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

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a critical task in the era of digital threats. Xiaomi Redmi 8, despite its budget price range, offers several built-in mechanisms to block applications. But not all users know that standard MIUI settings allow not only to set a password on the lock screen, but also to block individual programs - from instant messengers to banking customers.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to protect applications: through built-in firmware, using Second Space mode and using third-party utilities. We will examine each method in detail, indicate their pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors that can lead to loss of access to data.

If you are concerned that someone may access your WhatsApp correspondence or financial transactions on SberBank Online, this guide will help protect confidential information. And for those who have tried to block applications but have encountered problems (for example, a password is not requested after a reboot), we have prepared a section with solutions to common problems.

1. Method: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The MIUI firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 8 has built-in functionality to protect individual applications — Application Blocking. This method does not require additional software installation and works on the basis of system security mechanisms. The main advantage is that a password or fingerprint is requested every time you open a blocked application, even if the smartphone is already unlocked.

To activate this function, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set a password (you can use a pattern lock, PIN or digital code).
3. Select applications from the list that you want to protect and confirm the choice.

Important: If you use a fingerprint to unlock your screen, you can also link it to your app lock. In the Application Lock menu, activate the fingerprint unlock option. However, remember that after you reboot your device, you will need to manually enter your password for the first time, which is a security measure from Xiaomi.

Remember your password or save it in a safe place.|Check if your fingerprint is added to the system|Make sure the app doesn’t work in the background|Disable notifications for blocked programs (optional)-->

Among the limitations of this method:

• 🔹 Does not work for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
• 🔹 After resetting the settings to the factory lock is removed automatically.
• 🔹 Some apps (such as Telegram) have their own locking system that can conflict with the system. MIUI.

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If the application lock feature disappeared from the menu after the MIUI update, try resetting the security settings in the Settings → Memory → Cleanup section. This often solves the problem without losing data.

Method 2: Using Second Space to isolate applications

Redmi 8’s Second Space mode allows you to create a completely isolated environment with separate settings, applications and data. This is the perfect solution if you want to not just block the application, but completely hide its presence on the device. For example, you can install messengers or banking applications only in Second Space, and leave the main desktop for everyday tasks.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After creation, go to the second desktop via the notification bar (Second Space icon).
4. Install or copy the applications you want to protect.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔐 Complete isolation: applications and data in Second Space are not visible in the main profile.
• 🔄 Ability to quickly switch between spaces through the notification panel.
• 📱 Supports separate lock screen settings, wallpaper and accounts.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Takes up additional space in the device memory (up to 1-2 GB for the second space).
• ⚠️ Some system features (like Google Pay) may not work properly in the second space.

Built-in lockdown MIUI|Second Space|Party of annex|Don't use protection.-->

Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Blocking

If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play, popular solutions such as AppLock, Norton App Lock and Smart AppLock, which offer advanced features such as:

• 🔒 Time-bound blocking (for example, only during working hours).
• 📸 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.
• 🔄 Automatic geolocation unlock (for example, no password is requested at home).

Instructions for setting up AppLock:

1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Make sure you have a master password (remember it!).
3. Enable access for AppLock in Special Options settings → Special facilities services.
4. Select the applications to lock and set up the unlock method (PIN, print, template).

Warnings when using third-party blockers:

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may conflict with application blockers, causing persistent password requests.

Comparison of built-in locking and third-party solutions:

4. Additional security measures on the Redmi 8

Setting a password on apps is just one of the steps to protect data. Xiaomi Redmi 8 also recommends:

• 🔐 Activate device encryption in Settings → Additionally. → Security → Encryption (slows down but increases protection).
• 📱 Set up automatic screen lock after 30 seconds of inactivity.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI Up to the latest version (fixing vulnerabilities).
• 🚫 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources in Settings → Confidentiality.

Redmi 8 with MIUI 12 and higher has a Private Folder feature that allows you to hide files (photos, videos, documents) behind a password, which is an addition to blocking applications, since it protects the data itself, not just access to programs.

To check the current version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If your firmware is outdated, update it through Settings → System Update. This is important, as older versions may have vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass application locking.

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The combination of built-in MIUI lock and Second Space mode provides the maximum level of protection: the former hides applications from prying eyes, and the second isolates critical data in a separate space.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Redmi 8 users often face the following difficulties when blocking applications:

Problem 1: Password is not requested after the device is restarted.

Solution: This is normal MIUI behavior — after a reboot, the system only requires you to enter a password once to verify your identity. If the password is not requested at all, check the settings for Blocking Applications → Additional → Request a password after the reboot.

Problem 2: The blocked application is still opened through notifications.

Solution: Turn off notifications for this application in Settings → Notifications → [App Name] or use a third-party blocker with notification hiding feature.

Problem 3: Second Space doesn’t have some features (like NFC payments).

Solution: This is a MIUI limitation - some system services (including Google Pay) are tied to the main space. Try moving the app back or use the main profile for payments.

⚠️ Note: If you use Root rights on Redmi 8, the built-in application lock may not work properly, in which case it is recommended to use third-party solutions such as AppLock that are compatible with rooted devices.

6. Comparison with other Xiaomi models

The application lock functionality on Redmi 8 is identical to most devices on MIUI, but there are nuances related to the hardware platform. For example, flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 12) are available to lock through the face scanner, while on Redmi 8 this method is not available due to the lack of an infrared camera.

Newer devices like the Redmi Note 11 also have a Private Mode feature that temporarily hides selected apps from the menu, but Redmi 8 doesn’t have this option, but it can be emulated through Second Space.

Compatibility table of locking functions on different Xiaomi devices:

7. Alternative methods of data protection

If blocking apps seems insufficient, consider additional measures:

• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication in critical applications (banks, social networks).
• 📱 Set up remote control via Mi Cloud (allows you to block or erase data when your device is lost).
• 🔄 Regularly back up important data in Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
• 🚫 Turn off autocomplete passwords in your browser if others use them.

To activate remote control:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable Find the Device and Remote Lock.
3. Make sure that data transfer and geolocation are enabled on the device.

This will allow in case of theft or loss of the smartphone to block it through the web interface i.mi.com, even if the device is not used. SIM-map will be retrieved.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions