Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to change the security settings of their device.This may be because the current pattern is too complicated to constantly enter, or vice versa, you want to strengthen the protection of personal data. The Redmi 8 Pro model runs a MIUI shell that provides flexible tools to control access to the system. Understanding how to properly deactivate the screen protection will allow you to unlock the gadget faster with each use.
The process of disabling a graphical password does not require complex manipulation or connection to a computer. All the necessary functions are built directly into the operating system interface. However, in this article, we will discuss in detail each step necessary to successfully perform the procedure on the Redmi 8 Pro, as well as the nuances associated with the Mi Account and biometrics.
Before you make any changes, make sure you remember or have access to your current password. Android security will not allow you to change lock settings without verifying the identity of the owner. If you forget the key, the procedure will look different and may result in data loss. We will focus on the standard method through the settings menu, which is the safest and most reliable way.
Preparing the device for changing security parameters
The first step before making any security changes is to check the current state of the device. Make sure that the battery charge of the Redmi 8 Pro is at least 20-30%. Although the process of turning off the key is not energy intensive, suddenly turning off the smartphone while working with system settings can lead to software failures. It is also worth checking for system updates, as in new versions of MIUI the menu interface may differ slightly.
It's important to understand the difference between the types of locks. A pattern lock is the connection of dots on a screen that you draw with your finger. It's different from the one you draw. PIN-In some cases, users confuse these concepts, so when you enter the settings, pay attention to the item "pattern lock" or "Drawing." If you have a Fingerprint or Face installed. ID (facial recognition, they can work in conjunction with the pattern lock.
⚠️ Note: If your device has Google’s Find Device feature enabled or Mi Cloud binding enabled, the system may require you to enter your account password after you disable screen lock.
It is recommended to remember or write down the current picture in advance, so as not to block yourself when you re-request confirmation. Android often asks for passwords when critical changes in the security section. If you use third-party launchers or themes, temporarily return the standard view to avoid visual bugs when navigating the menu.
Navigation through the MIUI settings menu
The MIUI shell interface on Redmi 8 Pro may not be obvious to beginners because of the abundance of features. To turn off the pattern lock, you need to go to a specialized section. Open the Settings app (the gear icon) on the home screen or in the notification curtain. At the top of the screen, there is often a search bar where you can type in a “Block” or “Password” request, which immediately throws you into the desired section, bypassing a long search.
If you prefer manual navigation, follow the menu structure. Depending on the version of MIUI (Global or China), the path can vary slightly. Usually, the security section is either at the top of the settings list or under the system and device subsection. Look for an item called "Passwords and Security" or simply "Screen Lock," which is where all the access control tools are concentrated.
- 📱 Open the “Settings” app on your desktop.
- 🔒 Find the Passwords and Security section (could be called Privacy Protection»).
- 🖥️ Select “Screen Lock” or “Screen Lock Type».
- 👆 Click on the current installed protection method to change it.
Inside the menu you will see a list of available methods: “No”, “Swipe”, “pattern lock», «PIN-The current active method will be ticked or colored, and to turn off, we need to choose the option "No" or "Swipe", but first the system will require you to confirm your rights to do so. Xiaomi interface is highly responsive, so transitions between points occur instantly.
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Use the search in the settings by entering the word “screen” to instantly find the desired section without wandering through the menu.
Procedure for deactivating the pattern lock
Once you're in the lock type selection menu, click on "No" or "Disable." The Redmi 8 Pro screen will immediately display a confirmation request window. The system will ask you to enter the current pattern lock you want to remove, a mandatory step to prevent the intruder from accidentally removing the protection or actions of the intruder who accessed the unlocked phone.
Carefully play the picture with your finger on the screen. The lines must connect the same points as when you would normally unlock. If the picture is entered correctly, a dialog box will open with a warning that all data protected by this key may become available. Some versions of MIUI will also display a warning that fingerprints and facial data will also be deleted, as they are tied to the main method of locking.
Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock → No → Key Enter → ConfirmationPress OK or Confirm to complete the operation. The screen goes out for a split second, and you go back to the settings menu. Now, when you turn on the display, the phone no longer requires drawing a pattern. Access to the system becomes free, or only swipe (finger swipe) will work if you choose this option. Check the result by locking the screen with the power button and trying to unlock it.
⚠️ Note: After disabling the pattern lock, all stored fingerprints and facial recognition data will be deleted from the security memory. You will have to configure them again if you want to use biometrics.
If the system gives an error "wrong key" when trying to disable, then the picture is entered incorrectly. You have several attempts. In the case of a complete lock due to multiple errors, the device may require to wait a certain time (from 30 seconds to 30 minutes) before the next attempt.
☑️ Checklist before disconnecting protection
Working with Mi and Google Account
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is closely integrated with Google’s security services and its own Mi Cloud. When you turn off the pattern lock on Redmi 8 Pro, you may experience a situation where the system requires verification of identity through an account, this happens if the theft protection feature has been activated, in which case simply entering the old key may not be enough.
You'll need to enter the username and password from Mi Account, which was used in the initial setup of the smartphone. This is an FRP (Factory Reset Protection) mechanism adapted for the MIUI shell. It ensures that even if the phone is reset to factory settings, it will not be possible to use it without the owner's account.
| Parameter | Description | Effect on key disabling |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | Xiaomi account | You may need a password when changing the type of lock |
| Google Account | Google account | Required for confirmation after resetting or changing critical settings |
| Find Device | Searching device | Blocks changes to security settings without authorization |
| Second Space | Second space | Requires a separate password to log into a hidden profile |
If you forget your account information, the process of disabling the key may not be possible without resetting the device. You can restore access to Mi Account through the manufacturer's website if you have access to the linked phone number or mail. You can't ignore these security requirements, because they are sewn into the server-level verification when you make changes to critical parts of the system.
What if your phone requires an account you don’t remember?
Alternative methods and biometrics
A complete disabling of protection may not be suitable for those who value privacy but want to get rid of an uncomfortable pattern lock.The Redmi 8 Pro features a fingerprint scanner located on the back and a face unlock module. These methods are more convenient and faster. You can replace the pattern lock with PIN-code that is entered faster and customized for everyday use.
Biometric data is stored in a secure memory partition (TEE) and is not transferred to servers, which makes it safe to use. When setting up a fingerprint, the system will still ask you to create a backup login method (password or key) in case the scanner does not work (for example, wet hands), this backup method can be made as simple as possible if the main load falls on the scanner.
- 👍 Fast: Unlocking the fingerprint takes less than 0.5 seconds.
- 🔒 Reliability: Fake a finger is harder than peeking a pattern lock.
- 📱 Convenience: No need to remember complex patterns or numbers.
- 🔄 Flexibility: You can add multiple fingerprints (for example, thumb and index finger).
To set up, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Unlock fingerprint. Add your finger, following the instructions on the screen. After that, when you turn on the screen, just touch the scanner. The pattern lock will remain as a backup method, but you will rarely use it. This is the optimal balance between convenience and security for the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro.
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Using a fingerprint scanner on the Redmi 8 Pro significantly speeds up access to the system and allows you to use a more complex backup password that does not need to be entered constantly.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter technical difficulties in disabling the lock, one of the common problems being the sensor's "sticking" or incorrect reaction to touch, which makes it impossible to precisely enter the pattern lock to confirm the disconnect, in which case it is recommended to wipe the screen, remove the protective film if it is damaged, or restart the device before retrying.
Another is the absence of a “No” clause in the lock list, which can occur if a device has corporate profiles or certain applications with administrator rights (e.g., bank customers with a strict security policy or Exchange work accounts), which can require a screen lock to work.
To solve the problem, check the list of applications with administrator rights. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Device administrators. If there are unknown or working profiles that block changing settings, try disabling their rights. After that, the option to choose the “No” method should appear. If the problem persists, you may need to remove the conflicting application.
⚠️ Note: Disabling admin rights from banking applications may temporarily limit their functionality (for example, prevent payment by face.
If the settings menu closes immediately after trying to change the lock, this may indicate the presence of a virus or malware. In this case, it is recommended to run the built-in security check through the Xiaomi Security app or install a reliable antivirus from Google Play. Malware often blocks the ability to change system settings to maintain control of the device.