How to remove the application lock on Xiaomi: from standard methods to hidden MIUI features

Blocking apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for protecting confidential data, but sometimes it becomes a problem: Did you forget your password, bought a used phone with blocked programs or the system set restrictions after the update? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to remove the lock, from official methods in the MIUI settings to technical solutions through ADB and reset settings.

Xiaomi uses a dual lock system, operating system-level and MIUI-branded, which means that standard methods (like resetting a password through a Google account) often don’t work here. We tested each method on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models — all instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require superuser rights (root) or a PC connection. If you are not sure about your skills, skip the technical sections and contact the service center. Wrong actions can lead to complete data loss or a device "brick" (especially when working with fastboot).

1. Locking through MIUI settings (if you know the password)

The easiest way is to use built-in shell tools, which is suitable if you remember the lock password or it is set by default (for example, 1234 on used phones).

Open Settings → Applications → Application Lock. Here you will see a list of blocked programs. Click on the lock icon next to the desired application and enter the current password. If the password is not requested, then the lock is installed through the second account (see section 3).

• 🔓 Lock password reset: In the same menu, tap three dots in the upper right corner → Change your password. Enter the old one and set a new one (or leave the field empty to unblock the lock).
• 📱 Disable function: Transfer the slider Lock applications to the off position. - This completely deactivates the protection.
• ⚙️ Checking the second account: If the “wrong password” message appears after entering the password, it is possible that the lock is tied to another Mi Account profile.

On some firmware (MIUI 12 and older), the path may be different: Settings → Privacy → Application Lock. If there is no point at all, then the function is disabled or an alternative method of blocking is used (for example, through Google Play Protect).

2 Unlocking through the second Mi Account (if the phone is used)

A common situation is that you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner forgot to unlock it. MIUI has a hidden lock-to-Mi Account link feature that allows you to unlock apps without knowing the password.

For this:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Check if someone else's account is linked to the phone, and if so, log out (click on the avatar → log out).
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if not, register a new one).
4. Return to Application Lock and try to remove the lock – the system can request confirmation via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If the previous owner has linked the lock to his account and has not untied it, this method will not work, in which case only technical methods (sections 4-5) or contacting the service with proof of purchase remain.

3. Removal of locks through Safe Mode (no root)

Safe Mode allows you to temporarily disable all third-party apps and some system restrictions, which works if the lock is installed through third-party programs (such as AppLock from Google Play), rather than through built-in MIUI features.

To download to Safe Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. Once the logo disappears, immediately press and hold the Volume Down button until the download is complete.
4. In the lower left corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe mode.

In safe mode:

• 🔍 Check if the locks are gone from the apps. If so, uninstall the blocker program through Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.
• ⚠️ If the lock is still there, it means it is a system (MIUI) — proceed to the following methods.

💡

Safe Mode disables all widgets and background processes. To return them, just reboot your phone in the usual way.

4.Reset lock settings via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a PC debugging tool that doesn't require root, but requires minimal command line skills.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools on PC (Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).

Next, enter commands in the terminal (in order):

adb devices


adb shell




pm list packages | grep -i lock

The last command will display a list of applications associated with the lock (look for lines like com.miui.guardprovider or com.android.applock).

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider

⚠️ Warning: Removing system packages may disrupt the operation MIUI. After this operation, functions such as Security or Optimization may disappear. If the phone stops working properly, reset to factory settings (section 5).

5. Complete reset (Hard Reset)

The last measure, a factory reset, is applied if other methods have failed, which will remove all data from the phone, including passwords, accounts and installed apps. On models with a MediaTek chip (such as the Redmi 10C), after a reset, you may need to log in through your old Mi Account, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up at the same time (on some models - Power + Volume Down).
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will reboot to its initial state.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (new 2026 models), the path to Recovery may be different. If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from your old Mi Account, use the official access recovery form (purchase confirmation will be required).

After discharge:

• 📱 Install your phone as new (do not restore backup – this can return locking).
• 🔑 Set up a new password to block apps (if necessary).
• ☁️ Don’t link your old Mi Account unless it’s yours.

💡

Hard Reset is the only way to guarantee that you will remove all locks, but it erases all data. Use it only if other methods have failed.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

6.1.Blocking through Google Play Protect

Sometimes Google automatically blocks apps it considers unsafe to check:

1. Open Google Play → Profile → Play Protect.
2. Check the list of "Scanned Apps".
3. If the desired application is marked as dangerous, click Remove the lock.

6.2 Use of third-party programs (root only)

If you have root access, you can use:

• AppLock Remove (removes system locks)
• Lucky Patcher (for system APK modification)

⚠️ Attention: These programs may disrupt the work MIUI On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) they often fail due to improved protection.

Contact the service centre

If the phone is blocked by the previous owner and you can not confirm the purchase, contact the official Xiaomi service.

• Check or sales contract.
• Phone box (with serial number).
• Passport for identification.

The service can unlock the device in 1-3 days (free if the phone is warranty).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi