How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways to protect

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a task that many users only solve after unpleasant incidents. Set a password on individual applications (messengers, banking services, gallery) to avoid leaks if the phone falls into the wrong hands. In this article, we will discuss all available methods of blocking applications on Redmi Note 7, including built-in MIUI functions and third-party solutions.

The Redmi Note 7 feature is that it supports multiple versions of the MIUI shell (10 to 14), where the security settings may differ, and we've taken these nuances into account and collected the relevant instructions for each version. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, but the basic features are available without them.

1. Built-in application locking in MIUI (without root)

The easiest way is to use the standard application protection tool, which is in MIUI since version 8. the feature allows you to set a password or fingerprint on any application, but has limitations: for example, does not work with system utilities.

To activate the protection:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Password and Security β†’ Application Protection.
  2. Click Enable and create a pattern lock or PIN-code (minimum length - 4 characters).
  3. In the list of apps, mark the ones you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
  4. Activate the Toggle Request Password at each opening if you need maximum protection.

⚠️ Note: if you forget the password from "Application Protection", you can reset it only through a complete reset (data loss!). MIUI Provides no alternative means of recovery.

Make sure that MIUI version is not lower than 8.0| Backup important data | Remember or write your password to a safe place | Check the fingerprint sensor (if you plan to use)

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Blocking through the "Second Space" (double account)

The "Second Space" function in MIUI It allows you to create an isolated profile with individual apps and data, and it's not a direct password to the app, but a reliable way to hide personal information. MIUI 11–14.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Second Space.
  2. Click Create and follow the instructions (you will need to link a second Mi Account).
  3. After you create, go to the second space and install the apps you want (they will be hidden in the main profile).
  4. Return to the main space and set a password to switch between profiles in Settings β†’ Password and Security β†’ Lock the second space.
MethodRoot is required.It's working on MIUI 10.It's working on MIUI 14.Level of protection
Application protection❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Medium.
Second space❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes.High-pitched
AppLock (side of software)❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.High-pitched
XPrivacy (requires root)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Maximum

πŸ’‘ If you use Second Space, update your apps regularly in both profiles. Some messengers (such as Telegram) can block your account for long inactivity.

Built-in MIUI |Second Space |Third-Party Apps (AppLock)|Other

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3. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough, you can install specialized programs from Google Play, the most popular ones being AppLock (from DoMobile Lab), Norton App Lock, and Smart AppLock, which support not only passwords, but also face unlocking or geolocation.

Instructions for AppLock:

  1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Create a primary password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers).
  3. In the list of applications, select those that you want to block (for example, Instagram, VKontakte, Photos).
  4. Set up additional parameters: πŸ”’ Hidden mode – the AppLock icon will disappear from the menu (unlock by calling ##1234##). πŸ“ Geosecurity is an automatic lock in certain places (e.g. at work). ⏱️ Lockdown timer – temporary access restriction (useful for parental control).

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may conflict with AppLock, causing random locks.

How to get around the lock of AppLock, if you forgot the password?
If you forgot the password from AppLock, try: 1. Enter a spare email (if configured during installation). 2. Delete application data via Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ AppLock β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data (resets all settings). 3. Reinstall the application (does not work on all versions). If nothing helps, you need to reset the phone to factory settings.

4. Blocking through ADB (for power users)

The method is for those who do not want to install third-party programs, but are ready to use USB debugging. Suitable for the Redmi Note 7 on any version of MIUI, but requires a computer and knowledge of commands.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You're a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

ADB-driver

Xiaomi

Mi PC Suite

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the app (e.g. com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).

Importantly, this method does not set a password, but hides the application from the menu completely. To return it, use the command adb shell pm unhide com.example.app.

πŸ’‘

ADB-The teams only work when the phone is connected to the PC, and once you reboot the hidden apps will remain unavailable, but they can be returned by the re-team.

5.Use of Secure Folder (for MIUI 12+)

MIUI 12 and later introduced the β€œSecure Folder” feature (similar to Samsung Knox), which allows you to create an encrypted folder with applications and files, access to which is protected by a password or biometrics.

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Password and Security β†’ Secure Folder
  2. Create a folder and set a password (should be different from the main locking code of the phone!).
  3. Add apps to the folder via Add Apps or drag them from the main menu.
  4. Activate the option to Hide the Secure Folder icon so that the folder does not appear on the desktop.

6.Alternative ways: hide applications and parental control

If you don’t need a password but want to restrict access, you can use built-in concealment or parental control features.

Hiding applications:

  1. Press the application icon on the desktop with your finger.
  2. Select Hide (in MIUI 12+) or drag and drop to Hidden Applications (in MIUI 10–11).
  3. To return the application, open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Hidden applications.

Parental controls:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Parental Controls.
  2. Create. PIN-code and select the applications you want to limit access to.
  3. Set up a schedule (for example, block YouTube from 22:00 to 7:00).

⚠️ Note: hidden applications can be found through a search system (swipe down the desktop) β†’ For complete privacy, use Secure Folder or AppLock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Redmi Note 7

Can I put a password on system applications (for example, "Settings")?
No, the built-in Application Protection feature in MIUI doesn't work with system utilities, but it requires root access and applications like XPrivacy to block them.
What if the "Application Protection" function disappeared after the MIUI update?
In some versions of MIUI (e.g. 12.5), the feature is moved to Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Privacy Protection. If it is not available at all, use third-party apps (AppLock).
Can I block the application with a fingerprint if the sensor is broken?
Yes, but only through third-party programs like AppLock, which support alternative unlocking methods (PIN, pattern lock, facial recognition), the built-in MIUI feature requires a working sensor.
How to find out the package name of the application for ADB-team?
Install the App Inspector app from Google Play or use the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "app name app" For example, for Instagram it is com.instagram.android.
Will the lock work after the phone is reset?
No, all application protection settings (including AppLock and Secure Folder) are reset.