How to put a password on the application on Xiaomi 8 Pro: all ways to protect

Smartphones Xiaomi 8 Pro (also known as Mi 8 Pro) still remain popular among users due to the powerful “iron” and flexible firmware. MIUI. But even on such a device, sensitive data in applications — bank clients, messengers or a gallery — can become easy prey for outsiders. MIUI, and with the help of third-party utilities.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to protect your apps on the Xiaomi 8 Pro, including built-in Security and Dual Space features, as well as reliable third-party solutions. We’ll focus on the nuances of working with MIUI 10–14 (depending on your device’s firmware version) and the possible limitations. If you’re looking for a way to hide apps from children, colleagues, or just want to improve security, read on.

Can I put a password on the application on Xiaomi 8 Pro without third-party programs?

Yes, there are built-in tools in MIUI firmware to block applications, but their functionality depends on the system version. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro, two basic methods are available out of the box:

• 🔒 Application protection via Security section (requires password/fingerprint setting).
• 📱 Double Space – Create a second desktop with separate apps and password.

Both methods do not require root rights, but they have limitations, such as Dual Space hiding applications completely, rather than blocking them with a password when opened, while Built-in Application Protection doesn’t work with all programs (for example, it may not support some games or system utilities).

If you want to be flexible, like different passwords for different apps or locking in time, you'll have to use third-party solutions, and we'll talk about that in one of the next sections.

Method 1: Locking through Security (inbuilt-in MIUI)

The easiest way to put a password on an app is to use the built-in Application Protection feature, which is available on all versions of MIUI starting with the 10th, but the path to settings may be slightly different.

Instructions for Xiaomi 8 Pro:

1. Open Settings → Security (or Settings → Applications → Application Protection in some versions).
2. Select Application Protection (may be called Application Blocking).
3. If the function is disabled, click Enable and install PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint.
4. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to block.

Once activated, a password will be asked for every time you open a secure application. Please note that if you use a fingerprint, the system may not always request it, depending on the security settings in Settings → Lock screen and password.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI Application Protection may conflict with battery optimization. If locking fails, add Security to autorun exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

Method 2: Using Double Space to Hide Applications

Dual space is a unique feature of MIUI that creates a second desktop with a separate set of applications, contacts and even wallpaper, and can be protected with a separate password, which effectively hides the selected programs from prying eyes.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Double Space (or Settings → Special Options → Double Space in older versions).
2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
3. After creation, switch to the second space through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
4. Install the desired applications only in the second space – they will not be displayed in the main.

The advantage of this method is that applications are not just blocked, they are completely hidden.

• ⚠️ Applications take up space in both spaces (if installed in both spaces).
• ⚠️ Notifications from the second space may not come to the main (depending on settings).
• ⚠️ Some system applications (such as Settings) cannot be hidden.

💡

If you use Double Space for banking applications, turn off autocomplete passwords in the main space (Settings → Passwords and Security → Autocomplete).

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock and analogues)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint, lock time.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – a reliable solution from a well-known brand with reset protection.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight application with a minimalist interface.

Example of setting up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set a master password (be sure to remember it!).
3. In the main menu, select the applications to lock.
4. Configure additional parameters: time lock, hiding notifications, protection from deletion.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🔹 Flexible settings (different passwords for different applications).
• 🔹 Time-bound blocking (for example, only during working hours).
• 🔹 Ability to hide the app icon from the menu.

⚠️ Note: Some locking apps (such as AppLock) may conflict with battery optimization MIUI. After installation, add them to autostart and optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Battery Optimization and Settings → Annexes → Auto-start).

What to do if I forgot the password from blocking applications?

If you have forgotten your password from the built-in Application Protection or third-party AppLock, the recovery options depend on the blocking method:

• 🔓 Built-in protection MIUI: Reset your password through your Mi Account (if it is linked). → Xiaomi account → Security and follow the instructions. If the account is not tied, you will need a hard reset).
• 🔓 Third-party apps (AppLock): Use the recovery function by email (if it was configured) or reinstall the application (data will reset).

On Xiaomi 8 Pro, you can reset the application lock password without losing data only through the linked Mi Account. If the account was not added in advance, the only way is to reset to factory settings (all data will be deleted).

To avoid this situation:

• 🔑 Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📝 Write down the Master Password from AppLock in a secure location (for example, in the Password Manager).
• 🔄 Regularly back up important data (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).

Additional security measures for Xiaomi 8 Pro

In addition to blocking applications, we recommend to strengthen the protection of the device as a whole:

• 🔐 Set up the hard one. PIN-code or pattern lock (at least 6 points). → Lock screen and password.
• 👆 Set up your fingerprint (up to 5 fingerprints can be added to Settings) → Passwords and security → Fingerprint).
• 📱 Enable Device Search (Settings) → Google → Security → Finding a device – this will help lock your phone remotely if you lose it.
• 🔄 Turn off notifications on the locked screen (Settings) → Notifications → On the lock screen).

It is also helpful to set up an automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity (Settings → Lock screen and password → Autolock) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access if you forget your phone when unlocked.

💡

Even if you blocked individual applications, the main password of the lock screen must be complex. Many hacks occur through vulnerabilities in simple, easy-to-use applications. PIN-codes (e.g. 1234 or 0000).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi 8 Pro, users face typical errors.

1.The lock does not work after the MIUI update

After major system updates, Application Protection may be reset.

• Check if the function is included in Settings → Security.
• Reset the device.
• Update the Security app through the Play Market.

2.The AppLock app is permanently closed

It's about optimizing the battery.

1. Add AppLock to autorun exceptions (Settings → Applications → Autorun).
2. Turn off battery optimization for the application (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

3.The fingerprint for blocking does not work

Possible causes:

• The fingerprint is not added to the system (check in Settings → Passwords and security).
• The function is disabled in the application lock settings.
• The fingerprint sensor is contaminated (wipe it with a dry wipe).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions