How to turn off desktop protection on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Desktop protection on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard MIUI shell security feature that prevents unauthorized access to the device. However, there are situations when the user needs to temporarily or permanently remove this protection: for example, when selling a phone, transferring it to relatives or if the password is forgotten. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable screen lock on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices with MIUI 12-14 firmware versions.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the type of protection: it can be a PIN-And it's also important whether you remember your current password or not, and we'll look at options for both, including official methods and workarounds for forgotten combinations. If you plan to reset your settings completely, note that this will result in the deletion of all data from the device – so make a backup in advance.

Why you may need to turn off screen protection

The reasons for deactivating the desktop lock on Xiaomi are varied, and the most common scenarios are:

• 🔄 Transferring the phone to another user – before selling or donating the device, it is logical to remove personal data and protection.
• 🔐 Forgotten password – if you can’t remember the combination, but need to access your smartphone urgently.
• 👶 Use by children or elderly relatives – making it easier for those who can’t handle password entry.
• 🛠️ Diagnostics or repairs – some service centers require an unlocked device to check.
• 📱 Frequent false alarms of the fingerprint sensor – if the scanner is not working correctly, it is easier to temporarily disable the biometrics.

However, before you start to shut down, assess the risks: without protection, your data becomes vulnerable to theft or accidental access. If you do decide to remove the lock, follow the instructions below - they are suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others with MIUI 12-14.

Method 1: Disable 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 disable, and it's the safest method, and it doesn't cause any data loss:

1. Unlock the screen by entering a valid password.
2. Go to the Settings menu → Passwords and security.
3. Select the option Lock the screen.
4. Enter the current password for confirmation.
5. Click Remove Screen Lock (or No if the system suggests you choose a new type of protection).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete in the dialog box.

Please note that if your device has Smart Lock enabled, you should also turn it off in the same section, otherwise the phone may automatically lock under certain conditions (for example, when you are away from a trusted device).

If you want to return the security after you turn off, the system will suggest you set a new password, and note that some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may require a screen lock to work.

Method 2: Reset password through Mi Account (if you forgot the combination)

If you don't remember your password, but your Xiaomi account is tied to your device, you can use the Recovery feature, which only works under the following conditions:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔗 The device is linked to your Mi Account and you remember the username/password from it.
• 🔄 Find the device activated in the settings.

Resetting instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (or Restore your password).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Follow the system instructions to create a new lock password.

After a successful reset, you can go to the settings and completely disable the protection, as described in Method 1. If the Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the login details, move to the next method.

⚠️ Note: If the device previously enabled factory reset via Mi Account (Factory Reset Protection), after resetting the password, you may need to re-enter your account data!

Method 3: Hard Reset to remove protection completely

If previous methods have failed, the last resort is a Hard Reset, which will remove all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps, and only use it if:

• 🔒 You don’t remember your password or have attached your Mi Account.
• 📦 You have a backup of important data.
• 🔧 The phone does not respond to other unlock methods.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume combination up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After the reset is complete, press Reboot to reboot.

The phone will boot in a “out of the box” state. At the initial setup stage, you will be asked to create a new lock password — if protection is not needed, skip this step. Note: some models (for example, Redmi 9 or POCO M3) may require data entry from the previously tied Mi Account after reset — this is a measure of protection against theft.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C31) After a hard reset, there may be a problem with activation FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection) In this case, unlocking will require input from the Mi Account that was tied to the reset, and if you don't remember that data, the phone will become a brick"!

Additional methods: ADB and third-party utilities

For experienced users, there are alternative ways to remove the screen lock using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge, or specialized programs like the Mi Flash Tool, these methods require a computer, USB-And we'll look at some of the technical skills and cables.

Method 4: Delete password through ADB (only for unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has USB debugging enabled and the bootloader unlocked, you can try to delete the password file via ADB. This method does not work on all versions of MIUI, but can help in a hopeless situation.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Once rebooted, the device can boot without asking for a password, but this method does not work on MIUI 13-14 with File-Based Encryption, since the keys are stored in a secure partition.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers and check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times to unlock the developer menu).

Method 5: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

If all other methods have failed, you can try to reflash the phone using the official Mi Flash Tool.

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the Xiaomi Firmware website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to wait 7-30 days).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must determine the device.
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Once firmware is in place, the phone will be completely reset, including all locks, but this method is only suitable for users with experience, as improper actions can lead to a device being disabled.

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The firmware through the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery, and use this method only if other options are exhausted and you are ready to lose information.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable desktop protection on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to solve them:

Another common problem is hanging on the Mi logo after reset, which can be due to incorrect firmware or interrupted recovery.

1. Try re-entering Recovery Mode and making Wipe Cache.
2. If it doesn’t work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 5).

Users also sometimes confuse screen locking with app locking (the App Lock feature in MIUI). If you have blocked not the screen itself, but individual programs (for example, Gallery or Messages), you can turn it off in the Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Application Lock.

Security after the protection is turned off

If you successfully remove the lock, you should take care of the security of the device. Without protection, your data becomes vulnerable to:

• 🕵️ Theft of personal information (photos, correspondence, passwords from social networks).
• 💳 Unauthorized payments (if bank cards are tied).
• 📱 Remote management through malicious applications.

Minimum precautions:

• 🔐 At least set it simple. PIN-code (4-6).
• 👆 Include biometrics (print or face) for convenience.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI Up to the latest version (new firmware closes vulnerabilities).
• 🛡️ Use Google Find My Device to remotely control your phone in case of loss.

If you have turned off the protection to transfer your phone to another person, remember:

1. Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
2. Delete your bank card details in Google Pay or Mi Pay.
3. Reset the settings to factory (if the phone is sold).

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Before selling your phone, check if it is untied from the Mi Account. After reset, try to enter the settings - if the system does not require login / password, everything is fine.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions