Are you tired of entering a password every time you reboot a Xiaomi smartphone? This problem is familiar to many users of devices with MIUI firmware - after updating the system or resetting the settings, the phone begins to require unlocking even when it is turned on normally, in most cases, this behavior is due to activation of the bootloader protection or incorrect security settings.
In this article, we will look at all the possible reasons for a password request after a reboot and provide proven ways to disable it, from standard MIUI settings to technical solutions for advanced users. Instructions will be suitable for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including the 13/14 series, Note 12/13, K50/K60).
Why does Xiaomi ask for a password every time it is turned on?
Requesting a password after rebooting is not a bug, but a MIUI security feature that is activated in several cases:
- π Bootloader Protection is enabled. This function encrypts the partition /data It requires authentication at each start of the system.
- π± The βBlock When Downloadβ option is activated in the security settings (available on some firmware).
- π Recently, a reset or firmware update was performed through Fastboot/Recovery.
- π Enterprise security policy (e.g., Mi Account for work devices).
- π οΈ Custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) with incorrectly configured encryption installed.
On Android 10+ and MIUI 12+ devices, the problem is most often caused by forced encryption, which is activated automatically when you first start. If you bought a used smartphone or restored it using the Mi Flash Tool, chances are that the previous owner did not disable this feature.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Disabling a password request may result in loss of data in the section /data. Always back up through Settings β Additionally. β Backup before changing security settings.
Method 1: Disable the loader protection in the MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the firmware options built in, which works on most devices with MIUI 11-14 and does not require superuser rights.
- Open the Settings. β Password and security.
- Go to the Application Block section (some firmwares have a clause called Privacy Protection).
- Scroll down and find the boot lock option (or bootloader protection).
- Turn off the slider and confirm the action with the current password / pattern lock.
- Restart the device to apply the changes.
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β System Improvements.
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on About Phone version of MIUI).
- Return to the additional settings β For developers.
- Find the option to Disable bootloader protection (in English firmware - Disable bootloader protection).
Battery charge > 50%
Backup copy of data created
Password from Mi Account is on hand
USB-Debugging is included (for methods with ADB)
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On some devices (such as the POCO F4 or Xiaomi 11T), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case move on to the next method.
Method 2: Reset security settings with Mi Account
If standard settings donβt work, try resetting security settings through your Xiaomi account, which works even on locked devices, but requires:
- π± Linked and confirmed Mi Account.
- π Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π Battery charge of at least 20%.
Instructions:
- On the password entry screen after rebooting, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
- Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
- Enter the login and password from the account associated with the device.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- After logging in, go to Settings β Password and Security β Reset security settings.
- Select Reset lock settings and confirm.
β οΈ Note: After resetting all data in the section /data (Photos, messages, apps) will be deleted! This method is only suitable if you have a backup or are ready to lose information.
What to do if I donβt remember my Mi Account password?
On devices with MIUI 14 And newer after the reset, you may need to re-activate through the Mi Cloud. email/phone.
Method 3: Using ADB to disable password request
For advanced users, there is a method to disable protection through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- π₯οΈ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π§ Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Run the command to check the connection: adb devices The device should appear in the list.
- Enter the command to disable bootloader protection: adb shell settings put global bootloader_protection_disabled 1
- Reboot the device with the command: adb reboot
If the password request remains after the reboot, try the alternative command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardproviderπ‘
Before using ADB, make sure that your PC has the latest versions of Xiaomi drivers installed, and you can download them from the official Mi UI Download website in the Tools section.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU or Xiaomi.eu), these commands may not work due to modified security policies, requiring manual editing of system files.
Method 4: Edit the build.prop file (Root required)
If you have superuser rights (Root), you can disable the password request by editing the system file build.prop. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires caution.
Instructions:
- Install any file manager with Root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop.
- Find the line ro.bootloader.protection=1 and replace it with ro.bootloader.protection=0
- Save the changes and restart the device.
If ro.bootloader.protection is not available, add it to the end of the file, and you can also try disabling forced encryption by adding:
ro.crypto.type=none
ro.crypto.state=unencryptedβ οΈ Warning: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop.Always back up the file before changes.If the device stopped booting, restore the original build.prop via TWRP Recovery.
Standard settings of MIUI
Reset via Mi Account
ADB teams
Editing by build.prop
Another way.
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Method 5: Complete Fastboot reset (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, the last option is to completely reset the device via Fastboot mode, which will delete all the data, but it will guarantee that you will remove the password request.
- π₯οΈ PC with installed Mi Flash Tool.
- π Official firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).
- π Cable USB and unlocked boot loader (unless previously unlocked).
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
- At the bottom of the utility, select the Clean All option.
- Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
Once you flash it, it will boot as new, without asking for a password.
- π Restore data from backup (if any).
- π Set up a new password or pattern lock.
- π± Linking Mi Accounts for Future Recoveries.
π‘
Fastboot resets completely are the only method that is guaranteed to remove the password request, but it also deletes all data. Use it only if other methods have failed.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:
| Method | Difficulty | Root/ADB required | Loss of data | It's working on MIUI 14. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | β | β No. | β No. | β Yes. |
| Reset via Mi Account | ββ | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| ADB teams | βββ | β Yes (USB-debugging) | β No. | β οΈ Partially. |
| Editing by build.prop | ββββ | β Yes) | β οΈ Maybe. | β No. |
| Full reset via Fastboot | ββββ | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes. |
For most users, we recommend starting with the first or second method, and if you have experience with ADB or Root, try the third or fourth option, and leave the full reset as a last resort.