How to add an application to protected on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They offer users advanced privacy protection tools, including Secure Apps, which allows users to block access to selected programs without entering a password, fingerprint or facial scan, even if the phone is unlocked. Especially relevant for instant messengers, banking applications or gallery with personal photos.

However, not all users know how to set up this tool correctly. MIUI (12, 13 or 14 and device models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) the path to settings may differ, and some applications may refuse to be added to the list. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances, from the basic instructions to solving typical problems.

What are secure applications on Xiaomi and why do they need them?

Secure Applications (or App Lock in International Versions) MIUI) — It's an extra layer of security that runs on top of a standard lock screen:

• 🔒 When another person (such as a colleague or child) is using the phone temporarily, but you do not want to give access to personal data.
• 💳 To protect financial applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, Revolut) from accidental opening.
• 📸 If the gallery contains confidential photos / videos that should not be shared.
• 📱 In the case of two SIM-cards (for example, work and personal) to distinguish access to messengers.

It is important to understand that secure applications do not encrypt data inside the program, they only block its launch. To fully protect sensitive information (for example, correspondence on Telegram or WhatsApp), it is recommended to use the built-in functions of these applications (for example, Chat Secretary in Telegram or Password Protection in WhatsApp).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI European region (EEA), App Lock may be limited due to requirements GDPR. In this case, manual activation through Settings will be required. → Special facilities → Additional settings.

Step-by-step: how to add an application to protected

The algorithm of actions depends on the firmware version. Below is a universal instruction that is relevant for the application. MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS for new models) If your device is running on an older version (e.g., HyperOS for new models, MIUI 11), some menu items may differ.

Step 1: Activate the Secure Applications function

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application locking (or App Lock).
3. Click Enable and confirm the action with a password, fingerprint or face scan.

Step 2. Add the app to the list

1. In the list of installed programs, find the desired application (for example, Viber or Gallery).
2. Activate the switch next to its name.
3. When you first add the system will suggest to select the method of unlocking (password, pattern lock, biometrics).

Step 3: Set up additional parameters

• 🔄 Autolock: Enable the Block option immediately after closing so that the application is blocked when folded.
• 📡 Hiding notifications: Activate Hide notification content so that message text does not appear on a locked screen.
• 🔕 Incognito mode: On some models (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, POCO X5 Pro) option Hide the app icon is available – it will be visible only after entering the password.

Make sure that the phone has a password or PIN-code

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check that the app is not hidden in the menu (Hidden Apps section)

Make a backup copy of important data-->

If the desired application is not in the list, try:

• 🔍 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📥 Update the app via Google Play or Mi App Store.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache MIUI Security in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Security.

Features for different versions of MIUI

The interface and location of features can vary depending on the firmware version, and the key differences are:

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The Secure Applications feature is integrated with the Mi Smart Hub system, which allows you to block access to applications even when connecting to other devices (for example, via Mi Share).

If you have an international version of the firmware (Global) ROM), Some options may be hidden to unlock them:

1. Install India Region in Settings → Additionally. → Region.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Check for additional options in App Lock.

MIUI 14 / HyperOS

MIUI 13

MIUI 12.5

MIUI 12 or older

I don't know.-->

Why the application is not added to the protected: reasons and solutions

Sometimes users find that the desired application is not in the list to block or not saved after adding.

1. the application system or preinstalled

Some system programs (Settings, Phone, Messages) cannot be blocked through App Lock.

• 📌 Use the second space (Settings) → Special facilities → Second space) and move the app there.
• 🔐 Install a third-party blocker (such as AppLock by DoMobile Lab), but consider security risks.

2. Restrictions of regional firmware

On devices with EEA ROM (Europe) or Russia ROM Some of the App Lock features are disabled:

• 🌍 Change the region to India or Global (see instructions above).
• 📲 Install Xiaomi.eu ROM (unofficial firmware with full functionality, but this voids the warranty.

3. Conflict with other security functions

If the phone is activated:

• 🛡️ Protection against viruses (MIUI Security Scan),
• 🔗 Synchronization with Mi Account,
• 🔄 Automatic Memory Cleanup,

They can block app additions to App Lock, and turn those features off temporarily and try again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3 GT, Black Shark 4) App Lock is in conflict with Game Turbo. Before setting up the lock, disable Game Turbo in Settings → Special facilities.

Error "Cannot add the appendix"

If an error occurs when you try to add, do:

1. Clear the data. MIUI Security in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Security → Warehouse → Clear the data.
2. Reinstall the problem app.
3. Check if you have administrative access (for example, to VPN or antivirus).

Additional security settings for protected applications

Simply adding to the App Lock list isn’t enough to fully protect.

1. Set up the unlock method

You can combine authentication methods:

• 🔑 Password/PIN: Minimum length: 4 characters (recommended 6)+).
• 👆 Fingerprint: Only works if it is added to Settings → Password and security → Fingerprints.
• 👤 Facial scan: Less reliable than a print, but convenient for quick access.

To change the method:

1. Open Settings → Blocking applications.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ top-right.
3. Select the Unlock Method and follow the instructions.

2. time or location locking

Nana MIUI 13+ Smart lock function is available:

• ⏰ Time: For example, block Instagram from 22:00 to 7:00.
• 📍 By geolocation: Block Tinkoff Bank outside the home (requires switched on) GPS).

Activated in Settings → Application lockdown → Schedule.

3. Hiding notices

To prevent the content of notifications from appearing on the locked screen:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Notification settings.
2. Select a blocked application (such as WhatsApp).
3. Activate the option to Hide content on the lock screen.

💡

If you often forget your App Lock password, link it to your Mi Account, and you can reset your password through Settings. → Xiaomi account → Security.

4. Emergency access

In case you forget your password, set up a security question:

1. Open the Settings. → Password and security → Security issue.
2. Think of a question that only you know the answer to (e.g., “What was my first dog’s name?”).
3. Save the changes.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, resetting the App Lock password via Mi Account requires an internet connection. Without a network, you can only restore access through a phone reset to factory settings (this will delete all data!).

Alternative ways to protect applications on Xiaomi

If the built-in App Lock feature doesn’t fit (for example, due to firmware limitations), consider alternatives:

1. Second Space (Dual Apps)

Second Space creates an isolated copy of an application with separate data, useful for:

• 📱 Separation of personal and work accounts in messengers.
• 🔒 Hiding confidential data (for example, a second Telegram with secret chats).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Second Space.
2. Select an app for duplicate (such as WhatsApp).
3. Set up a separate password to enter the second space.

2. Hidden folders in the Gallery

To protect the photo/video:

1. Open the gallery and select the files.
2. Press More. → Hide.
3. Install. PIN-code.

Third-party blockers

Popular applications:

• 🔒 AppLock by DoMobile Lab – supports geolocation locking.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Integration with Antivirus.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – Flexible Schedule Settings.

Risks of third-party blockers:

• 🚨 Potential for data leakage (especially in lesser-known applications).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to work in the background.
• 🔄 Conflicts with MIUI Security leading to failures.

💡

Built-in App Lock function in MIUI It is more reliable than third-party blockers, since it is integrated at the system level and does not require additional permissions.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When using secure applications, users often make mistakes that lead to loss of access or vulnerabilities.

1.Use of a simple password

Passwords like 1234 or 0000 are easy to find.

• 🔢 Use a combination of numbers and letters (for example, 7k9P2m).
• 🔄 Change your password every 3-6 months.
• 📱 Do not use the same password for App Lock and screen lock.

2. Absence of backup method of unlocking

If you forget your password and the security issue is not set up, the only way to get back access is to reset your phone.

• 🔑 Link App Lock to Mi Account.
• 📝 Write your password in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).

3. Ignoring MIUI updates

New firmware versions fix vulnerabilities in App Lock, such as in the MIUI 12.5 There was an error that allowed the block to be bypassed by ADB. Avoiding the risks:

• 📥 Regularly update the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Check out the news about vulnerabilities on the official forum Xiaomi (c.mi.com).

4.Blocking critical system applications

Some users are trying to block:

• 📞 Phone – This can disrupt the call.
• ⚙️ Settings – blocks access to device management.
• 🔋 Battery - leads to failures in the display of the charge level.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, blocking the Mi Share app may disrupt the Quick File Transfer between Xiaomi devices.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions