How to Password Xiaomi Apps: All Ways to Use MIUI 12/13/14

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a task that many users put off “for later” until trouble happens. Anyone can access instant messengers, banking apps or a gallery, from curious colleagues to children who accidentally took your phone. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in ways to block apps with a password, and for advanced users there are third-party solutions.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from the standard function of Locking applications to hidden capabilities of Second Space and third-party utilities like AppLock. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors (for example, when a password is not saved or the lock is reset after a reboot).

1. Standard application blocking via MIUI (no root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in Application Lock feature that is found in all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12 and later. It does not require superuser rights and works stable, but has a limitation: the password will be shared for all blocked applications.

To activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Lock (in some firmware it may be called Privacy → Application Lock).
3. Set a password (it is recommended to use a pattern lock or PIN-code of at least 6 characters).
4. In the list, select the apps you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).

After that, every time you run a blocked application, the system will require you to enter a password. Importantly, if you forget the password, you can only reset it through a full reset (Wipe Data in Recovery Mode).

Make sure the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI|Check that the “App Lock” function is not disabled by the device administrator (relevant for corporate phones)|Remember or write your password to a secure location (e.g. Google Keep)|Disable Smart Block in the lock settings if you do not want applications to unlock using your fingerprint.-->

2.Use Second Space to completely isolate applications

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings, and password, ideal if you want to not just block individual programs, but completely isolate them from the main space.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After you create, go to Second Space Settings → Applications and select the programs you want to hide (they will only be available after you enter the second space password).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Second Space apps are not visible in the main profile.
• 📱 Separate settings: you can customize a different wallpaper, theme and even Google accounts.
• 🔄 Quick switch: swipe down with two fingers on the desktop.

Built-in application locking|Second Space|Third-party programs (AppLock, etc.)|Don't block apps|Another option-->

Disadvantage: Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be migrated to Second Space, and the feature may conflict with some banking programs that require SMS confirmation.

Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock, Norton App Lock)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports blocking by PIN, graphical key or fingerprint.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – additional protection against screenshots and screen recordings.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to set different passwords for different applications.

How to install and configure (in the example of AppLock):

1. Download the app from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock).
2. When you first start, set a master password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers).
3. In the main menu, select the applications to block (you can even add system ones, such as Settings or Contacts).
4. In the settings, activate the option to Hide notifications so that the content of the blocked messengers does not appear on the lock screen.

Important: Some banking applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB Online) may block AppLock for security reasons, in which case use the built-in MIUI lock.

4. Hidden MIUI features: locking through "Children's Mode"

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature called Mode for Kids that can be used not only to limit usage time, but also to block individual applications, which is suitable if you want to restrict access to certain programs without setting additional passwords.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for children.
2. Activate the mode and install PIN-code.
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block (they will become unavailable without entering a PIN).

Features of the method:

• 👶 Time limit: You can set a usage limit for each application.
• 📵 Blocking purchases: in this mode, you can not make purchases on Google Play.
• ⚠️ Limited functionality: some system applications (e.g. Settings) cannot be blocked.

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If you use the Child Mode to block instant messengers, remember to turn it off before important calls – in this mode, incoming calls are blocked by default.

5.Blocking through security settings (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 have an extended security panel that allows you not only to block applications, but also to hide them from the menu, called Private Mode, and works as follows:

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Private Mode.
2. Activate the function and set a password (you can use a fingerprint).
3. Select the apps you want to hide – they will disappear from the main menu and will only be available after entering the password in Private mode.

Advantages:

• 👁️ Complete invisibility: Apps don’t show up in search and desktop.
• 🔄 Quick access: swipe down with two fingers on the desktop opens Private mode.
• 📁 File support: you can hide not only applications, but also photos, videos, documents.

💡

The Privat Mode feature is only available on devices with MIUI 14 and later, and on older versions, its analogue is Second Space.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Your Password Doesn't Work

Sometimes users find that the application lock stops working or the password is not saved, let's consider the typical problems and ways to solve them:

Tip: if none of these methods work, try resetting your security settings to factory settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Security Resets. Attention: This will delete all saved passwords and fingerprints!

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Before resetting your security settings, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, SMS and application settings.

7 Additional Security Measures: What More Can Be Done

In addition to blocking applications, we recommend taking additional measures to protect data on Xiaomi:

• 🔐 Set the password on SIM-map (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-This will prevent unauthorized use of your number.
• 📱 Enable device encryption (in Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials. This will protect data even if you steal your phone.
• 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication for your Mi Account (at account.xiaomi.com).
• 🚫 Turn off notifications on the lock screen (in Settings) → Notifications → On the lock screen).

Warning: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the built-in app locking functionality may not work properly, in which case it is recommended to use third-party utilities like AppLock or Norton App Lock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi

Now you know all the ways to protect your Xiaomi applications, from standard MIUI features to advanced data isolation solutions. Choose the method according to your needs: if you want a simple lock, there are enough built-in tools, if you want complete privacy, set up Second Space or Private Mode. Remember to update your firmware regularly to avoid security vulnerabilities.