A forgotten App Lock password on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem that can block access to instant messengers, gallery or banking programs. Unlike unlocking the screen, deprotecting individual applications requires other approaches: standard methods like resetting through Mi Account often do not work here. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to bypass App Lock on MIUI 12/13/14, including hidden system functions, ADB commands and recovery through custom recovery.
It's important to understand that some methods will require developer rights or unlocked bootloaders, and the wrong actions can lead to data loss. So before you start, check if you have a backup of important files. If the phone is tied to a Mi Account, the chances of successfully unsecuring the protection without loss are higher.
Why Standard Password Reset Doesn't Work
Many users are trying to reset the App Lock password through Settings → Passwords & Security → Application Protection, but the system requires you to enter the old password. This is due to the MIUI architecture: application protection is not tied to the Mi Account, but to a local key store that is not synced with the cloud.
Here’s what blocks standard methods:
- 🔐 Local encryption: App Lock password is stored in a protected memory area (/data/system/locksettings.db), rootless.
- 📱 Lack of sync: Even when you reset your phone through Mi Account, application protection is maintained.
- 🛡️ Protection against bypassing: B MIUI 14 added mechanisms that block the change of system files without authorization.
Another trap: after 5 failed password attempts, the system can block access to App Lock for 30 minutes or even require a reboot. So don't try to guess the password - this will only complicate the situation.
Method 1: Reset protection through Mi Account (if an account is linked)
If your smartphone is linked to a Mi Account, you can try to reset security settings through the cloud, which works on MIUI 12-14, but requires a stable Internet connection.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi account and make sure you are authorized.
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Application Protection.
- Click Forgot Password? (if the option is active) and select Reset via Mi Account.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email linked to the account.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 Global) there may be no account reset option, in which case proceed to the following methods.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi| Check that your Mi Account is confirmed by email/SMS| Battery charge at least 50% | Disable VPN (can block access to Xiaomi servers)
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Method 2: Remove protection through ADB (without root)
If you have USB debugging enabled, you can remove application protection using ADB commands. This method does not require root rights, but only works when active debugging.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging (pop-up on the smartphone screen).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenter This command will reset the Security Center settings, including App Lock.
- Restart the phone. Once it's turned on, the application protection will be turned off.
🔹 Alternative team (if the first team fails):
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1Then repeat the first command. This trick bypasses MIUI's limitations on changing system settings.
⚠️ Attention: After completing commands ADB Other security settings, such as locking the screen, may be reset!
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Restore via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)
If you have custom recovery TWRP installed, you can manually delete the files responsible for protecting applications, which requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for advanced users.
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone and boot into TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete the following files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
Restart the phone. Application protection will be reset.
⚠️ Note: Deleting these files will also reset all passwords and fingerprints, including screen locking.If you have a PIN set, you will need to re-enter it after the reboot (or use your Mi Account to unlock it).
| Method | Conditions required | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via Mi Account | Linked account, Internet access | Low (may not work) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| ADB-team | Included debugging on USB, PC | Medium (resetting other settings) | ★★★★☆ |
| TWRP | Unlocked bootloader, custom recovery | High (data loss, brick) | ★★★★★ |
| Reset to factory | — | Critical (deletion of all data) | ★★★☆☆ |
Method 4: Safe Mode Circuit (for MIUI 12 and below)
On older versions of MIUI (12 and below), you can temporarily disable application protection by booting in Safe Mode, which does not remove the password, but allows you to access blocked programs.
How it works:
- Press the Power button and hold the option to Turn off until a request to go to Safe Mode appears.
- Confirm transition. The phone will reboot with third-party services disabled, including App Lock.
- Open the desired application (such as WhatsApp or Gallery) and copy important data.
- Restart your phone as normal, and the application protection will remain active, but you will have time to save the information.
🔹 Limitation: B MIUI 13/14 Safe mode does not disable App Lock, and some system functions, such as mobile Internet, do not work in this mode.
💡
If you need to copy files from a locked application (such as a photo from the Gallery), connect your phone to your PC in Safe Mode and use Windows Explorer to transfer data.
Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (last resort)
If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset to factory settings, and that will delete all the data from your phone, including passwords, apps, and media, and use this as a last resort.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, the phone will be like new, without app protection.
🔹 Tip: If you often forget passwords, set up backup recovery via Settings → Passwords and security → Account recovery. Here you can link an email to reset.
💡
The most reliable method is ADB, but it requires pre-setting the debugging, and if debugging is not enabled, the only options are TWRP (for advanced) or factory reset (with loss of data).