How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi: all ways to protect

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi is a challenge that every user faces, especially for apps with sensitive information, such as messengers, banking services, a gallery or social networks. But how to properly set the password for applications so that no one can access your data? In this article, we will examine all the available ways, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions that work even on older Redmi and POCO models.

It is important to understand that locking methods may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 14 and later, the security settings interface has undergone changes, and some features have become available only through hidden menus. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most Xiaomi devices released after 2018. If you use an older model, check the compatibility of methods at the end of the article.

1. Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way to do this is to use the standard MIUI tool, which doesn’t require any additional software installation, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones starting with the Redmi Note 5 and later, but its menu location can vary.

To activate the lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Password and security.
2. Select Application Block (in some versions – Privacy → Application Blocking).
3. Set a password or pattern lock if it is not already available.
4. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.

After that, every time you run a secure application, the system will ask for a password, and note that if you use a fingerprint or facial recognition, these methods are not replacing the password, they are supplementing it. In some cases (for example, after a reboot) it may be necessary to enter the main PIN-code.

Remember the main password from the lock screen|Check the version. MIUI customized|Update the firmware if a new version is available|Make a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, you can only reset it through a full reset (Wipe Data in Recovery mode!

MIUI 13/14 has the ability to configure automatic unlocking for trusted networks (such as home Wi-Fi) to enable this feature:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Block applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Activate the option to allow automatic unlocking in trusted networks.

2.Use of the "Second Space" to isolate applications

Second Space (or Dual Apps) allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps and data, not exactly password-blocking, but an effective way to hide sensitive programs from prying eyes, while maintaining the main space available without restrictions.

How to set up:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🔐 Create a new space and set a separate password for it (it may differ from the main one).
• 📱 Move the desired applications to the second space through the Application Management menu.
• 🔒 Now, when switching between spaces, you will need to enter a password.

The advantage of this method is that you can completely isolate work and personal data, for example, in the second space you can install separate accounts for WhatsApp, Telegram or banking applications, but note that some programs (such as Google Pay) may not work correctly in duplicate space due to security limitations.

Built-in application lock |Second space |Third-party applications |I don't block apps-->

3. Hidden folders and MIUI blacklist

If you don’t need a password but just want to hide apps from outsiders, MIUI has two useful features:

• 📁 Hidden folders: You can hide your application icons from the main menu. To activate, press your finger in the free desktop space, select Desktop Settings. → Hide applications and mark the necessary.
• 🚫 Blacklist – blocks access to certain programs through Settings → Annexes → But this method doesn't protect you with a password, it just limits your launch.

Hidden folders are convenient if you want to take out rarely used applications, but they don't provide protection. Anyone who knows about this feature can easily find hidden programs through a search in the application menu. For secure locking, it's better to combine this method with a password.

MIUI 14 has the ability to create secure folders in the file manager, which is useful if you want to block access to data (such as gallery photos or documents) rather than the application itself.

1. Open Files → Categories → Images / Documents.
2. Select the files you want to hide and click More → Move to a secure folder.
3. Set a password to access the folder (it may match the main password of the lock screen).

4. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports fingerprint locking, automatic lock timer and even masking as system notifications.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock is a reliable solution from the well-known antivirus brand, integrates with other Norton products.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight application with a minimalist interface, suitable for weak devices.

Before installing a third-party AppLock, consider a few nuances:

• ⚠️ Some applications may conflict with MIUI, causing lags or occasional reboots.
• 🔍 Before installing, check the reviews about the application – some utilities collect user data.
• 🔄 After removing AppLock, the lock from the applications is automatically removed.

Example of setting up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Set a master password (preferably different from the lock screen password).
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
4. In the settings, activate the option to Hide notifications so that no one sees the content of the blocked messengers.

💡

If after installing AppLock applications begin to slow down, try to turn off the Energy Saving function for it in the battery settings.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) can block your smartphone if they detect third-party utilities to block it. MIUI.

5.Blocking through "Parent Control"

If you want to limit your access to apps not only with a password, but also with time, use the “Children’s Mode” (or Parent Control) feature, which is suitable for parents who want to control their child’s smartphone use, but can also be used for self-restriction.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for children.
2. Set a password to exit the mode.
3. Select the apps that will be available in child mode (the rest will be blocked).
4. Set up a usage timer (for example, 1 hour per day for gaming).

In this mode, blocked apps don’t just require a password — they’re completely hidden from the menu and can’t be launched without logging out of your child’s profile. However, note that this method is not suitable for protecting banking applications, as it’s designed to limit usage time rather than security.

💡

The mode for children in MIUI blocks not only the launch of applications, but also purchases in Google Play, and also restricts access to system settings.

MIUI 14 has the ability to create multiple profiles for different users, which is useful if you have multiple users, to add a new profile:

1. Open Settings → System → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User and follow the instructions.
3. Individual applications and restrictions can be configured for each profile.

Additional security measures: PIN-code SIM-maps and encryption

App passwords are only part of the protection, and to keep your data as secure as possible on Xiaomi, we recommend:

• 📶 Install PIN-code SIM-maps (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-This will prevent unauthorized calls and SMS.
• 🔐 Enable device encryption (in Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials. This will protect the data even if an attacker retrieves the memory card.
• 🆔 Set up two-factor authentication for your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Security).
• 📱 Regularly check application permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permissions to revoke unnecessary access.

Important: If you use application locking but you don't enable device encryption, data can be extracted through a PC connection in Recovery mode. Encryption makes this process impossible without entering a password.

For Xiaomi models with eSIM support (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5) You can set up a separate PIN-virtual SIM-This will add another layer of protection if someone tries to use your number to log in to instant messengers.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up app locks, Xiaomi users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If after setting up the lock, applications begin to arbitrarily close or issue errors, try:

• Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → App management → [application name] → Clear the cache.
• Disable Automatic Optimization in the battery settings.
• Update the app to the latest version via Google Play.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions