How to change screen unlock on Xiaomi: from pattern lock to Face ID

Forgot the password from Xiaomi or just want to update the unlock method? Changing the way the screen is protected on the brand's smartphones is a procedure that every user faces. MIUI 14/15 The algorithm differs from the older versions and from the newer ones (Xiaomi). 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6) Additional options like dual authentication or face scanner have been added. 3D. In this article - current ways for Android 13/14, including avoiding typical errors.

Many people mistakenly think that changing a password requires a complete phone reset, and in fact, 90 percent of the time, standard settings are enough -- if you remember the current code, of course -- but if you lose access, you have to use Restore Mode or Mi Account. We will discuss both scenarios, and also tell you how to configure a hidden folder with an alternative one. PIN-code (the feature is available only on the flagships of Xiaomi 2023-2026 years).

If you've just bought a smartphone or are planning to sell it, be sure to update the unlock method. Old passwords (especially simple ones like 1234 or 0000) are vulnerable to being hacked through brute force attacks. MIUI You can pick up in 10-15 minutes with special scripts, so you'd better use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols that are 8 characters long.

1. Standard change of password/pattern lock

The easiest way is through the settings menu, which works if you remember the current unlock code and you have access to your phone. MIUI 14/15 The path has changed slightly compared to previous versions.

Open the Settings app (cog icon) and go to the section:

Settings → Passwords and security → Unlocking the screen

Here, the system will ask you to enter the current password or confirm the unlock with your fingerprint (if it is configured), after which you will see all the options available:

• 🔢 Password – digital or alphanumeric code (minimum 4 characters, recommended 8 characters)+).
• 🔄 pattern lock - connection of points (minimum 4, maximum 9). MIUI 15 the option "invisible key" appeared (dots are not illuminated when entering).
• 👆 Fingerprint -- up to 5 fingerprints on one device. 13T/14 Supported under-screen scanning.
• 😊 Facial recognition — 2D- or 3D-Scan (on flagships) works even in the dark thanks to infrared illumination.
• 🔑 Smart locking – unlocking on a Bluetooth device (for example, Mi Band or headphones).

Choose the method you want and follow the prompts on the screen, for example, a pattern lock requires you to swipe your finger twice across the screen to confirm the new pattern, or a fingerprint requires you to put your finger several times on the scanner (the system remembers different angles of touch).

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Note: If you use Mi Account and have enabled password sync, the new unlock code can be saved to the cloud. Make sure your Xiaomi account is protected with two-factor authentication, otherwise attackers will be able to restore access to the phone through leaked data.

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (for sync with Mi Account)

Remember or write a new password in a safe place

Shut down. VPN (Can block the verification of Xiaomi servers)-->

2. How to change the unlock if you forgot the password

It gets complicated if you don't remember the current code, and in this case, there are three official ways to restore access -- without using third-party software that could harm the device.

Method 1: Mi Account (works if the phone is linked to the account and has access to the Internet).

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (appears after 5 failed attempts to enter).
2. Choose Restore 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. Reset the screen password and set a new one.

Method 2: Recovery Mode, which will result in a complete reset of your phone (delete all data, including photos and apps), so use it only as a last resort.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models POCO - Power + Volume down).
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. After resetting, the phone will reboot to the initial setting, where you can set a new password.

Method 3: Fastboot (for advanced users) will require a computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flashing unlock




fastboot reboot

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Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot will reset all data and may result in a loss of warranty on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Before the procedure, check the lock status with the command fastboot oem device-info.

Password (digits/letters)

pattern lock

Fingerprint.

Facial recognition

Don't lock the screen.-->

3. Facial recognition setting (Face Unlock)

Xiaomi’s Face Unlock technology has evolved: if it was a regular one before 2D-scan (vulnerable to photos), now on the flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra) 3D-IR scanning, which improves security, but requires proper setup.

To add or change facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Screen unlocking.
2. Choose Add Face Recognition (if you are setting it up for the first time) or Face Recognition Management (for change).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Keep your phone at eye level, turn your head slowly so that the system captures your face from different angles.
4. On the flagships with 3D-The scanner will require additional calibration in a dark room (for IR sensors).

Important nuances:

• 🔦 Lighting: 2D-scanner (on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) It may not work in bright sun or in complete darkness. 3D-scanner lacks this flaw.
• 👓 Glasses/Masks: The system remembers your appearance with glasses, but may not recognize your face in a medical mask (relevant to the use of a medical mask). COVID-era).
• 🛡️ Safety: On MIUI 15 the option Require password after reboot appeared – even if facial recognition is enabled, after reboot you will need to enter PIN.

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Note: If you use twins or have changed your appearance (for example, shaving your beard), the system may stop recognizing your face, in which case you will have to reconfigure the scanner or temporarily switch to another method of unlocking.

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In the models with AMOLED-With screens (like the Xiaomi 13 Lite), facial recognition works faster if you turn on the "Always On Display" feature.

4. Fingerprint setting

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi comes in three types:

1. Physical button (on older models like Redmi 5 Plus)
2. Under the screen (optical or ultrasonic, on Xiaomi) 12/13/14).
3. Side (built into the power button, as on the POCO F4 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro).

To add or change a fingerprint:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current screen password for confirmation.
3. Press Add fingerprint and follow the instructions. Apply your finger at different angles to improve recognition.
4. On models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4) you will need to apply your finger wet – this improves pore reading.

Tips for better scanner performance:

• 🧴 Dry skin: If the print is not readable, wipe your finger with a wet wipe or use a cream.
• 🔋 Charging: On some models, the scanner shuts down when the battery is low (less than 5%).
• 🧤 Gloves/damages: If there are cuts or calluses on your finger, add a backup fingerprint of the other finger.

Nana MIUI 15 has a Quick Unlock feature, so if you touch the scanner right after you press the power button, the phone unlocks without delay:

Settings → Additional settings → Quick unlock

5. Alternative methods of unlocking

Beyond the standard ways, Xiaomi offers a few additional convenience options that don’t replace the primary password, but can speed up access to the phone in everyday situations.

1. Smart Lock (Smart Lock)

It allows you to keep your phone unlocked under certain conditions:

• 📍 Trusted Places – Unblocking by GPS (for example at home or work).
• 🔗 Trusted devices – the phone remains unlocked while connected to a trusted Bluetooth device (e.g. Mi Band 8 or Xiaomi Buds 4 headphones).
• 👤 Voice recognition is an experimental function that only works on Chinese firmware.

To set up:

Settings → Passwords and Security → Smart Lock

Temporary guest regime

If you want to give your phone to a friend but don't want to reveal your personal information, use Guest Mode, which hides notifications, messages, and restricts access to settings, and swipes down the lock screen (in some models, by holding the user icon).

3. Hidden folder with backup PIN (available 13/14)

Exclusive feature for flagships: you can create a second PIN-code that will only work to access hidden folders in a gallery or file manager.It doesn't replace the main screen password, but adds a layer of privacy.

To set up:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Hidden folders.
2. Set up a separate one. PIN (It may be different from the main).
3. Transfer files to a hidden folder through the Gallery or Explorer.

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Smart locking is convenient, but it reduces security, and do not use it for devices with sensitive data (such as work phones).

Table of compatibility of unlocking methods

Not all options are available on all models, and the following is a comparison of features depending on the series and year of release:

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Note: On models with Global ROM (Xiaomi for Europe may not have support 3D Face Unlock, even if you have hardware sensors, is a firmware restriction that can only be circumvented by flashing it into Chinese or Chinese. EEA-version MIUI.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change the unlock, you're faced with typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1.The system does not accept the current password

If you are sure you are entering the correct code but your phone is not accepting it:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes a banal rebut helps.
• 📱 Check the keyboard layout (Caps Lock or other language may be enabled).
• 🔋 Connect charging – some models have security features blocked when the discharge is below 10.
• 🕒 Wait 30 minutes – after several failed attempts, the system may temporarily block input.

2.The fingerprint scanner is not working after the update

After updating MIUI Or the Android scanner can stop recognizing fingerprints:

1. Remove all the saved prints and add them again.
2. Clear the scanner cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Fingerprint scanner → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (if the problem appeared after the update).

3 Face Unlock does not recognize a face in the dark

If you 2D-scanner (on most of the Redmi/POCO), It depends on the lighting:

• 💡 Use an external light source (such as another phone flashlight).
• 🔦 Customize the brightness of the screen to the maximum – this will help the camera light up.
• 🔄 Switch to the switch. 3D-scanner (if you have one in your model) via camera settings.

4.Forgotten password from Mi Account

If you don't remember the data from your Xiaomi account, it's going to be hard to restore access to your phone.

• 📧 Recovery via email (link will come to the mail associated with the account).
• 📞 Recovery through SMS (If the number is confirmed in the Mi Account).
• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents for the phone (guarantee card, check).

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If you often forget passwords, turn on the Mi Account settings to "Backup email" and link a second phone number, which will speed up access recovery.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions