Daily use of a Redmi smartphone can be overshadowed by the need to enter a digital code every time you turn on the device. This security feature built into the SIM card is designed to protect your data from unauthorized access, but for many users it becomes an unnecessary obstacle. This process is especially annoying when the phone reboots at the most inopportune moment or you need to make an emergency call.
In the operating system Androidwhich underlies the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS on Xiaomi devices, management of this parameter is placed in a separate security settings menu. The shutdown procedure is quite simple, but requires knowledge of the current code. If you forget the combination of numbers, the situation may be complicated by the card being completely blocked, so it is important to act carefully and follow the algorithm.
In this article we will look in detail at how to find the desired section in the menu, what steps to take to deactivate the password request and what to do if the system requires you to enter a PUK code. We will also touch on the differences in the interfaces of different firmware versions, so that the instructions will be useful to owners of both old and newest Redmi models.
Why do you need a PIN code and should you turn it off
PIN code (Personal Identification Number) is a personal identification number that is stored directly on the SIM card chip, and not in the phone’s memory. Its main purpose is to protect against the use of your SIM card by unauthorized persons in case of theft or loss of the device. Without entering the correct combination, the attacker will not be able to make calls or use the mobile data.
However, the constant need to enter these numbers creates certain inconveniences. Every time you reboot the smartphone, remove and reinsert the SIM card, the system blocks access to the network until the user confirms his identity. For people who frequently change devices or test different firmware, this becomes a significant hindrance in their work.
The decision to disable protection depends on your lifestyle and risk level. If your phone rarely leaves your home or office, and the risk of theft is minimal, then the convenience of a quick start may outweigh the safety precautions. On the other hand, for those who often travel or leave the gadget unattended, maintaining protection is a reasonable measure cybersecurity.
⚠️ Attention: By disabling the PIN code, you remove the first line of defense of your SIM card. Any person who takes possession of your phone will be able to immediately use the number to make calls or receive SMS with confirmation codes from banks.
Preparing to change security settings
Before moving on to the settings menu, you need to make sure you are ready for the procedure. The most important condition is to know the current PIN code. The system will not allow you to disable the password request if you do not enter a valid combination at least once to confirm access rights.
If you have never changed the factory settings, then the standard code is usually indicated on the plastic card holder from which you broke out the SIM card upon purchase. Most often, telecom operators set combinations like 0000, 1111 or 1234. However, you should not rely on luck, since incorrect input three times in a row will lead to blocking.
It is also worth checking the battery charge of the device. Although the process of changing settings does not require much energy, suddenly turning off the smartphone while changes are being written to the system registry can lead to software failures. Make sure that the charge level is sufficient for uninterrupted operation for 10-15 minutes.
☑️ Ready to disable PIN
The settings interface on Redmi may vary slightly depending on the version MIUI. On new devices, the menu structure has become more logical, but the main items remain in the same places. It is recommended to find the section in advance so as not to wander for a long time if you accidentally block the input due to a rush. HyperOS The menu structure has become more logical, but the main items remain in the same places. It is recommended to find the section in advance so as not to wander for a long time if you accidentally block the input due to a rush.
Step-by-step guide for disabling through the settings
The process of deactivating the password request is unified for most modern Xiaomi smartphones. The algorithm of actions involves sequential navigation through nested menus. First you need to open the main application Settings, which is usually located on the desktop or in the notification shade.
Then the path may vary. In most cases, you need to go to section Passwords and Security. All functions related to device security are concentrated here, including fingerprint, face unlock and SIM card settings. In some older versions of firmware, this item may be simply called Security or located inside the section Additional.
After entering the protection section, select the item Privacy or immediately look for the subsection System security. We are interested in a specific option related to the SIM card. Often it is placed in a separate block SIM card protection or SIM card settings. By clicking on this item, you will see a list of SIM cards installed in the phone.
Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Security SIM cardsSelect the SIM card for which you want to disable the code request (for example, SIM 1). You will see a switch opposite the inscription Lock SIM card. If the switch is active (blue or green), press it. The system will immediately prompt you to enter the current PIN code.
After successfully entering the numbers, the switch will go into an inactive state. This means that the next time the phone reboots, it will no longer require you to enter a password to access the operator's network. The procedure is completed and the changes take effect instantly.
Actions when blocking and entering a PUK code
The situation when a user forgets a PIN code is quite common. The SIM card security system is designed in such a way that after three incorrect entry attempts it is automatically blocked. In this case, the phone will no longer ask for a PIN, but a PUK code (Personal Unblocking Key).
PUK code is a unique unlock key that cannot be changed or selected. It consists of 8 digits and is provided only by your telecom operator. You can find it on the same plastic card where the SIM card was attached when purchased. Usually it is hidden under a protective layer that needs to be erased with a coin.
If the plastic card is lost, the only way to restore access is to contact the operator's communication salon or log into your personal account on the company's website. There, in the information section about the tariff or SIM card, this data is often published. It is important not to try to guess the PUK code at random.
| Code type | Length | Purpose | Consequences of errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIN | 4 digits | Daily unlocking | Blocking after 3 attempts |
| PUK | 8 digits | Unlocking after PIN failure | Complete death of the SIM card after 10 attempts |
| Pin2 | 4 digits | Access to additional. functions | Function blocking (rarely used) |
⚠️ Attention: You have only 10 attempts to enter the PUK code. If all of them are exhausted, the SIM card will be permanently blocked and turn into a piece of plastic. It will be possible to restore the number only by re-issuing the card at the operator's salon.
The process of entering the PUK code on Redmi is standard. When prompted on the screen, enter 8 digits. The system will then ask you to come up with a new PIN code and confirm it by re-entering it. After this, the protection will be restored, and you will be able to manage it again through the settings.
What to do if the PUK code is also forgotten?
If you cannot find the PUK code on the card and there is no access to your personal account, the only way out is to visit the operator’s office with a passport. The salon employee will identify you and issue you a printout with unlock codes. This information is usually not provided remotely by phone for security reasons.
Interface features of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi regularly updates its shell, which leads to changes in the location of menu elements. Owners of devices based on MIUI 12 or MIUI 13 should look for SIM card settings in the section Passwords and security, which is often duplicated in the search for settings.
In the latest operating system system HyperOS, which replaces MIUI on Redmi Note 13 and newer models, the structure has become more minimalistic. The SIM card management item can be moved to the top level of the menu Settings or integrated into the section Connections and sharing. This is done to simplify navigation for new users.
Another feature of Redmi interfaces is the ability to manage two SIM cards independently of each other. You can disable the PIN request for the main working SIM card, but leave protection on the second one, which is rarely used. To do this, in the menu SIM card protection you need to switch between the SIM 1 and SIM 2 tabs.
Use the search in settings. There is a search bar at the top of the settings menu screen. Just enter “SIM” or “PIN” there, and the system will immediately show the desired item, regardless of the firmware version. This is the fastest way to find hidden menus.
Sometimes users encounter that the switch is inactive (grayed out). This may mean that the SIM card is not currently active or is not recognized by the phone. Try rebooting the device or moving the SIM card to another slot so that the system recognizes it correctly.
Alternative methods and expert advice
In addition to the standard path through the settings menu, there are other ways to manage protection, although they are used less frequently. Some telecom operators allow you to manage the PIN code request service via USSD commands. However, this method does not work for all providers and often requires knowledge of specific codes.
For example, to disable a request, a command like **04*old_PIN*0000*0000#can be used, where the desired new values or disable commands are substituted for zeros. But the use of such commands on modern Android smartphones is often blocked by the security system of the phone itself, so the method through the settings remains the most reliable.
Mobile security experts recommend not disabling protection completely unless absolutely necessary. Instead, you can replace the complex factory code with a simple combination that is easy to remember but will still act as a barrier to casual users. For example, use your date of birth or part of your phone number.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu layout may change with software updates. If you do not find the described items, use the built-in search in the settings or refer to the help on the manufacturer’s official website for your specific model.
It is also worth considering that on some corporate tariffs or specific tariff plans the operator may require a PIN code. In such cases, it will not be possible to disable it through the phone settings - the option will be unavailable or will return an error after entering. The issue can only be resolved through operator support.
The most reliable way to manage the PIN code is the standard Android settings menu. USSD commands and third-party applications often do not work correctly on modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS firmware.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I disable the PIN code if I have forgotten it?
No, it is not possible to disable the code request without entering it. The system requires confirmation with the current password to make changes. If the code is forgotten, you will first have to unlock the SIM card using the PUK code, come up with a new PIN, and only then disable it in the settings.
Does disabling the PIN code affect the speed of the phone?
No, the presence or absence of a password request does not in any way affect the processor performance, Internet speed or application operation. This is exclusively a procedure for checking access to the operator’s network at the stage of booting the device.
Are PIN code settings reset when resetting the phone to factory settings?
No, the security settings are stored on the SIM card itself, and not in the smartphone’s memory. Resetting your phone (Factory Reset) will delete your photos, contacts and applications, but will not change the security settings of the SIM card. The code request will remain active unless you have previously disabled it.
What to do if the phone says "Invalid PUK"?
This is a critical error. Check the entered numbers again. If you are sure of the correctness, but the phone does not accept the code, the SIM card may have already been blocked before. In this case, you need to contact the operator's communication center to replace the SIM card while keeping the number.
Can I set my own PIN code instead of the standard one?
Yes, in the same menu SIM card protection there is an option Change PIN code. You can set any combination from 4 to 8 digits. It is recommended to avoid obvious combinations like 1234 or 0000 to increase the level of security.