Changing the screen lock method is a basic but critical procedure for any smartphone owner Xiaomi. Over time, the old one pattern key becomes too simple, others can spy on it, or you simply want to increase the level of protection of your personal data. In the ecosystem MIUI and new HyperOS the process of setting up security has its own nuances that distinguish it from the standard Android.
In this article we will examine in detail not only the standard algorithm for changing the password through the settings, but will also touch upon complex situations when access to the menu is blocked. Understanding how it works security system on your device will help you avoid losing important files. We will look at the options for different firmware versions and explain why linking to Mi-account plays a decisive role.
Before you start changing the settings, make sure you remember the current unlock code. Without it, entering the settings menu will be impossible, and you will have to resort to more radical reset methods. Let's start with the simplest and most common method, which is suitable for most current models Redmi and POCO.
The standard procedure for changing the key in the settings
To change the lock type, you will need access to the smartphone's desktop. Go to the main application menu and find the Settingsicon. Depending on the version of the shell, this item may simply be called “Settings” or have a gear icon. Inside the menu, scroll down to the Passwords and securitysection. This is where all the tools for controlling access to the device are concentrated.
Click on the item Screen lock. The system will immediately ask you to enter your current patternPIN code or password. This is a mandatory security measure to prevent unauthorized persons from changing security settings. After successful authentication, you will see the current unlock method and a list of available alternatives.
Select an option Pattern key from the list. If you want to increase security, consider using a mixed password that includes letters and numbers. However, if your goal is simply to change the pattern to a new one, select the appropriate option. A 3x3 grid of dots will appear on the screen on which you will need to draw a new combination.
⚠️ Attention: When creating a new key, avoid obvious geometric shapes such as the letter "L", "Z" or simple crosses. Attackers often check these popular patterns first when selecting a code.
After the first drawing, the system will ask you to confirm the action by repeating the drawing again. Make sure that your finger movements are accurate and match the original version. Xiaomi may also suggest setting additional parameters, for example, showing or hiding the lines connecting the dots. This function affects privacy: hidden lines make it difficult for others to spy on the key.
☑️ Check before changing the key
Interface features in MIUI and HyperOS
Users are often confused about the terms, as the company Xiaomi is gradually moving from shell MIUI to the new platform HyperOS. Although the visual style changes, the logic behind the security system remains the same. In the latest versions of the software, the blocking control item can be moved to the Fingerprints, facial data and screen locksection. This combines all biometric data and passcodes in one place for the convenience of the user.
It is important to note that on some global firmware versions the path to the settings may be slightly different. For example, in a European assembly the path may look like Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality. If you cannot find the item you need, use the built-in settings search. Just enter the word “key” or “lock” into the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired section.
Function Smart Unlock can also affect the behavior of the pattern key. If you have trusted devices connected, such as Mi Band or smartwatches, the smartphone may not prompt for a key if they are nearby. However, this does not replace the need to have a primary security method established for situations where a trusted device is not available.
Use the Show Pattern feature only in a secure environment. In public transport or queues, it is better to enable hiding lines so that no one can remember the trajectory of your finger.
It is worth considering that the settings interface is dynamic and can be updated with the arrival of new software versions. What was relevant for MIUI 13can be reorganized into HyperOS 1.0. Always focus on the names of the sections, and not just their location in the list.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may change after a major system update. If you don’t find the usual menu item, use the search inside the “Settings” application - this is the most reliable way to find the desired section in the new version of the shell.
Association of the pattern key with the Mi account
One of the most important features of smartphones Xiaomi is the rigid binding of the device to Mi-account. When installing a graphic key, the system often strongly recommends (and in some regions requires) linking it to your account. This is done so that you can restore access to your phone if you forget your password without completely resetting your data.
If you have forgotten your new key, having an active key Mi-account will allow you to reset the lock remotely through the service Find Device. To do this, just go to the official website of the service from a computer or another phone, enter the login and password for the account linked to the locked device, and select the unlock command. This is the only legal way to remove protection without losing photos and contacts.
However, if the account has not been linked or you do not remember the password for it, the situation becomes more complicated. In this case, the anti-theft mechanism is triggered, and the only way out is to completely reset the device to factory settings (Hard Reset). Therefore, before changing the key, make sure that the section Accounts and synchronization displays your correct email address.
| Scenario | Having a Mi account | Result if the key is forgotten |
|---|---|---|
| Account is linked | Yes, the password is known | Unlocking via the website is possible without losing data |
| Account is not linked | No | Only a full reset (Hard Reset) with the deletion of all data |
| Account is linked | Yes, the password is lost | You must first restore access to the account |
What to do if you forgot the pattern key
The situation when the user cannot remember his own combination occurs more often than it seems. If you encounter a blockage, don't panic. After several unsuccessful input attempts, a Forgot your key? or Forgot your passwordbutton may appear on the lock screen. Clicking on it initiates the verification process through Mi-account.
Enter the login and password for your account. If the data is correct, the system will prompt you to set a new unlock method. This method only works if there is an active Internet connection on a locked smartphone. If there is no network, try inserting a SIM card with mobile data or finding a Wi-Fi access point to which the phone was previously connected.
In cases where a standard reset via an account is not possible, you have to use the Recoverymode. To enter it, you need to turn off the phone, and then hold down the key combination Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them down until the logo Miappears, then release the Power button while continuing to hold the volume down. In the recovery menu, control is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is carried out with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting via Recovery mode (Wipe Data) will completely delete all photos, contacts and applications from the device’s internal memory. Before performing this procedure, make sure that you have a backup copy of your important data in the cloud.
Select item Wipe Data, then confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. After the process is completed, select Reboot. The phone will reboot as new and you will have to go through the initial setup. In this case, the system will require you to enter the password from the previously synchronized Mi-account to confirm ownership of the device (FRP protection).
Why do they ask for the password for the account after a reset?
This is a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) function. It prevents the use of a stolen phone even after a full factory reset. Without knowing the password for the owner's account, the device will remain locked.
Alternative methods of screen protection
A pattern is not the only and not always the most convenient method of protection. Modern smartphones Xiaomi equipped with advanced biometric sensors. Using fingerprint or face recognition significantly speeds up unlocking and increases the level of security, since this data is unique and more difficult to fake than a pattern on the screen.
It is recommended to use a combined approach. Set up biometrics for everyday use, but keep a pattern or complex PIN as a backup method. This is especially true in situations where your finger is wet, damaged, or you are wearing a mask, which makes it difficult for scanners to work.
- 👆 Fingerprint: The fastest and most reliable method, works even in the dark and does not require looking at the screen.
- 👁️ Face unlocking: Convenient when the phone is on the table, but less reliable in complete darkness without IR illumination.
- 🔢 PIN code: More reliable than a pattern key, since the number of combinations of numbers is much higher than the number of pattern options.
It is also worth paying attention to function Advanced unlockingthat allows you to configure additional conditions. For example, the phone may not require a key immediately after turning on if less than 24 hours have passed since the last password was entered. Understanding these nuances will help you find a balance between security and comfort of use.
Combining biometrics and a pattern key provides maximum protection: biometrics for speed, the key as a reliable backup option in case of sensor failures.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the screen sensor does not respond correctly when entering a key. This may be due to dirt on the screen, poor quality protective glass, or a software glitch. If you enter the correct pattern, but the phone reports an error, try wiping the screen with microfiber and removing the case, which may interfere with pressing the edges.
Another common problem is “sticking” dots or incorrect reading of the trajectory. In such cases, calibrating the sensor or temporarily switching to entering a PIN code helps. If the problem persists, the touchscreen may need to be diagnosed by a service center. Software glitches can often be resolved by clearing the system cache or updating the firmware to the latest version.
Do not forget that the number of input attempts is limited. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system will block input for 30 seconds. With each subsequent series of errors, the blocking time increases. Do not try to guess the key using brute force methods - this will only lead to a long blocking of the device and possible activation of strict data protection measures.
Is it possible to disable the pattern key completely?
Yes, you can select the lock type “No” or “Swipe”. However, this is highly not recommended, since if your phone is lost or stolen, attackers will have instant access to all your data, including banking applications and personal photos.
Does changing the key affect the operation of the fingerprint?
No, these systems are independent. Changing the pattern key does not reset saved fingerprints. However, after rebooting the device, you will still need to enter a pattern or PIN code to unlock it for the first time.
What to do if the lock screen is frozen?
Try to force a reboot by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, there may be a problem with a specific system update, and you should contact support Xiaomi or check for new security patches.
Does the new key sync with other devices?
No, the pattern key is installed locally on a specific device. If you have several phones Xiaomilinked to one account, you need to set up a screen lock for each of them separately.
Is it possible to recover a forgotten key without losing data?
The only way to restore access without losing data is to use the password reset function via linked Mi-account if there is Internet access. In all other cases, resetting the settings to factory settings will inevitably delete user data.