A smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information, from instant messengers to photos and banking apps, which is why the lock screen is the first and most important frontier in protecting your digital space. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often want to not only set a password, but also personalize the appearance of the screensaver by adding widgets or changing wallpapers.
The setup process can seem confusing due to the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. The security menu here is combined with password settings, and the visual design of the blocker is often hidden in the section “Always on screen and lock”. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so you can maximize the security of your gadget.
We will go through all types of protection: from simple PIN-We will also touch on the topic of customization, which is so popular among Xiaomi users. You will learn how to make the lock screen not only reliable, but also beautiful.
Selection of type of protection and setting of password
The first thing you need to do before any fine-tuning is to set a basic type of protection. Without this step, biometric unlocking methods like the fingerprint scanner or Face ID will be unavailable for use.
To start, go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find a section that could be called Passwords and Security or Device Protection. That's where the key switches are. Click on Screen Lock or Screen Lock Password.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the lock password and do not link the Mi Account in advance, it will be almost impossible to unlock the device without losing data!
The system will offer you to choose from several options, each of which has its own characteristics and level of security.
- 🔢 Number password (PIN): The fastest way to enter is to 4-6 Frequently used for unlocking numbers.
- 🔣 pattern lock: connecting points in a certain order, a classic method for Android devices.
- 🔤 Alpha-digital password: the most reliable option, requiring the input of letters and numbers, but taking longer.
- 👆 Password-free: Slider mode that does not provide any data protection (not recommended).
Once you have selected the type of protection, you will need to enter the combination twice to confirm. HyperOS may also offer to set up a smart lock that automatically disables the password in trusted places, such as at home.
Set up biometric unlocking
Once the primary password is set, it is recommended to set up biometrics, which greatly speeds up access to the system. Xiaomi smartphones use two main types of biometrics: fingerprint scanning and facial recognition.
To set up your fingerprint, go to the Passwords & Security → Fingerprints menu. The system will ask you to enter the previously set screen lock password to confirm your identity. Then follow the instructions on the screen, putting your finger on the scanner from different angles.
☑️ Biometrics verification
Face recognition is configured in the next menu, Face data, which is less secure than a print, because a two-dimensional image can be fooled by a high-quality photo, but it's very convenient. It's worth noting that many Redmi and POCO models have software that implements this feature.
It's important to understand the difference in speed. Fingerprint scanners built into the screen or side button work almost instantly. Face ID can require raising your smartphone to eye level and good lighting.
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For maximum fingerprint unlock speed, add the same finger twice as different fingerprints, which will increase the scan area and improve recognition.
Customization and appearance of the blocker
One of the greatest strengths of the MIUI shell is its ability to be deeply customized. The lock screen is the first thing you see when you take your phone off a charger or pull it out of your pocket. The standard look often seems boring, but it's easy to change.
The main tool for change is in the Settings path → Always screen on and lock. You can turn on the wallpaper carousel function here. This is a service that automatically changes the background images on the lock screen, downloading new pictures from the Internet or your gallery.
In addition to changing the background, you can set up the widgets, some versions of the firmware have a constructor that allows you to move the clock, date and notifications, and you can change the time font or add a signature under the clock.
| Function | Where to find out. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper carousel | Settings → Lock screen | Automatic background change |
| Widgets | Settings → Lock screen | Weather, footsteps, notes |
| Double tap. | Additionally. → Gestures | Activation of the tap screen |
| Always On Display | Settings → AOD | Displaying time on the off screen |
Remember that the abundance of widgets and animated wallpaper can slightly increase battery consumption, especially if the Always On Display mode is enabled.
Managing notifications on a locked screen
The lock screen serves not only as a security, but also as an information center, and when the phone is on the table, it is the locker that reports incoming calls and messages, but not everyone likes to see the contents of messages from outsiders.
This can be managed through the Notification Menu. → Notifications on the lock screen. There are three main display modes available here. You can show the contents of all notifications, hide their contents (leaving only the name of the application) or completely disable the display.
To increase privacy, select Hide Content mode, in which case the screen will see “New message from WhatsApp”, but the text of the message will remain hidden until the device is unlocked.
⚠️ Warning: If you turn off the notifications display on the lock screen, you may miss an important call if the phone is lying down screen or in a bag without vibration.
It’s also worth checking the settings of specific apps. Some messengers, such as Telegram or Signal, have their own internal privacy settings that can override Android’s system settings.
Pocket mode and occasional pressing
A common problem with today's big-screen smartphones is random taps in your pocket, a phone can reach your phone, dial an emergency number, or open an app, and Xiaomi has a special algorithm to combat this.
The feature is called Pocket Mode, and it's usually on by default. It uses a proximity sensor to determine if the phone is in a confined space. If the sensor is closed, the touch screen is locked, and the taps are ignored.
Check for and use of this feature in the Passwords & Security → Privacy section (or in special features, depending on the version of MIUI).
What to do if the pocket mode does not work?
If you use magnetic fastener covers, make sure the magnet doesn't get into the sensor area.This can cause a false in-pocket operation, and the screen will stop responding to touch even in the hands.
Advanced Security Settings and Smart Lock
For those who want to balance security and convenience, there is a Smart Lock feature that allows you to keep your phone unlocked in certain situations where the risk of theft is minimal.
You can find this option by going to Settings → Passwords and Security → Advanced Settings → Smart Lock. There are several scenarios available here, for example, you can allow unlocking when the smartphone is connected to a Bluetooth headset or is in range of a home Wi-Fi router.
Another useful feature is in-app locking, which doesn't directly refer to the lock screen, but complements it, and you can set a separate password to log in to the Gallery or the Banking app, even if the main screen of the phone is already unlocked.
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Smart Lock is convenient at home, but remember: if you lose your phone in a “trusted place,” anyone who finds it will have full access to your data without a password.
Using geolocation for Smart Lock requires constant work GPS-It is recommended to use this method only when connected to known Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices.