Unlocking Bluetooth in Xiaomi: how it works and why you need it

If you’ve ever encountered a situation where a Xiaomi smartphone requires you to enter a password after a reboot, reset settings or even after a long downtime – you are already familiar with the mechanism of blocking MIUI. But not everyone knows that in some cases you can unlock the device not only through the Mi Account, but also using Bluetooth. This feature appeared relatively recently and raises a lot of questions: how does it work, for which models is available and how safe is it?

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Bluetooth unlocking is in Xiaomi, how to set it up, what devices support this feature, and what pitfalls a user can expect, and you will find step-by-step instructions, comparisons with other unlocking methods, and answers to the most common questions, and if you often forget passwords or want to add an additional way to access your smartphone, this is for you.

What is Bluetooth unlocking in Xiaomi?

Bluetooth unlocking is an alternative authentication method in Xiaomi smartphones that bypasses password or pattern lock input if the device recognizes a trusted Bluetooth device (such as headphones, smartwatches or car system), which is built into MIUI firmware and works on the principle of a “trusted zone”: if the smartphone detects a nearby tied device, it automatically removes the screen lock.

It's important to understand that this is not the same as unlocking the bootloader (which is needed to install custom firmware), but it's about unlocking the lock screen, the same one that appears when you turn on the phone or after you do not act.

• 🔑 You often forget your password or PIN-code.
• 🎧 Use Xiaomi wireless headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless).
• 🚗 Connect your phone to a car radio with Bluetooth.
• ⌚ Have a smart watch Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch with support for the function.

However, there are limitations to the method, such as that it only works in tandem with other unlocking methods (password, fingerprint, or Face ID must be configured anyway), and the feature is not available on all models and versions of MIUI.

Which Xiaomi devices support Bluetooth unlocking?

Bluetooth unlock feature appeared in MIUI 12 and has been expanded in later versions, but it is not available on all Xiaomi smartphones, depending on the model and the firmware region. Below is a table with supported devices and versions of MIUI, where the function works stably:

If your model isn't listed, it doesn't mean that the feature is not working exactly. For example, some devices on MIUI 14 have Bluetooth unlock support through updates.

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Bluetooth Unlock (or Trusted Devices).
3. If there is no item, your model does not support the function.

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Before setting up Bluetooth unlock, make sure that your smartphone is enabled with Bluetooth and Geolocation (sometimes required to confirm the proximity of the device).

How to set up Bluetooth unlock on Xiaomi?

The Bluetooth unlocking process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires pre-preparedness.

1. Connect a trusted device: Make sure your headphones, watches, or car system are already paired with your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth and pair.
2. Activate the unlock function: Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Unlock Bluetooth (on some models, the path may be different: Settings → Lock screen → Trusted devices).
3. Select the device from the list: In the menu that opens, you will see a list of paired Bluetooth devices. Tick the ones that should unlock the smartphone.
4. Confirm the setting: The system may request the current password or PIN-code-in-code.
5. Test the work: Lock the screen, then unlock it, holding the trusted device nearby, and if everything is set up correctly, you won't need to enter a password.

Connect Bluetooth device to smartphone|Update MIUI last-minute|Make sure that the primary password (PIN/pattern lock) configured|Insert geolocation (if required)-->

If the function is not working, check:

• 🔄 Firmware updates – sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI.
• 🔋 Charging device – some accessories (such as Mi Band) do not transmit a signal when the charge is low.
• 📶 Distance – the smartphone should “see” Bluetooth-device within a radius of 1-2 meters.

Security: Risks and Limits of Unlocking via Bluetooth

While Bluetooth unlocking is convenient, it's not without risks, and the main problem is vulnerability to device swapping attacks. MAC-The address of your trusted gadget (e.g. headphones) will potentially unlock your phone.

Other restrictions:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work without a primary password – if you turn it off PIN-code or pattern lock, unlocking via Bluetooth will also stop working.
• 🔄 Dependence on firmware - after resetting settings or updating MIUI The function may need to be reconfigured.
• 📵 Stability issues – some users complain of accidental crashes when the phone doesn’t recognize a trusted device.

⚠️ Warning: If you lose a trusted Bluetooth device (such as headphones), remove it from the unlock list in the settings immediately. Otherwise, anyone who finds your gadget will be able to unlock the phone while it is nearby.

To improve safety, it is recommended:

1. Use Bluetooth unlock only in safe places (home, office, personal car).
2. Configure the function only for devices with unique MAC-address (avoid public Bluetooth transmitters, such as in cafes or transport).
3. Regularly check the list of trusted devices and remove unnecessary ones.

Comparison with other unlock methods in Xiaomi

Bluetooth unlocking isn’t the only alternative way to access Xiaomi’s smartphone, but let’s compare it to other popular methods:

As you can see from the table, Bluetooth unlocking is inferior to fingerprint or Face ID security, but it benefits in convenience in specific scenarios (such as in a car or with headphones).

• 🏠 Homes – Bluetooth unlock (via smartwatch or speaker).
• 🚶 On the street - fingerprint or face ID.
• 🔒 In public places, only PIN-code.

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Bluetooth unlocking is convenient in limited scenarios (house, car), but should not be the only method of protection.Always set up a backup unlock method (password or Mi Account).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Despite the ease of setting up, users often have difficulty using Bluetooth unlock, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The phone does not recognize the trusted device

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to a Bluetooth device, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the device (forget it in Bluetooth settings and pair again).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and trusted gadget.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.

2.The function disappears after the MIUI update

After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), the Bluetooth unlock settings may be reset to return the function:

1. Check if a new path has appeared in the menu (e.g. Settings → Lock screen → Additional).
2. Update the firmware of a trusted device (such as headphones or watches).
3. If nothing helps, reset the lock screen settings (the data will not be deleted).

3.Unlocking is triggered too far from the device

By default, Bluetooth can reach 10 to 15 meters, which is not safe.

• 📏 In Bluetooth settings, some devices (for example, Mi Band) can limit the range of communication.
• 🔗 Use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), shorter-range.
• 🛡️ Turn off the function in public places through the mode in the plane.

⚠️ Note: If you use Bluetooth unlock in your car, make sure the tape recorder doesn't keep the connection after the ignition is turned off.In some cases, the phone may remain unlocked even after you've left the car.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions