How to put a password on the Xiaomi app: 3 proven ways

Protecting personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the key tasks for users who store sensitive information on their phone, even if you have installed a pattern lock or a key. PIN-The screen unlock code, individual applications (messengers, banking services, gallery) remain vulnerable. MIUI There are built-in tools to lock apps with a password, but they are hidden in non-obvious menu sections.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to protect applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from the standard “Application Lock” function to the hidden “Second Space” mode, and learn how to avoid common errors (for example, resetting a password if you forgot the combination) and what alternative applications can be used if the regular MIUI tools do not fit, instructions are relevant for the MIUI 12-14 firmware versions and models released after 2019.

Method 1: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in “App Lock” feature, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI firmware. It allows you to set a password (or fingerprint) to run selected programs. The main advantage is that it does not require the installation of third-party utilities and works at the system level.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and come up with a primary password (it will be used for all blocked applications).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to protect (e.g. WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
4. Activate the switch next to the name of each application.

After that, when you try to open a blocked application, the system will ask for a password or fingerprint. Please note: if you use Smart Lock (automatic unlock in trusted places), blocking applications may not always work.

Make sure that the phone is installed PIN-code

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Check if your model supports the “App Lock” function (some budget models do not have it)

Save a backup of important data in case of resetting settings-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, you can only restore it by resetting all settings (with loss of data) or using the tied Mi Account. Xiaomi does not provide official tools for resetting your password without losing data.

Method 2: Use of the "Dual Apps"

The MIUI’s “Second Space” (or Dual Apps) feature allows you to create an isolated copy of selected applications with a separate password, which is useful if you want to hide not only access to the application, but also its contents (for example, correspondence in messengers or photos).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and set a password (it may differ from the phone’s primary password).
3. Select the applications you want to create duplicates for (e.g. Telegram, Instagram).
4. After setting up, switch between the main and second swipe space down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).

The advantage of this method is complete data isolation, for example, in the second space you can register another WhatsApp account or hide personal photos from prying eyes, but note that duplicate applications take up additional space in the memory of the phone.

Built-in application locking

Second Space (Dual Apps)

Third-party applications (AppLock, etc.)

Do not protect applications with a password-->

Method 3: Hidden folders and private mode in the Gallery

If you only need to protect photos and videos, MIUI has a built-in Private Mode in the Gallery app, which allows you to hide files from prying eyes and set a password on them.

Instructions:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Choose the photos/videos you want to hide.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Move to a private album.
4. Set your password (if you haven’t done it before).

To view hidden files, open the Gallery, swipe to the right and enter a password. Please note: this method only protects media files, but does not block access to the Gallery application itself. For full protection, it is recommended to combine it with application blocking (Method 1).

What to do if you forget the password from blocking applications?

The situation when a user forgets the password from blocked applications is common. Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide an official way to reset the password without losing data.

• 🔑 Recovery with Mi Account: If your phone is linked to your Mi Account, try resetting your lock password through the web version of your account (mi.com.
• 📱 Resetting: Full reset of the phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting your settings will delete all data, including your lock password. Backups created through Mi Cloud may not restore blocked applications, but will have to be reconfigured.
• 🛠️ ADB-commands (for advanced users): If the phone is enabled debugging USB, You can try to delete the file with the password through ADB. Commands: adb shell su rm /data/system/applock_pattern.key This method requires root rights and does not work on all versions. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Use of informal password reset methods (e.g., through TWRP or third-party utilities may result in Mi Account blocking or system damage.If the phone contains critical data, contact Xiaomi Service Center.

Third-party applications for blocking: pros and cons

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party apps from Google Play.

• 🔒 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) – supports locking PIN, There's a "crack-resistant" feature, which is a photo of an attacker who misenters a password).
• 📁 KeepSafe – specializes in protecting photos and videos, but can block other applications.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – from the well-known antivirus, integrates with the security system of the phone.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ More settings (e.g. time lock or geolocation).
• ✅ It works on all versions of Android, even if it is MIUI Does not support built-in locking.
• ✅ Additional functions (hiding notifications, fictitious password reset).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Take up RAM and can slow down the phone.
• ❌ Additional permissions are required (e.g. access to notifications).
• ❌ Some apps contain advertising or paid features.

💡

Before installing a third-party blocker, check reviews on Google Play — some apps may collect user data or contain malicious code. Give preference to programs with a rating above 4.5 and downloads of 10 million or more.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up a lock on Xiaomi apps, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 The lock does not work after the update MIUI: After major firmware updates, the lock function may reset.Check the settings in Settings → Annexes → Block applications and turn it on again.
• 👆 Password not requested when opening the app: Make sure that the Smart Lock is disabled in the security settings (automatic unlock in trusted places.
• 📱 Fingerprint not working: Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprints and add the fingerprint again. On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3) Re-authorization is required after rebooting.

Another common mistake is conflict with other security applications, such as if you use AppLock and the built-in MIUI lock at the same time, it can lead to freezes, in which case, disable one of the locking systems.

💡

If the application lock suddenly stops working, first check if the settings reset after the update. 80% of the time the problem is solved by re-enable the function in the MIUI menu.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions