How to remove the password for the protection of personal data on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Forgot your privacy password on Xiaomi and can’t access files, contacts or settings? this problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO or Mi, where the privacy function blocks critical parts of the system, as opposed to a standard pattern lock or PIN-This password does not protect the unlock screen, but specific data – from notes to call history.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current password removal methods (including official and alternative ones), their pros and cons, and the risks that the manufacturer does not mention. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or accessing the Mi Account, so start with the simplest options. If you have Xiaomi on MIUI 14/15 or later, note that the protection algorithms have become stricter, we’ll talk about this too.

What is a personal data protection password for Xiaomi and why you need it

The Privacy Protection Password was introduced in MIUI in 2018, but has been in use since MIUI 12, and is designed to protect sensitive information from access through third-party apps or after a device is stolen, and unlike the standard screen password, it blocks:

• 📱 Contacts and call logs – without a password, you can not view or export numbers.
• 📝 Notes and recordings – including synchronized via Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Files in protected folders (for example, Private Folder in the gallery).
• 🔧 Some system settings – for example, factory reset or root rights change.

By default, the password for protecting your personal data matches the password for your Mi Account, but you can set a separate code, which is often the cause of problems: when you change your password, the old data protection code remains valid, and the new one does not fit.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the previous owner did not remove the protection, you can officially unlock the device only through the Mi Account, tied to the phone.

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: now, password removal may require an SMS confirmation or fingerprint scan, even if you know the code.

Method 1: Removing passwords through your Mi Account (official method)

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

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied before the password was set.
• 📲 The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud.

Instructions:

1. On the data protection password entry screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and confirm the login.
4. Follow the system instructions – you may need to enter a code from an SMS or confirm the action through another device.

If done correctly, the system will reset the data protection password, and you can install a new one. This method does not cause data loss and works on all models, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and the POCO F6.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone (2FA) For Mi Account, you'll need access to a backup email or phone number. Without that, recovery is impossible -- even Xiaomi's support service won't help.

Check your internet connection

Make sure you remember the username/password from your Mi Account.

Have access to email/SMS to confirm

Charge your phone at least 30%-->

Method 2: Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone is bought by hand, you get a hard reset through Recovery, which deletes all the data on the device, including photos, apps and settings, but it's guaranteed to remove the password.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F5 and new Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Reboot → Reboot to System

Once reset, the device will be like new — you’ll need to reconfigure it, including the Mi Account binding.This method works on all Xiaomi models, but has a critical drawback: losing all data except those synchronized with the Mi Cloud.

Method 3: Using ADB to remove passwords (for advanced users)

If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging) and unlocked bootloader, you can try to remove the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not guarantee 100% results, but sometimes it helps to bypass the lock without resetting.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the section on unlocking).

Instructions:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

If the instructions are executed without errors, the data protection password may be reset after rebooting, but on MIUI 14/15, this method is often blocked by the system, in which case only a reset via Recovery remains.

⚠️ Note: Deleting locksettings.db files may result in the loss of all passwords on the device, including the pattern lock and PIN-Lock screen code. Use this method only if you're prepared for the consequences!

💡

Before using ADB, check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings. If not, activate it: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times), then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers → Debugging by USB.

Method 4: Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the methods worked, the official way is to contact Xiaomi Service Center.

• 📱 The phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not remove the protection.
• 🔑 You do not remember the data from the Mi Account, but you can confirm the purchase (checks, box).
• 📲 The device is under warranty.

What will be required to unlock:

1. Passport or other document confirming the identity.
2. Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
3. The phone box with serial number (IMEI).
4. In some cases, the original SIM-The card that was on the phone when you bought it.

The service center can remove the password in two ways:

• 🔧 Using official software (if the phone is not blacklisted).
• 📦 Through complete flashing (will result in data loss).

The service costs range from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model and complexity. on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro, the price may be higher due to additional security checks.

💡

Contacting the service center is the only legal way to remove your password without losing your data, unless you know the Mi Account code, but it takes 3 to 7 days and requires proof of ownership.

Method 5: Bypassing protection through custom firmware (for power users)

If you’re willing to take a risk and have firmware experience, you can try installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a method that violates warranty and can lead to a device blink, but sometimes helps bypass protection.

What needs to be done:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see instructions below).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Sweep an alternative firmware that does not protect Xiaomi’s personal data.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ Loss of all data (if you don’t backup through the TWRP).
• ❌ The risk of turning your phone into a brick if you make a mistake.
• ❌ Lack of security updates from Xiaomi.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.

This method is only suitable for technically savvy users, if you have never flashed a smartphone, it is better to contact the service or use official methods.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove a data protection password, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Another common problem is that the phone asks for the old password after reset, which happens if Find My Device is turned on before reset, which means you need to enter the data from the Mi Account that was tied to the reset.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (Step-by-step)

If you choose to use ADB or custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader. On new devices (MIUI 13/14/15), this process is complicated - you now need to wait up to 720 hours (30 days) after you associate an account.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: OEM-unlocking. USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Mi Account

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

On 2023-2026 devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), you have to wait 30 days before unlocking your account after you have attached, a measure against theft and fraud.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! before the procedure, make a backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if already established).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions