Xiaomiβs Poco line of smartphones has a powerful MIUI shell that offers users a wide range of privacy tools. One key feature is the ability to set passwords to run individual applications, which allows you to hide personal data from prying eyes. However, in some situations, this feature can become an obstacle, such as when a child is using a phone or when the owner needs quick access to programs without entering a pin code.
The process of deactivating protection is not always intuitive, since security settings are scattered across different parts of the system. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to disable application protection, remove restrictions on hidden content and return the standard mode to your device. We will look at standard methods through system settings, and also touch on the nuances of working with the profile of the second space.
It is important to understand that completely removing passwords can reduce the security of your personal data. Before making changes, make sure you really want to opt out of the extra layer of encryption for your messengers and gallery. Below are the current instructions for current versions of MIUI firmware.
App Lock in MIUI basics
The application lock system, known as App Lock, is an embedded component of the MIUI shell.It works independently of the main screen unlock and requires a separate password, pattern lock or fingerprint to be entered every time you run secure programs.This creates a strong barrier to accessing sensitive information, but can be annoying with frequent use.
To manage this feature, a special security service is reserved in the system, it does not delete applications, it only controls their launch. If you forget the password you set earlier, the recovery procedure can take time, since it is often tied to a Mi Account account or a control question, which is why knowing how to manage access is critical.
β οΈ Warning: Disabling app protection will make all previously hidden data available to anyone unlocking the smartphone screen.
The security mechanism is built at the system process level, so simply removing the shortcut from the desktop won't remove the lock, but you need to change the settings in the security menu, which ensures that even if the shortcut is accidentally removed, the application will remain locked until the official unlock through the system settings.
How to remove passwords from specific applications
The most common use case is to remove passwords only from certain programs, leaving others secure, for example, you can allow free access to your browser but leave it locked on banking applications, without having to disable the entire security system.
To start, you need to log into the Restrictions Management menu. Usually, the path is as follows: go to Settings β Applications β Application Protection. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be simply called βProtectionβ or located in the Tools folder. Once you enter your current password or scan your fingerprint, you will open a list of all installed programs.
βοΈ Preparing for changing settings
In the list that opens, you'll see all the restricted applications, and there's an active switch next to each of them, and to remove the lock, you just have to move the slider to an inactive state, and the system immediately applies the changes, and the next time you run, the program opens without requesting credentials.
- π Open the list of protected programs through the security menu.
- π± Find the right app on the list (such as WhatsApp or Gallery).
- π Click the switch opposite the name to deactivate the protection.
- β Confirm the action if the system requests a reauthorization.
It is worth noting that once the restrictions are lifted, the app may require a one-time permission confirmation on its first run, which is normal behavior of the Android operating system, which ensures data integrity. If the switch is not active (in gray), check if the Hide Content feature, which will be discussed below, is enabled.
Disabling the concealment of application content
There's a feature in the MIUI shell that not only requests a password, but also completely hides the app icon or content until you log in, which is a more aggressive security mode that's often confused with a regular lock, and if you can't find the program icon or it looks like an empty square, then the coverup is activated.
To return normal, you need to go to the App Lock settings. At the top of the app list screen, there's usually a gear icon or a three-dot menu. When you click on it, you'll be taken to the advanced settings. You'll need to find Hide Content or Hide Apps and turn it off.
| Parameter | "On" status | "Switched off" status | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch protection | Requires a password | Open access | Controls the entry into the application |
| Hiding contents | The icon is hidden/blocked | The icon is visible. | Affects the display in the launcher |
| Notifications | Hidden in the curtain | Seen by all. | Confidentiality of notices |
| Biometry | Unlocking by print | Just a password. | Method of authorization |
Once you disable the hidden icons will return to their places on the menu and desktop. If that doesn't happen, try restarting the launcher or the Poco X3 smartphone itself. Sometimes the interface cache requires an update to display the changes. Also check if the Guest or Second Space mode is enabled, which can isolate applications.
What to do if the application is not unlocked?
Access Management through Xiaomi Security
The central node for managing all restrictions in Xiaomi smartphones is the Security app, a system service with a green shield icon that is pre-installed on all the brand devices, and this is where all the security features, including antivirus, memory cleanup and application blocker, are aggregated.
To access the settings, open the Security app and scroll down to Application Protection. Here you'll see the general protection status. By clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner, you'll access the global settings. In this menu, you can turn off App Lock completely, which will remove protection from all programs at once.
In addition, this section configures the authentication method, and you can choose which one will be used to log in: a pattern lock, a digital key. PIN-code or biometrics for Poco owners X3 setting unlocking by fingerprint is relevant, since the scanner in this model is located in the on button and works very quickly.
- π‘οΈ Launch the βSecurityβ system application with a green shield.
- βοΈ Go to the "Application Protection" section and open the settings (cogs).
- ποΈ Use the "Delete Protection" or "Disable" button to completely reset.
- π Set up the use of fingerprint for quick access.
If you change your screen lock password, the system may suggest using it to protect your default apps, and be careful to accept such offers so you don't have to get into trouble in the future.
Working with the Second Space and Guest Mode
Sometimes users can't access apps not because of App Lock, but because they're in Second Space. It's a function of creating a separate desktop with their apps, contacts and settings, protected by their password or fingerprint. On Poco X3, this is very convenient and often used to separate work and personal life.
If you unlock your phone with a fingerprint, you are placed in an empty menu or menu with a different set of programs, then you are using a Guest profile or Second Space. To exit this mode or delete it, you need to switch to the main profile. This is usually done through the notification curtain (user profile) or in the settings β Special features β Second space.
β οΈ Note: Deleting the Second Space will result in the complete loss of all data stored inside it (photos, contacts, apps.
To disable this feature completely, go to the Second Space settings and select the Remove option. The system will warn of the consequences. Once confirmed, all applications installed only in the second profile will be permanently deleted and accessed through the main profile restored (if installed there), which is a radical but effective way to remove unnecessary barriers.
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Use different fingerprints for the main and second spaces, and this allows you to instantly switch between profiles just by putting your finger on the scanner on the locked screen.
Solving Forgotten Password Problems
It's quite common for users to forget their passwords to protect applications, and fortunately, MIUI has a recovery procedure, and if you've linked your Mi Account to the security, you can reset your password over the Internet, and you need to type your password incorrectly several times, and then you'll see the link "Forgot your password?"
Clicking on it will prompt you to log into the Mi Account that was used to set up, and once you have successfully logged in, you will be prompted to set a new password or turn off the protection completely, which is the only legal way to restore access without losing data unless a control issue has been set up.
In the case of a Mi Account that has not been tied and the check issue is forgotten, there are few options left. You can try to clear the data of the Security application through the Settings menu β Apps β All Apps β Security β Memory β Clear. However, in newer versions of MIUI, this action often requires entering a password protection, creating a vicious circle. In such cases, sometimes only a complete reset of the device helps, but this is an extreme measure.
- π Enter the wrong password several times to call the recovery menu.
- βοΈ Sign in to your Mi Account to confirm your identity.
- π Set a new access code or disable the function completely.
- π² Make sure that the device has an active Internet connection.
To avoid such situations in the future, be sure to link your Mi Account to the application protection feature immediately after it is turned on, which ensures that even with complete password amnesia, you can restore access to your digital ΕΌyciu in a few minutes through the cloud service.
π‘
Linking a Mi Account is the only reliable way to restore access to secure applications when you lose your password.