How to remove screen protection on Xiaomi: all ways of 2026

Forgot the lock screen password on Xiaomi? or just want to remove the annoying PIN-How to use your phone faster, code, pattern lock or fingerprint? In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable screen protection on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi under control MIUI 12/13/14 β€” From standard settings to radical methods like Fastboot reset.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer deliberately makes it harder to disable the lock without knowing the password, which is a security measure against data theft. So if you don't remember the password, most users will have to go for complete loss of data (when reset via Recovery or Fastboot), but there are exceptions, such as unlocking through the linked Mi Account (if the account is confirmed).

We will look at the options for different scenarios:

  • πŸ”“ Disable protection if password is known (through settings) MIUI)
  • πŸ”‘ Unlocking with Mi Account (if the phone is linked to your account)
  • βš™οΈ Recovery Mode (Universal Method, but with Loss of Data)
  • πŸ’» Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
  • ❓ Frequent mistakes and decisions (what to do if nothing works)

1. Disable screen protection through settings (if you know the password)

If you remember the current PIN-A code, a pattern lock or a password, it takes no more than a minute to process. MIUI (12–14 on Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to Lock Screen (or Password and Security β†’ Lock Screen on some firmware).
  3. Enter the current password/PIN/pattern lock for confirmation.
  4. Select Remove Password (or No in the Lock Type section).
  5. Confirm the action - the protection will be disabled.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for disabling the lock

Done: 0 / 4

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro) the path may be slightly different:

  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Additionally. β†’ Lock screen
  • πŸ”’ Settings β†’ Password and security β†’ Screen locking

If you do not find the desired section, use the search by settings (lap in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Warning: After the protection is turned off, some features will become unavailable, such as payment via Mi Pay, file encryption and access to hidden albums in the gallery.

2 Unlocking through Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you don't remember the password, but the phone is tied to your Mi Account (and you have access to your email/phone to confirm it), you can try unlocking the device without resetting. This method works on MIUI 12-14, but requires:

  • πŸ“§ Confirmed Mi Account (linked to phone).
  • πŸ“Ά Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”„ Opportunities to enter a login / password from the account after 5 failed attempts to unlock.

Step-by-step:

  1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times in a row.
  2. Will you see a message Forgot your password? – click on it.
  3. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
  4. Enter your username (email or phone) and password from your Xiaomi account.
  5. Confirm the unlock via SMS/email (if required).
  6. Set a new password or disable the lock completely.

πŸ“Š Have you ever forgotten your phone password?
Yeah, I had to drop it.
Yeah, but I remember myself.
No, I always remember.
I use biometrics (print/face)

If the button Forgot the password? does not appear:

  • πŸ”Œ Restart your phone and try again.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure your device is connected to the internet (without a network option is inactive).
  • πŸ”„ Try entering a password from another device (e.g. account.xiaomi.com) – sometimes this will unlock the option.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Account is not confirmed (no linked phone)/email) If you buy a phone with your hands, it's not going to work, and then you just have to reset it with Recovery or Fastboot.

3.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to resort to a hard reset β€” it will delete all data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but unlock the screen. MIUI.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
  2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: πŸ“± For most models: Volume up + Food (hold 10-15 seconds). πŸ”§ For older devices (e.g., Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Recovery

Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

yes

Reboot β†’ Reboot to System

Xiaomi modelCombination for RecoveryNotes
Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5Volume up + NutritionHold until the Mi logo appears
Mi 11/12, Mi Mix 4Volume up + NutritionA charging connection may be required
Redmi 9/10, POCO M3Volume up + NutritionSome firmware only works after a 30-second load.
Older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1)Volume up + Volume down + NutritionFastboot can open, then you need another combination.

After the reset, the phone will turn on as new – you will need to go through the initial setting (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, etc.) If the device was tied to the Mi Account, after the reset, you may need to enter account details for activation (protection against theft).

πŸ’‘

If the phone requires an old password after reset, try connecting to Wi-Fi and entering data from Mi Account – sometimes this bypasses locking.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You are familiar with the command line and ADB/Fastboot.
  • πŸ“₯ You have firmware for your model (you can download it at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
  • πŸ’» There is a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools ADB.

This method is more difficult than resetting via Recovery, but allows you to save some data (if you make a backup before the firmware).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or MiFlash for Xiaomi).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, install the drivers.
  5. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will erase all data!
  6. Flush your phone through MiFlash or command: fastboot flash all.zip

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
1. Check. USB-cable (requires original or high-end). 2. Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager. 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Disable the driver signature in Windows (you need to boot in special mode).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will turn on as new, and this method is guaranteed to remove the lock, but it requires technical skills. If you've never worked with Fastboot, you'd better go to the service center.

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when disabling the lock.

Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro

These phones, after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, a lock timer (from 30 seconds to 24 hours) appears.

  • πŸ”„ Wait until the timer expires and try unlocking through Mi Account.
  • πŸ“‘ If the timer is too long (such as 24 hours), reset via Recovery.

POCO F3/F4/F5

On POCO devices with MIUI for POCO, the path to lock settings may vary: Settings β†’ POCO Launcher β†’ Lock screen.

Also on these models, there is often no button "Forgot the password?" - instead of it, a reset is immediately offered.

Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13

The flagship models have enhanced protection:

  • πŸ”’ After resetting via Recovery, you will need to enter Mi Account data.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ On some firmware, the screen lock is tied to hardware encryption - without a password, data cannot be restored even through a PC.

πŸ’‘

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 Ultra), a Fastboot reset may require authorization via Mi Account even after firmware.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you turn off the lock screen, users often face some problems.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No button appears: Forgot your password?No Internet connection or account not confirmedConnect to Wi-Fi and check your Mi Account status on the site
After reset, asks for an old passwordPhone linked to Mi Account with Find DeviceEnter your account details or contact Xiaomi for support
Fastboot doesn't see the deviceDrivers not installed or cable is faultyInstall Mi PC Suite or drivers manually
Can't get into Recovery.Wrong combination of buttonsTry Volume Up + Nutrition or Volume Up + Volume Down + Nutrition

If none of the methods worked:

  • πŸ“ž Contact the official Xiaomi service center – they can unlock the phone IMEI (fee).
  • πŸ”§ Try alternative firmware (like LineageOS), but it’s risky and voids the warranty.
  • πŸ’¬ Write in support of Xiaomi through the official website – sometimes help remotely.

7. How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid facing screen lock again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the password.
  • πŸ“ Write your passwords in a secure location (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
  • πŸ”„ Make backups regularly through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Link your phone to your Mi Account and confirm email/The phone will make it easier to unlock.

If you are afraid to forget your password, but want to keep the protection:

  • πŸ”’ Set it simple. PIN-code (4-6 digits) instead of a complex password.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Use a pattern lock – it is easier to remember.
  • πŸ”‘ Set up a Smart Lock (Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in secure locations (e.g. at home).

πŸ’‘

MIUI 14 has an Emergency Access feature, so you can add a button to the lock screen to make a quick call to a trusted number or send an SMS with coordinates, which is useful if the phone is lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I turn off the screen lock without losing data?
Yes, but only if you know your current password or your phone is tied to a validated Mi Account, otherwise you'll need a reset that will delete all the data.
What if the phone asks for an old password after reset?
This means that the device is tied to Mi Account with Find Device. Enter the account to which the phone is linked. If the account is not yours (for example, the phone is bought with hands), contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Does Mi Account unlock work on all models?
No, on some devices (especially older or Chinese versions), this feature may be disabled, and it does not work if the account is not confirmed or the phone is not connected to the Internet.
Can I unlock Xiaomi through my computer without resetting?
Theoretically, yes, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and ADB access in debugging mode (which is not possible if the screen is locked), which in practice only works for power users and requires pre-prepared phone.
How much does it cost to unlock in the Xiaomi service center?
The cost depends on the model and the region, but on average it is 1,500-3,000 rubles. In official Xiaomi services, proof of ownership (checks, box) may be required. Informal workshops charge cheaper, but the risk of fraud is higher.