How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi 8A: 3 proven ways

Why put a password on apps in Redmi 8A?

Xiaomi Redmi 8A is a popular device with a balance of price and functionality, but its owners often face one problem: how to protect personal data in applications from prying eyes? Whether it is messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks (Vkontakte, Instagram), or banking applications, access to them should be limited, especially for families where the phone is used by several people, or if you often leave the gadget unattended.

In this article, we'll break down three working methods for setting passwords for Redmi 8A apps: the built-in Application Lock feature in MIUI, third-party app blockers, and hiding apps through Second Space. Each method has its pros and cons — choose the right one for your tasks. And if you're afraid to forget the password, at the end of the article there's a FAQ with solutions.

⚠️ Important: Before setting up, check the version MIUI. On the Redmi. 8A box-mounted MIUI 11 is based on Android 9 Pie, but after the updates it may have changed. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. This depends on the availability of certain functions.

Method 1: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The most reliable and simple method is to use the standard “App Lock” feature, which has been in MIUI since version 8. It does not require root rights and works stably, but has a limitation: the password will only be requested when the application is first started after rebooting or locking the screen.

To activate it:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Applications section → Blocking applications.
3. Click Enable and set a password (minimum 4 digits) or a pattern lock.
4. Select the apps from the list you want to block.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔒 No need to install third-party programs – everything works through the system.
• 📱 Low battery consumption (unlike third-party blockers).
• 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Account – when resetting settings, the password can be restored.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking apps, it can only be reset through a full reset phone (with loss of data) or a Xiaomi account.Do not use simple combinations like 1234 or date of birth!

Make sure that MIUI is updated to the latest version

Remember or write down the password from your Xiaomi account

Check that the app is not hidden in the "Second Space"

Disable Auto-Update of Blocked Applications-->

Method 2: Third-party blocking applications

If the built-in MIUI function is not enough (for example, you need a password every time you open an application), you can use third-party blockers.

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports PIN, graphical key and fingerprint.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – a reliable option with additional protection against hacking.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight blocker with a minimalist interface.

🔹 How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like AppLock).
2. Run it and set the main password.
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
4. In the settings, activate the option "Request password at each opening".

📊 Comparison of popular blockers:

⚠️ Note: Some blockers may conflict with MIUI, Especially if you have battery optimization enabled for third-party applications. To avoid problems, add a blocker to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications and select "No restrictions".

Built-in MIUI lockdown

Third-party blocker (AppLock, etc.)

Second space.

Not defending.

In other ways.-->

Method 3: Hiding applications through the "Second Space"

If you want to block apps, but completely hide them from outsiders, use the "Second Space" function in MIUI, which is a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, and when you switch between spaces, you will be asked for a password.

🔹 How to set up:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Create a second space and set a password.
3. After you create, move to the second space and install the desired applications.
4. Return to the main space – hidden apps will be unavailable without a password.

💡 Advantages of the method:

• 🕵️ Complete isolation – applications are not visible in the main space.
• 🔄 Quickly switching through the notification panel.
• 📱 Fingerprint support for unlocking.

⚠️ Limitations:

• Not all applications can be duplicated in the second space (for example, some banking applications block work in the sandbox).
• Extra memory (up to 1-2 GB for the second space)

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up application lock, Redmi 8A users often encounter typical errors.

🔹 "Application Blocking" does not save settings

If the lock is reset after restarting the phone, check:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization – Add Security (or Security) to Exceptions.
• 🔄 Auto-update MIUI — Sometimes after the update, the settings are lost (solution: reconfigure the lock).

🔹 Third-party blocker does not ask for password

Possible causes:

• 🛠️ Overlay windows - allow the function in Settings → Special facilities → Overlaying windows.
• 📵 Conflict with MIUI — Try another app (e.g. Norton App Lock instead of AppLock).

🔹 Forgot the password from the lock – what to do?

Recovery options:

• 🔑 If you used a Xiaomi account, reset your password via i.mi.com.
• 📱 If the account is not tied - the only way - reset the phone to factory settings (data will be deleted!).

💡

Before resetting your password, try to remember it through your password manager (if you used Google Smart Lock or similar).

Additional security measures for the Redmi 8A

Passwording apps is only part of the protection, so you can keep your data as secure as possible.

🔹 Set up a screen lock.

Use a fingerprint or a 6+ digit PIN.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Password.
2. Select the type of lock and set the combination.

🔹 Enable device encryption

This will protect the data even if the phone falls into the wrong hands. → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials. ⚠️ The process will take 30-60 The phone should be charged for a minute. 80%+.

🔹 Turn off notifications on the locked screen

To prevent messages from messengers from being displayed on the lock screen:

1. Open Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen.
2. Select “Do Not Show Notifications” or “Hide Sensitive Content.”

💡

The combination of application lock + device encryption + fingerprint gives maximum data protection on the Redmi 8A.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions