How to remove the password from the applications on Xiaomi, if you forgot the combination: official and alternative methods

Forgot the password from the app on Xiaomi smartphone and can not access important data? This problem is familiar to many users who install protection on messengers, gallery or banking applications, and then lose the password. Unlike unlocking the phone itself, deprotecting individual applications requires other approaches, from using a Mi Account account to technical methods like ADB or Fastboot.

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 proven ways to unprotect your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO apps if you forget your password. Importantly, some methods cause data loss, so try the official options first. Also note that new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) may have additional restrictions due to the updated MIUI security policy.

If you are not sure about your technical skills, you should contact the service center - the wrong actions can lead to a complete locking of the device or loss of personal files.

1.Removal of protection through Mi Account

The safest and most official way is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if you’ve previously logged in to your device and haven’t disabled sync, and is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, and POCO F5.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the blocked application and enter the wrong password 5 times in a row.
• 🔑 The button “Forgot your password?” or “Reset via Mi Account” will appear – click on it.
• 📧 Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (if you forgot - restore via email or phone number).
• 🔓 Confirm the action through SMS or email code.

If the reset button does not appear, check:

• ✅ Synchronization with Mi Cloud is enabled on the device (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• ✅ You have access to an email or number linked to your account.
• ✅ The latest version is installed on the smartphone MIUI (Update to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password and haven’t updated it on your phone, this method won’t work, and it’s not available on custom firmware devices (like LineageOS).

2. Reset application settings (without data loss)

If the protection is not installed at the system level, but through the settings of the application itself (for example, Gallery, Notes or Calculator), you can try to reset its settings. This will not delete personal files, but return the security settings to factory settings.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a blocked application (such as a gallery) in the list and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear Data (Do not “Delete App!”).
4. Confirm action. Once you reboot, the app will open without a password.

This method works for:

• 📷 Xiaomi Gallery (album protection)
• 📝 Notes and Notes
• 🔢 Calculator (hidden files)
• 📁 File Manager (Passworded Folders)

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra: Resetting gallery data can delete photo thumbnails, but the files themselves will remain in the folder DCIM. Before the procedure, copy important photos on the PC.

3. Use of Fastboot Mode (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can try to unprotect via Fastboot, a low-level firmware mode that is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires a PC with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.

Important: This method will delete all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and messages, and only use it if other options are exhausted.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
6. After flashing the phone will restart without passwords on the applications.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) After you have firmware through Fastboot, you may need to log in to the Mi Account that was previously linked. If you don't remember your account details, the phone will become a brick».

4. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

A method for advanced users to unprotect applications without resetting their phone. USB-Debugging and PC access. Works on most models, except those that have debugging disabled (for example, after resetting settings).

Instructions:

1. Turn it on. USB-debugging → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Download Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot)
4. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and type:

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.gallery # For gallery




pm clear com.android.contacts # For contacts




pm clear com.miui.notes # For notes

Replace the name of the package with the desired one (you can find out through adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name").

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Does not delete personal data (photos, messages).
• 🛠️ Works on locked phones (if debugging was enabled earlier).
• 📱 Suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI 12-14.

💡

If you don’t know the name of the application package, use the adb shell dumpsys package | grep “keyword”, where the keyword is part of the name (for example, “gallery”).

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts are unsuccessful, you can contact the official Xiaomi service, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 🔧 Reset application protection without data loss (unless the phone is locked at Mi Account level).
• 📄 Provide a certificate of unlocking for a warranty case.
• 🔄 Reflash the device with a portion of data saved (on some models).

How to prepare for your visit:

• 📋 Take a check or confirmation of purchase (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport (to confirm possession).
• 📱 Locked device with a charge of at least 50%.
• 💳 Willingness to pay for the service (if the guarantee has expired).

The cost of unlocking in the service:

⚠️ Attention: Do not contact informal services that offer "quick unlock" for 500 rubles. There is a high risk of installing spyware or damaging your phone. Xiaomi official centers are in most major cities - check the addresses on the website mi.com.

💡

The official service is the only legal way to unlock if you don’t remember the data from Mi Account and are not willing to risk the data via Fastboot or ADB.

6. Alternative methods (with caution)

If the standard methods don't work, some users resort to informal solutions, and we don't recommend using them, but for completeness, we'll give you some options:

Method 1: Delete the key file via TWRP

You need to install custom TWRP recaps and root access, and through the file manager in TWRP, you need to find and delete files:

• /data/system/locksettings.db
• /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
• /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

Risks: loss of data, system malfunction, blocking of Mi Account.

Method 2: Using Vulnerabilities MIUI

Some older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) had security bypass exploits, such as Test DPC, which could reset security policies, but newer firmware closed those vulnerabilities.

Method 3: Flashing through EDL

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account and special equipment.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods can lead to permanent locking of the device (brick), loss of warranty or data leakage.If you are not an expert in firmware, it is better to abandon these methods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking apps on Xiaomi