Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones face a situation where built-in security mechanisms begin to interfere with the comfortable use of the gadget.Desktop protection, which includes screen locking, restriction of access to applications or even system ad blockers, can be redundant for those who store the device in a safe place. Often owners forget their previously set password or simply tire of constantly entering numbers every time the display is turned on.
The process of disabling these restrictions depends on the version of the MIUI shell installed or the new HyperOS, as developers regularly change the location of menu items. In some cases, you will need access to your Mi Account to remove restrictions, in others, standard security settings are enough, and it is important to understand that a complete disabling of protection reduces the level of security of your personal data in the event of a device theft.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to remove desktop protection, including removing screen lock, disabling Application Protection and bypassing system restrictions. You will learn what steps to take if the password is forgotten, and how to configure the system so that it does not require unnecessary confirmation when running programs.
Disabling the standard screen lock
The most common type of protection is locking when you wake up your device, and to remove it, you need to have current access to the system. Go to the Settings menu and find the Passwords and Security section. Depending on the firmware version, this item can be called simply "Screen Lock" or be inside the Screen Lock and Password tab.
Here, the system will prompt you to enter the current pattern lock, PIN-A code or digital password is a mandatory security measure to prevent unauthorized users from accidentally changing their settings, and once you have successfully logged in, you will see a list of available unlock methods.
Select the option “No” or “Disable.” The system can warn you that when you reset or flash the data may be lost if you did not sign in to your Google or Mi Account. Confirm the action and the lock screen will stop appearing.
- 🔓 Open the security settings and select the change of the lock type.
- 🔢 Enter your current password, key, or fingerprint to verify your identity.
- ❌ Click on the “No” or “Disable” option in the list of protection methods.
- ✅ Confirm the removal of protection by agreeing to the warnings of the system.
☑️ Pre-switch check
⚠️ Note: If the device has two-factor authorization set up in your Mi or Google account, after resetting the screen password, you may need to enter account data when you first boot the system.
Removing Protection of Individual Applications
There's a separate layer of security in the MIUI and HyperOS shells that allows you to set passwords to run specific programs, and that's Application Protection. If your phone requires a password when you log in to a gallery, message or messenger, but the desktop opens freely, that's what's activated.
To remove this protection, go to Settings → Applications → Application Protection. You will need to enter a special password that was set when you turned on the function (this may be different from the unlock password of the screen).
Simply switch the switch opposite the desired application to the “Off” position. If you forgot the password from this feature, click on the “Forgot the password?” link (if the Mi Account is attached) or use the reset via Security → Settings → Application Protection Reset, which will require you to enter your account password.
- 📱 Go to the application protection menu through the main settings.
- 🔐 Enter an access code or use biometrics to enter.
- 🚫 Turn off the switches in front of the programs that need to be released.
What to do if the password from the application is lost?
Removing system blockers and advertising
Users often refer to intrusive ads and system restrictions as “protection” or “blocking” that block the desktop, and Xiaomi is responsible for this with MSA (MIUI System Ads) and various folder recommendations, which can be removed by disabling ad personalization.
Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data. Find msa and turn it off. The system will wait 10 seconds for confirmation — wait for the timer to end and click “Cancel.” This procedure sometimes has to be repeated 3-5 times in a row, as the server may temporarily not respond.
You should also disable recommendations in folders. Open any folder on your desktop, click on its name, and remove the tick from the "Recommendations" item, which will remove intrusive icons of games and applications that are often perceived by users as virus protection or blocker.
| System component | Location on the menu | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| MSA Service | Access to personal data | Withdraw access |
| Recommendations | Folder settings | Turn off the switch. |
| Receipt of recommendations | Passwords and security → Authorization and security | Turn off the switchboard |
| Advertising in the Conductor | Conductor → Settings → About the programme | Disable recommendations |
Resetting a forgotten password through Mi Account
If you lost access to your device completely because of a forgotten password, but your phone is connected to the Internet and linked to your Xiaomi account, you can use the device search service. Go to the official i.mi.com website from a computer or other smartphone.
Sign in with the same account as the locked device. Select your device from the list of devices. If geolocation is enabled, you will see the option "Unlock". Pressing this button will remove the password from the lock screen remotely. However, on newer versions of Android and MIUI, this feature may require pre-activation in the security settings.
If the remote unlock option is not available, only the Recovery Mode reset option remains. To do this, turn off your phone and press the Up + Power button combination. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data. Remember, this action will completely delete all files from internal memory.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset via Recovery, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced earlier (FRP), It is impossible to avoid without the owner’s data.
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If the phone requests a password after reset and you don't remember it, try to restore access to your Google account through your browser on your PC by changing the password.
Set up biometrics for quick access
Instead of giving up protection altogether, experts recommend setting up more convenient authentication methods.Face unlocking or fingerprinting on modern Xiaomi smartphones works almost instantly, reducing the inconvenience of having a password to zero.
To set up, go to Passwords and Security → Face unlock or Add fingerprint. Follow the instructions on the screen. In the biometric settings, you can activate the "Unlock in your pocket" or "Automatic login" option, so you don't enter. PIN-code even after restarting the device (on some models).
Using biometrics also allows you to configure “Second Space” or “Guest Mode” that can be protected by a separate fingerprint, creating the illusion that there is no password for the main user, keeping other data private.
- 👆 Add a few fingerprints to improve recognition speed.
- 👤 Adjust the face unlock with makeup or glasses in mind.
- ⚙️ Enable the “Unlock When Raising” option for instant access.
Resolving third-party launcher conflicts
Sometimes the problem of “desktop protection” is not in the system, but in the installed third-party launcher (desktop shell), programs like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or various “antivirus optimizers” can intercept control of the lock screen.
Check the list of installed applications. If you see unknown programs with device administrator permissions, they should be removed. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device administrators. Uncheck the suspicious applications, after which they can be removed in the usual way.
If your desktop is not behaving properly after installing a new theme from Themes, try resetting the theme to a standard one. Go to the Themes app, click on the profile icon, and select My Themes → Standard. This often resolves issues with the hung lock schedule.
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Third-party applications with administrator rights are a common reason why you can't unlock your screen. Always check this list when you install new programs.