How to remove the password for application protection on Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide

Forgot the password from the Xiaomi Redmi 8 apps and can’t access instant messengers, banking programs or social networks? This problem is familiar to many users who once installed protection through built-in MIUI features, but now face its consequences. Unlike screen locking, the password for apps is often overlooked — it is less used, so forget faster.

In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods to take down applications on Redmi 8, from standard system tools to advanced technical solutions. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. For example, resetting to factory settings is guaranteed to remove the password, but with it all the data on the phone will disappear, so we'll start with the most gentle options and gradually move on to radical measures.

Before you start, check the obvious: you may be using the wrong type of lock. On Redmi 8, the password for apps can be tied to:

• 🔑 Basic. PIN-Lock screen code (if the option "Use the same password" is enabled")
• 📱 Fingerprint (if the scanner is configured, but the software failure has blocked access)
• 🔐 Mi Account (rarely, but some versions) MIUI Link application protection to Xiaomi account)

If none of these options are suitable, read on.

1. Removing password through MIUI settings (if the screen PIN is known)

The easiest way is to use built-in tools. MIUI, If you have access to the main PIN-This method works on Redmi 8 with firmware. MIUI 10–14 and does not require additional programs.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Enter. PIN-lock screen code (if the system requests).
3. Click on the icon. 🔄 ("Reset password") in upper right corner.
4. Confirm the action and set a new password (or leave the field blank to turn off the protection).

If the app lock option is not on the menu, then your Redmi 8 is using an outdated version of MIUI (before MIUI 9). In this case, try an alternative path: Settings → Additional → Privacy → Application lock.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may require a phone reset after resetting your password. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen is stuck on the logo for a long time. MI — This is the normal behavior of the system when synchronizing settings.

2.Use of Mi Account to Unblock

If the application password is linked to a Xiaomi account, it can be reset via a web interface, which only works if three conditions are met:

• 📧 Mi Account is authorized on the phone (check Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔓 You remember the login and password from the account (or associated) email/repair-phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from another device.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 8 and click Device Management.

On MIUI firmware 12.5 and later, the Mi Account reset function may be disabled by default due to the privacy policy.

Bypassing the lock through ADB (without loss of data)

If the standard methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but does not erase user data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools (download from the official Google website).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on your phone (if not, see spoiler below).

Instructions for deleting password through ADB:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device (if you request it).

⚠️ Note: pm clear only resets the settings for the application lock module, but does not affect other data. However, on some firmware, this may cause the com.miui.guardprovider service to fail. If errors occur after the reboot, follow the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.guardprovider

4. Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If none of the previous methods worked, then there's a radical solution, Hard Reset, which will completely remove the password from the apps, but it will also erase the password:

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off Redmi 8.
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Wipe Data (or Clear All Data).
4. Confirm the action by choosing Yes.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

💡

Before Hard Reset, be sure to remove the memory card (if any) - the data on it will not suffer, but it is better to be safe.

5. Alternative methods: bypassing through Safe Mode and third-party utilities

If standard methods don’t work, you can try less obvious solutions, one of which is Safe Mode, which temporarily disables all third-party applications, including the MIUI lock module.

How to run Safe Mode on Redmi 8:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Switch off (or turn off power)" item for about 5 seconds.
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode.

In this mode, try to open secure applications — sometimes the lock is temporarily disabled. If you can, immediately reconfigure or delete the password in the settings.

Another option is to use third-party utilities like Mi Unlock Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.

• 🛡️ Such programs often require unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty.
• 🔍 Some utilities contain malicious code (download only from trusted sources, for example, from a source that is not available, XDA Developers).
• ⚖️ Violation of Xiaomi license agreement may result in device lock.

💡

If you decide to use third-party utilities, pre-create a backup through Settings → System → Backup. Even if the program promises data safety, it is better to be safe.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods are powerless, there are two options:

1. Official centers can reset the password from applications without losing data, but you will need proof of ownership (checks, box, tied to Mi Account).
2. Installing a clean firmware through Fastboot or Recovery will remove all locks, but this is a last resort: 📱 Official. MIUI (stable or developmental version). 🔧 Custom recovery (TWRP) + Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing on Redmi 8 with a locked bootloader requires official permission from Xiaomi (unlock via Mi Unlock Tool".

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Redmi 8