How to remove application protection on Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

Application protection on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a built-in MIUI feature that blocks access to certain programs through a password, fingerprint or pattern lock. On the one hand, it is useful for privacy, but on the other hand, it can interfere with everyday use, for example, when you forgot the password from the application or want to turn off the protection for convenience.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove protection, from standard MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB and root access. It is important to understand that some methods require technical knowledge and can affect the warranty or stability of the device, we will also look at how to avoid common errors and what to do if standard methods do not work.

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps and can it be turned off?

The app lock feature in MIUI was introduced to protect personal data from outsiders, it works at the system level and is integrated with the Mi Account, which makes it difficult to bypass it, but the manufacturer has provided several legitimate ways to manage this feature.

The main reasons why users want to remove protection:

• 🔐 Forgot the password or pattern lock from the application
• 📱 The app constantly requests unlocking, even after restarting
• 🚫 Restrictions interfere with the operation of automatic scripts or bots
• 🔄 You want to transfer data from the blocked application

Technically, the lock is implemented through MiuiSecurityCenter, a system application that controls access, and you can't turn it off completely without root rights, but you can reset or circumvent the restrictions by legal means.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate smartphone with Android Enterprise policies, removing protection may violate the company's security policies. IT-division.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if you remember the Mi Account password or the pattern lock.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Block applications.
2. Enter your current password or pattern lock.
3. Select the application you want to unlock and move the slider to the off position.
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

If you want to completely disable the function:

• Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
• Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock Settings.
• Turn off the option of Blocking applications.

This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later. On older versions, the path may be slightly different: for example, in MIUI 11 you need to go through Settings → Lock and password → Lock applications.

Method 2: Reset the lock password through your Mi Account

If you forgot the password from the blocked application, but the device-associated Mi Account is active, you can use the recovery function. This method does not require resetting the phone to factory settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account and make sure you are logged in.
2. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
3. Click Forgot Password? (or similar option)
4. Select recovery through your Mi Account.
5. Enter the username and password from the account, then follow the instructions on the screen.

After successful recovery, you will be able to:

• 🔓 Set a new password to block applications
• 📱 Disable protection for individual programs
• 🔄 Reset all lock settings

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device (2FA), Recovery will require a code from SMS Google Authenticator, without it, you can't reset your password.

Method 3: Using ADB to remove protection (without root)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode by tapping 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider

These commands disable the system application that locks the phone, and once you restart the phone, the application protection will disappear.

• 🔄 After updating MIUI The defense may come back
• 🛡️ Some system functions (e.g. Second Space) may not work properly.

Method 4: Remove protection with root access

If you have root rights, you can completely remove the system components that are responsible for blocking, which gives you maximum freedom, but voids the warranty and can lead to unstable system operation.

Tools required:

• 📱 Root access (for example, via Magisk)
• 🛠️ File Manager with support for root (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer)
• 🔧 Application for freezing system processes (Titanium Backup or App Quarantine)

Step-by-step:

1. Open the file manager and go to /system/priv-app/MiuiGuardProvider.
2. Remove or rename the folder (for example, in the MiuiGuardProvider_bak).
3. Go to /system/app/GuardProvider and do the same.
4. Reset the device.

Alternative method (via ADB root):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiuiGuardProvider




rm -rf /system/app/GuardProvider




reboot

After these actions:

• ✅ Blocking applications will be completely disabled
• ⚠️ Certain functions MIUI (Second Space will stop working.
• 🔄 After the firmware update, the protection can return

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files without a backup can lead to a device "brick" (unable to download). TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If no other method has worked, you'll have to reset your phone completely, and that will delete all the data, including your lock settings, but it will also be deleted.

• 📸 Photos and videos
• 📱 Installed applications and their data
• 📞 Contacts (if not synced with Google)
• 📧 Accounts and passwords

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if required).
4. Confirm the action.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The device will return to factory settings
• 🔓 Blocking applications will be disabled
• 📲 You will need to re-set the smartphone

💡

If you are unsure of your technical skills, start with the simplest methods (standard disconnect or restore via Mi Account). ADB and root only in extreme cases.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove application protection, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1.ADB doesn't see the device

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (try another)
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers on PC
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB and confirm the trusted device

2. After deleting system files, the phone does not turn on

• 🛠️ Restore deleted files through TWRP backup
• 🔄 Refuse the device via Fastboot
• 📞 Contact the service center (if you do not have repair skills)

3.Forgotten password from Mi Account

• 🔓 Use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account (instruction letter)
• 📞 If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS coded

4 After the MIUI update, the protection is back

• 🔄 Repeat the shutdown procedure (through ADB root)
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic update of system applications
• 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience)

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, back up your phone via TWRP or Mi Cloud to help restore your phone in case of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions