How to put a password on the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: step-by-step instructions with a photo

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a task that many users put off “for later.” Meanwhile, even basic blocking of messengers, banking apps or a gallery can prevent confidential information from leaking. If your phone often falls into the hands of children, colleagues or simply lies unattended in public places, passwords for apps become a mandatory minimum of security.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can protect your Redmi 9T apps, from built-in MIUI features to third-party solutions with advanced settings, how to set up locks through Security Settings, which apps are suitable for this from Google Play, and why it’s sometimes better to use hidden folders instead of passwords, and how to get around common bugs that make security stop working.

Important: the methods vary in reliability, for example, the built-in MIUI lock is vulnerable to resetting through a Xiaomi account, and third-party applications can conflict with system updates. We tested each method on Redmi 9T with MIUI 14 firmware (Android 11) and highlighted their pros and cons in the comparison table below.

1. Built-in application locking in MIUI: a simple, but not perfect way

The most obvious method is to use the “App Lock” feature in standard MIUI settings. It does not require installing additional programs and works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9T. However, this method has limitations: the password is tied to the Mi Account account, and it can be reset through access restoration.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Block applications.
2. Enter the current password to unlock the screen (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
3. Select apps from the list (such as WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online) and turn on the switch next to them.
4. Configure additional options: Hide notifications (so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen) and Request password at each opening.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, it will be impossible to unlock apps without completely resetting your phone, and this method does not work for system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) – they can not be blocked through standard means. MIUI.

Update MIUI to the latest version (minimum MIUI 12)

Make sure your screen password is different from your Mi Account password.

Turn off autocomplete passwords in your browser (may conflict)

Make a backup copy of important data-->

2 Third-party applications to block: more features, but risks

If the built-in function MIUI Not enough (for example, you want to block system applications or configure a pattern lock), you have to use third-party programs. 9T:

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports fingerprint locking, has the modes “Guest” and “Incognito».
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – integrates with Norton antivirus, offers protection against screenshots of blocked screens.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to set different passwords for different applications and mask the icons of blocked programs.

Installation and configuration (on the example of AppLock):

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Create a master password (it is recommended to use a combination of 8+ characters).
3. In the Applications section, select the programs to block (for example, Instagram, Telegram, Photos).
4. Activate additional options: 🔍 Hide the AppLock icon (so that the attacker does not see the program in the menu). 📸 Ban screenshots (blocks screenshots from blocked applications). 👆 Fake failure (if you enter the password incorrectly, it shows an error instead of a hint).

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications for blocking may:

• 🛑 Conflicting with updates MIUI (After the update, you will have to reconfigure passwords).
• 🔋 Battery discharge – constant work in the background increases energy consumption by 5-15%.
• 🔓 Be removed through Settings → Annexes → Permissions (if the attacker knows the trick).

Built-in MIUI lockdown

Third-party programs (AppLock, etc.)

Hiding app icons in folders

Not protecting, I don't see the point.

In other ways.-->

3. Hidden folders and “Second Space”: an alternative to password

If you don’t need a password but want to hide apps from prying eyes, MIUI has two useful tools:

1. Hidden folders, which remove app icons from the main menu, to create a folder like this: Hold your finger in the free desktop space. Select a folder → Hidden folder. Drag the right apps (like Tinder or Banking programs) into it. Set up access by graphical key or fingerprint.

Second space

Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔐 There is no need to enter a password every time – apps just “disappear” from view.
• 📱 It works even for system programs (e.g., Messages or Contacts).
• 🔄 Easy to cancel – just remove the application from the hidden folder.

⚠️ Note: Hidden folders do not protect data from power users – they can be found through Settings → Annexes → All applications or file manager. For strong protection, it's best to combine this method with a password.

4. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

🔹 Recommendations for selection:

• 🔐 If you need maximum protection (for example, for banking applications) – use AppLock with a fingerprint and screenshot ban.
• 📱 For basic protection from children or random persons, a built-in lock is enough MIUI.
• 👀 If it’s important to hide apps but not make it harder to access, set up hidden folders.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For family use (data sharing) the second space is suitable.

💡

Before installing third-party blockers, check their Google Play rankings and reviews for the past 3 months.Some apps (like App Lock by IvyMobile) contain ads that may interfere with work.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi 9T users have trouble setting passwords for apps, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

1. Password is not requested when opening the application 🔹 Reason: In the lock settings, the password request parameter is disabled at each opening. 🔹 Solution: Go to Settings → Password and security → Block applications and activate this switch.
2. Third-party blocker doesn’t work after update MIUI 🔹 Reason: New firmware versions may reset permissions for apps. 🔹 Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and enable autorun for blocker. Also check permissions for Overlaying windows.
3. Forgotten password from AppLock 🔹 Reason: No link to email or question to recover. 🔹 Solution: Remove the application through Settings → Annexes → AppLock → Delete and reinstall. Attention: this will remove the lock from all applications!

⚠️ Note: If you use a pattern lock to lock, don't draw too simple patterns (such as an "L" or a cross). Attackers can guess it from the tracks on the screen. The best option is a combination of 6.+ cross-point.

💡

The most reliable way of protection is a combination of built-in MIUI lock for basic applications and AppLock for critical applications (banks, instant messengers).

6.Additional security measures for the Redmi 9T

App passwords are only part of the protection, and to make the Redmi 9T truly secure, follow these steps:

• 🔐 Set up two-factor authentication for Mi Account: Go to account.xiaomi.com. In the Security section, activate Two-Step Verification. Link a phone number or authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator).
• 📱 Turn off the debugging. USB (If not, go to the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and disable debugging by USB.
• 🔍 Check the permissions of applications: In Settings → Confidentiality → Permissions Disable Contacts, Messages and Locations for Unnecessary Programs.