How to remove desktop protection on Xiaomi Redmi 4: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even years after its release, owners face unexpected limitations, one of which is the message “Desktop protected from change”, which blocks the ability to move icons, install widgets or change wallpaper, the reason lies in the MIUI settings, and the decision depends on the firmware version and the type of lock.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove protection from simple (through the settings menu) to radical (reset to factory settings). Also explain why the system blocks changes, and how to avoid recurrence of the problem. Instructions are relevant for the Redmi 4/4A/4X on MIUI 8-14, including global and Chinese versions of the firmware.

Why the desktop is protected from changes: 3 main reasons

The message about the locking of the desktop does not appear by chance, most often it is associated with:

• 🔒 Kids Mode – restricts access to system functions, including screen settings.
• 🛡️ Security policy MIUI — activates after updating the firmware or installing a third-party launcher.
• 📱 A failure in the launcher is a temporary glitch, which is eliminated by rebooting or cleaning the cache.

On Redmi 4 with MIUI 8-9, the problem often arises from a conflict with the Security app, which blocks the default changes. In newer versions (MIUI 10+), the second space mode or guest profile is usually the fault.

Before you start unlocking, check:

• ✅ Is the child mode activated (the icon with the house in the notification curtain).
• ✅ Is the guest profile enabled (switching at the top corner of the lock screen).
• ✅ Is there a third-party launcher installed (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex).

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone belongs to the organization (corporate device), the lock can be installed through the device. MDM-In this case, it's impossible to remove it without the rights of administrator.

Method 1: Disable protection through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in system options, suitable for cases where the lock is caused by a failure or time constraints.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use custom).
3. Go to Permissions and enable all options related to changing system settings.
4. Return to the main settings menu and select Desktop → Screen settings.
5. Turn off the Change Protection option (if it is active).

If there is no “change protection” option, try an alternative path:

1. Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings.
3. Check the Security section or additionally.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure your Mi Account is not blocked.

Connect your smartphone to charging (battery > 30%)

Backup your data (via Settings → Additional → Backup)

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Redmi 4 with MIUI 8 may require an additional step:

Settings → Advanced settings → For developers → Disable “MIUI Protection”

⚠️ Note: If the lock is left after these actions, do not try to install third-party launchers on top of the system one - this can lead to a cyclic reboot (bootloop).

Method 2: Reset the launcher settings (without data loss)

If the problem is caused by a failure in the standard launcher, resetting its settings will help, which does not affect user data, but will return the desktop to the default state.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Louncher (or com.miui.home).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm the action.
4. Reboot your smartphone (Power → Reboot).

After the reboot:

• 📱 Desktop will return to the standard look (icons at the bottom, wallpaper by default).
• 🔄 Widgets and folders will have to be reconfigured.
• 🔒 The blockage of change must disappear.

If the reset didn’t help, try removing the launcher updates:

1. In the Launcher app menu, click ⋮ → Remove updates.
2. Confirm the rollback to the factory version.

💡

Before resetting the launcher, take screenshots of the current location of the icons - this will help to restore the desktop faster after the procedure.

Method 3: Using ADB to Unlock the Lock

For advanced users, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that is suitable if the lock is caused by system restrictions that cannot be disabled through the interface.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 4 to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer on your smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Execute the command to remove protection: adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

If the first command fails, try the alternative:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell settings put secure user_setup_complete 1

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause the system to be unstable if you type in the wrong commands. ADB without understanding their purpose!

Method 4: Remove the child mode or second space

On Redmi 4, desktop locking is often associated with either Child Mode or Second Space, which restricts access to system settings.

How to turn off the child mode:

1. Pull the notification curtain down.
2. Find the notification “Mode for children is enabled” and click on it.
3. Enter. PIN-code (default 1234 or 0000 if not changed).
4. Click on "Out of Child Mode."

How to remove the second space:

1. Go to Settings. → Second Space (or Second Space).
2. Select "Remove space."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If PIN-Child code lost:

• 🔢 Try the standard combinations: 1234, 0000, 1111.
• 📱 Reboot the smartphone to recovery mode (clip the power supply) + Volume up and reset (Wipe Data) Warning: this will delete all data!
• 🔧 Use Mi Account to Unblock (if your Xiaomi account is tied).

Disconnection through settings|Launcher reset|ADB-team|Removal of the second space|I haven't tried it yet.-->

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of these methods work, it will be a hard reset that will delete all data on the device, including apps, photos and accounts, but will be guaranteed to remove the lock.

How to reset Redmi 4:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select “Reset” → “Erase all data”.
4. Enter. PIN-code (if required) and confirm the action.

Alternative method (if the smartphone is not turned on):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, Redmi 4 may require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked.If you do not remember the username / password, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - you will need to contact Xiaomi support.

💡

Before resetting, be sure to take out SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of data loss.

How to avoid re-locking the desktop

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Do not install third-party launchers from unverified sources.
• 👶 Turn off the child mode if you are not using it.
• 🔒 Do not activate the second space without the need to.
• 📱 Periodically clean the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

If you often encounter interface glitches, try:

• 🔧 Install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) from Google Play.
• 📉 Disable animations in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Scale of animation → No animation).
• 🔄 Calibrate the screen through the engineering menu (enter ##6484 on the phone##).

On Xiaomi Redmi 4 with MIUI 8, the desktop lock may appear after installing themes from the MIUI Theme Store. To avoid this, check other users' reviews before using the theme - they often mention similar bugs.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)