How to unlock application protection on Xiaomi Redmi, if you forgot your password: 5 working methods

Forgot the password from the protection of applications on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone and can not open instant messengers, gallery or banking applications? This situation is familiar to many users who install an additional lock for privacy, but then face the problem of restoring access. PIN-Lock screen code, application protection password (App Lock) is reset by other rules.

In this article, we will look at all the official and alternative ways to unlock, from restore via Mi Account to reset settings without losing data. Importantly, the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the model of the smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 12), We took these nuances into account and collected current instructions for 2026.

1. password recovery via Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable way is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:

• 🔗 You have previously logged in to Mi Account on your device.
• 📶 Smartphones have Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication is not enabled on your account (or you have a backup code).

Instructions:

1. On the application protection password entry screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? in English firmware).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if required).
5. Set a new password for App Lock.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account data, try to recover it through the official website. Use the linked email or phone number. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check or box).

2. Reset password through security settings (without data loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data from it, try resetting the password through the security menu. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but requires knowledge PIN-code or pattern lock of the lock screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Go to the Application Protection (App Lock) section.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reset password.
4. Enter the current one. PIN-lock-screen code.
5. Set a new password to protect your applications.

💡 Useful advice: If you don't have a password reset, upgrade to the latest version. MIUI (12 below, this method may not work.

3.Use of Recovery Mode for Reset (with loss of data)

If previous methods failed, it would be hard to reset via Recovery Mode, which would remove all data from the device, including passwords, but would return access to the smartphone, and would be suitable for Redmi 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 10 and more.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required) and go to Wipe Data (or Erase Data).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, press Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: After resetting through Recovery, all data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted. If the smartphone was enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud, some of the information can be restored after re-entering the account.

4. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities

For power users, there are ways to bypass protection through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized utilities, which require debugging over USB and may not work on newer versions of MIUI due to enhanced protection.

Method 1: Delete App Lock files via ADB

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Method 2: Use the Mi Unlock Tool (only to unlock the bootloader).

• 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down).
• 🔓 Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB And third-party utilities can disrupt the system or lead to loss of warranty. On HyperOS devices, these methods are often blocked by the manufacturer.

💡

Before using ADB, enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the version bar, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).

Features for new models (HyperOS and MIUI 14+)

Starting with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and now resets the application password only through Mi Account or a full reset, and alternative methods (like ADB) have stopped working because of:

• 🔒 Encryption of system partitions.
• 🛡️ Block changes via Fastboot.
• 📱 Protection binding to device hardware identifier.

If you have a Redmi 12, Redmi Note 13 or newer, we recommend:

1. Try recovery through Mi Account (Section 1).
2. If you do not have a linked account, back up via Mi PC Suite and reset via Recovery (Section 3).

💡

On HyperOS and MIUI 14+, it is virtually impossible to bypass application protection without data loss. Use official methods or contact Xiaomi’s service center.

6.How to avoid a problem in the future: tips for setting up

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these guidelines:

• 📝 Write the password from App Lock to a secure location (for example, Google Password Manager or Bitwarden).
• 🔗 Link Mi Account to your device and enable synchronization.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI Fixed bugs with access restoration.
• 📱 Set up a backup of important data through Settings → System and device → Backup.

Alternative protection methods can also be used:

💡 Useful tip: If you use third-party apps to block, choose those that support recovery via email or Google account. Examples: Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app protection on Xiaomi