How to remove application protection on Xiaomi: from pattern lock to MIUI Protection

App protection on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a useful feature that prevents unauthorized access to personal data. However, it sometimes becomes a problem: users forget passwords, encounter errors after updates, or want to disable redundant protection for convenience. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove protection, from standard methods through settings to advanced solutions using ADB and Fastboot.

It is important to understand that the procedure for unlocking depends on the type of protection: it can be a pattern lock, PIN-code, fingerprint or built-in function MIUI Protection: Some methods require knowledge of a Mi Account, others only work with root rights, and we'll look at options for scenarios ranging from the simplest to the most technically sophisticated, so you can choose the right one.

If you try to unlock someone else’s phone, it’s illegal and violates Xiaomi’s privacy policy, and all the instructions below are for device owners who have forgotten their access data.

1. Standard removal of protection through MIUI settings

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if you remember the password from your Mi Account or have access to the main lock screen.

Try the standard path first:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Protection (or App Lock in Global Firmware).
3. Enter the current password/pattern lock.
4. Turn off protection for the desired applications or deactivate the function completely.

If you have forgotten the password from App Lock, but remember the Mi Account:

• 🔑 On the password entry screen, click Forgot the password?.
• 📱 Select the recovery option via Mi Account (you will need to enter a login and password).
• 🔄 Follow the instructions for resetting protection.

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Mi Account, all secure applications will be unlocked, but the data inside them (for example, messages in messengers) will remain intact.

2. Reset protection through Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

If you don't remember the password from App Lock, but you've linked the device to your Xiaomi account, you can use the Remote Reset feature, which works even if your phone is locked.

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from another device.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. Select the Devices section → Find the device.
4. Click on your smartphone in the list and select Unlock the screen.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the application protection will be reset, but:

• ⚠️ All data on the device will remain (as opposed to a complete reset).
• 🔄 You will need to re-set the App Lock if you want to turn it on again.
• 📱 The method works only when you are actively connected to the Internet on a locked phone.

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If Find Device is disabled in the settings, this will not work. Check it in advance at Settings → Mi Account → Find the device.

3.Use of Recovery Mode to Reset Protection

If standard methods don’t work, you can try to reset protection through Recovery Mode, which is suitable for rootless devices, but requires caution – incorrect actions can lead to data loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Important nuances:

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO F5) A full reset via Recovery may require you to enter your Mi Account data after the reboot.Make sure you remember your login and password!

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can remove application protection using commands ADB. This method does not require data resetting, but is only suitable for users with technical skills.

Conditions required:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Instructions:

adb shell


su




pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider # Removes the MIUI protection module




pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks # Additional for some models




reboot

After the reboot, the application protection will be turned off. If the commands do not work, try an alternative:

adb shell


settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 # Allows access to hidden API




am start -n com.miui.securitycenter/com.miui.permcenter.autostart.AutoStartActivity # Opens AutoStart Settings

5. bypass MIUI Protection on a locked phone

MIUI Protection is an additional layer of security that is activated when you have multiple failed password attempts, which blocks access to your phone and requires you to enter your Mi Account data, and you can get around it in a number of ways.

Method 1: Through the official service Xiaomi

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check, box).
• 📧 Please. IMEI Devices (you can find out via *#06# on another phone).
• 🔓 Support can reset your account remotely (take 1-3 days).

Method 2: Through EDL-The mode (only for experienced users)

This method requires special hardware (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable) and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. It is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader, but has risks:

• ⚠️ Hard brick (complete failure) is possible).
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📥 You need an official firmware for your model.

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers|Prepare a firmware for your model|Backup of data (if possible)|Have it on hand EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable-->

6. Alternative methods and warnings

If none of the above methods worked, consider the following options:

1. Use of third-party utilities

There are programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool V2 that promise to unlock without losing data.

• 🚨 Risk of viruses and spyware – download only from proven sources.
• 🔒 Many utilities require payment and do not guarantee the result.
• 📵 New models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) They often don't work because of the updated encryption.

2. Contact the service center

If the phone is locked and Mi Account data is lost, the official Xiaomi service center can help for a fee (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

• 🔧 Data retention guarantee (in some cases).
• 📄 Official job security.
• ⚡ Quick decision (usually within 1-2 hours).

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The most reliable way to unlock is to prevent a problem. Always link Mi Account to your phone, write your App Lock passwords to a secure location, and regularly back up through Settings → System → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi