Daily use of a smartphone is often interrupted by an annoying request to enter a digital code immediately after turning on the device. For phone owners Xiaomi i Redmi this situation is familiar, since by default many telecom operators activate protection SIM cards. Although this measure increases data security if the gadget is stolen, it creates significant inconvenience if you reboot the phone several times a day or use the automatic reboot function.
The process of deactivating this function on the shell MIUI or HyperOS intuitive, but the menu may be hidden in an unobvious section of the security settings. In this article, we will look in detail at how to remove the need to enter a password, what risks this entails, and what to do if you have forgotten the current access code.
It is worth noting that disabling protection makes your SIM card vulnerable: anyone who inserts it into another phone will have access to calls and SMS. Therefore, before changing the settings, make sure that the device is reliably protected with a pattern or biometrics.
Why do you need a PIN code and should you disable it
PIN code (Personal Identification Number) is a standard protection mechanism built directly into the SIM card chip, and not into the phone software. Its main task is to prevent unauthorized use of the number by third parties in case of loss or theft of the smartphone. Without knowing this code, an attacker will not be able to make calls or use the mobile data, even if he bypasses the screen lock of the device itself.
However, for many users, constantly entering numbers becomes an annoying factor. This is especially true for those who often change devices or use two phones for different tasks. By disabling the request, you speed up the process of starting communication, but remove an additional layer of protection.
⚠️ Attention: If you decide to disable protection, make sure that you have set a strong screen lock password on the phone itself. This partially compensates for the risk of access to your messages and contacts.
The decision to disable should be considered. If you often go to places where there is a high risk of theft or lose your phones, it is better to leave the protection turned on. In a home environment or with strict control over a gadget, deleting a request is quite justified for the sake of comfort.
Preparing to change security settings
Before going to the settings menu, it is critical to know the current PIN code of your SIM card. The system will require you to enter it to confirm your right to change security settings. By default, most telecom operators in the CIS establish standard combinations, such as 0000, 1111 or 1234.
If standard combinations are not suitable, the code may be indicated on the plastic card holder from which you broke out the SIM card when purchasing. This information can also often be found in the operator’s personal account or in the service agreement. Trying to guess the code blindly is dangerous.
- 📱 Find the original packaging of the SIM card (cardboard envelope with a chip).
- 🔐 Remember whether you changed the standard code to an individual one earlier.
- 📞 Check the agreement with the telecom operator or the bank application, if the SIM card tied.
- 🌐 Go to the operator’s personal account on the website to view security settings.
Do not try to enter the code more than three times in a row. After three unsuccessful attempts, the SIM card will be blocked, and to restore it you will need PUK code, which consists of 8 digits. Entering the wrong PUK code 10 times will lead to irreversible damage to the chip.
Write down your current PIN code and PUK code in a safe place (for example, in a password manager) before starting any manipulations with security settings.
Step-by-step guide for disabling the request on Redmi
The settings interface in smartphones Redmi may differ slightly depending on the shell version MIUI or new HyperOS, but the menu logic remains the same. We will need to go to the section responsible for password protection and biometrics.
First, open the main application menu and find the “Settings” icon. Scroll down the list to the Passwords and Securitysection. In some older firmware versions, this item may be simply called “Device Protection” or located inside the “Advanced Settings” menu.
Inside the security section, select the item SIM card confidentiality. Here you will see a list of all SIM cards installed in your phone. Click on the one for which you want to remove the code request. The interface will offer you the current protection status.
☑️ Algorithm for disabling PIN
To deactivate the function, you must move the switch to the inactive position. The system will immediately prompt you to enter your current PIN. After entering correctly, the request will disappear, and the next time you reboot, the phone will immediately register with the network.
Menu path: Settings → Passwords and security → SIM card privacy → SIM 1 → Turn offTable of standard carrier codes
If you never did not change the factory security settings, most likely your SIM card is protected by one of the standard codes. Below is a table with the most common combinations for popular operators working on the network Redmi.
| Telecom operator | Standard PIN | Standard PUK | Where to find the current code |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | 1111 | On the envelope | MTS Personal Account |
| MegaFon | 0000 | On the envelope | MegaFon Application |
| Beeline | 0000 | On the envelope | Help service 0611 |
| Tele2 | 0000 | On the envelope | Tele2 personal account |
| Yota | 0000 | On the envelope | On the website yota.ru |
Please note that telecom operators periodically change security policies. The specified data is relevant for most tariff plans, but may differ for corporate clients or specific regions.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and settings in the operator’s personal account may change without notice. Always check the latest security data in the official application of your mobile operator.
What to do if the code is forgotten or the card is blocked
The situation when a user forgets a previously set code occurs quite often. In this case, the phone will display a message about blocking the SIM card and require you to enter PUK code (Personal Unblocking Key). This is a unique unlocking key that cannot be found by brute force.
PUK code consists of 8 digits and is issued only by the telecom operator. It cannot be changed or restored if you have lost the media containing it, but can be obtained through support. Entering the wrong PUK code more than 10 times will lead to physical blocking of the chip, after which only replacing the SIM card at the communication store will help.
Recovery process via PUK
Enter the PUK code when the phone asks for it. The system will then prompt you to create a new PIN code. Enter the new code twice to confirm. After this, the SIM card will be unlocked, and you can immediately disable the request in the settings, as described above.
If you do not have access to the SIM card packaging, the way to find out the PUK is to call the operator's support service from another number. To identify yourself, you will be asked to provide the code word or passport data of the owner of the number.
- 📞 Call the operator's support service from another phone.
- 🆔 Go through the identification procedure (passport, code word).
- 🔢 Write down the dictated 8-digit PUK code.
- 🔄 Enter PUK on a locked phone and set a new PIN.
Features of working with two SIM cards
Smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi traditionally support the operation of two SIM cards simultaneously. This creates a nuance when setting up security: PIN code parameters are configured for each slot separately. Disabling the request for the first card will not affect the second.
In the menu SIM card privacy you will see two independent switches. You can leave protection on the main SIM card, where important contacts and bank links are stored, and disable it on the second card, used only for the Internet or work calls.
This hybrid approach allows you to find a balance between convenience and security. If one of the cards is corporate, the requirements for its protection may be dictated by company policy, and disabling the code in this case is not recommended without approval from the IT department.
Security settings are applied individually to each physical SIM card. Changing the parameters for slot 1 does not in any way affect the operation of slot 2.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users encounter that the switch in the menu is inactive (grayed out) or resets back to the on position after a reboot. This may be due to an error reading the SIM card or a software malfunction in the communication module.
First of all, try removing the SIM card, wiping the contacts with a soft eraser or a dry cloth and inserting it back. Make sure the card fits snugly in the tray and does not wobble. Poor contact may be interpreted by the system as a missing card, which blocks changes to settings.
If physical intervention does not help, check for system updates. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version and click “Check for updates”. Often, interface bugs are fixed in security patches.
⚠️ Attention: If the problem persists after updating and replacing the slot, the SIM card itself may be damaged or outdated. Contact the operator's salon for a free replacement with a new one while keeping the number.
In rare cases, a conflict may be caused by a third-party application that has access to managing the phone. Try booting into safe mode and check if the setting changes there. If everything works in safe mode, one of the installed applications is to blame.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to disable the PIN code if the phone is already locked?
No, to change security settings you must unlock the smartphone screen and have access to the desktop. If the phone is locked with a pattern key, first unlock it.
Does disabling the PIN code affect the operation of the mobile bank?
There is no direct effect. Banking apps use their own passwords and biometrics. However, if the phone is stolen, the attacker will be able to insert your SIM card into his phone and receive an SMS to reset the bank password if the screen is not locked.
What is a PUK code and how does it differ from a PIN?
PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) is an unlock code consisting of 8 digits. It is only used when you have entered your PIN incorrectly three times. PIN is an access code (4-8 digits) that is requested every time you turn on the phone.
Will disabling the PIN code reset your phone settings?
No, this operation only affects the security settings of the SIM card. All your data, photos, applications and contacts will remain completely safe. A factory reset is not required.
Why does the phone ask for a PIN code twice when turning it on?
If you have two SIM cards installed and security is enabled on both, the phone will ask for a code first for one card and then for the second. This is normal system behavior with active security settings for both slots.