How to find out or reset the password for application protection on Xiaomi: official and alternative methods

Password protection on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature of the MIUI shell that prevents unauthorized access to personal data. However, what to do if you forget this password and important applications - messengers, banking services or gallery - are blocked? Unlike unlocking the screen, recovering the application password is not always intuitive, and the official documentation of Xiaomi is silent about some nuances.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to return access to blocked applications – from standard methods through a Mi Account account to technical workarounds for advanced users. Importantly, not all solutions are universal – their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the smartphone model (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and the type of lock (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).

Recovery through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but requires that:

  • 📱 The device was connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • 🔑 You remember your Mi Account login and password (or had access to your backup email/phone).
  • 🔄 The “Find Device” function was activated in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Instructions:

  1. On the app lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?” (or a similar button).
  2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
  3. Enter your account details and confirm your identity via SMS/mail.
  4. Follow the system instructions for resetting the password protection.

⚠️ Warning: If you have previously disabled Find Device or have not tied Mi Account, this method will not work.

📊 What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/X/M)
Xiaomi (11/12/13) series
Black Shark
Other

2. Reset password through "Recovery Mode" (Recovery Mode)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires access to Recovery Mode.It will remove the application protection password, but does not affect user data (photos, messages, etc.) if done correctly.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4/F5: Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe & Reset → Wipe App Lock Data

Confirm the action and restart the device.

Turn off your smartphone | Check the button combination for your model | Connect to charging (minimum 30%) | Have a backup of important data (in case of an error)

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⚠️ Note: If you select the wrong option (e.g., Wipe All Data over Wipe App Lock Data), it will result in a complete reset. On devices with a locked bootloader, this method may not work – you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

3.Use of ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If you have USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 taps to unlock developer options, then Settings → Additional → Developers → USB debugging), you can delete the application password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell


su




rm /data/system/app_lock_pattern.key




rm /data/system/app_lock_password.key




reboot

After rebooting, the application protection password will be reset, and if the su command does not work, then the device does not have root rights - you will need to obtain them (which voids the warranty).

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers and File Transfer Mode Enabled (MTP) Check if the debugging is activated. USB If the problem persists, try another one. USB-cable.

4. Bypassing backup and reset (MIUI 13/14)

This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 13/14 and requires backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Access → Application Protection.
  2. Tap "Reserve and Restore"
  3. Select the created copy and restore the protection settings.

If you encounter another problem, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. For example, on MIUI 14 for POCO X5 Pro, the reset algorithm may be different from the instructions for Redmi 9A on MIUI 12.5.

💡

Before any system manipulation, back up your system via Settings → About Phone → Backup or manually copy important files to your PC. This will save data even if you fail to reset.

Can I find out the password for application protection without resetting?
No, MIUI doesn't store passwords in plain view. All official methods involve either resetting (via Mi Account or Recovery) or deleting key files (via ADB/root). If you don't use third-party password managers (for example, Bitwarden or 1Password), you can't recover a forgotten password - just delete it.
Why do some apps remain blocked after being reset via Mi Account?
This happens if the apps use their own lock (for example, WhatsApp with a mobile device). PIN-code or banking applications with two-factor authentication. MIUI protects only access to the application at the system level, but does not cancel the internal security settings of the programs themselves.
Does the ADB method work on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
No, using ADB with su (superuser) rights requires unlocked bootloader and root access. On devices with locked bootloader, you can connect via ADB, but password removal commands won't work.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restore your account through Xiaomi’s official website. If you have your mail or phone tied, follow the recovery instructions. If not, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, etc.).
Can I bypass application protection through Safe Mode?
No, the Safe Mode in MIUI does not disable application protection; it only temporarily deactivates third-party programs, but system security settings (including application password) remain active.