How to put a password on the application on Android Xiaomi: all ways

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is becoming more and more relevant: confidential messaging apps, banking apps, photo gallery – all of which require reliable protection from prying eyes. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the question: how to put a password on a separate application to restrict access to it? Unlike iOS, where the application lock feature is built-in by default, Android on Xiaomi offers several alternative solutions – from standard MIUI tools to third-party utilities.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways, including hidden shell features, Second Space, locking apps, and even system restrictions through Google Settings. We’ll focus on the nuances for different MIUI versions (12 to 14) and smartphone models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13. If you’re looking for a reliable way to hide apps from kids, colleagues, or just want to improve security, read on.

⚠️ Note: Some methods (e.g. Second Space) require you to pre-set up your Mi Account.

1. Built-in application locking in MIUI (the easiest way)

The MIUI shell on Xiaomi smartphones has an inbuilt app lock feature, but it doesn't work as many people expect. Instead of a password, the system suggests using a Pattern, Pin code or fingerprint -- the same data as unlocking the screen. This is convenient, but not always secure: if someone knows your master password, they will get access to all the blocked apps.

To activate this function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and confirm the current way to unlock the screen.
3. Select apps from the list (e.g. WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
4. Activate the switch next to each.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) path may be different: Settings → Confidentiality → Block applications. If there is no item, update. MIUI last-minute.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It does not require the installation of third-party programs.
• 🔹 It works on all devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO s MIUI 10 newer.
• 🔹 Supports unlocking by fingerprint.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Uses the same password as for the lock screen.
• 🔸 Some system applications (e.g. Settings) cannot be blocked.

2.Second Space – a hidden desktop with a separate password

Second Space is a unique feature of MIUI that creates a second desktop with its own apps, settings, and even a separate password, essentially a smartphone in a smartphone where you can move sensitive applications and hide them from your main profile.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a separate password (you can use a different pin or pattern).
4. After you create, drag and drop the desired applications in Second Space through the multitasking menu (swipe up → Second Space icon at the top of the screen).

💡 Useful tip: Second Space can hide not only apps, but also notifications, calls and even files. For example, photos taken in this mode will not be displayed in the main gallery.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the Second Space password, you can only restore access through the Mi Account!

3. Use of the AppLock application (for advanced users)

If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough, you can install a third-party lock-in app, and one of the most popular is DoMobile Lab's AppLock, which allows you to:

• 🔐 Set unique passwords for each application.
• 📸 Block access to photos, videos and documents.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Hide icons of blocked applications.
• 🔔 Set up a false password (shows a fake screen when you type in).

📌 Instructions for setting up:

1. Download AppLock from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set your primary password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers).
3. In the Applications section, select the programs to block (for example, Telegram, VKontakte, Tinkoff).
4. Activate the option Hide the AppLock icon in the settings so that the attacker did not guess about its presence.

Important: AppLock may conflict with some versions of MIUI (especially on the POCO F3 and Redmi Note 11).If lags appear after installation, try disabling battery optimization for this application in the settings.

Set a complex password (minimum 8 characters)|Activate lock by fingerprint |Hide the AppLock icon in the menu |Deactivate notifications from AppLock |Add the application to battery optimization exceptions-->

4. Block through Google Settings (for parental controls)

If you need to restrict access to apps for your child or limit yourself from distracting programs (such as social networks), you can use parental control from Google, a method that does not require a password, but allows you to completely block the launch of selected applications.

How to set up:

1. Open the Settings. → Google → Parental control.
2. Select or create a profile of your child (if you set up for yourself, please specify any age under 13 years old).
3. In the Application Limitations section, select categories or specific programs to block.
4. Set a PIN for changes (this will prevent you from circumventing restrictions).

⚠️ Warning: This way blocks apps completely, their icons disappear from the desktop, and to regain access, you have to enter a pin code in the Google settings.

Advantages:

• 🔒 Full lock (the application will not run even through search).
• 👶 Perfect for parental control.
• 📱 It works on all Android devices, not just Xiaomi.

💡

If you need to temporarily unlock an app (for example, to install an update), use Family Time in Google's settings, where you can set a lock schedule.

5. Hiding applications without password (alternative method)

If you don't need a password, but just hide the app from prying eyes, MIUI has a Hidden Apps feature that doesn't block access, but removes icons from the desktop and menu.

How to hide the application:

1. Hold your finger on the free space of the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings → Hide applications.
3. Check the boxes for the programs you want to hide.
4. Confirm the action.

🔍 How to Find a Hidden App:

• Through Device Search (swipe down on the desktop).
• Through Settings → Applications → All applications.

⚠️ Warning: Hidden apps can still send notifications! To turn them off, go to Settings → Notifications → Select the application → Shut down.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and here is a quick comparison for the different scenarios:

💡 Key conclusion: For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a combination of built-in locking MIUI (For basic applications and Second Space (for sensitive data), if you need flexibility, use AppLock.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the built-in application lock supports different passwords for each application (the option “Unique Passwords” in the security settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi