How to put a password on Xiaomi apps: protection of personal data

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to hide personal correspondence, banking applications or gallery from prying eyes. The standard security system MIUI and the new HyperOS offer built-in functionality that does not require the installation of third-party software. This solution works at the system level, providing reliable protection even when trying to reset the settings of individual programs.

Many users mistakenly believe that protecting specific files or programs requires sophisticated manipulation or paid antiviruses, but in fact, the application lock is built into the default shell, and you just need to activate the appropriate switch in the security menu to make your data inaccessible without proof of identity.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure access by password, PIN-You'll learn how to hide software icons and what to do if you forget the security code.

Where to find security settings in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shell interface changes with each update, but the logic of the elements’ location remains similar. The main data protection tool is in the system’s Security app, and this is where all the key functions, including memory cleanup, antivirus, and permission management, are assembled.

To get started, open the menu of all the apps and find the green shield icon. This is the system control center. Inside you're interested in a section that might be called Application Protection or have a subheading that's associated with access restriction. In some firmware versions, this item is placed separately in the general system settings.

If you're using the latest version of HyperOS, the path may be slightly different. Here, functionality is often integrated directly into the phone's settings menu. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Lock. The system will prompt you to create a password protection if you're doing it for the first time.

It is important to understand the difference between locking the screen and locking apps. The unlock password of the phone does not protect individual programs unless a special feature is configured, so relying on the login code alone is not enough to keep data private inside instant messengers or gallery.

⚠️ Note: When you first set up, the system will ask you to set the unlock method (pattern lock, PIN Remember this, because this is the code that will be requested every time you run a secure program.

📊 Which Unblocking Method Do You Prefer?
pattern lock
PIN-code
Fingerprint.
Facial recognition

Step-by-step instructions for setting a password

The activation process takes no more than a minute, and when you log in to the corresponding menu, you'll see a list of all the programs installed, and next to each of them there'll be an empty switch, and you'll need to activate the switch in front of those applications that require protection.

When you first start the function, the system will suggest creating a security code, which can be a graphic pattern, a digital code or a complex password, and it is recommended to use the same type of unlock as on the lock screen, so as not to get confused in the future. Once the code is created, the system can suggest linking the Mi Account account to restore access in case of loss.

☑️ Checking before setting a password

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Then you have to choose the way to unlock it. In addition to the password, you can use biometrics. The fingerprint scanner or Face ID makes access much faster. You can adjust the behavior of the system: request a password immediately when you start an application or with a certain delay.

Once set up, try running a secure application. It should only open after successful authorization. If the program starts without asking for code, check if the switch is on in the security menu. Sometimes you need to restart the device to apply all the changes.

Using biometrics for quick access

Entering a password every time you open a messenger can be inconvenient. Today’s Xiaomi smartphones allow you to use biometric data to verify your identity. This is not only faster, but also safer, since the password does not need to be voiced or entered in front of strangers.

To set up, go to the app lock menu and find Settings (usually the gear icon in the corner) and activate the option “Unlock fingerprint” or “Unlock face” here.

Importantly, after the phone is rebooted, first logging into secure apps will still require the primary password to be entered.This is a standard Android security measure that prevents data access if the device has been turned off or restarted.

  • 👍 Fingerprints are faster and more reliable in most use cases.
  • 👍 Facial recognition is convenient when hands are busy, but may be less accurate in poor lighting.
  • 👍 Combination of methods allows you to choose the most convenient option for the current situation.
What to do if the scanner is not working?
If the print is not being read, make sure that the finger and sensor are dry and clean. You can add an extra print to the hand you hold the phone with more. If the problem persists, try removing the old prints and writing them back.> The app hide feature in Xiaomi Password on the login is good, but sometimes you need to make sure that the app icons don't show up at all on the menu.In the Xiaomi shell there is a feature called "Hidden Apps." It allows you to remove icons from the general list, making them visible only through a special gesture or entering a secret code. To activate this feature, go to Settings. → Annexes → Hidden applications. Turn on the switch and select the programs that you want to hide, and then they disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. On the desktop (in all icon view mode), you need to spread your two fingers sideways, as if zooming in on a photo. You'll open a special window with hidden content that's also password protected. This feature is especially useful for hiding banking apps or personal photo albums. Even if someone takes your unlocked phone, they won't see icons of important programs without knowing a secret gesture. The security comparison table has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on how critical the data is and how often you use the phone in public places. Security Level Access Speed Convenience pattern lock Medium Low Average PIN-The code Average Average High Fingerprint High Very High Very High Complicated Password Maximum Low Low As seen from the table, biometrics combines high security and convenience. However, a complex password remains the most reliable way to protect against professional hacking, although it takes longer to enter. If you have linked your Mi Account to your setup, it will take a few seconds to recover. In the password window, click on the "Forgot your password?" message, and the system will prompt you to send the confirmation code to your associated phone number or email. After entering the code, you can set a new password to protect applications. This method only works if the account is linked in advance. ⚠️ Note: If the Mi Account was not tied, the only way to access data inside the apps is to completely reset the phone to factory settings, which will remove all data from the device, and in some cases, it helps to log into your Mi Account from another device via i.mi.com. You can try changing the security password, which can sync with your phone when you have the Internet, but it doesn't work on all versions of the firmware. 🔒 Always link your Mi Account when you first set up your phone. 🔒 Write complex passwords to a secure location (notebook, password manager). 🔒 Check the phone number regularly in your account settings. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can you password just one particular application? Yes, in the Application Protection menu, you can select any program from the list. You don't have to block everything at once, only those where personal data is stored. Does app locking affect notifications? No, notifications continue to come and appear on the lock screen or in the curtain. However, to view the contents of the message inside the application, you will need to log in. Will the protection work if the phone is unlocked? Yes, application protection works regardless of the state of the lock screen. If you hand over the unlocked phone to a friend, it will still not be able to open secure programs without an additional password. Where are hidden photos stored? Hid photos are placed in a special secure album inside the gallery or in the file file file file file file is also protected in the password. However, after a major Android update or region change, the system may require a re-authorization for security reasons. 💡Use Guest Mode to temporarily transfer your phone to other people, creating a clean desktop without access to your personal apps and photos.