Smart Lock on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) is designed to make it easier to unlock a device in a safe environment – at home, near trusted gadgets or when connecting to certain networks. However, not all users appreciate this “convenience”: many face spontaneous unlocking at the wrong time, leaks of confidential data or conflicts with other security features.
It’s important to understand that Smart Lock is part of Google’s ecosystem integrated into MIUI. So turning it off may require action in both Xiaomi’s settings and Google Play services. We’ll look at all the methods available, from the standard interface to manually decache through ADB (for advanced users).
What is a Smart Lock and Why It Should Be Disabled
Smart Lock automatically removes the lock in "reliable" conditions that you set yourself.
- 📍 Trusted Places – Unlocking when at home or at work (by GPS).
- 🔗 Trusted devices – unlock when connected to specific Bluetooth gadgets (headphones, fitness bracelets).
- 👤 Facial/voice recognition – simplified authentication (less reliable than the one used in the study) PIN print).
- 📶 Trusted Wi-Fi networks – Automatic unlocking when connected to a home router.
It's convenient at first glance, but in practice, Smart Lock creates risks.
- ⚠️ Location Leak: Google and Xiaomi are constantly tracking your trusted locations".
- ⚠️ False positives: phone can unlock in public transport next to other people's Bluetooth devices.
- ⚠️ Conflict with banking applications: some programs (for example, SberBank Online) require a full screen lock.
In addition, Smart Lock often slows down the system, especially on low-end Redmi models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3). If you notice that the phone has become “braking” when unlocked, this feature may be the culprit.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to deactivate the Smart Lock in the settings menu. The instructions are suitable for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14 (including Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro, etc.).
- Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select the Smart Lock option (can be called Smart Lock on Russian firmware).
- Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
- Turn off the Smart Lock slider at the top of the screen.
- Confirm the action by clicking Disable.
If the Smart Lock option is not on the menu, then the function is disabled at the system level, in which case, try updating the firmware or using Method 3 (via Google Play Services).
☑️ Preparing for the Smart Lock shutdown
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After switching off the Smart Lock, the automatic screen rotation setting may reset. → Display.
Method 2: Remove trusted devices and locations
If you don’t want to turn off your Smart Lock completely, but you need to remove specific unlock triggers (such as home Wi-Fi or headphones), do the following:
- Go to Settings → Google → Manage your Google account.
- Select the Security tab.
- Find the Smart Lock section for Android and click on it.
- Enter your Google account password (if required).
- Remove all trusted devices, places, and Wi-Fi networks by clicking on the cross next to each item.
After that, the Smart Lock will remain active, but will stop working automatically. To return the function, you just need to add new "trusted" settings.
| Type of trigger | How to remove | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Trusted Places (GPS) | Remove to Smart Lock → Trusted Places | The phone will not be unlocked at the location. |
| Trusted Devices (Bluetooth) | Remove to Smart Lock → Trusted Devices | Unlocking with PIN/Pinprint only |
| Facial/voice recognition | Disable in Settings → Face Recognition | Safety is increased, but comfort is lost. |
| Trusted Wi-Fi networks | Remove to Smart Lock → Trusted networks | The phone will not unlock when connected to Wi-Fi |
💡
If after removing trusted devices, Smart Lock continues to work, restart the phone. Sometimes the changes are only applied after the reboot.
Method 3: Disconnect via Google Play Services (for experienced)
If the Smart Lock does not turn off through the MIUI settings, the problem may lie in Google Play services.This method requires access to hidden Android settings:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Usage Statistics).
- Scroll down and find the Google Play Services section.
- Click on Clear the cache and Stop.
- Reset the device.
Then try to turn off the Smart Lock again through the standard settings (see Method 1). If the problem persists, proceed to Method 4.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache of Google Play Services may cause temporary disruptions to Google Maps, Gmail and other services.
What if #4636### doesn't work?
Method 4: Completely remove Smart Lock via ADB (for advanced ones)
If previous methods have failed, the radical way is to disable the device via ADB. This will require a computer and minimal command line knowledge, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, and others.
Step 1: Preparation
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
- 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
Step 2: Execution of commands:
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
- Enter in turn: adb devices (your device should appear) adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms/.smartlock.service.SmartLockService
- Reboot the phone.
After that, the Smart Lock will be completely deactivated at the system level. To return the function, run the command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms💡
Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. Wrong commands can cause the system to crash!
Method 5: Reset security settings (extreme case)
If Smart Lock continues to work despite all efforts, it will reset security settings, which will delete all stored passwords, fingerprints and Smart Lock data, but will not affect personal files.
- Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select Reset Security Settings (or Delete All Credentials).
- Confirm the action by entering the current PIN-code.
- After resetting, set up the screen lock again (it is recommended to use a PIN or a pattern lock).
This method is guaranteed to remove all traces of the Smart Lock, but requires re-tuning the biometric data. Use it if other methods have not worked.
⚠️ Note: After resetting security settings, you may need to re-authorize in banking applications (for example, Tinkoff or VTB Online.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you turn off Smart Lock, Xiaomi users face typical errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Lock is not available in the settings | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update MIUI to the latest version or use ADB |
| After the shutdown, the phone stopped recognizing the fingerprint. | Resetting of the biometrics module | Restart the device and add the print again. |
| Smart Lock will be activated after the update | Auto-Restore Google Settings | Turn off synchronization Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization |
| Facial recognition is not working after the Smart Lock is turned off | The conflict with MIUI Optimization | Enable Settings → Special features → MIUI Optimization |
If your problem is not described in the table, check:
- 📱 Version MIUI: Some bugs are only fixed in the latest updates.
- 🔄 Conflicting applications: Antiviruses (such as Dr.Web) or launchers (such as Nova Launcher) can block changes.
- 🔧 Administrator rights: If Smart Lock is assigned to the device administrator, it must first be removed in Settings → Annexes → Administrator rights.