How to Password Applications on Xiaomi: All Ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Privacy protection in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones is becoming more and more relevant — especially if you keep confidential correspondence, financial documents on your phone or just don’t want someone to accidentally open your social networks. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers several built-in ways to password applications, and there are third-party solutions for advanced users.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from the standard functions of Second Space and App Lock to hidden capabilities of MIUI 14/15 and reliable third-party applications, you will learn how to protect instant messengers, banking programs and even system utilities, as well as what nuances are important to consider to not lose access to your data.

1. Built-in App Lock – fast protection without third-party programs

The easiest way to password apps on Xiaomi is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15. The main advantage is that you do not need to download anything, and the password can be tied to a fingerprint or facial recognition.

To activate App Lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set a password (minimum 4 digits or complex code).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to password (e.g. WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
4. Activate Hide Notifications so that the contents of messages do not appear on the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 with global firmware) item Blocking applications can be hidden:

• 🔍 Check the Settings section → Special facilities → Application lockdown.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version - in MIUI 15 more functions are available.
• 🌐 If you use European firmware, try changing the region to India in the settings (this will temporarily unlock hidden features).

💡

If you forgot the password from App Lock, you can reset it through your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Devices and select Reset password lock.

2.Second Space – a separate desktop with a password

Second Space allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with your own apps, settings and a separate password, which is ideal if you want to not just password individual programs, but hide their presence altogether.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create a Second Profile and set a password (you can use a pattern lock).
3. Select applications that will only be available in the second space (e.g. Telegram, Photos, Notes).
4. Activate switching between profiles via the Notification Panel or gesture (e.g. swipe down with two fingers).

⚠️ Note: If you use Second Space for banking applications, make sure that there are no active sessions in the main profile.Some banks (such as Tinkoff or VTB) may block access if they detect suspicious activity from another profile.

3. Hidden MIUI functions: password to folders and system utilities

MIUI 14/15 has little-known security features that don’t require additional software installation, such as passwords for individual applications, but also entire folders on the desktop or even system tools like Settings or File Manager.

Instructions for blocking folders:

1. Create a folder on the home screen and move the desired applications to it.
2. Click on the folder and select Edit (pencil icon).
3. Slip on Lock and set a password (only available if App Lock is enabled).

To block system utilities:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find in the list of Settings or Files, click on them.
3. Select Lock and confirm the action with a password from App Lock.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 On some models (e.g. Poco) X5 Pro) blocking of system applications may cause failures.
• 🔒 Password to folders only works if the App Lock function is enabled.
• 📱 V MIUI for POCO This method may not be available – check the firmware version.

4 Third-party applications: more features, but less security

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

• 🔐 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) — supports password, fingerprint, facial recognition. There's a hacking feature that takes a picture of someone trying to crack a lock.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – from the well-known antivirus, integrates with other Norton products.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block applications by time or location (for example, automatically close social networks at work).

⚠️ Note: Third-party programs have access to your data, so:

• 🛡️ Install only apps from Google Play with a rating of 4.5+ and a million downloads.
• 🔍 Before installing, check permissions – if the program requests access to the SMS or calls for no reason, it is suspicious.
• 🔄 Regularly update the app to avoid vulnerabilities.

Example of setting up AppLock:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set a master password (it is recommended to use a complex combination).
3. In the Applications section, select the programs to block (for example, Instagram, VKontakte, Google Photos).
4. Activate additional options: 🔄 Autoblock – Closes the application after exit. 📷 The hacker takes a photo of the person who enters the wrong password. 🕒 Lock timer – limits the time of use.

5. Password to applications via Safe Folder (for files and app)

The Safe Folder feature is originally designed to hide files, but with a little trickery it can be used to block applications, which is suitable for MIUI 13/14/15 and works even on devices with limited capabilities (for example, on Redmi 10A with light firmware).

How it works:

1. Create Safe Folder: Open Files → Internal Memory → Three Dots (menu) → Safe Folder. Set a password (you can use a fingerprint).

APK-file

Telegram

apkpure.com

Safe Folder

Remove the original application from the system.

Safe Folder

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation – the app is not visible in the menu and does not appear in the installed list.
• 📱 It works even on devices without an App Lock (like Poco). C50).
• 🔄 Can be removed quickly APK, leave no trace.

⚠️ Note: This method has a serious drawback - applications from APK You will have to manually download new versions and replace files in Safe Folder, and some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) can block the entrance if you detect a launch from a non-standard source.

6 Additional security measures: what to do if the password is hacked

Even the most secure lockdowns can be bypassed if an attacker gains physical access to your phone, and to minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

🔹 Set up two-factor authentication (2FA):

• 🔐 For Akkaunt Xiaomi: Settings → Xiaomi account → Security → Two-step verification.
• 💳 For banking applications: activate confirmation by SMS or through Google Authenticator.

🔹 Use Find Device to remotely lock:

• 📍 Activate the function in Settings → Google → Security → Find My Device.
• 🔄 In case of theft, you can block your phone or erase data through the site. google.com/android/find.

🔹 Create a backup copy of passwords:

• 📝 Write down the Master Password from App Lock or Second Space in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption).
• 🔑 If you use third-party programs, export the settings to an encrypted file.

🔹 Check the device for vulnerabilities:

• 🛡️ Scan your phone regularly for viruses (for example, via Malwarebytes or Kaspersky).
• 🔄 Update the firmware - in MIUI 15 Closed Many of the Vulnerabilities of Previous Versions.

💡

The most reliable way to protect yourself is to use a combination of Second Space + App Lock + 2FA, which creates multiple layers of security, and even if one is compromised, the data will remain secure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi