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

Protection of personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that many users solve by installing a pattern lock or a key. PIN-But what if you want to hide from prying eyes only one particular application — for example, messenger, banking application or gallery? In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to put a password on a separate application on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — built-in MIUI side-decision.

It is important to understand that the protection methods may differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14/15) And the smartphone models. 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 The algorithm will be identical, but on older devices like Mi. A2 (We've taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will help even if you don't have an integrated App Lock in the security menu.

Before you go to settings, make sure that your device has the latest version installed. MIUI — This guarantees access to all security features. You can check the firmware's relevance at Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

1. Built-in App Lock in MIUI: How to Enable and Configure

The most reliable and easiest way to password-protect an app on Xiaomi is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all devices with firmware. MIUI Starting with version 8, but the menu layout may be different.

To activate the lock:

1. Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Block applications (on some versions the path may be Settings) → Password and security → Application lockdown).
3. If the feature is used for the first time, the system will suggest setting a password for App Lock - come up with a reliable combination (at least 6 characters) or use a fingerprint.
4. In the list of applications, select the ones you want to block by switching the slider to the right.

Once activated, a password or biometric authentication will be requested every time you open the blocked application. Please note that if you forget the password from App Lock, you can only restore it by resetting your security settings (this will delete all saved passwords!).

Make sure that the device is installed PIN-code

Update MIUI to the latest version

Remember or write down a password for App Lock (other than unlocking the screen)

Check the fingerprint sensor (if you plan to use biometrics)-->

In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi 10 in the App Lock menu available additional settings:

• 🔒 Hiding notifications – blocks the content of notifications from blocked applications from showing on the lock screen.
• 🕒 Autolock – Set a timeout (e.g. 5 minutes after the application is closed).
• 📱 Blocking in the background – requires re-entering a password when returning to the application from multitasking.

2. Alternative methods: Second Space and hidden folders

If for some reason App Lock does not suit you (for example, because you need to enter a password too often), you can use other built-in features. MIUI:

Second Space is a separate account on your phone with its own apps, settings and data, to bring the app to Second Space:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Second Space
2. Create a second profile by following the system prompts (you will need to set a separate password).
3. Mainly enter the profile in Settings → Annexes → Cloning applications and select the desired application for duplication.
4. Run Second Space (swipe down the lock screen) → Profile icon) and remove the original application from the main profile.

The app will now only be available in Second Space, which is protected by a separate password, which is suitable for instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), since it allows you to have two accounts at the same time.

Another option is to hide the application in a folder with a password.

1. Create a folder on your desktop (click the app icon) → drag it to another icon).
2. Name the folder (e.g., "Games").
3. Click on the folder. → Folder settings → Password-protected.
4. Set a password (you can use the same one as for App Lock).

⚠️ Note: Hidden folders don’t provide the same level of protection as App Lock.The app will remain visible in all apps’ menus (Settings) → Annexes → Application management), and the folder can be accidentally opened through a search by phone.

3. Third-party applications for blocking: pros and cons

If integrated functions MIUI You don't like it, you can use third-party software from Google Play, and they offer advanced features, like, for example:

• 🔐 Different types of locking (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint, face recognition).
• 📊 Login Attempts (Who and When Tried to Open the Application).
• 📱 Remote lock (through a SMS or online).
• 🔄 Automatic on/off of locks on schedule or geolocation.

Among the popular applications:

• AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) – supports locking Wi-Fi/geolocation, hiding icons, protection from removal.
• Norton App Lock is a reliable solution from the well-known antivirus with the function of masking as a system application.
• Smart AppLock is a lightweight and free option with a minimalist interface.

However, third-party applications have disadvantages:

• 🛑 Resource consumption – some programs are constantly running in the background, consuming battery power.
• 🔓 The risk of bypassing the lock – an experienced user can delete the application through Settings → Annexes or ADB.
• 📱 Incompatible with some models – on Xiaomi with pure Android (e.g. Mi) A3) There may be errors.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party blockers, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Battery. → Battery optimization. Otherwise, the application can spontaneously close, removing the lock.

4. How to Password an App Without App Lock (for Older Versions) MIUI)

If your Xiaomi does not have an integrated App Lock (for example, on devices with a mobile device). MIUI 7 or earlier versions, you can use the workarounds:

Method 1: Use of the Guest Mode

Guest mode allows you to create a temporary profile with limited access to applications, to activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Users → Guest.
2. Enable guest mode and set up available apps.
3. In the main profile, remove the icons of protected applications from the desktop (they will remain in the menu of all applications, but will be hidden from the guest).

Method 2: Archiving of the application

Some apps (like WhatsApp or Viber) allow you to back up your data and delete the original.

1. Remove the application through Settings → Apps.
2. Download. APK-Application file from an official website (for example, WhatsApp).
3. Install. APK to a hidden folder (for example, through the Mi File Explorer file manager with the file hiding function enabled).
4. Run the application only through the file manager, pre-entering the password to the folder.

Method 3: Using Secure Folder (for Android 8 devices)+)

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 9 or Redmi) K20) Secure Folder is available, similar to Samsung's:

1. Open the Settings. → Password and security → Safe folder.
2. Create a folder and set a password.
3. Move the application shortcuts to it (this may require installing an additional launcher, such as Nova Launcher).

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If your device doesn’t have Secure Folder, try installing the Samsung Secure Folder app through the APK. It works on most Xiaomi devices with Android 8 and higher, but requires a Samsung account registration.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up your application lock on Xiaomi, users often encounter common errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: App Lock does not ask for a password

If you have enabled the lock, but the password is not requested when you open the application:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the function is triggered after the reboot.
• 🔧 Check App Lock settings: Block in the background may be disabled.
• 📱 Make sure the app is not added to the battery optimization exception list (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🔒 Try changing the type of lock (for example, from fingerprint to fingerprint). PIN-code).

Problem 2: Forgotten password from App Lock

If you have forgotten the password from App Lock, you can only restore it by resetting your security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Block applications.
2. Click Forgot Password? (or similar option)
3. Confirm the reset via your Mi Account (you will need to enter your login and password).

Note: Reset will delete all saved passwords in App Lock, but will not affect the data in the apps themselves.

Problem 3: The third-party blocker is not working

If the blocking app installed from Google Play does not work:

• 🔧 Check the permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → [Name of the blocker] → Permissions and enable all necessary options (especially Overlay on top of other applications and Access to Usage Data).
• 📱 Turn off battery optimization for the blocker.
• 🔄 Reinstall the app.
• 🛠️ Try another app on our list (e.g. Norton App Lock instead of AppLock).

Built-in App Lock

Second Space (second profile)

Third-party applications (AppLock, Norton, etc.)

Hidden folders or archiving

Not defending.-->

6. Additional security measures

In addition to blocking individual applications, we recommend taking additional measures to protect data on Xiaomi:

1. Set up a Mi Account

• 🔐 Attach to the device account Mi Account – this will allow you to restore access to the phone when you lose your password.
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Security).
• 🔄 Regularly update your account password (once in a week) 3-6 months).

2. Encryption of the device

Encryption protects all data on the phone, including files of blocked applications.

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Phone Encryption.
2. Set a password for encryption (it should be different from the one you use). PIN-lock-code!).
3. Connect the device to charging – the encryption process can take up to an hour.

3. Google Play Protect setup

Google Play Protect scans installed apps for malware that can bypass the lock to enable it:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Click on the profile icon → Play Protect → Settings.
3. Enable App Scanning and Improved Malware Search options.

Restriction of access through ADB (for advanced users)

If you want to completely block the ability to launch the application without a password, you can use it. ADB-For example, to disable WhatsApp launch without authorization:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.whatsapp

After this command is executed, the application will be disabled until you unlock it through the same command. ADB or don't reset the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It requires the developer mode to be activated and can cause the system to run in an unstable way!

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The combination of the built-in App Lock and the device's encryption provides the highest level of protection, but remember to update the firmware regularly - in new versions. MIUI Security vulnerabilities are often fixed.

7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of locking method depends on your needs and the model of the smartphone. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine:

For most users, the built-in App Lock remains the optimal solution – it is reliable, does not require the installation of additional programs and is well integrated into the app. MIUI. If you need to hide the app not only from outsiders, but also from the phone menu, consider Second Space or Secure Folder.

Third-party blockers should only be used if the built-in features are not available for some reason (for example, on custom firmware devices). Remember that any third-party application may contain vulnerabilities, so install programs only from trusted sources.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions