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

Why to Password Apps in Xiaomi and What Risks It Eliminates

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones store a lot of sensitive information, such as instant messaging, banking apps, photos and work documents. Even if you have a screen lock, individual apps remain vulnerable to anyone who picks up your phone for a few minutes. Statistics show that 38 percent of personal data breaches occur through unlocked smartphones of friends or colleagues.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to protect applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and other platforms. POCO — built-in MIUI You will learn how to restrict access to specific programs, hide them from the menu, and also bypass typical errors that make protection useless. MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and HyperOS models.

⚠️ Important: Not all methods are compatible with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).If you use unofficial software, check the feature support in your security settings first.

Method 1: Built-in application locking in MIUI (without third-party programs)

The most reliable and simple method is to use the built-in Application Lock feature in MIUI. It works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and later) and does not require superuser rights, the main advantage is the integration with a system password or fingerprint.

To activate the lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Block (in some versions of MIUI, the item is called Privacy → Application Blocking).
3. Enter the current password from the lock screen (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
4. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to protect (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
5. Activate the application lock switch at the top of the screen.

Now, every time you open a secure application, the system will require you to enter a password, fingerprint or face scan (depending on your screen unlock settings). Note that if you use a pattern lock, you will need to set a digital password to lock the applications, which is a MIUI security requirement.

Password/fingerprint set for lock screen

Updated to the latest version (relevant to MIUI 14+)

Are there any conflicts with antiviruses (for example, Avast or 360 Security)?

Are backup copies of important data stored?-->

Method 2: Hidden folders and Second Space – an alternative to password

If you don’t just want to block an app, but hide it completely from prying eyes, MIUI has two useful features:

• 📁 Hidden folders allow you to hide application icons in a separate protected partition, and they are only accessed after you enter your password.
• 🔄 The second space is to create a complete clone of the system with separate applications, settings and data, useful if you want to separate the personal and work environments.

To hide the app in the folder:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen and select Hide the app (or drag it to Hidden folder if it is already created).
2. Confirm the action with a password from the lock screen.
3. To return the app, unlock the Hidden folder in the app menu (swipe down on the home screen → Hidden tab).

To set up the Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a new space (you will need to provide a separate password).
3. After creation, switch between swipe spaces via the off button or through the notification panel.

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock, Norton App Lock, etc.)

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough (for example, you want to set different passwords for different applications or use additional authentication methods), you can use third-party programs. We tested 5 popular AppLock applications and selected the best options for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: When using third-party AppLock applications, turn off battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-run. Otherwise, the lock may be reset after a restart or prolonged downtime.

For installation:

1. Download the selected app from Google Play (for example, DoMobile’s AppLock).
2. Run it and 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. Set up additional settings (for example, hiding the app icon from the menu or locking by timer).

Built-in MIUI lock

Third-party AppLock applications

Hidden folders/Second Space

Not defending.

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Method 4: Locking through Safe Folder (for files and related applications)

If you need to protect not only the application itself, but also the files it creates (such as photos from the Gallery or documents from WPS Office), use the Safe Folder feature in MIUI. It encrypts files and blocks access to related applications.

How to set up:

1. Open the Files app (or Explorer in some versions of MIUI).
2. Go to the Safe folder tab (may be in the Categories or Storage section).
3. Set a password for the folder (it may differ from the lock screen password).
4. Move files you want to protect to your folder (such as screenshots from banking apps or personal videos).
5. Activate the option to Block Linked Applications in the folder settings (if available).

Now, when you try to open a secure file from another application (for example, send a photo via Telegram), the system will request a password from Safe Folder, a method that is especially useful for protecting media files, since many applications (such as Google Photos) cache content and can bypass standard lock.

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If you use Google Photos for backup, disable automatic download for hidden folders, otherwise files can become accessible through the web version of the service, even if they are blocked on the phone.

Method 5: Use of the Childhood Mode (Parental Control)

If you want to restrict access to apps from outsiders as well as children, MIUI has built-in parental controls with lock-in functionality, which is suitable for family use when you temporarily give your child a phone but want to deny access to certain programs.

To activate the mode:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode “For Children”.
2. Set a password for parental control (it will be different from the main password of the phone).
3. Select the apps that will be available in child mode (the rest are automatically blocked).
4. Activate the mode via the notification panel or a long press on the power button (depending on the model).

In this mode:

• 🔒 Blocked apps do not appear in the menu and cannot be run.
• ⏱️ You can set a time limit for use.
• 📵 Disable purchases and installation of new programs.

⚠️ Note: For Kids Mode does not replace full application locking. Once you exit it, all restrictions are removed. For permanent protection, use this method in combination with Method 1 or Method 3.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi users are experiencing problems when setting up their app lock, and here are 5 common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. Lock resets after rebooting Reason: Battery Optimization for Lock Service or Third Party AppLock Solution: Add Lock App to Optimization Exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find Your AppLock and Select Without Limits.
2. Unlocking Fingerprint: Reason: Security Settings Conflict or Outdated Firmware Solution: Update MIUI to the latest version and re-register fingerprints to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
3. Badges of blocked applications disappeared Reason: Hiding feature activated in AppLock settings or Second Space Solution: Check the Hidden settings in your lock application or return to the main space (swipe on the off button).
4. Password is not accepted after resetting Reason: Reset to factory settings removes all lock data. Solution: If you forget your password, the only way is to reset your phone completely (the data will be lost). To prevent it, back up your passwords in Mi Cloud.
5. Blocking does not work for some applications Reason: System applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be blocked by standard means.Solution: Use third-party AppLock with support for locking system components (such as Locx).

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Before setting up your lock, always check if the selected application conflicts with antivirus or optimizers (such as Clean Master or DU Speed Booster), which can automatically remove or block AppLock, considering it to be “suspicious”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps in Xiaomi