How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi: all ways to protect

Why put a password on applications in Xiaomi?

Xiaomi's MIUI-based smartphones store a lot of sensitive information, like instant messengers, banking app data, personal photos. Even if you trust others, random access to your phone can lead to data leaks or unwanted actions. Putting a password on an app is like putting an extra lock on the door to a valuable room.

Unlike full screen locking, individual application protection allows:

• 🔒 Limit access to messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) without fully unlocking the phone
• 💳 Protect financial applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff) from prying eyes
• 📷 Hide a gallery or social media from curious children or colleagues
• 🎮 Keep progress in games if multiple people use the phone

In this article, all the current ways to set a password for applications in Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI features and third-party solutions, instructions will be suitable for models of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other devices on MIUI 12-14.

Method 1: Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI tool, which requires no additional software installation and works at the system level, and is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 firmware and later.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking Applications
2. Click Set a Password and come up with PIN-code
3. Select apps from the list you want to protect
4. Activate the switch Application Locking

Now, when you try to open a secure application, the system will require you to enter a password. Please note: if you forget the password, you can only reset it through resetting (this will delete all data from the phone!).

Remember or write down your password in a safe place|

Make sure the phone has enough charge (minimum 20%)|

Make sure you do not block system applications (e.g., Settings")|

Create a backup of important data in case of a reset

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⚠️ Note: If you use a fingerprint to unlock the screen, you can link it to the application lock. In the lock settings, select Add fingerprint and follow the instructions. If the print is not read (for example, due to wet fingers), you will need to enter PIN-code.

Method 2: Using the "Second Space" to be completely isolated

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings, and data, which is useful if you want to completely isolate work or personal applications.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space
2. Click Create a Second Space and Follow the Settings Wizard
3. Set a separate password to enter the second space
4. Install the desired applications only in the main or only in the second space.

The advantage of this method is that the applications in the second space will not be displayed in the main menu and vice versa. However, the second space consumes additional resources of the phone (up to 10-15% of battery charge per day), so it is not recommended to use it on weak models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3).

Built-in lock in MIUI|

Second space |

Third-party applications (AppLock)|

I don't use a lock.|

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

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

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports PIN, graphical key and fingerprint
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – with additional malware protection
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block applications by time or location

How to install and configure AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock)
2. Launch AppLock and set your master password
3. In the Applications section, select the programs to block
4. Set up additional settings (e.g. Hidden Mode for masking the icon)

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications for blocking may conflict with MIUI, Especially if you have Power Saving or Battery Optimization activated. To avoid problems, add AppLock to the exception list: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find AppLock. → Turn off optimization.

Method 4: Hiding apps without password (for additional privacy)

If you don't need a password, but you want to hide apps from prying eyes, MIUI has a Hidden Apps feature that doesn't block access, but makes programs invisible on the menu.

How to hide the application:

1. Press the app icon with your finger on the home screen
2. In the menu that appears, select Hide the application
3. Confirm the action (if necessary, enter the password of the lock screen)

To return the hidden app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Hidden Apps
3. Find the right application and click Cancel Hiding

This method is suitable for temporary hiding of rarely used programs, but does not provide data protection. For complete security, combine it with blocking applications (Method 1).

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If you hid an app and forgot how to return it, search the system. Swipe down the home screen to open the search bar, and type in the name of the app. Even hidden programs will show up in the search results.

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

Sometimes, after you set up the application lock, you get a crash, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

If none of these solutions worked, try upgrading MIUI to the latest version. In older versions (e.g. MIUI 10 and below), the app lock function was unstable. You can check the update in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

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Before resetting your phone because of a forgotten password, try logging in via your Mi Account. On some models (Xiaomi 11 and later), this allows you to restore access without losing data.

Safety to the maximum: additional tips

Passwording apps is only part of your data protection strategy, and to make your Xiaomi truly secure, follow these guidelines:

• 🔑 Use the complex PIN-code (at least 6 digits, no repeat sequences like 123456)
• 📱 Activate phone encryption in Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Encryption
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions of the system are closed
• 🚫 Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap the version, then return to the additional → For developers)

It's also useful to set up remote management via Mi Cloud, so you can block or erase data from your phone if it's lost.

1. Register your Mi Account and link it to your phone
2. Activate Find the device in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device
3. Install the Mi Remote app on another phone to control

Remember, even the most secure password won’t work if you use it on multiple devices or write it in unsecured places (like your phone’s notes), and it’s best to remember passwords or store them in managers like Bitwarden or KeePass.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps in Xiaomi