How to disable screen lock on Xiaomi Mi: full instructions

Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the need to change or completely remove the device's protection.Screen lock, presented as a pattern lock, PIN-A code or password is a reliable shield against unauthorized access to personal data, but in some situations, the constant input of the combination becomes burdensome, especially if the gadget is used exclusively on the home network or by a child.

The process of deactivating the security depends on the current version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, as well as on the presence of a Mi Account. It is important to understand that the complete removal of the password reduces the level of security, making the device vulnerable to loss.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the standard methods of disabling protection, how to restore access when a forgotten password and the nuances of working with smart unlock functions. You will learn how to properly configure Face ID or fingerprint scanner to minimize the use of manual input, and what to do if the system requires entering a password after rebooting.

Staff disabling password through security settings

The easiest and safest way to remove the lock is to use a standard settings menu, which is suitable if you remember your current password and have physical access to your desktop, and before starting the procedure, make sure that your device does not run critical processes that require confirmation.

To start, go to Settings and select Passwords and Security. In some firmware versions, this menu may be simply called Screen Lock. The system will request proof of identity: you will need to enter the current pattern lock or digital code. Without this step, you cannot change the settings, since this is the basic mechanism of protecting MIUI.

Once you have successfully logged in, find the Lock screen option and click on it. From the Security Types list that opens, select No or Disable. The system will again warn you of the risks: the data will no longer be encrypted, and payment services may need to reconfigure it. Confirm the action and the protection will be removed.

It is worth noting that once you disable your password, some security features will become unavailable, such as a Secure folder or app hiding, and banking applications may react to the lack of screen locking by reducing trust in the device.

Using biometrics as an alternative to password

If your goal is not so much to remove the protection completely as to get rid of the constant input of numbers, the ideal solution is to adjust biometric methods. Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with modern facial recognition modules and fingerprint scanners built into the screen or power button.

Face ID is set up via the Passwords and Security menu → Face unlock. The system will suggest you record your biometrics by asking you to turn your head in different directions. To improve reliability, we recommend activating the option Additional Protection, which requires blinking or turning your head, although this slows down unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: Facial recognition on Xiaomi budget models may work less reliably in low light.Don't rely solely on Face ID Protecting banking applications if you don’t have a backup PIN-code.

The fingerprint scanner remains the fastest and most reliable way to access. The location of the sensor depends on the model: in flagships, it is often built into the display, in public sector workers – on the back or on the side. To register your fingerprint, go to Passwords and security → Fingerprints and follow the instructions on the screen, putting your finger many times.

Using biometrics allows you to implement a smart unlock scenario where the device remains unlocked while you hold it in your hands. However, after every full reboot or update to the Android system, you still need to enter your primary password at least once, a security requirement of the operating system that cannot be circumvented by software.

Smart unlocking through Bluetooth devices

The MIUI shell offers a handy smart unlock feature that allows you to avoid entering a password when your smartphone is connected to a trusted Bluetooth device, especially for users of Mi Band, Amazfit or car headsets.

To activate this feature, you first need to create a password or a graphical key, since smart unlock is an add-on above the main method of protection. Then go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock → Smart unlock. Here you need to select a trusted device from the list of conjugated gadgets.

The principle is simple: as long as the phone "sees" the chosen watch or headphones, the screen will be unlocked by a simple swipe without entering the code. Once the Bluetooth connection is interrupted (you have moved away from the device), the protection is automatically activated, which is a trade-off between convenience and security.

• 🔹 Supports connection to multiple devices at the same time, such as a watch and a car.
• 🔹 It works even if the screen is off, activating instantly when the phone is lifted.
• 🔹 It does not require additional power consumption, as it uses standard Bluetooth Low Energy.

It's important to consider the latency of the connection. Sometimes, after a Bluetooth connection breaks, it takes a few seconds before the phone asks for a password again, during which time the device is formally unlocked, which is worth considering in crowded places.

What to do if you forget your password or pattern lock

The forgotten password situation is one of the most difficult: in modern versions of Android and MIUI, there is no magic "forgot password" button that would allow you to reset the code via SMS or email without losing data.

The only regular way to access the device is a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset), which will delete all user data: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Before you start, make sure you remember the username and password from your Mi Account and Google Account, otherwise the phone will turn into a “brick” after reset due to activation lock.

Turn off your smartphone to reset. Then press the button combination to enter Recovery mode. On most Xiaomi models, it's Volume Up + Power Button. From the Recovery menu, select the language (English), then Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.

The command to log into Fastboot (alternative method):


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Once the process is complete, the phone will reboot as new, and when you first set up it will request accounts that have been synced before, and if you don't remember the Mi Account password, you won't be able to recover without contacting official support with a check to buy.

Comparison of protection methods and their vulnerabilities

When choosing a method of protection or deciding to disable it, it is useful to understand the technical differences between the two. Each option has its strengths and potential risks, which should be considered depending on how you use your smartphone.

pattern lock, despite its popularity, often leaves greasy traces on the matrix, which an attacker can restore the drawing. PIN-Four-digit codes are recycled by modern devices in minutes if the phone is not protected from brute-force attacks.

Biometric data is typically stored in a secure partition of the processor (TEE), which makes it difficult to steal it. However, biometrics cannot be "changed" in the event of a compromise, unlike a password.

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The perfect protection is a combination of a complex password (which you remember) and biometrics for everyday use.

Frequent User Questions and Problems

When controlling a screen lock, users often experience unusual behaviors, such as a phone suddenly requesting a password after a long downtime or app update, which is normal Android security behavior that requires periodic verification of the identity of the owner.

Sometimes users complain that they can’t turn off their password because the “No” button is inactive, most often because the device has corporate application security certificates or job profiles that require data encryption, in which case you need to delete certificates through the Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Privacy Certificates → Encryption.

⚠️ Note: If you delete corporate certificates, your organization’s applications (email, messengers) may stop working. IT-department.

There's also a problem where the fingerprint scanner stops responding after the reboot, and it's not a breakdown, it's a feature of the work: the first login is always done with a password, and then the biometric sensors are activated for subsequent unlocks.

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If the screen often goes out too quickly, increase the time to sleep in the display settings.This will reduce the number of necessary unlocks and save nerves.

Understanding these nuances helps avoid panic and unnecessary actions. Xiaomi security system is quite flexible, but requires careful attention to settings, especially if you decide to completely disable screen protection.