How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Protecting personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that many users put off "for later" until it's too late. Have you ever given a phone to friends to show a photo but worried they'd accidentally open your messages or a banking app? Or maybe you have kids who like to play games on your Redmi, at the risk of clicking on a browser ad or changing settings? Password blocking apps solves these problems once and for all.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to protect applications on Xiaomi devices, POCO Redmi – from standard functions MIUI You'll learn how to set up locks for individual programs, why some methods don't work on all models, and what to do if you suddenly stop asking for a password, and how to get around restrictions if you forget the access code.

1. the built-in function "Blocking applications" in MIUI: step-by-step

The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in lock function that is in the firmware. MIUI Since version 8, many users don't even know it exists, because it's disabled by default.

The first thing to do is make sure that your device has a screen unlock password installed (PIN, Without this, the application lock function will not appear on the menu. If the password is not available, the system will prompt you to create it when you first try to turn on the protection.

Now we move on to the settings:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Lock (on some models it may be called Application Protection or Privacy).
3. Enter your current screen unlock password.
4. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
5. Press Ready and confirm the action.

After that, every time you open a locked application, the system will require you to enter a password, fingerprint or face scan (depending on the settings of unlocking the screen). If the program is on SD-Card, the lock may not work.

Is there a password for unlocking the screen?

Is firmware updated? MIUI last-minute?

Is there enough space in your memory?

Are there any third-party launchers (they may conflict with the function)-->

2.Why can the application lock function be absent?

Some Xiaomi users are facing a problem: there is simply no “Block Apps” option in the settings, and there may be several reasons for this, and most of them are easily fixed.

First, regional firmware, on devices with global or European (EEA) version MIUI This feature is usually available, and on Chinese (China) or Indian (India) firmware it is often removed "as unnecessary"; the solution is to reflash the phone to the global version (but this voids the warranty!).

Second, the outdated version MIUI. On old firmware (below) MIUI 8) Application locking is implemented differently or not at all. Update the system through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

The third reason is that there's no screen password, and as we mentioned earlier, without it, the function simply doesn't activate, and also check if the settings are hidden because of the Children's Mode or the Guest Mode.

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If you don't want to flash your phone, but you need to lock it, use third-party apps in the next section. They work on any firmware.

3. Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 solution

If the built-in feature doesn't work for you for some reason, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we've tested dozens of apps and selected three of the most reliable and secure options that don't slow down the system or show annoying ads.

1. AppLock (by DoMobile Lab)

One of the most popular solutions with over 100 million downloads on Google Play, which supports blocking not only apps but also individual functions (for example, installing new programs or changing Wi-Fi settings), and it is possible to hide the app icon from the menu so that no one knows its existence.

Features:

• 🔒 Lock-in PIN-a code, pattern lock or fingerprint
• 📸 The ability to take a photo of someone who tried to break into the defense
• 🌐 Support for the Russian language
• ⚠️ There is advertising in the free version (but it does not interfere with the basic functionality)

2. Norton App Lock

The solution from the well-known developer of antivirus Norton, the main advantage of which is a high level of security and no data leaks, the application automatically blocks access to protected programs if someone tries to open them through system dialogs (for example, from the Open with Help menu).

Features:

• 🛡️ Protection against password selection by brute force
• 🔄 Automatic locking when rebooting your phone
• 📊 Log of attempted entry
• ❌ No Russian language (but intuitive interface)

3. Smart AppLock (by SpSoft)

It's a minimalist application with advanced settings, allows you to set different passwords for different applications, and also set your lock schedule (for example, only during working hours), and there's a Panic Button feature, where if someone forces you to open a blocked application, you can click on the screen at a certain place, and the phone will show a fake error screen.

Features:

• 🕒 Flexible lock time settings
• 🎭 Invisible mode (hidden by the AppLock app itself)
• 🔧 Ability to block system settings
• ⚡ Minimum battery consumption

⚠️ Note: When using third-party blocking apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization. Otherwise, the system could close them in the background and the protection would stop working.

4. Hidden opportunities MIUI: How to block applications through the "Second Space»

Few people know, but in MIUI There's a unique feature called Second Space (or Dual Apps in global firmware) that allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with separate desktops, apps, and settings. It's not exactly lockdown, but it's a great way to hide sensitive data.

How does it work? You create a second space, you move the applications you want to protect (like messengers or banking programs) and you set a separate password to it, and in most of the space, those apps will either be missing or show a clean version without your data.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select the Second Space (or Dual Apps).
3. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
4. After creation, go to it through the notification panel (swipe down). → user icon).
5. Install or transfer the desired applications, then return to the main space.
6. Go to the Settings of the second space and set the password.

The second space consumes additional resources of the phone (about the same time). 1-2 GB of memory and 5-10% Do not use it on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 7A or POCO C3).

5. Blocking through Google Play Games: an unexpected life hack

This method is suitable for the protection of gaming applications (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Many people don’t know, but Google Play Games has a built-in parental control feature that can be adapted to lock down.

How does it work? You set it up. PIN-code for purchases and game changes, and if someone tries to open a secure app, the system will require that code to be entered.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Play Games app (if not, download from the Play Market).
2. Go to Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select Parental Control.
4. Turn on the function and install it. PIN-code.
5. In the Application Restrictions section, select the games you want to block.
6. Save the settings.

Now, when you try to open a locked game, the system will require input. PIN-This is particularly useful for parents who want to limit their children's time in play.

⚠️ Note: If you use this method, remember to update the Google Play Games app periodically. In older versions, there were vulnerabilities that allowed you to bypass the lock through resetting settings.

6.What to do if I forgot the password from the blocked application?

The situation is familiar to many: put a password on the app, and after a month forgot it. Fortunately, on Xiaomi there are several ways to restore access without resorting to resetting the phone to factory settings.

Method 1: Reset password through your Mi Account

If you have linked the device to your Xiaomi account, you can reset the lock password through it:

1. On the password entry screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Enter your Mi Account (email and password).
3. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
4. Set a new password.

Method 2: Delete AppLock application data

If you use a third-party AppLock, you can reset its settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the AppLock (or other blocking app) list.
3. Press Warehouse. → Delete the data.
4. Confirm the action.

After that, all lock settings will reset, but the apps themselves will remain intact.

Method 3: Through Recovery Mode (TWRP)

This is a method that's suitable for advanced users, if you have customized recavery installed on your phone. TWRP, You can manually delete the lock files:

1. Turn off the phone and press the Power + Volume buttons up to log into TWRP.


2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.




3. delete /data/system/applock/ (for built-in lock) or the data of a particular AppLock.




4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through TWRP This can cause your phone to run in an unstable way, and only do so if you are confident in your actions and have previously backed up your phone!

7. Alternative protection methods: what more can be done?

If none of the above methods are right for you, consider alternative ways to protect your privacy on Xiaomi.

1. Hiding apps in the menu

V MIUI You can hide applications from prying eyes without blocking them with a password:

• 📱 Press the app icon on your desktop.
• 🔄 Select Hide App (or drag and drop to Hidden folder).
• 🔒 To return it back, swipe left on your desktop and click Hidden Apps.

2.Using Secure Folder (for Samsung, but it works for Xiaomi too)

While Secure Folder is a feature of Samsung, it can be emulated on Xiaomi using the Island app (root rights required).It creates an isolated space, similar to Second Space, but with more control over resolutions.

3. Blocking through ADB (advanced)

If you have experience working with ADB, You can manually block the launch of applications:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

Where com.example.app is the batch name of the app (you can find it through the App Inspector in the Play Market).

adb shell pm enable com.example.app

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The most reliable way is a combination of built-in locking MIUI And it's a double-security solution, without third-party software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi