock through Find Device (if the function was activated in advance):

1. Go to i.mi.com from another device.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as on a locked phone.
3. Select the device in the list and click Unlock.

This method doesn’t work on all models and requires an active internet connection on a locked phone.

Comparison of blocking methods: what to choose

Which is the most reliable way to lock, and which is the most convenient way to lock, and the table below compares all the options by key parameters:

For maximum security, we recommend combining a fingerprint. + PIN-And if you care about speed, you can choose Face Unlock, but don't store sensitive data on your phone.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, when changing locks from a pattern lock to a PIN, the system may require a 24-hour wait, a security measure against hacking.

Additional security settings in MIUI

Besides screen locking, MIUI has other useful features for data protection:

• 🔐 Safe folder – hides files from prying eyes (available in Settings) → Passwords and security).
• 📱 Application protection – blocks access to individual programs (for example, banking) with an additional password.
• 🔄 Autolock – adjusts the time to lock the screen (from 5 seconds to 30 minutes).
• 🚨 Emergency. SOS — When you press the power button five times, it sends a message to contacts with your location.

Xiaomi also has Remote Lock feature – if the phone is lost, you can block it remotely via the Mi Cloud website.

💡

To speed up fingerprint unlocking, add the same finger twice at different angles, and the system will recognize it faster.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change locks, you often have typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is no longer able to recognize the fingerprint after the lock change, check if there is a protective film on the screen.

• 🔄 The system asks you to wait 24 hours, which is normal when you change the type of lock, you can't get around it, but you can speed up if you verify your identity through your Mi Account.
• 📵 Face Unlock doesn’t work at night – turn on Infrared Lighting in your facial recognition settings (not available on all models).
• 🔑 Forgot the backup. PIN After you set up your print, you'll have to reset your settings. In the future, write backup code to a secure location.
• 🔒 Banking apps don’t accept fingerprints – add them to exceptions in biometrics settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5, Redmi Note 12 after update to MIUI 14 may reset the Face Unlock setting. Check its performance after the update!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions