How to remove application protection on Xiaomi: from password to system locks

Protecting apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a two-way sword: on the one hand, it protects personal data from prying eyes, on the other hand, it can become a headache if you forget your password or buy a used device with activated restrictions. Unlike Apple or Samsung, where unlock procedures are standardized, MIUI offers unique security mechanisms that require a special approach.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove protection from basic (reset via Settings) to advanced (working with ADB and Fastboot), focus on methods that do not lead to data loss, as well as nuances for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader. If you encounter messages like “App protected by password” or “Requires fingerprint confirmation”, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard methods of removing protection (without loss of data)

Start with the simplest ways — they work 70% of the time and don’t require technical skills — and the key is that you have to have access to the main screen of your smartphone (even if individual apps are blocked).

If you forgot the password from a particular application (such as Gallery or Notes), but remember the password from your Mi Account, use the built-in reset feature:

• 🔑 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Application protection.
• 📱 Select the blocked application and tap “Forgot the password?».
• 🔄 The system will offer to reset protection through Mi Account (you will need to enter a login / password).
• ✅ After confirmation, the password will be deleted and access restored.

For fingerprint or face ID devices, the algorithm is similar, but instead of a password, the system will ask for biometrics. If the fingerprint sensor doesn't work, try an alternative authentication method (PIN or pattern lock).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system blocks access to the protection of applications for 30 minutes.

2. Reset protection through Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

If the standard reset failed and Mi Account access is saved, use Remote Unlock, which is even applicable to devices with a locked bootloader, but requires an Internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Open your browser on a PC or other device and go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Sign in under the same account as on a locked smartphone.
3. Go to the Devices section and select your Xiaomi.
4. Click "Find the device" → "Unlock".
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, all application passwords and biometrics will be reset. Importantly, the method only works if the device has enabled the "Find Device" function (Settings). → Mi Account → Find the device).

3.Use of ADB to remove protection (advanced method)

If previous methods didn’t help and data resetting is not desirable, try removing protection via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires USB debugging enabled and works on most Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-14.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, confirm trust in the computer on the screen of the device.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and do:

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


adb shell pm clear com.miui.guardprovider

These commands will remove the application protection module, and after the device is restarted, all locks will be removed. Warning: on some firmware, this may cause system services to fail.

adb shell pm install-existing com.miui.guardprovider

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone

Download ADB Tools (Last Version)

Connect your phone to the original cable

Allow debugging in the dialog window on Xiaomi-->

4.Hard reset via Recovery (last chance)

If none of these methods work, the last resort is a Recovery Mode reset, which will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts, and apps installed.

• 🔐 You don't have access to your Mi Account.
• 📱 The device does not respond to other unlock methods.
• 🔧 You are ready to lose all your data.

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select “Wipe Data” (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting “Wipe All Data”.
5. After completion, select “Reboot”.

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) after the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied, without which the phone will turn into a brick».

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can remove application protection via Fastboot.This method saves user data, but requires technical knowledge and the presence of a PC.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection).
• 📦 Archive with firmware for your model.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Algorithm of action:

1. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode: turn off the smartphone, then press Power + Volume down.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
3. Download no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip (to disable integrity check) and run it: fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
4. Restart the device. Application protection will be deactivated.

💡

Before working with Fastboot, back up the persist partition as damage to it can lead to loss. IMEI. Backup Team: Fastboot backup persist persist.img

6. Features for different versions of MIUI

Removal methods may vary depending on the firmware version, and the following are key nuances for popular MIUI versions:

Xiaomi has tightened its security policy on MIUI 14 (based on HyperOS), and now it is necessary to obtain root rights or use patched firmware like xiaomi.eu to remove protection through ADB. The alternative is to roll back MIUI 13 via Fastboot, but this is risky for a beginner.

💡

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi blocks the reset of protection through the Mi Account if the device was not unlocked within 72 hours of the last authorization.

7. alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all of these methods are useless, consider the following options:

• 📞 Contact the service center Xiaomi: official centers can remove protection on purchase documents (even without knowing the password.
• 🔧 Flip-through EDL: Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash the device without unlocking the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account and special equipment.
• 🛒 Buying an unlock code: on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA keys are sold to unlock the bootloader (price is 5-15)$). The risk of getting caught by fraudsters is high.

For devices with a Qualcomm chip (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro), you can use the QFil firmware utility in EDL mode. However, this requires a firmware file with the.mbn extension and knowledge of the Firehose protocol.

⚠️ Attention: Flip-through through EDL on devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9A) may result in loss IMEI. Recovering it later will be extremely difficult.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi app protection