How to put a lock on the application on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several built-in tools to restrict access to apps, from simple passwords to biometric authentication to hidden folders. But not everyone knows that, apart from standard locking through Settings → Password and security, there are less obvious methods, such as Safe Folder or Second Space Mode, which creates an isolated environment for sensitive applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block applications on Xiaomi in 2026, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15) and models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

1. Standard application locking via password or fingerprint

The most common way is to use the built-in application lock feature in MIUI, which allows you to set a password, pattern lock or fingerprint to access selected programs, and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a shell version at least MIUI 10.

To activate this function:

• 📱 Open Settings → Password and Security → Block Apps.
• 🔒 Set a password (if not previously configured) or use an existing one.
• 📌 Select the apps from the list you want to block.
• 👆 Turn on the switch next to each application.

After that, when you try to open a blocked application, the system will require you to enter a password or scan a fingerprint. Note that if you use a pattern lock, its complexity directly affects the reliability of protection. A simple pattern (for example, the letter "L") can be selected in several attempts.

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If application locking is not displayed in the settings, upgrade MIUI to the latest version or check for a feature in Settings → Additional → Special features → Application locking (some models have a different path).

2.Safe Folder: Hidden folder with password

Safe Folder is a secure storage facility where you can move apps, photos and files to hide them from prying eyes, and unlike standard lockdown, apps disappear completely from the main menu and become available only after you enter a password.

How to set up Safe Folder:

• 🔐 Go to Files → Safe Folder (or Settings → Password and Security →Safe Folder).
• 📂 Create a new folder by setting a password or fingerprint.
• 📱 Drag application shortcuts (or copy APK- files) into it.
• 🔄 To access applications, open Safe Folder and log in.

An important nuance: apps in Safe Folder are not automatically updated via Google Play, you need to temporarily remove them from the folder or download APK manually, and some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) can not be moved to Safe Folder.

3.Second Space: Complete Application Isolation

The second space (or Dual Apps) is a unique MIUI feature that creates a separate user profile with its own apps, settings, and data, which can be used to isolate sensitive applications (such as instant messengers or banking services) from the main space.

How to turn on the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Once created, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).
4. Install the apps you want in the second space via Google Play.

The advantage of this method is that the applications in the second space are completely isolated, with separate accounts, cache and notifications.

• 📱 Takes up extra memory (each space has its own cache).
• 🔄 Applications must be installed and reconfigured.
• 🔒 No password protection when switching (only PIN-lock screen code).

4. Parental controls to restrict access

If you want to block apps for a child or other user, instead of yourself, parental controls will work.

• 🔒 Block the launch of certain applications.
• ⏰ Limit the time of use.
• 📊 View activity statistics.

How to set up parental control:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Parental Controls.
2. Create a profile for your child by indicating their age.
3. Select the applications you want to block or time limit.
4. Set the PIN- code to change settings.

This method is convenient for family use, but has limitations:

• 📱 Works only for subsidiaries (you can’t block apps for the main user).
• 🔄 Requires Mi Account settings and synchronization.
• 🔒 Does not block the installation of new applications (only existing ones).

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Parental controls in MIUI are not a substitute for full-blown locking; they are designed to limit the time of use, not to protect sensitive data.

5. Blocking through third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party applications to block, for example:

• 🔐 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint, lock over Wi-Fi/ geolocation.
• 📱 Norton App Lock is an additional malware protection.
• 🛡️ Smart AppLock – Flexible lock settings (e.g., time of day).

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🔧 More settings (e.g., blocking incoming calls in certain applications).
• 📊 Entry attempts statistics.
• 🔄 Automatic locking when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.

However, there are risks:

• 🔒 Some applications require administrator rights, which can weaken device security.
• 📱 Can conflict with embedded functions MIUI (e.g., Safe Folder).
• 🔄 Paid features in free versions (e.g., remote unlock).

🔹 Install the app only from Google Play

🔹 Check reviews and rating (not lower than 4.0)

🔹 Do not give administrator rights unnecessarily

🔹 Set up a backup password recovery

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6. Hiding applications without blocking (alternative methods)

If you don’t need a full lock, but only hide applications from prying eyes, there are several alternative ways to use MIUI:

Method 1: Hiding from the application menu

• 📱 Press the app icon on the home screen.
• 🔒 Select Hide the application (on some firmware - Remove from the screen).
• 🔍 To return, open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.

Method 2: Disabling notifications

If you are concerned about notifications from the application, but not the fact of its presence, you can turn them off:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Find the app in the list and turn off the switch.
3. To completely hide notifications, select Notification Categories → Disable everything.

Method 3: Use Do Not Disturb mode for individual applications

In MIUI, you can configure Do Not Disturb so that it blocks notifications only from selected applications:

• 🔔 Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb.
• 📌 Select the Rules → Add the Rule → Appendices.
• 🔕 Specify applications from which notifications are to be blocked.

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Hidden applications can still be found through a search system (Settings → Search). For complete privacy, use Safe Folder or the second space.

Comparison of Application Blocking Methods on Xiaomi

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔒 For basic protection (social network, gallery) will be enough standard lock or Safe Folder.
• 🛡️ For maximum privacy (bank applications, working correspondence) the second space is suitable.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Use parental controls to monitor children.

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On devices with MIUI 14/15, standard application locking may conflict with Safe Folder. If the app is missing from the menu after you set up the lock, check Settings → Applications → Hidden Apps.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:

⚠️ Warning: If the application lock feature is missing after the MIUI update, check the shell version. In MIUI 13+, the path to settings has changed to Settings → Password and Security → Privacy → Application lock.

Problem 1: Forgot the password from Safe Folder

Decision:

• 🔑 Try to restore your password through Mi Account (account binding is required).
• 📱 If the recovery doesn’t work, you’ll have to reset Safe Folder through Settings → Password & Security → Safe Folder → Reset (data will be lost!).

Problem 2: Locking doesn’t work after resetting settings

Decision:

• 🔄 Reconfigure lock in Settings → Password and security.
• 📱 If the function is gone, update MIUI or install a third-party AppLock.

Issue 3: Applications in the second space are not updated

Decision:

• 🔄 Temporarily transfer the application to the main space, update it, then return it back.
• 📱 Check the Google Play settings in the second space (automatic updates may be disabled).

⚠️ Warning: On some models (Redmi Note 8/9), after upgrading to MIUI 14, the Dual Apps (second space) function disappears. To return it, reset or roll back to MIUI 13 via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select the Service Package.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions