How to unlock application protection on Xiaomi if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

The forgotten password from application protection on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common problems among MIUI users. App Lock (or "App Protection" in Russian firmware) reliably blocks access to instant messengers, gallery, banking programs and even system settings, but what to do if you do not remember the combination? Unlike unlocking the screen, where a reset via Mi Account helps, the solutions are less obvious here.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unblock, from official methods using a Xiaomi account to technical workarounds through ADB and recovery mode. Importantly, not all methods are universal – their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and type of protection (password, pattern lock or fingerprint).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a Xiaomi account that works if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them).
• 🔄 Find Device is activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. Click on the locked smartphone in the list of devices.
4. In the menu, select Unlock Screen.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: This method will only work if application protection is tied to the main lock screen. If the App Lock is installed separately (for example, via Second Space), other methods will be required.

2. Reset the App Lock password via settings (for MIUI 14 and later)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14, developers have added a built-in password reset feature, App Lock, which is available if:

• 🔐 On the smartphone installed PIN-code or pattern lock for the main lock screen.
• 📲 You have access to the settings menu (even if individual apps are blocked).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Protection.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Forgot the password?.
3. Enter. PIN-lock-screen code or pattern lock.
4. Follow the instructions for creating a new password for App Lock.

💡 If the item "Forgot your password?" is not, update the firmware to the latest version MIUI 14 or higher. Go to Settings for that. → The phone. → Updating the system.

3. Delete password through ADB (for advanced users)

If the official methods do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — Android debugging tool. This method requires the Debugging Mode enabled. USB and computer access. ⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB It can cause data loss or system failure.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original cable!).
3. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the App Lock password will be reset.If the su command does not work, root rights will be required that void the warranty.

4. Unlock through Second Space (if the function is active)

The Second Space feature in MIUI allows you to create an isolated environment with separate apps and settings. If you forgot the App Lock password in the main space, but you have Second Space set up, you can try bypassing the lock through it.

Algorithm of action:

1. Switch to Second Space (swipe down the lock screen → user icon → select second space).
2. If Second Space doesn’t have App Lock protection, open the app from there.
3. Copy important data (photos, messages) to the cloud or to a memory card.
4. Return to the main space and reset your password through Mi Account or ADB.

⚠️ Note: If Second Space is also password protected, this method will not work, in which case only hard reset remains (see next section).

5 Hard Reset - a last resort

If no method has worked, you can reset your settings completely through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on your device, including App Lock passwords, accounts and files, and only use this method if:

• 📵 There is no important data on your smartphone (or it is synced to the cloud).
• 🔧 Other Unlocking Methods Have Not Worked.
• 📦 You have a backup (for example, in Mi Cloud or on PC).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

💡

Before reset, remove the memory card (microSD) and SIM-card – this will speed up the process and save data on external media.

6.Restore access through Xiaomi Service Center

If you are unsure of your technical skills or are afraid of losing data, contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 Checks or warranty card (proof of possession of the device).
• 🆔 Passport or other identity document.
• 🔄 You may need to provide information from your Mi Account.

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and the complexity of the lock. In some cases, the service center may offer to save data before the reset, but this is not guaranteed.

🔍 How to Find the Nearest Service Center?

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Enter your city or allow geolocation.
3. Select a center marked Authorized.

💡

Official service is the only legal way to unlock without the risk of damaging the device or losing the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking App Lock on Xiaomi