How to set a password for the application in Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a challenge that has become increasingly relevant with the increasing amount of sensitive information in instant messengers, banking apps and social networks. Even if you trust others, random access to your phone can lead to leakage of photos, correspondence or financial data. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools to block applications, and for advanced scenarios there are third-party solutions.

In this article, we will analyze three working methods: standard App Lock (not found on all models), creating a second space with a separate password and using third-party applications such as AppLock or Norton App Lock. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 15) and popular models - Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T. If you are looking for a way to hide applications not only from outsiders, but also from the general list on the menu - here you will find a solution.

1. Method: Built-in App Lock in MIUI

The most obvious and safe method is to use the App Lock proprietary tool, which is sewn into the MIUI firmware. However, there is a caveat: on some models (especially budget or for the European market), this feature may be missing or hidden in the depths of settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → App Lock.
2. If you don’t have one, try the Settings path → Special Features → App Lock (relevant to MIUI 13-14).
3. On older versions (MIUI 12), look for Settings → Privacy.

If App Lock is found, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

• 🔒 Enter the main password from the lock screen (or create a new one if it is not available).
• 📱 Select the apps from the list you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
• ⚙️ In the additional settings (⋮ → App Lock settings) enable the “Hide Notifications” option so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen.
• 🔄 Activate “Blocking after reboot”, otherwise the protection will reset when the phone is turned off.

Make sure that the phone is installed PIN-code|

Check the version of MIUI (in Settings → About Phone)|

Update the firmware if App Lock is not available |

Backup important data in case of a failure-->

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If App Lock doesn’t show up in the settings, try changing your phone region to India or China in Settings → Additional → Region. After the reboot, the feature may appear.

Important: App Lock only works when the primary password on the lock screen is turned on, and if you use a face unlock or fingerprint, the system can request them instead of a fingerprint. PIN-However, for maximum security, we recommend disabling biometrics for blocked applications in the App Lock settings. → Unlocking methods.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) App Lock may conflict with battery optimization. If apps unlock on their own, add App Lock to the exception list in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

2. Method: Second Space (Second Space)

If App Lock is not available or you don't like it, the alternative is to create a second space, a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and password, and the advantage of this method is that sensitive applications are physically isolated from the main space and not visible in the shared menu.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space (on MIUI 15, the path may differ: Settings → Accounts → Second Space).
2. Click "Create a second space" and follow the instructions. The system will prompt you to copy data from the main profile or create a clean one.
3. After creation, go to the second space through the notification panel (icon) 👤 top-down).
4. Install or transfer the desired applications (e.g. Telegram, Tinkoff), then return to the main space.
5. In the settings of the second space (Settings → Second Space → Login Settings), set a separate password that is different from the main one.

The main advantage of this method is the complete isolation of sensitive data, even if someone gets access to the main space, they will not see the application from the second, disadvantaged by the inconvenience of switching between profiles and the need to duplicate some programs (for example, Google Play).

Built-in App Lock|

Second Space (Second Space) |

Third-party applications (AppLock, Norton) |

I'm not blocking apps |

Another way.-->

⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all the data in it is irrevocably erased. Before reset, back up through Settings. → Second space → Backup.

Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Blocking

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use third-party solutions.

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports blocking by PIN-code, fingerprint and even self-unlock time/place.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock - a reliable solution from the well-known antivirus, with protection from resetting through settings.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to hide apps from the menu and block incoming calls.
• 🔍 Hide App-Hide Application – specializes in masking applications under a calculator or other harmless software.

Instructions for setting up on 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 (save it in a safe place!).
3. In the main menu, select the applications to block (for example, VK, AliExpress, Photos).
4. In the settings (⋮ → Settings activate: 🔄 "Autolocking – for instantaneous locking when folding. 📴 "Hide from recent" - so that blocked applications do not appear in the menu of the latest. 🔕 "Fake glitch – shows an error when trying to open an app without a password.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models, including Black Shark and devices without any MIUI.
• ✅ More lock options (time, geolocation, Wi-Fi network).
• ✅ The ability to hide the AppLock application from the menu.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional permissions are required (e.g., Special Access to track application launches).
• ❌ Can conflict with battery optimization (add exceptions!).
• ❌ Some features (such as blocking calls) are paid.

4. Hidden MIUI features for application protection

In addition to the obvious methods, MIUI has little-known features that will help to strengthen the protection:

• 🔑 Blocking through Safe Folder (for files): If you want to hide not the application itself, but its data (for example, photos from the Gallery), use Files → Safe Folder.Folder is encrypted and requires a password every time you open it.
• 📵 Do Not Disturb Mode for Notifications: C Settings → Notifications → Don’t disturb you can hide notifications from specific apps so that their content doesn’t appear on a locked screen.
• 🔄 Autolock time: App Lock or Second Space can set a schedule when apps are closed (e.g. 22:00 to 7:00).

For models with MIUI 14+, the Private Mode feature (Settings → Privacy → Private Mode) allows you to temporarily hide selected apps from menus and search, but does not block them with a password.

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Second Space is the only method that is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi models, including devices without the App Lock (for example, the POCO M4 Pro or Redmi 10A).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up your app lock, you'll see some common errors.

If the app stopped sending notifications after blocking, check:

1. Whether notifications are included in the settings of the application itself.
2. Do not disturb the blocked programs.
3. App Lock has disabled the option “Hide notifications” (if not necessary).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European firmware) App Lock can be reduced compared to the Chinese version. MIUI China (but note that this will require unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranties).

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of locking method depends on your tasks and the model of the phone. Below is a comparison table:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 If you Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO App Lock – Use it for basic protection.
• 🔒 If you want maximum privacy (for example, for working applications) – set up Second Space.
• 🛡️ If you want flexible settings (time-lock, geolocation) – install AppLock or Norton App Lock.
• 📵 If you want to hide the existence of applications, combine Second Space with hiding icons through the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions