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

Protecting personal data in a smartphone is one of the main tasks of the modern user. Even if you do not keep state secrets on Xiaomi, access to instant messengers, banking applications or a gallery can be a source of trouble. Fortunately, the manufacturer has envisaged several ways to restrict access to individual programs, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions with advanced capabilities.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of blocking applications on Redmi, POCO And other Xiaomi devices, including hidden settings that not all users know, you'll learn how to set up a password, fingerprint or pattern lock, and which apps from Google Play will help if standard features aren't enough. We will pay special attention to the nuances of work on different versions. MIUI — 12-to-14.

1. Built-in application locking in MIUI (the easiest way)

Xiaomi has integrated the application locking function directly into the MIUI shell, which requires no additional software installation and works on most devices, starting with the Redmi Note 7 and later, the main advantage is reliability: data is protected at the system level, not through a third-party application that can be removed.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. If the function is used for the first time, the system will prompt you to create a lock password (you can use the same one as you used to unlock the screen, or come up with a new one).
3. Choose the apps from the list you want to protect. Here are messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff), a gallery and others.
4. Activate the switch next to the name of the application.

Once you set up the secure application for the first time, the system will request a password, fingerprint, or facial scan (if these unlock methods are activated in the security settings).

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If the application lock list doesn’t show the program you want, try opening it first and then going back to settings. MIUI sometimes doesn’t show newly installed apps until they first run.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function for complete isolation

Xiaomi’s Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with separate apps, settings and data, which is suitable if you need to not only block access to several programs, but completely hide their presence, for example, you can install messengers or social networks only in the second space, leaving the main profile “clean”.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the setup wizard: Create a password to log into the second space (it may differ from the main one).
3. After creation, navigate to the second space through the notification bar (user icon) and install the desired applications.
4. Return to the main space – the apps installed in the second will not appear in the menu and search.

The advantage of this method is that even if someone accesses your smartphone, they won’t see any signs of using secure apps, but there are also disadvantages: you’ll have to duplicate the installation of programs, and notifications from the second space will not appear in the main profile.

3. Third-party apps to block: TOP-3 solutions from Google Play

If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough (like you want to set up a lock by time or geolocation), you can use third-party software, and we tested dozens of applications and selected the three most reliable and functional ones:

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it must request access to Special Options (to intercept presses) and Device Administrator (to lock), without these permissions, the program will not be able to work fully.

Make sure security settings allow installation from unknown sources | Check app reviews on Google Play (rated below 4.2 - cause to be alert) | Backup data in case of failure | Turn off battery optimization for AppLock in MIUI-->

4. Hidden MIUI functions: locking through "Private Mode"

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature called Private Mode, which allows you not only to block apps, but also to hide their icons from the menu, which is not available on all devices and can be called differently depending on the firmware version, and is most often found in security settings or special features.

How to activate:

1. Open Settings → Special Features → Private Mode (or Settings → Privacy → Private Mode).
2. Enable the function and set a password (it may differ from the main one).
3. Select the apps you want to hide, and once activated, their icons will disappear from the menu, and access will only be possible through a special menu (usually swipe down the screen with two fingers).

This is a good way to do this if you want to not just block an application, but make it completely invisible to outsiders, but keep in mind that in private mode, some functions (such as notifications) may not work properly.

Blocking through Parental Control (to restrict access of children)

If your goal is not so much to protect from strangers as to control the use of smartphones by children, MIUI has built-in parental control, which allows you not only to block applications, but also to set limits on the time of use, and filter content.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Parental control.
2. Create a child profile (you will need to specify the age to automatically adjust the restrictions).
3. Select the applications you want to block or time limit.
4. Set a password to change your settings (this will prevent the child from disabling control).

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can set a schedule (for example, block games during school hours) or allow access to only certain programs, but parental controls are not suitable for protection from adult users — it is easy to get around through resetting.

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Parental controls in MIUI only work for standard user profiles, and if a child uses a guest account or a second space, no restrictions will apply.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do If the Locking Fails

Sometimes users find that the application lock in Xiaomi stops working or works incorrectly, let’s consider the typical problems and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Lock resets after restart: Check if Battery Optimization for the Locking Application is activated. Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔑 Not accepting the correct password: It is possible that a keyboard from a third party manufacturer (such as Gboard) is enabled, which conflicts with the system. MIUI.
• 📱 The app is not locked in the second space: Make sure lock is set up separately for each space. settings are not synced automatically.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI locking gone: This is a known problem with some firmware. Try resetting the lock settings in Settings → Annexes → Application lockdown → Reset.

If none of these methods worked, try clearing the system cache:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on Cleanup (Broomcleaning icon) and select Deep Cleanup.
3. Reset the device.

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If you are using a POCO Launcher or other alternative launcher, app locking may not work smoothly.Go back to the standard MIUI launcher for verification.

7.Alternative methods: encryption and hidden folders

If blocking apps is not right for you, consider alternative ways to protect your data:

• 🔒 File Encryption: Use the built-in Settings feature → Confidentiality → Encrypt files to protect individual documents or media files, and once encrypted, they will only be available after you enter a password.
• 📁 Hidden folders: In the conductor MIUI You can create a hidden folder (long press). → Hide it. It won't show up in standard viewing mode.
• 🔐 Cloud protection: Transfer sensitive data (photos, documents) to Mi Cloud or Google Drive and delete it from your device.

Important: file encryption in MIUI is incompatible with some third-party conductors (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Manager) and once encrypted, files may become inaccessible through these applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi

⚠️ Attention: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) built-in lock MIUI In this case, only use third-party solutions.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from blocking apps, the only way to reset it is to completely reset your phone to factory settings. MIUI They are not saved even if backup is enabled in the Mi Cloud.