How to disable application protection password on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps with a password and when it becomes a problem

The password protection feature in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones was originally designed to increase privacy. It blocks access to selected programs (messengers, banking customers, gallery) without entering. PIN-However, over time, this feature can become annoying: constant password requests every time you open WhatsApp or SberBank Online take time, and forgotten code becomes a serious problem.

Especially relevant topic for users who purchased used Redmi Note 10/11/12 or POCO X3/X4 with already configured protection. the previous owner could not provide a password, and a standard reset via Settings → Reset does not always remove the locking of applications. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of disabling protection – from official to technical (including ADB and Fastboot).

It’s important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the model of the smartphone. For example, on Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5 can be reset via Security Settings, whereas on Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14 you will need to connect to a PC. We tested the instructions on current firmware 2023-2026.

Method 1: Disable protection through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, which is suitable if you remember the password from the security or it coincides with unlocking the screen. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Applications → Application Lock (on some models, the path may look like Settings → Password and Security → Application Lock).
3. Enter the current password of protection (if requested).
4. Click on the basket icon in the upper right corner or select Remove All for Mass Disconnection.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

If the Block Apps item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 For MIUI 14: Settings → Password and security → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.
• 🔍 For MIUI 12/13: Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may need to restart the device after the protection is turned off. If the applications continue to request a password, restart.

Method 2: Reset security settings (without data loss)

If you don’t remember your password but have access to your smartphone’s basic settings, try resetting security settings.This method doesn’t delete personal data (photos, contacts, messages), but removes all locks, including app protection.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find Reset (or Restore and Reset on older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Reset Security Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
4. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if linked) or PIN-lock-screen.
5. Confirm the action.

Once rebooted, all secure apps will be available without a password, which works on most Redmi models, including:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro
• 📱 POCO X3/X4/X5
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C (on MIUI 12.5 newer)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and activated function Data Protection MIUI (It starts at the first start, and the safety reset may not work, so you can move on to the method of using the ADB.

Method 3: Remove protection through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android via PC, which requires USB debugging and computer access enabled, but is guaranteed to unblock any versions of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder.
5. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
6. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed – go further.
7. Run the command to unblock: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider or (for newer versions of MIUI): adb shell pm clear com.miui.guardprovider

Once you execute the command, all secure applications are automatically unlocked, and the "Application Lock" option disappears from the settings. If adb: error: failed to stat occurs, recheck the USB connection and debugging rights.

Method 4: Complete Recovery Reset (Extreme Case)

If none of the methods worked, then hard reset through Recovery mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for Redmi with MIUI Recovery:

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 (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

On new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), the Recovery menu may look different. If instead of text, characters are displayed, it means that the firmware is Kitawan (intended for the Chinese market).

• 🔧 Use Fastboot to Firmware Global Version MIUI.
• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (if the device is warranty).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in activation of Mi Account protection. After the reboot, you will need to enter a login and password from the Xiaomi account that was tied before the reset!

💡

Before reset, remove the microSD card, which will remain intact, and check if your Google account is linked to the device: after reset, you may need to confirm through your old password.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable application protection, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ways to solve them:

Another common situation is that after buying a used Redmi, the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, in which case, even after a reset, the system will require the entry of the old account data.

• 📧 Contact the seller and ask to untie the device via the Xiaomi website.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center with a check about the purchase (if the device is guaranteed).
• 🔓 Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-30 days).

💡

If you have purchased a used Xiaomi smartphone, always check whether the Mi Account is untied before you purchase. This can be done in the settings: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. If there is no “Log out” item, the device is tied to someone else’s account.

Alternative methods of data protection without blocking applications

If you’ve disabled app protection but are still worried about privacy, consider alternative ways to:

• 🔐 Hidden folders: In a standard file manager MIUI You can hide files and folders. → More. → Hide.
• 🔐 Second Space: Double Space (in account settings) creates a separate profile with its own apps and data.
• 🔐 Third-party apps: Utilities like AppLock or Norton App Lock offer flexible lock settings without being tied to system functions MIUI.
• 🔐 Encryption: In Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials can encrypt all data on the device (requires a password every time you turn on).

For banking applications, it is better to use built-in protection mechanisms for the programs themselves, for example, Sberbank Online and Tinkoff support:

• 🏦 Two-factor authentication (SMS) + password).
• 🏦 Biometric authorization (fingerprint or Face) ID).
• 🏦 Automatic locking in case of suspicious activity.

If you often transfer your phone to other people (like children), instead of blocking apps, set up guest mode:

1. Open the notification panel and tap the user icon.
2. Select Add Guest.
3. Set restrictions for your guest profile (no access to messages, gallery, etc.).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions