How to completely disable the lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9: safe and hidden ways

The lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just protection from outsiders, but also a constant inconvenience for those who are used to using a smartphone “in one breath.” PIN-It is tiring to code, draw a pattern lock or put your finger on a fingerprint scanner, especially if the phone is used at home or in a safe environment. However, the manufacturer does not provide an obvious option to “remove the lock completely” – it must be searched in the depths of settings or resort to workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to disable the lock screen on Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), taking into account the features of the MIUI 12, 13 and 14 firmware. You will learn how to do without a password, what to do if the system requires an old key, and what hidden settings allow you to remove the lock without resetting to factory settings.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t let you just remove the screen lock?

The manufacturer deliberately complicates the process of disabling the lock, and for this there are good reasons:

• 🔒 Data Protection: Without locking anyone who takes your phone will have access to photos, messages and payment apps.
• 📱 Requirements MIUI: Xiaomi firmware is integrated with Google and Mi Account services, which require at least minimal protection.
• 🔄 Preventing theft: On smartphones without locking, it is easier to reset settings and resell the device.

But you can get around these limitations, either by legal means or by technical loopholes. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Disable the lock via standard MIUI settings

This is the safest method, but it only works if you already know your current password or pattern lock. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Screen Lock.
3. Enter the current password/key for confirmation.
4. In the list of locking methods, tap on No (or Swipe in some versions).
5. Confirm the action - the lock will be disabled.

⚠️ Note: After this step, the phone will unlock with a simple swipe up.If you use Mi Account or Google Pay, some features (such as contactless payments) may stop working until the protection is reset.

Make a backup copy of important data

Make sure you remember your current password.

Turn off card binding to Google Pay/Mi Pay

Check for updates MIUI-->

Method 2: Remove locking through recovery mode (TWRP)

If you forget your password or the system requires an old key after reset, you will need to use custom TWRP recovery. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install TWRP for Redmi 9 (the version must match the model: lancelot for Redmi 9, dandelion for 9A/9C).
2. Download the archive. Disable_Force_Encrypt_Treble.zip (prevents data encryption).
3. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
4. Go to Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes and confirm.
5. Install. Disable_Force_Encrypt_Treble.zip via Install.
6. Restart the phone – the screen lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: This method completely erases the data from the internal memory! Also after the procedure, you may need to re-assign the Mi Account, otherwise the phone will lock after 72 hours (protection against theft).

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through ADB (without data loss)

If you have USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer, you can remove the lock via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which saves data, but doesn't work on all versions of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
4. After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This method may not work because of the enhanced security, and root rights are required, which cancel the warranty and increase the risk of hacking the device.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, check if USB debugging is enabled in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).

What if nothing works? Alternative solutions

If none of these methods have worked, consider alternatives:

If you encounter a Mi Account lock after a reset, the only legal way to unlock is to contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check, box).Unofficial bypass methods (e.g. via EDL) often lead to a "brick" of the device.

Risks of turning off the lock screen: what to fear

The complete removal of the screen lock on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 has several critical consequences:

• 🚨 Data loss during theft: Without protection, an attacker will have access to photos, correspondence and banking applications.
• 🔌 Blocking Mi Account: When resetting your phone may require you to enter your old Xiaomi account details.
• 📱 Feature Limitations: Google Pay, Mi Pay, and some system applications (e.g. Mi Home for smart devices) will stop working).
• 🔄 Problems with updates: On some firmware MIUI After the lock is removed, the lock is no longer installed. OTA-update.

Critical: Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has linked screen locking to hardware protection (eFuse).This means that after completely removing the password via TWRP or ADB, the phone may lose access to some features, even after re-setting the lock.

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Disabling screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is only advisable in two cases: 1) the phone is used exclusively in a secure environment (for example, as a media player at home); 2) you are ready for the possible loss of functionality and the risk of blocking the account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Users often encounter problems when trying to remove a lock, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ «Incorrect password" when reset through settings → Make sure you enter the current key, not the old one. If you forget, use Mi Cloud to recover.
• ❌ TWRP not installed → Check if the bootloader is unlocked (fastboot oem unlock). New devices require a wait of 7-14 days after the unlock request.
• ❌ ADB can't see the device → Update the drivers, turn on debugging by USB and select File Transfer Mode when connected.
• ❌ After reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account → If the device was purchased from hand, contact the previous owner to unbundle the account.

If you see a message saying “This device is locked” after a Fastboot reset, Mi Account protection has been activated, in which case only an official appeal in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions