Owning a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone opens up a huge number of features, but it also raises the question of personal information. Often, different people use the gadget, or the device may just be in the wrong hands for a short time. Standard locking the screen in such situations is not enough, because anyone who knows the unlock code gets access to all messengers, gallery and banking applications.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a built-in toolkit that allows you to set a separate password for running specific programs. This solution works at the system level without requiring the installation of third-party software, which often overloads RAM or contains advertising. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure this feature, what are the nuances of working with Xiaomi and what to do if the standard menu does not work.
Built-in application protection in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi engineers have implemented a data protection mechanism deep enough in the system, and the feature we’re going to talk about is called Application Lock, which allows you to select a list of programs that will only be accessible after you enter a pattern lock, PIN code or fingerprint, which is especially true for owners of Redmi Note smartphones and Xiaomi’s flagship series, where critical information is stored.
It's important to understand that this is different from Second Space or Hidden Profile, and we're not creating a new sandbox here, we're just putting a gateway before you log into a particular application, and the system remembers the user's choice, and every time you run the selected program, you'll need to log in, even if the phone has just been unlocked by the owner.
It’s worth noting that the path to settings may vary slightly from firmware to firmware, but the logic remains the same for all the brand’s devices, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a top-end Xiaomi 14. If you’re experiencing this setup for the first time, follow the instructions carefully so you don’t get confused in the menu items.
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Use fingerprint unlock for the application blocker – it is much faster and more convenient than entering a pattern lock every time.
Step-by-step: activation of the blocker
The setup process takes only a couple of minutes, but requires carefulness when creating the access code. Make sure your device is charged and you are in a calm environment so you don't make a mistake when entering the password. Below is a sequence of actions that is relevant for most current versions of the shell.
To start, you need to go to the Settings menu of your smartphone. In the list of options, find the App section, then select Application Lock. In some versions of MIUI, this section can be located inside the Protection menu or be displayed in a separate system application called Security (green icon with lightning).
Once you log in, the system will ask you to come up with a password, so you can choose a pattern lock or a digital PIN, and be sure to link your Mi Account to this section if the system suggests doing so, and this will allow you to restore access, if you forget the code, through the manufacturer's cloud service.
Then you'll be asked to select apps from the installed list, just switch the slider opposite the desired program (such as WhatsApp, Gallery or Bank) to the active position, and from now on, when you try to open the application, the password request screen will appear.
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The password from the application blocker may differ from the screen unlock password, which creates an additional layer of security.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the application blocker and do not link Mi Account, you can only reset it by completely resetting your phone settings, which will lead to the loss of all data.
Set up biometrics and hide content
Constantly entering a password can be tiring, especially if you often use secure apps. Fortunately, modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones allow you to use biometric data, it can be a fingerprint scanner (located behind or under the screen) or facial recognition system.
To activate this feature, go to the lock settings (usually the gear in the corner of the app selection screen) and there you will find the item "Use fingerprint" or "Use face unlock", after activation, the system will request biometrics instead of entering the code, which speeds up access significantly.
There is also a feature to hide the content of notifications, if it is enabled, even if a message from WhatsApp or Telegram arrives on a locked screen or in the notification curtain, the message will not appear. You will only see a notification that a message has arrived, but you will only be able to read it after unlocking.
- 🔒 Hiding content – prevents reading correspondence from a locked screen.
- 👁 Protection from looks – some models have a sensor that prevents you from unlocking the application if someone else is looking at the phone.
- ⏱ Lock timeout – setting the time after which the application will again require a password after leaving it (immediately, after 1 minute, after 10 minutes).
Comparison of data protection methods on Xiaomi
Users often find it difficult to understand the variety of security features offered by MIUI. What is the difference between a simple application lock and a Second Space or Hidden Profile? Understanding these differences will help you choose the most appropriate protection scenario for your needs.
App blocking is the easiest and fastest way to restrict access: the second space creates a completely separate environment with its own applications and files, which is convenient for separating work and personal life. The hidden profile hides files and applications so that they are not visible in the regular menu.
| Function | Level of access | Visibility on the menu | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application lockdown | Requires a password at launch | You can see the icon. | Low. |
| Second space | Separate desktop | Hidden (access via password/fingerprint) | Medium |
| Hidden profile | Complete cover-up | Invisible without a special gesture. | Tall. |
| Screen locking | Protecting the entire device | N/D | Low. |
When you choose a method, you have to think about how critical the data is, because you have a blocker for messengers, and you have to think about the second space for compromising, and you don't have to neglect the combination of methods for maximum security.
Solution: If the function is not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the blocking of applications does not turn on or does not work correctly, this may be due to access rights, features of the Android version or conflicts with other optimization programs.
A common problem is that the system security component does not have the necessary permissions: newer versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) have a strict control over which apps can be blocked by others, and if the blocker does not have the right to “over other windows”, it will not be able to show the password input screen.
Also, locking may not work if you have third-party launchers (desktop shells), in which case it is recommended to temporarily return to the standard Xiaomi launcher to check the functionality, and some memory cleaners may force the blocker process to close, considering it unnecessary.
⚠️ Note: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) The path to settings may be different from the Chinese version (CN ROM). If you don’t find a menu item, search by settings by entering the word “Block” or “Lock».
Third-party alternatives from Google Play
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t suit you for some reason (like your model has been stripped down), you can always turn to third-party solutions. Google Play offers a variety of apps that perform similar functions, and sometimes have a more flexible setting.
One popular solution is the AppLock from various developers, which allows you not only to set a password, but also to take photos of an attacker when you enter the code incorrectly, hide application icons and simulate the operation of the system.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the rating and installation number; choose time-tested open source solutions or from well-known antivirus vendors; do not install dubious programs that require strange permissions, not related to security.
- 🛡 Norton App Lock – a reliable solution from a well-known manufacturer of antiviruses.
- 🔐 Smart AppLock – a popular application with the ability to create different profiles.
- 🚀 AppLock (DoMobile) is one of the market leaders with a large number of customization functions.
Using third-party software is a trade-off between functionality and autonomy. MIUI's built-in tools are still better optimized and don't drain the phone as quickly as the voracious market counterparts.
What to do if you forget the password from the application
The worst part is when you set up security, but after a month you forgot what key or pattern you were setting, and unlike the unlock screen password, a Google Device reset often doesn't work, because it's different levels of security.
If you've linked your Mi Account to the locker, the password entry screen should have a button called "Forgot your password?" and you can click on it and enter your account information, and you can reset the code and set a new one, which is the easiest and most painless way to restore access.
If the account is not tied, there are few options left. You can try to guess the password (usually 5 attempts), but this is risky. The cardinal method is a complete reset of the device to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which will delete all data, including photos and contacts, if they are not synchronized with the cloud.
To avoid such situations, write complex passwords to a secure location or use password managers where you can store not only codes from sites, but also PIN codes from devices.