How to remove application protection on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide 2026

Application protection on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a useful MIUI feature that prevents unauthorized access to personal data. However, it sometimes becomes a hindrance: forgotten passwords, persistent confirmation requests or conflicts with third-party programs cause users to look for ways to turn it off. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of removing protection from standard settings to technical workarounds, including working with ADB and resetting to factory settings.

It is important to understand that removing protection can reduce the security of the device. PIN-If you use your phone, anyone who takes your phone will have access to sensitive information, so before you start, assess the risks and back up the data. 12, Redmi 10 or older models on the MIUI 13/14, instructions below are suitable taking into account the features of the firmware.

The ways to remove protection vary in complexity, from simply turning off menus to editing system files, and we'll start with the safest options and gradually move on to advanced ones that require technical skills, and if you're not sure about your actions, you'd better contact Xiaomi's service center to avoid locking your device or losing data.

1. Standard disabling of protection through MIUI settings

The most obvious and secure way is to use the built-in options of the system, which is suitable if you remember the password or the password. PIN-code from the application, but you want to remove the protection completely. MIUI 12-14 on all Redmi models, including Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi A2.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Protection. Here you will see a list of all the programs that are blocked. Click on the desired application (such as WhatsApp or Gallery), then select Remove the password. The system will request the current access code - enter it, and the protection will be removed. If you want to disable the function completely, move the App Protection slider to the Off position.

• 🔐 For password: enter the current code and confirm deletion.
• 👤 For fingerprint/face: first delete biometric data in Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint/face data.
• ⚙️ For system applications: some (e.g. Settings) may not appear in the list – their protection is removed through resetting.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password to protect applications, but remember the pattern lock or PIN-Lock screen code, try resetting protection through Settings → Lock screen → Password. Sometimes it removes the restrictions on individual programs.

I know the current password from the app.

Backed up important data

Checked for MIUI updates

Disabled two-factor authentication (if any)-->

2.Reset protection through the Mi Account (Mi Account)

If you forgot your application protection password but you linked your device to your Mi Account, you can use the Restore feature, which works on Redmi with MIUI 12 and later, but requires an active Internet connection and access to the mail or phone associated with your account.

Go to Settings → Mi → Security. Find Device Management and select your Redmi. There will be an option to Reset Application Protection (or similar in meaning). The system will send the confirmation code to the associated email or phone number. Once the code is entered, protection will be removed from all applications at the same time.

If you don't have a reset option, try logging out of your Mi Account and re-entering. Sometimes this resets the time limit. Also make sure your device has enabled data sync to Settings → Mi Account → Sync.

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Mi Account, some applications (e.g. banking) may require re-authorization.

Standard settings of MIUI

Reset via Mi Account

Used ADB.

Resetting to factory settings

I've tried nothing.-->

3.Use of ADB to remove protection (advanced method)

If the standard methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for power users and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the ADB Tools package. It works on all Redmi models, but can violate the warranty if used improperly.

First, turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging via USB. Connect Redmi to your PC, confirm trust your computer, and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.

Enter the following commands in order:

adb devices

(Make sure the device is determined.)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider

This command removes the application protection module for the current user. Once the phone is reboot (adb reboot), the protection will be removed. If you want to return the feature, reinstall Guard Provider through the Mi App Store.

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download ADB Tools from the official website.
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install the package via the manager (sudo apt install adb).
• 🔌 Connection issues? Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or use Mi Drivers PC Suite.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system components through ADB It can lead to unstable work MIUI. Before executing commands, back up your adb backup or Xiaomi’s built-in tools.

4. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If no other means of doing so, it leaves the device completely reset, which will delete all data, including application protection, but also erases photos, messages and installed programs, which is suitable for Redmi models of all kinds, but requires prior preparation.

First, keep important information:

• 📸 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Contacts: Export to.vcf via Contacts → Management → Exports.
• 🔑 Passwords: Check your saved data in Google Smart Lock or Mi Browser.

To reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase all data. If your phone is locked, use Recovery mode:

1. Turn off Redmi.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: After reset, the device may require data input from the previous Mi Account (Mi Cloud Lock function).If you do not remember the username / password, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership.

💡

Before resetting, untie your Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. This will eliminate the need to enter data after the reboot.

5. bypass protection through Safe Mode (Safe Mode)

If application protection is disruptive but you don't want to reset, try Safe Mode, which disables all third-party applications, including MIUI modules that lock, and works on Redmi with MIUI 11-14, but doesn't guarantee 100% results.

To activate Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the option to turn off (or reboot on some models).
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode.

At the bottom of the screen, you'll see Safe Mode. Now try opening the locked app -- there may be no protection. If so, delete the app data in Settings → Apps → [Title] → Storage → Clear the data.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your phone. Note: widgets, some MIUI features, and third-party services (e.g. Google Play Services) don’t work in this mode.

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Safe Mode doesn't permanently remove the protection, it only temporarily disables it. Once you reboot, all the restrictions will return.

6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and firmware

If none of these methods work, there are still informal solutions, and there are risks involved in using them (loss of warranty, locking of the device), but sometimes this is the only way out.

1.Using utilities like Mi Unlock Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.

These programs automate the process of unlocking the bootloader and removing system restrictions. ADB Tools allows one click to disable application protection through ADB, You can download them from forums without manually typing. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

2. Fastboot flashing.

Installing a clean version of MIUI or custom firmware (like Pixel Experience) will remove all system locks.

• 🔓 Open the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📥 Download firmware for your model from the official website.
• 🖥️ Use the Mi Flash Tool to install.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing wipes data from internal memory, including folder DCIM (There is also a risk of "bricking" the device if you choose the wrong firmware. 10 Pro and newer be sure to check the compatibility of the version MIUI region-wise (Global/EEA/China).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove application protection, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is using ADB commands for an inappropriate version of MIUI. For example, on MIUI 14, the path to the protection module may be different from MIUI 12. Always check the relevance of instructions in the forums or in the Xiaomi documentation.

If the protection remains after all the manipulations, the device may have activated the "Second Space" (dual system) function. Check this in Settings → Special Options → Second Space and delete the second space if it is not needed.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions