Xiaomi’s smartphone today stores a huge amount of sensitive information, access to which is often limited only by unlocking the screen. However, this does not protect your personal data if the phone is in the hands of an unauthorized person in an unlocked state. That is why the application locking function becomes a critical tool for digital hygiene for every owner of the gadget. The built-in tools of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS allow you to isolate messengers, banking programs and the gallery from the pry without installing additional software.
The process of setting up protection can vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the regional firmware installed on your device. Some users face the lack of an obvious turn on button, while others are unaware of the existence of advanced modes such as Hidden Space. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from standard security tools to creating a virtual container for critical files.
Don't rely solely on standard methods if you're keeping sensitive information. The combination of different layers of security, including biometrics and special passwords, creates an almost insurmountable barrier for the curious. We'll look not only at software settings, but also at the nuances of security that are often overlooked when you first set up a device.
Built-in application protection function in MIUI and HyperOS
The first and most obvious way to restrict access to data is to use the native application protection tool, which is deeply integrated into Xiaomi’s security system and does not require downloading third-party software, which guarantees stability and minimal impact on the autonomy of the device. To activate the function, you need to go to the settings menu, where the security settings control center of the smartphone is located.
The configuration interface may vary slightly across models, but the logic remains the same across the brand ecosystem. Once enabled, you will be asked to create a separate password or use biometrics such as a fingerprint or facial recognition for quick access. It is important to understand that this password may differ from the screen unlock password, which adds an additional layer of security.
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Use a complex pattern lock or long numerical code to block applications other than the screen unlock code to increase the level of protection.
Once you have set a password, the system will suggest you select a list of programs that will be protected. You can select both individual applications and activate protection for all installed programs at once, including system utilities. Below is a table with the main parameters that can be configured in this section:
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocking by print | Using a scanner for quick entry | Included. |
| Hiding contents | Showing icons without previewing notifications | Included. |
| Time-out lockdown | The time after which the application will request a password again | Right after you leave. |
| Access to settings | Requesting a password when entering the protection menu | Included. |
It's worth noting that when you upgraded to HyperOS, some menu items may have changed, but the functional part remains the same. If you can't find the right item, search by settings by typing in "App Protection" or "App Lock," which is the fastest way to get to the desired menu regardless of the shell version.
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Built-in protection works even after the device is restarted and does not require a permanent Internet connection for verification.
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on a password for applications
For those who prefer to act consistently, we have prepared a detailed algorithm of actions. Follow these steps to securely close access to selected programs. First, open the Security app with a green shield icon, which is the system control center for protection on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.
In the menu that opens, look for Application Protection (or App Lock). If you see this for the first time, the system will ask you to set a password. You can use the same one you used to unlock the screen, or create a new, unique code. Once you enter the password, you will be prompted to enable fingerprint unlock or Face ID, if these features are supported by your device.
☑️ Algorithm for introducing protection
Then you'll see a list of all the installed programs. Switch the switches against the apps you want to protect. Usually WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, banking apps and Gallery. Once you select, close the settings, and now when you try to open any of the selected applications, the system will ask for a previously installed password or biometrics.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your application protection password, restoring access may require a data reset or logging into the Mi Account associated with the device.
There is also the ability to hide the content of notifications from blocked applications on the lock screen, for this purpose, the application protection menu needs to activate the corresponding switch, in which case you will only see the application icon, but the text of the message or the sender name will not be displayed until the moment you unlock it.
Using Hidden Space for Maximum Privacy
The second space feature is a unique opportunity to create a completely isolated environment inside your smartphone, essentially a second phone inside the first, with its apps, photos, contacts and akka accounts, ideal for those who want to completely hide the existence of certain applications.
Unlike a simple lock where the app icon is visible on the desktop, in Hidden Space, the apps are in a separate profile.Switching between the main and hidden space is either through a special application, or by entering a specific password or fingerprint on the lock screen, which means that even if someone unlocks your phone, they will not know that a second profile exists.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Second Space. Press Enable and follow the setting wizard instructions. You will need to create a separate password or fingerprint to log in to this mode. Once you create the space, you can move the apps there or download them again from the Google Play or GetApps store.
How quickly do you switch between spaces?
The use of Second Space is especially important for separating work and personal content or storing sensitive data, but it is worth remembering that creating a second profile takes up additional space in the device's memory, and files and applications in hidden space occupy disk space separate from the main profile.
Set up biometric protection and smart unlock
Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are equipped with advanced biometrics modules that make the protection process not only reliable, but also convenient. Using a fingerprint or face scan allows you to instantly open secure applications without the need to enter a digital code or draw a pattern lock every time.
To set up the biometrics, make sure that you have the current biometrics added to your Passwords and Security section, and then check the Application Protection settings to either "File Unlock" or "Face Unlock" and use that data to log in to secure areas.
Special attention should be paid to the function of Smart unlock, which allows you to keep applications open while the smartphone is in a trusted zone or connected to a particular device, such as the Mi Band smartwatch. Although this feature is more typical of the Google ecosystem, the MIUI shell has its counterparts, allowing you not to ask for a password again for a certain time after the first successful authorization.
- 👆 Fingerprint: The most reliable and fastest way to work even in the dark and with a mask on your face.
- 😎 Facial recognition: Convenient, but may be less safe on models without 3D-scanner because a regular camera is used.
- ⌚ Smart devices: The ability to use wearable gadgets as a key to access the system.
It is important to note that biometric data is stored in a secure processor module (TEE) and is not transmitted to the company's servers, this ensures that your fingerprints remain exclusively on your device.
Alternative methods: third-party apps and hiding icons
If you don’t have enough built-in tools or they’re missing from your firmware version (for example, global versions sometimes have a bit of a downsized feature), you can turn to third-party solutions. App stores offer a variety of utilities, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock or Calculator Vault, which provide advanced protection features.
Third-party blockers often have the ability to take a picture of the face of someone who has entered the wrong password, mask application icons as a calculator or voice recorder, and have a “Panic” mode to urgently hide content. However, installing such programs requires broad permissions, including access to use over other windows and access to the camera, which can raise questions for users who care about privacy.
Another method is to use the Hiding Apps feature, which is available in some versions of MIUI. It allows you to remove the application icon from the desktop and menu, leaving access to it only through the search bar or a special gesture. To activate, pinch the empty space on the desktop, select settings and find the item “Hide Apps”.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party blocking apps may conflict with Android system updates. After a major firmware update, check their health and reconfigure permissions if necessary.
When using third-party software, it is important to choose trusted developers with a good reputation. Avoid little-known programs that require suspicious permissions, as they themselves can become a source of data leakage. Always read reviews and check the number of installations before downloading.
Solving common problems and security issues
Users may encounter various difficulties in setting up, such as app protection may stop working after a system update or memory cleanup, in which cases it is recommended to check if the function has disabled in the security settings, and if necessary, activate it again, and make sure that the Security app has all the necessary permissions to work in the background.
Forgetting your password is a common problem. If you haven't linked your Mi Account, it's going to be extremely difficult to restore access to blocked apps. In some cases, only a complete reset of your phone settings helps, which will result in all data being lost. So, we strongly advise you not to ignore the linking stage of your account when you first set up security.
Security is not a one-time action, but a process: Regularly check the list of blocked applications, update passwords and follow up with security updates from Xiaomi. Only a comprehensive approach will allow you to be confident in the safety of your personal information in the digital age.
- 🔄 Updates: Always install the latest security patches to close system vulnerabilities.
- 🔑 Backup: Regularly backup important data to a cloud service or computer.
- 🚫 Root rights: Having superuser rights can disrupt built-in protection mechanisms MIUI.