The smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information, from instant messaging to photos and banking apps. Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often wonder how to restrict access to certain programs to protect their data from prying eyes. Fortunately, the MIUI shell on which the device’s operating system is based provides built-in and powerful tools to solve this problem without the need to install third-party software.
The app lock feature allows you to set a separate password or use biometric protection such as a fingerprint scanner or face unlock, which means that even if your phone is unlocked and in the hands of a friend or child, access to your chosen programs will be closed by an additional security barrier.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating protection, configuring different types of passwords and using additional features such as a hidden profile. You will learn how to properly configure security settings so that they do not interfere with the comfortable use of the gadget, but still reliably protect confidential information.
Preparation for data protection settings
Before you start setting the restrictions directly, make sure your device is ready to change the security settings. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, all the security features are handled by a system application that is usually called “Security” and looks like a green or blue shield. It is important that your device has a main lock screen set up, since the application system password can often be tied to it or require it to be reset in case of forgetting.
Check to see if your version of the MIUI shell is up to date. While locking is present in all versions, new updates can improve biometrics algorithms and add new ways of authenticating, and you should also decide in advance which apps you want to hide from outsiders, whether it's a gallery, messages, bank customers or social networks.
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Before setting up, make sure that the device is installed PIN-a code or pattern lock to unlock the screen, otherwise the system may require it to be created during the process of configuring application protection.
It is worth noting that some features, such as cloud password backup or remote management, may require a sign-in to Mi Account, which ensures data synchronization and allows you to restore access to secure areas in the event of a loss of your device. If you do not already have an account, it is recommended to create it in advance so that the setup process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Activation of the application blocking function
The process of turning on protection on the Redmi Note 8 Pro takes only a few minutes and requires no special technical knowledge. All the necessary tools are in the standard system settings menu. You need to find the icon of the Security application, which is the control center for performance and protection of your smartphone.
Once you open the app, scroll down to the list of available tools. There you will find an item called Application Protection (sometimes called Application Lock depending on the version of the MIUI translation). The icon is usually a lock. By clicking on this item, the system will prompt you to create a privacy protection password if you have not previously done so for the Hidden Profile or Second Space feature.
☑️ Algorithm of activation of protection
The system will offer several options for creating a security code. PIN-A pattern lock is often more convenient for frequent use, as it is faster to enter on the touch screen than to type numbers. Once you have entered and confirmed your password, the system may suggest linking your Mi Account for the ability to restore access, which is a highly recommended step.
⚠️ Warning: Remember or securely write down the created password. Unlike the screen unlock password, resetting the application protection password through a simple reset of the phone settings without losing data may not be possible without an associated account.
Choosing applications to block
Once you have successfully set the password, you will see a list of all the programs installed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, the interface is designed as switches opposite each application, and by default, all the switches are in the “Switched Off” position, which means free access to the program.
You need to scroll through the list and activate sliders in front of the apps that you want to restrict access to. Once you turn the switch into active, a small padlock icon will appear next to the app icon, and from now on, every time you run the program, the system will ask you to enter a previously installed password or fingerprint.
- 🔒 Social networks: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Instagram – to protect personal correspondence.
- 🏦 Finance: Bank applications, cryptocurrency wallets, investment platforms.
- 📸 Media: Gallery, Photo, Recorder - to hide personal photos and audio recordings.
- 📱 System: Contacts, Messages, Notes – to protect databases and drafts.
It's important to understand that locking works at the application startup level. If the program is already running and you've folded it, re-entry may not require a password immediately until the system decides to unload the application from RAM. However, MIUI implements a smart mechanism that often requires confirmation when returning to the application after a short period of inactivity.
Setup of biometrics and unlocking methods
Entering a password every time can seem tedious, especially if you often turn to secure apps.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro features an advanced fingerprint scanner located on the back that can be used to quickly unlock secure apps.This greatly speeds up access and increases the usability of the smartphone.
To activate this feature, while in the Application Protection menu, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. The settings menu will open where you need to find the item "Unlock fingerprint" (or "Use fingerprint"). Switch the slider to the active position. The system will ask you to attach your finger to the scanner for confirmation.
In addition to the fingerprint, some versions of the firmware have facial unlock, which is less secure than a fingerprint scanner, but more convenient in situations where hands are busy. However, it is worth considering that face unlocking on this model works on the basis of algorithms for analyzing images from the front camera and does not have the same degree of protection as infrared sensors in flagship models.
| Protection method | Speed of access | Level of security | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium | High-pitched | Average. |
| Fingerprint. | Tall. | Very tall. | Maximum. |
| Facial recognition | Tall. | Medium. | High. |
| Digital. PIN-code | Low. | High-pitched | Low. |
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Using a fingerprint to unlock applications is the optimal balance between access speed and reliable data protection on the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
Hidden profile function and additional settings
MIUI offers an even deeper level of privacy, called “Second Space,” which, unlike simple password locking, allows you to completely hide the app icon from your desktop, and apps disappear from the menu and are only accessible through a special login.
To activate this feature in the Application Protection menu, you need to pull the list of apps down until the hidden setting appears or go to the appropriate section in the settings. Here you can create a separate profile that will open with a special fingerprint or password, for example, when you unlock your phone with one finger, you enter normal mode, and when you use the other finger, you enter a hidden profile with your apps and photos.
You can also activate Hide Content in the security settings, which, when activated in the notification curtain, will replace messages from blocked apps (such as WhatsApp) with New Notice until you unlock the device, which prevents unauthorized people from reading messages from the lock screen.
What is the difference between a blocked profile and a hidden profile?
⚠️ Note: When using the hidden profile feature, remember that resetting your phone to factory settings can result in loss of data stored exclusively within that hidden space if it wasn’t synced to the cloud.
Solving and restoring access
When using the lock function, users may experience a situation where the password is forgotten. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has a recovery system through Mi Account. If you linked an account when you initially set up, the password entry screen will have a button on the "Forgot your password?" button on it and enter your account information, you can reset the application access code.
Sometimes users are faced with the lock function spontaneously shut down or stop working after the system update, in such cases, it is recommended to check the permissions for the system application "Security", it must have all the necessary rights to display on top of other windows and access to the use of biometric sensors.
If standard methods don’t work, you can try to clear the data of the Security app itself through the application management menu, but this action will reset all security settings, including passwords and lists of blocked programs, so you should only resort to it as a last resort when access to data is not critical or a backup is saved.
- 🔄 Reboot: Often a simple smartphone restart solves problems with the incorrect work of the fingerprint scanner in applications.
- 🔋 Energy saving: Make sure aggressive energy saving settings don’t “kill” the password verification process in the background.
- 📲 Update: Check for updates for the Security app through the GetApps store or Google Play.
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If you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to delete the Mi Account and complete a full data reset, as simply unlocking apps doesn’t delete their contents completely.
Thus, setting a password for applications on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is an effective and easy way to protect personal information.By combining various authentication methods and using hidden profiles, you can be sure of the security of your data in any situation.