How to remove application protection on Xiaomi if you forgot your password: from resetting PIN to bypassing Mi Account

Forgetting the password from secure apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a problem that even experienced users face. MIUI It offers several levels of protection: from simple PIN-So what if you lose access to individual programs, up to a full Second Space or a Mi Account, and the data inside is critical? In this article, we will analyze legitimate and technical ways to remove protection – from standard reset functions to advanced methods using the use of resetting. ADB and Fastboot.

It is important to understand that some methods require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB or tied Mi Account).If you did not configure them in advance, some solutions will not be available. We will also look at the risks of data loss during hard reset and explain how to minimize them with backups. This article is relevant for devices on MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and other models).

1. Standard ways of resetting a password (without loss of data)

If you forgot. PIN-code or pattern lock for a particular application (such as Gallery, Notes or Browser), try the built-in tools first MIUI. They work without a PC connection and do not require developer rights.

The easiest option is to use Mi Account recovery, which is suitable if:

• 🔹 The device is linked to your Mi Account (you have previously logged in).
• 🔹 The smartphone has the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) enabled).
• 🔹 You remember the username/password from Mi Account or you can restore them via email.

Instructions:

1. On the app lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (or similarly written).
2. Choose Restore through Mi Account.
3. Enter your account details and confirm the action via SMS or email.
4. Create a new password for the application.

⚠️ Note: If Second Space is activated on the device, Mi Account recovery will only work for the main space).

Another option is to reset your password through security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Application Protection.
2. Slip on the app icon with a lock and select Remove password.
3. Confirm the action through fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN-lock screen code (if configured).

2. Reset protection via fingerprint or Face ID

If a device has biometric authentication set up (a fingerprint or facial recognition), it can be used to bypass application passwords, which works even without an internet connection and does not require developer rights.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the secure application.
2. On the password entry screen, find the option to Use a fingerprint or Unblock a face (usually at the bottom of the screen).
3. Put your finger up to the scanner or look at the front camera.
4. After successful authentication, go to the application protection settings (as in Section 1) and delete the old password.

If the biometrics don't work:

• 🔹 Make sure that the fingerprint/face is saved in the system (Settings) → Passwords and security → Fingerprint).
• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes sensors get lost after prolonged use.
• 🔹 Check if the power saving mode is on (it can turn off the scanner).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Biometrics works only to unlock the screen, not for individual applications.

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If the fingerprint doesn't recognize, try adding it again, sometimes it helps to register the same finger at a different angle or with high pressure.

3. Use ADB to remove protection (for advanced users)

If standard methods have failed and USB debugging has been enabled before, you can remove application protection via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Preparation:

• 🔹 Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
• 🔹 Connect Xiaomi to your PC through the original USB-cable.
• 🔹 Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap on Version) MIUI In Settings → The phone).
• 🔹 Activate Debugging on USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Instructions for removal of protection:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep "miui.applock" # check availability of lock service




pm clear com.miui.applock # reset application protection settings

After the commands are executed:

1. Reboot your smartphone (adb reboot).
2. Application protection will be deactivated, but the data inside the applications will be saved.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB On devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader) can lead to a hard brick (complete failure.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Download the latest version of platform-tools|Connect the original USB-cable|Check device detection by adb devices-->

4. Second Space (Second Workspace) reset

Second Space in MIUI is an isolated environment with separate applications, data and security settings, and if you forget your password, standard Mi Account recovery won't help.

Method 1: Remove via settings (if the main space password is known)

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Second Space.
2. Select Remove Second Space.
3. Confirm the action of the password of the main space.

All data from the second space will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the main space password is unknown)

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Second Space will be deactivated after the reboot, but all data (including the main space) will be erased.

5 Hard Reset – Last Chance

If no methods work, you'll have a complete reset, which will delete all the data on your device, including application passwords, Mi Account (if not tied to your device), and Second Space, and use this as a last resort.

Instructions for Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Choose your language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

For devices with a blocked Mi Account (if you do not remember your account details), you will need to unlock via Fastboot:

fastboot oem clean_all # full cleanup (including Mi Account)


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader (bootloader) command fastboot oem clean_all In this case, you will need an official unlock through the Xiaomi website (the process takes up to a maximum of two years). 30 days).

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Hard reset deletes all data, including photos, messages and installed applications. SD-Card (if any) – not affected by resetting.

Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider these options:

A. Bypassing Safe Mode (Safe Mode)

Some applications (such as Gallery or Files) can open in Safe Mode without a password.

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger to Turn off until a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm and wait for the reboot.
4. Try to open a secure application.

Restriction: Safe Mode has disabled all third-party programs, so the method doesn’t always work.

B. Recovery through MIUI backup

If you have previously backed up through Settings → Additional → Backup, you can try to restore the security settings:

1. Reset the device to factory settings (see Section 5).
2. When you first set up, select Restore from backup.
3. Specify the path to the backup file (usually stored in the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup internal memory or SD-map).

Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If the device stores critical data and self-reset is not possible, contact the official service center.

• 🔹 Check or warranty card (to confirm possession).
• 🔹 Passport (for identification).
• 🔹 Information about the attached Mi Account (if you remember).

Service centers can remove protection without loss of data, but the service is paid (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model).

7. How to avoid future data loss

To avoid encountering the problem of blocked apps again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔹 Attach Mi Account and enable data synchronization (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization).
• 🔹 Create backups through Settings → Additionally. → Backup (select cloud storage or SD-map).
• 🔹 Use a password manager (such as Google Password Manager or Bitwarden) to store PIN-code.
• 🔹 Activate biometrics (print) + person) as a backup method of unlocking.
• 🔹 Write down the recovery codes for Second Space and Mi Account on paper.

For Second Space, set up automatic synchronization with the main space:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Second Space.
2. Select the Synchronization Settings.
3. Activate options for contacts, messages and multimedia.

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If you often forget passwords, turn on password reminder in Settings → passwords and security → app protection settings. The system will send reminder notifications once a week.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app protection on Xiaomi