Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones today are full of sensitive information that should not be open to the public: whether it’s personal messaging, gallery photos, or banking app data, protecting these zones requires the use of reliable tools. The built-in MIUI shell (and its newer version of HyperOS) offers a powerful locking mechanism that works at the system level, not third-party software.
Unlike many competitors, Xiaomi allows you to set a password for the application on Xiaomi Redmi without having to download additional programs from Google Play.This provides deeper integration and security stability, since system processes take precedence over user applications.
There are several layers of protection available to the user, from a simple pattern lock to biometric fingerprint or facial identification. It is important to understand that the correct algorithm of actions depends on the version of your operating system, but the basic principle remains the same for all devices of the brand. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration so that your data is securely locked.
Preparing the device for protection settings
Before you start setting specific restrictions, you need to make sure that your device has a basic security password. PIN-The application protection function may not work properly or be available at all. This is the basic level of security that the system requires before activating more complex modules.
It’s also worth checking if your system is up to the latest available version. Old MIUI builds may have encountered bugs related to bypassing the blocker that have been patched in security patches. Go to Settings → About the phone and check for updates.
☑️ Preparedness to defend
Make sure you have access to your Mi Account.In some cases, the system may require proof of identity through Xiaomi's cloud service, especially if you decide to reset a forgotten password from apps.
Activation of the standard application blocker
The main protection tool in Xiaomi smartphones is called App Lock, which can be found through a global search for settings or in the security menu. Open the Security app (green icon with lightning), which is preinstalled on each device, and scroll down to the Application Protection section.
When you first start up, the system will prompt you to come up with a password, which can be a digital code, a graphic drawing or a mixed version. Don't use too simple combinations like "1234" or "0000" because they are easy to guess. Once you enter the code, you will be asked to link Mi Account to restore access - this is the only way to restore access to the applications if you forget the App Lock password.
Then the system will suggest selecting the applications that you want to protect, and you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed, just switch the slider across from the apps you want (like WhatsApp, Gallery, Contacts) to the active position, and you'll need to enter the code you've previously set when you run those programs.
It is worth noting that for some system applications, such as Settings or Files, blocking may work differently or require additional permissions. If you block access to Settings, be careful: to change the system settings, you will have to enter a password every time.
Configuring biometrics and additional parameters
Entering a password can be tedious every time, so Xiaomi allows you to use biometrics. To set up, go to Security → Application Protection → Settings (cogs). Here you will find the option "Unlock fingerprint." Activate it so that when you touch the scanner, you can access secure applications instantly.
In addition, important locker behavior settings are available on this menu, so you can choose when you need a password: each time you unlock it, or only after you turn off the screen. The "Do Not Show Content" option will hide the preview of messages in the notification curtain until the device is unlocked.
⚠️ Note: If you unlocked your phone with a fingerprint, but then passed it to another person, the apps will remain available without re-entering your password unless the option "Require password after turning off the screen" is enabled".
Another useful feature is Hidden Apps, which allows you not only to set a password, but also completely remove the program icon from the desktop, so to find a hidden application, you will need to make a specific gesture in the Themes app or on the desktop (usually fingers apart), and then enter the password.
Use of the “Second Space” regime
For those who need more severe data isolation, Xiaomi offers a “Second Space” feature, which is creating a virtually separate smartphone inside your device with its own set of apps, photos and accounts, switching between spaces through a password or fingerprint.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → Second Space → Enable. The system will create a clean environment where you can install individual copies of instant messengers or banking applications. The data in the first and second spaces are completely separated.
| Parameter | Application protection | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Level of isolation | Low (entrance only) | High (individual environment) |
| Speed of access | Instant. | Requires a switch. |
| Memory consumption | Minimum | Significant |
| Difficulty setting up | Simple. | Medium |
Using Second Space is especially important if you want to hide the fact that certain applications are available, and unlike the standard App Lock, you can't see the program icons in the second space without authorization.
Can I bypass application protection?
Third-party solutions and their limitations
If built-in features aren’t enough, users often turn to third-party programs from Google Play, such as AppLock or Norton App Lock. However, installing a third-party blocker on Xiaomi has its own peculiarities due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI.
The system can automatically close the background processes of the third-party blocker, which will result in the fact that the password is not requested at the right time. To avoid this, you need to manually configure permissions: allow autorun, remove battery restrictions and fix the application in memory.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party blockers often require “Above Other Windows” and “Data Use” access rights, which can reduce overall device security and increase battery consumption.
In addition, third-party applications cannot integrate as deeply as system applications, for example, they may not block access through widgets or quick responses in the notification curtain.The built-in Security tool is free of these drawbacks and works more stable.
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If you do use a third-party blocker, add it to the “No Limits” list in the battery settings so that the system doesn’t close it in the background.
Solution: What to do if you forget your password
The most common problem users have is a forgotten password from application protection, so if you have attached a Mi Account when you set up, you can restore access by incorrectly entering the code several times, and the "Forgot password" button will appear on the screen.
When you click on it, the system will send a confirmation code to the associated number or email, or ask you to enter the password from the Mi Account, and after successful verification, you will be asked to install a new access code, which only works if you have pre-assigned.
If the account was not tied, the situation is complicated: you will have to perform a full reset of the phone settings (Hard Reset) through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and applications, but remove all locks.
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Linking a Mi Account when you first set up App Lock is a critical step that saves you from losing access to data in the future.