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

Privacy on your smartphone is one of the main concerns of Xiaomi owners. Even if you trust your loved ones, some apps (messengers, banking services, gallery) are better protected with an additional password. MIUI has several built-in ways to block access to programs, but not all users know about their existence or use them correctly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for passwords in Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models). From the standard App Lock to hidden features like Second Space, you will learn which option is right for you, and also talk about common errors that cause the lock to stop working, and how to avoid them.

1. Built-in App Lock: The easiest way

App Lock is the basic protection tool in MIUI. It allows you to set a password, fingerprint or pattern lock to any application. It works on all Xiaomi devices with the MIUI firmware version 8 and later (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T).

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set the unlock method (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to protect.
4. Activate the Block Switch next to each.

⚠️ Note: If you use a pattern lock, avoid simple combinations (such as the letters "L" or "Z"). MIUI 15 there is protection against selection - after 5 wrong attempts, the application will be blocked for 30 seconds.

Set a strong password (not date of birth)

Disable notifications for blocked applications

Add a backup email to restore

Check the fingerprint sensor (if you use it)-->

App Lock supports hiding notifications from blocked applications. To do this, activate the option to Hide the contents of notifications in the lock settings, then messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or SberBank Online will not appear on the lock screen.

2.Second Space: A separate profile with a password

Second Space creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, data and settings. It's not just a lockdown, it's a full-fledged sandbox with its own password, where you can transfer confidential programs. MIUI 9–15.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create a Second Profile and follow the instructions.
3. Set a separate password for login (may differ from the main one).
4. In the new profile, install the necessary applications (they will be duplicated).

⚠️ Note: If you delete Second Space through settings, all the data inside it will be permanently erased. Before reset, back up through Settings. → Memory. → Backup.

App Lock (built-in lock)

Second Space (second profile)

Third-party applications (e.g. Norton App Lock)

I don't use a lock.-->

3. Hidden folders: an alternative to password

If you don't need a password, but you want to hide apps from prying eyes, MIUI has a hidden folder feature that doesn't block access completely, but makes icons invisible in the main menu. It's suitable for Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi 10 and later.

Instructions:

• 📁 Hold your finger in the free space of the desktop → Select Screen Settings.
• 🔒 Go to the Hidden Applications tab.
• 📱 Select the programs you want to hide and confirm.

To bring back hidden apps:

1. Make a movement with two fingers down the desktop (the gesture "pinch").
2. Enter the password (if it is set for hidden folders).

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Hidden applications can still be found through a search system (Conductor → Search). For complete privacy, combine this method with App Lock.

4. Third-party applications: when there are few built-in functions

If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t suit you, you can use third-party blocking software that offers additional features such as fake password reset, automatic time locking, or taking photos of the attacker.

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 🔐 Norton App Lock – supports face lock, has log log of attempts to log in.
• 🛡️ AppLock by DoMobile – allows you to set different passwords for different applications.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – Minimalist interface, works on Xiaomi with Android 12+.

⚠️ Note: Third-party blocking applications require device administrator rights.This may conflict with certain features MIUI, For example, battery optimization. If the blocker stops working after installation, add it to the exceptions:

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Select applications → Find a blocker → Disable optimization

5. Blocking through Google Play Protection (for banking applications)

Some applications (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online) have built-in protection through Google Play Protection, which automatically blocks access if the device is unlocked in an insecure way (e.g., without security). PIN-code).

To enable this function:

1. Open the banking application and go to its settings.
2. Find the Security or Entry Protection section.
3. Activate the Lock option when unsafe unlocking.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or biometrics.

This lock is triggered if:

• 🔓 Phone unlocked without any PIN/kode (e.g., only by print).
• 📱 The device is rooted or has unofficial firmware.
• 🔄 It’s been over 24 hours since the last password unlock.

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Google Play Protection only works for apps that support this feature, and it doesn’t replace App Lock, but adds an extra layer of security for financial services.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up your lock correctly, Xiaomi users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — Some features (e.g. Second Space) may not be available in older firmware.
• 🔄 Security Updates – Outdated patches may conflict with lockdown.
• 🛠️ Root rights – App Lock is unstable on rooted devices.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions