How to remove application protection on Xiaomi, if you forgot your password: step-by-step instructions

The forgotten password from app protection on Xiaomi smartphones is a problem that many users face. The App Lock system in MIUI blocks access to instant messengers, gallery, banking programs and other sensitive data, turning the phone into a “digital safe” without a key. Unlike unlocking the screen, where a pattern lock or fingerprint helps, resetting the App Lock password requires separate actions - and not always obvious.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove protection of applications on Xiaomi in 2026, including official methods through Mi Account, hidden MIUI functions, as well as radical measures such as resetting to factory settings.

Why Standard Unlocking Methods Don’t Work

Many users try to bypass the protection of App Lock by:

• 🔑 Resetting the pattern lock – does not help, as it is different levels of locking (screen vs app).
• 📱 Phone reboot – the password remains active because it is stored in the system partition.
• 🔧 Deletion of the annex — MIUI Blocks the uninstallation of protected programs.
• 🔄 Updates rollback – won’t work if the password was set before the upgrade MIUI.

The fact that App Lock in Xiaomi uses a separate encryption mechanism, tied to:

• Mi Account (if synchronization is enabled)
• Local key storage in /data/system.
• Hardware Device Identifier (IMEI).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or rooted, standard recovery methods may not work, and alternative solutions will be required (see Advanced Methods section).

Method 1: Recovery through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📧 Mi Account was added before setting password for apps.
• 🔗 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Your account does not have two-factor authentication enabled (or you have access to your email/phone to confirm it).

Instructions:

1. On the app lock screen, tap the Forgot Password button (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter your username (email or phone) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if the system requests it).
5. Create a new password for App Lock.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.

Check if you remember your Mi Account information.

Have access to mail/phone to confirm

At least 30% battery charge (in case of long-term synchronization)-->

If the buttons forgot the password?

• Try entering any password 5 times in a row - the system can offer recovery.
• Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Security and check the associated devices.

⚠️ Note: If you changed your Mi Account password after you set up App Lock, the recovery may not work.In this case, use the Fastboot reset method (section 4).

Method 2: Reset the App Lock password through MIUI settings (hidden function)

Some versions of MIUI (especially the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4) have a hidden option to reset the App Lock password without completely resetting the phone.This method does not require root rights, but does not work on all devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Permissions → Application Protection.
2. In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and find Reset Password.
4. Confirm the action through your Mi Account or PIN-lock-screen.

If this method does not work, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: on MIUI 12/13 The function may not be present, and MIUI 14 she's back.
• 🔧 Updates: Sometimes a reset appears after a firmware upgrade.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

HyperOS (new firmware)

I don't know.-->

Method 3: Complete reset (Hard Reset)

A radical but reliable method is factory reset, which will delete all data from the device, including the App Lock password, but leave it intact:

• 📁 Files on SD-map (if it is installed).
• 🔕 Data in cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will reboot to the “out of the box” state.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) EU-Firmware) Recovery may require you to enter Mi Account data. If you don't remember your account password, use the method via Fastboot.

Method 4: Reset App Lock via Fastboot (for advanced)

If previous methods have failed and resetting is not desirable, you can delete the App Lock password via Fastboot mode.

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) – on new Xiaomi models it is blocked by default.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter in the command line: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
4. App Lock: Fastboot erase locksettings
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

fastboot delete-locksettings

On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) It only helps to reset completely through fastboot. -w, But it'll delete all the data!-->

Warnings:

• 🚨 On devices with MIUI 13+ and blocked loader this method may not work without prior anlock.
• 🔧 If after the command the phone freezes - perform a forced reboot (Power) + Loudness down for 15 seconds).

Method 5: Advanced Methods (ADB, TWRP, root)

For users with unlocked bootloader or root rights, there are additional ways available: they require technical skills, but they allow you to save data.

Method 1: Delete password file via ADB

If you have USB debugging enabled:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via ADB.
2. Enter the commands: adb shell su rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Method 2: Editing through TWRP

If a custom recap (TWRP) is installed:

1. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot.

💡

Use root or TWRP methods only if you are confident in your actions. Wrong commands can lead to data loss or device blink!

What to do if nothing helps

If all of the above methods do not work:

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center – They Can Reset Protection IMEI (Confirmation of possession of the device will be required).
• 🔧 Check if the phone has third-party firmware installed (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) – in this case, methods for using the device are not available. MIUI won't fit.
• 🔄 If the phone is warranty, don’t try to unlock it yourself – this could void the warranty.

It's also worth checking out:

• 🔍 Viruses – some Trojans block access to settings MIUI.
• 📦 Updates to the firmware - in new versions MIUI Patches may appear to bypass the blockages.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting App Lock on Xiaomi