How to turn off screen protection from changes on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Why Xiaomi is blocking screen changes and when it gets in the way

Screen protection from changes to MIUI is a security feature that limits home screen, wallpaper and widget modifications without password or fingerprint confirmation. It first appeared in MIUI 12 as part of an unauthorized access protection system, but has become annoying for users over time, especially for owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5 and flagship Xiaomi 13/14, where protection works even when trying to change wallpaper through the gallery.

The main problem is that the system requires input. PIN-Scanning or using a fingerprint every time you try:

• 🖼️ Install new wallpaper through Themes or Gallery
• 📱 Move widgets to the main screen
• 🔄 Change the order of the application icons
• 🔒 Remove standard Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video)

In practice, this leads to users spending an extra 10-15 seconds on routine operations that are performed on other Android devices in one click. Moreover, in some firmware (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 for the global version), protection works even when trying to change the font size or color scheme in the display settings.

Official method: disabling through MIUI settings

The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-15 devices (including global and Chinese firmware), and it does not require root rights and does not affect the warranty.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
3. Select the screen lock settings.
4. Scroll down to Protection from Change (in some versions, Home Screen Lock).
5. Turn off the slider next to the option. The system will request the current password or fingerprint.

After these steps are done, the protection will be deactivated until the next device restart or settings reset.Please note that some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 14) may not have this item.In this case, try the alternative methods described below.

Make sure that the device is installed PIN-code

Connect your phone to charge (recommended for stability)

Close all background apps (especially launchers like Nova)

Make a backup copy of important data-->

Alternative methods for devices without option in settings

If your version of MIUI does not have a Protection Against Change option, you can use workarounds, which are proven on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F4 and Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, but can work on other models as well.

Method 1: Resetting the launcher settings

This method resets the configuration of the standard MIUI launcher, which sometimes removes the protection:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI (or MIUI Home) application.
3. Open the Warehouse and click Clear Data.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the standard layout of icons and widgets will return, backup copies of wallpaper and so will not be saved.

Method 2: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can disable the protection via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

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 phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_allow_quick_settings 1


adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_lock_after_timeout 0

These commands disable the locking of quick settings and screen protection after timeout. To apply the changes, restart the device.

Features of disconnection on different versions of MIUI

The screen protection behavior varies depending on the firmware version, and below is a table with features for popular versions:

On HyperOS (which replaced MIUI 15), the security logic has changed, now it is tied to a Xiaomi account, and its deactivation may require confirmation via SMS or email. If you use the beta version of the firmware, we recommend waiting for a stable release, which often fixes these restrictions.

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If it reappears after disabling protection, check if the option Automatic Restore Settings is enabled in your Xiaomi account. It can be deactivated in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync.

What to do if the protection returns after the reboot

One of the most common problems is that the screen protection is turned on again after a system reboot or update, which is because MIUI restores the standard security settings from the backup.

1. Turn off automatic sync: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync. Turn off the slider next to System Settings.

Set up a third-party launcher:

Applications like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair ignore the limitations of MIUI.

• Assign a new default launcher to Settings → Apps → By default.
• Turn off the standard launcher (MIUI Home) through Settings → Applications → Disable.
• Change the configuration file (requires root): If you have root access, edit the file /system/build.prop, line: ro.miui.has_real_blur=0 This will disable some of the security features associated with screen blurring.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the standard launcher may cause some functions to fail MIUI, For example, dual applications or second space mode. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Risks of disabling screen protection

While removing protection makes it easier to interact with the device, it can affect security, and here are the key risks:

• 🔓 Unauthorized Access: Without protection, anyone who takes your phone will be able to change wallpaper, remove widgets or even hide apps.
• 📱 Firmware conflicts: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) the protection shutdown causes the Always-on Display to crash.
• 🔄 Problems after updates: MIUI can automatically turn the protection back on after installing security patches.

On devices with Second Space Mode, disabling protection on the main profile automatically deactivates it in the second space, which may not be safe if you use it for work.

If you decide to turn off the protection, we recommend:

• Install a third-party application manager (such as AppLock) to block critical programs.
• Activate Smart Blocker in Settings → Passwords and security to protect against accidental changes.
• Regularly check the Security Log for suspicious activity.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to turn off the screen, you often have a problem with the most common ones.

1. Error: "It is impossible to change settings due to security policy." Solution: This means that the device Policy (e.g., from enterprise MDM or antivirus) is active on the device. Check in Settings → Passwords and security → Device Policy and deactivate it.
2. Protection returns after installing updates.Solution: Before upgrading, back up your launcher settings via Titanium Backup (requires root) or export the configuration to a third-party launcher.
3. ADB does not apply commands. Solution: Make sure that USB debugging is on and you have confirmed trust in the computer on your phone screen. Try reconnecting the cable or using a different USB port.
4. Settings are reset once the theme is changed. Solution: This is a MIUI bug associated with the ThemeManager module, which helps reinstall the current theme or reset to a standard one.

If none of these methods worked, check if your device is activated with Childhood Function or Parental Control, which blocks changes to system settings, including screen protection, and can be turned off in Settings → Special Features → Children's Feature.

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On devices with an unlocked bootloader, screen protection can be permanently disabled through file editing. miui_optimization.prop. However, this requires deep knowledge and can lead to loss of warranty.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions