How to protect applications with a password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all working ways

Protecting personal data on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a pressing task for every user. Even if you don’t store financial information on your device, accessing messengers, social networks or a gallery can lead to leakage of confidential information. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools to block applications, as well as supports third-party solutions. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to put a password on any application, from the standard App Lock to creating a separate Second Space workspace.

The Redmi Note 8 (Ginkgo) feature is that the protection methods may vary depending on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and regional firmware (Global, Chinese, EEA).We take these nuances into account and provide universal instructions that work on all modifications, you will also learn what to do if you forgot your password, and how to get around the restrictions without resetting.

1. Built-in App Lock: The Standard Way to Lock

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 8 and allows you to set a password, pattern lock or fingerprint, the main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party programs, which saves memory and does not burden the system.

To activate App Lock, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application lock (or Settings) → Password and security → The application lock in MIUI 14).
• 🔒 If the function is disabled, click Enable and come up with a primary password (you can use a pattern lock or PIN).
• 📌 Select the apps you want to block by moving the sliders to the right, such as WhatsApp, Gallery or Settings.
• ⚙️ In Additional settings, you can enable fingerprint lock or hide notifications from blocked applications.

Important: in MIUI 14, App Lock can be hidden in the Privacy menu, and if you don't find it on the standard path, search in the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

Make sure the device has a screen unlock password installed.

Update MIUI to the latest version (check in Settings → About phone)

Backup important data (in case of reset)

Check if your fingerprint is added to the system (if you plan to use it to unlock it)-->

Once you have set up App Lock, the blocked apps will require you to enter a password every time you open them, and if you use them often, you can turn on the Unlock option for 5 minutes, which will eliminate the need to enter a password after each fold.

⚠️ Note: If you use a pattern lock for App Lock, don’t make it identical to the screen unlock key. If you lose access to the device, an attacker will be able to unlock both the phone and the application.

2.Second Space: A separate workspace with a password

Second Space allows you to create an isolated environment on the Redmi Note 8 with your own apps, settings and password, which is the perfect solution if you want to separate personal data from workers completely or give your phone to children, and all applications in the second space are protected by default by Second Space login password.

How to set up:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space (in MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings → Password and security → Second Space).
• 🆕 Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions, and you will be asked to choose the security method: password, pattern lock or fingerprint.
• 📲 After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (Face or Lock icon).
• 🔧 Install the desired applications in the second space through the Play Market or MIUI Store.

Second Space is useful if you want to:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Give your child a phone without risking seeing your emails.
• 💼 Separate personal and work data on a single device.
• 🔒 Hide certain applications from outsiders (e.g. banking or dating services).

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If the second space is missing memory, clear the app cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup. Second Space uses the same physical memory as the main space, but logically they are separated.

3. Hidden folders: alternative to locking

If you do not need a full lock of applications, but just hide them from prying eyes, use the Hidden folders function in MIUI. This method is suitable for standard applications (for example, Gallery, Records) and does not require entering a password at each opening - it is enough to hide the folder once.

Instructions:

1. Open Files (the standard file manager of Xiaomi).
2. Select the folder or file you want to hide.
3. Press. ⋮ → Hide (or hold your finger on the file) → More. → Hide).
4. Set a password to access hidden files (if not previously asked).

To see the hidden data:

1. Open Files → Categories → Hidden folders.
2. Enter the password.

⚠️ Note: Hidden folders do not protect against power users who can root or connect your phone to a PC. Use App Lock or Second Space for strong protection.

Built-in App Lock

Second Space (Second Space)

Hidden folders

Application side (e.g. Norton App Lock)

Not protecting the applications-->

4. Third-party applications for blocking

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install third-party blocking programs that offer additional features such as:

• 🔐 Multiparole – Different passwords for different applications.
• 📸 Fake glitch – when you enter an incorrect password, it shows an error instead of a hint.
• 🕒 Lock timer – automatic locking on schedule.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi Note 8:

How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from the Play Market (e.g. Norton App Lock).
2. Open it and follow the setup wizard. Allow access to Special Options (required to lock).
3. Select the applications to block from the list.
4. Set up the unlock method (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).

Third-party solutions have the advantage of flexibility in settings, for example, in the Smart AppLock, you can set up an automatic Instagram lock only at certain times of the day or when you connect to a specific Wi-Fi network.

5 What to do if you forget your App Lock or Second Space password

Forgotten password is a common problem for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 users. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore access without completely resetting the settings.

Method 1: Reset password through your Xiaomi account

If you have linked the device to your Xiaomi account, you can reset the App Lock password:

1. On the password entry screen, click Forgot the password.
2. Enter your Xiaomi account details (email and password).
3. Confirm the reset via SMS or email.

Method 2: Delete App Lock data (requires root or ADB)

For experienced users:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.applock

This command will reset the App Lock settings, but it won't affect other data on the phone, and it requires the ADB debugging bridge and the USB debugging option enabled in the developer settings.

Method 3: Reset Second Space

If you forget the password from the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Second Space
2. Select Remove Second Space (requires the entry of the main space password).
3. Create a new space with a new password.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting Second Space will result in the loss of all data inside it, including the installed applications and files. → System system → Backup.

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If none of these methods work, you just have to turn off your phone, press Volume Up + Power, and select Wipe Data from the Recovery menu. All data will be deleted!

6. Additional security measures

Setting a password on apps is only part of the comprehensive protection. To maximize the security of the Redmi Note 8, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions fix vulnerabilities. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Disable the installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🔒 Use device encryption - in Settings → Password and security → Encryption of the telephone.
• 📱 Set up remote control via Find Device (in case of theft).

It is also useful to enable safe mode for sensitive transactions (e.g. online payments).

1. Hold the power button until the menu appears.
2. Press and hold the power off → Safe mode.

In safe mode, only system applications will be available, which minimizes the risk of data interception by malware.

Comparison of blocking methods: what to choose?

Each method of protection has its pros and cons, and below is a comparison table that will help you decide on your choice.

Selection recommendations:

• 👍 If you need a simple lock. 2-3 applications → App Lock.
• 👨‍💼 If the separation of personal data is required → Second Space.
• 🔍 If masking is important (for example, from children) → Hidden folders + App Lock.
• ⚙️ If you need advanced settings (time-blocking)/Wi-Fi) → third-party.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi