Xiaomi’s mobile devices are renowned for their functionality and flexible security settings, but sometimes protection becomes too intrusive, requiring you to enter a digital code every time you turn on the device or restart the system, a measure designed to protect your data in the event of theft, but in everyday life it can be annoying, especially if you are the only user of the gadget.
Procedure for deactivating the request PIN-It doesn't require any technical knowledge or a service center, and all the tools are already built into the shell. MIUI In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different versions of firmware so that you can quickly regain the comfort of using it.
Before we make any changes, it is important to understand the difference between the screen unlock code and the SIM card protection itself, and we will work with the mobile operator settings stored on the chip inside the slot, and the right approach will avoid locking your account and losing communication.
What's the difference between PIN-code and unlock the screen
Many users confuse the two, leading to errors: screen unlocking is a pattern lock, fingerprint, or digital password that protects access to the operating system and applications. Without it, the phone becomes a brick for an outsider, but the SIM card can work on another device.
In turn, PIN-code SIM It's actually tied directly to the carrier chip, and it's requested by the system before the Xiaomi interface is fully loaded, and if you move your SIM to any other phone, even a button phone, it's going to require that code again. It's a layer of protection that travels with the card.
- 🔒 Screen: protects personal photos, correspondence and accounts inside the smartphone.
- 📡 SIM-card: protects the number from being used in other people's devices for calls and access to bank SMS.
- ⚙️ Control: screen settings are in the Passwords and Security section, and SIM cards are in the menu «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
By turning off the SIM card protection, you sacrifice one level of security for convenience. If the phone falls into the hands of an attacker, he will be able to insert your SIM into his device and receive your messages with confirmation codes. So before turning off, make sure that the device has a reliable method of unlocking the screen itself.
Where to find settings SIM-card MIUI HyperOS
Xiaomi's shell interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware. However, the logic of the menu remains the same. To get to the right switch, you need to open the main settings menu. Usually the icon is a gear.
With new versions of HyperOS, the menu structure is more compact, and you'll need to find the partition associated with the connection «SIM-Maps and mobile networks, or simply "Mobile Network." In some older versions. MIUI This section may be hidden within the category "Connections and Sharing».
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If you can't find the right item, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu. Type "SIM" or "PIN" and the system will lead you to the right switch.
Once you enter the section, you will see a list of SIM cards installed, if there are two, and the settings for each are individual. The management interface allows you to separately configure the network name, the network type (4G/5G) and, of course, security settings, and this is where we will conduct the basic manipulations.
Step-by-step instructions: how to disable password request
The process of deactivating the security is simple, but it requires care, and you'll need to enter the current code one last time to confirm that you, the owner, are the one making the changes. If you enter the wrong code three times, the SIM card will be blocked, and you'll need to lock it. PUK-code.
Follow the algorithm below. It is relevant to most modern models of Redmi, Poco and Xiaomi. Make sure that the SIM card is active and installed in the slot, otherwise the menu may not be available.
☑️ Shutdown algorithm PIN-code
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Find and click on the section SIM-Maps and mobile networks, some versions of which may call it Connections and Sharing.
- Select the SIM card you want to remove your password from (SIM 1 or SIM 2).
- Find the Protected Point. SIM-card or lock SIM-map.
- Press the switch to turn it off. The system will request the current one. PIN-code.
- Enter the code (often 0000 or 1234 if you haven’t changed it) and click OK.
Once you've successfully entered the switchboard, it's going to turn gray and it's going to go off. Now, when you reboot the phone, the system will no longer ask for digits. The changes will take effect immediately.
What to do if you forget PIN-code
The situation when the user forgets the installed code is common, in this case, do not try to guess the combination at random. After three unsuccessful attempts, the SIM card will be locked, and the phone will write what is required. PUK-code.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to enter PUK-You only have 10 attempts, and after ten errors, the SIM card will burn down completely, and you can only restore the number by re-releasing the card from the carrier.
PUK-The Personal Unblocking Key is a special unlock key that is not stored in the phone, only the operator knows it, and you can find it in a number of ways without going to the salon:
- 📄 Look at the plastic card-holder, which was issued together with the SIM card (often the code is printed under a protective layer).
- 🌐 Go to the personal account on the operator's website or in the mobile application.
- 📞 Call the operator support from another number.
As soon as you get it. PUK, Type it into the query box on the phone screen, and then the system will suggest you come up with a new one. PIN-If you want to disable a request right away, enter a new code and then follow the instructions from the previous section to disable it.
Comparison of data protection levels on Xiaomi
Understanding the security hierarchy will help you set up your device correctly, and here is a table that shows what data each layer protects and what happens when it is compromised.
| Type of protection | Where you're tuning in. | What protects | Risk of shutdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock screen | Passwords and security | Access to OS, photos, messengers | High (access to all data) |
| PIN-code SIM | SIM-maps and networks | Calls, SMS, mobile Internet | Medium (number theft, 2FA access) |
| Encryption | Security. | Files on the disk when the phone is turned off | Critical (the data can be read directly) |
As you can see from the table, the shutdown PIN-SIM card code does not make your phone completely vulnerable if the screen lock is enabled. However, if an attacker can bypass the screen (for example, through vulnerabilities or by connecting the phone to a PC in debugging mode), the lack of SIM card protection will allow them to use your number to recover passwords from social networks.
Why do operators insist on PIN-code?
Features for two-symbol smartphones
Xiaomi device owners often use two SIM cards at the same time. If you turn off the password on one card, you won't remove it from the second card, the procedure must be repeated for each slot separately.
When setting up, carefully monitor which SIM card is selected at the top of the screen. In MIUI, it often happens that the user changes the settings for "SIM 1", thinking that he is controlling "SIM 2". Visually, they may differ in color or the operator logo.
If you use the Flight Mode feature or frequently take out SIM cards, keep in mind that when you re-instal the card in the slot, the phone may request the code again if you have not completed the deactivation procedure to the end.
Frequent problems and their solution
Sometimes users are faced with the switch being inactive or the system is giving an error, which may be due to a software failure or operator features, for example, some corporate tariffs may (forcedly) require protection, although this is extremely rare.
If the menu is "Protected" SIM-The cards are gray and not pressable, try restarting the phone, and check if Safe Mode is on. In this mode, many system functions may be limited.
⚠️ Note: If you enter the correct PUK-If the phone says "Network error" or "No service," try to remove the SIM card, wipe the contacts with soft cloth and paste back.
In rare cases, resetting your network settings helps, and it won't delete your personal files, but it will return your Internet and call settings to factory settings. → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
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The main problem when removing a password is the risk of blocking PUK-Always have an unlock code from the operator on hand before any manipulation of the security. SIM.