Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 7, store a huge amount of confidential information. From personal correspondence in messengers to photos and banking applications, access to this data should be strictly limited. Standard screen locking is often not enough, especially if the phone is used by children or if the device falls into the hands of strangers for a short time.
In the MIUI shell, which is installed on Xiaomi devices by default, this feature is implemented at the system level. You do not have to search and install dubious programs from third-party sources, which could lead to data leakage or advertising. App Lock’s built-in tool allows you to set a separate pattern lock, digital code or unlock password for selected applications, providing a reliable barrier from prying eyes.
The setup process is simple enough and takes only a few minutes, but it has its own nuances that Redmi 7 owners should know about. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate protection, what types of passwords are available and how to hide the applications themselves, making them invisible to outsiders.
⚠️ Note: Forgotten application protection passwords cannot be restored by standard means unless a Mi Account is tied or security issues are set.
Preparation for system security setting
Before you go directly to password installation, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 7 is ready to work with security features. First of all, check if you have an up-to-date version of the operating system. While the basic App Lock functionality is available in all versions of MIUI, new updates often fix vulnerabilities that could have been used by attackers to bypass protection.
It is also recommended to make sure that there is enough free space in the device memory for system security services to work correctly. If the phone is full, the process of encrypting data or checking the password may take longer, and in rare cases the system may not work properly.
The important step is to link your Mi Account, which is not just a formality, but a critical step to restore access. If you forget the code you created, it is Xiaomi's account that will reset security settings and access data. Without an associated account, restoring access to blocked applications may become impossible without completely resetting the device.
☑️ Check before installing protection
Activation of application protection function (App Lock)
To get started with the built-in security module, you need to find it in the system settings. MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, China, Russia), but the logic remains the same. Open the Settings menu and scroll down to the section usually called Applications or Security. In some versions of the shell, this item is displayed in a separate Security app with a green shield icon.
Inside the security menu, find Application Protection (or App Lock) and the first time you run, it will prompt you to create a password, and it will be your key to all the protected programs. You can choose from three types of protection: pattern lock, digital key. PIN-A pattern lock is considered the most convenient for frequent use on smartphones with a screen diagonal of 6.26 inches, like the Redmi 7.
Once you create a password, the system will suggest you link your Xiaomi account to restore it, and you are strongly encouraged to agree to this action, and then you will be asked to configure additional settings, such as fingerprint unlocking (if your account allows it) or face unlocking, which will significantly speed up access to your data, allowing you to not enter the password again every time.
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Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or Face ID) to log in to apps – it’s faster and safer than constantly entering a pattern lock that people can peek at.
Selection of applications for blocking and access setting
Once you have created a password and linked your account, you will see a list of all the programs installed on your device, and you can choose which apps will be protected. Usually, users first block messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), a gallery, notes and banking applications. To activate the protection, you just need to move the slider opposite the desired application to the active position.
The system offers flexible lock-time settings, so you can choose when you want your password: immediately after you leave the application, 1 minute, 10 minutes or 1 hour after your last activity, and the "Immediate" option is the safest option, because it requires confirmation every time you open the program, even if you just used it.
App hiding features are also worth noting: App Lock settings often feature the Hide Apps option, and if you activate it and add it to the hidden list, it disappears from the desktop and from the menu of all apps, and to find it, you swipe up on the desktop to open a search and enter a special code (which you specify yourself), which creates a double layer of protection: the application is not only locked with a password, but also invisible.
- 🔒 Instant lock: Requires a password to be entered every time an application is launched, providing maximum protection.
- ⏱️ Lock timer: Allows you to use the application for a specified time (1 min, 10 min, 1 hour) after the first authorization.
- 👁️ Hiding icons: Makes the application invisible on the menu, access to it is only through a special search code.
Using biometrics for quick access
Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners can use the fingerprint scanner located on the back of the device to unlock secure applications. This is not only convenient, but also increases overall security, since the fingerprint is unique and impossible to peek, unlike the pattern lock. To activate this feature, go to the application protection settings and turn on the option "Unlock fingerprint".
It's worth noting that biometric unlocking only works in conjunction with the primary password. If you've rebooted your phone or haven't used a lock in a long time, the system will still require you to enter the primary pattern lock or digital code, a standard Android security measure that prevents unauthorized access in the event of sensor failure or attempts to bypass protection.
Newer versions of MIUI also have Face Unlock, which uses a front-facing camera to scan the face of the wearer, and although this method is less secure than a fingerprint scanner (photos can be fooled), it makes access to content much faster, and you can combine methods like using a fingerprint for banking applications and facial unlocking for a gallery.
What to do if the fingerprint scanner is not working?
Comparison of protection methods and their effectiveness
The choice of protection depends on how sensitive the data in the application is and how often you use it. The pattern lock is convenient, but its traces on the screen can give a combination. PIN-The code is more secure, but it's harder to type with one hand. The hard password is the safest, but the least convenient for daily use. Below is a table to help you choose the best option for different use cases of the Redmi 7.
| Protection method | Level of security | Usability | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium. | High. | Social media, messengers |
| Digital PIN | High-pitched | Average. | Finance, personal photos |
| A complex password | Very tall. | Low. | Crypto wallets, documents |
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | Very high. | Frequent access to all applications |
It is important to understand that no method gives 100% guarantee if the device is already unlocked (screen is on). Application protection is a barrier against accidental access or access by acquaintances, but not from professional hackers with physical access to the file system. Therefore, the combination of locking the device screen and personal application protection is the gold standard of security for Xiaomi users.
When choosing a password type, avoid obvious combinations such as "1234", "0000" or simple geometric shapes (such as the letter "L" or "Z"). Attackers often test these options first.
Typical problems and restoration of access
Users can face a variety of difficulties in using application protection, the most common problem is a forgotten password, if you haven't linked a Mi Account, it's almost impossible to restore access, but if the link is done, you just need to type the password incorrectly several times and the system will suggest resetting it through the account, which will require an Internet connection.
Another common problem is blocking system applications: some users accidentally block Settings, Phone or Messages, which can make it difficult to use the device. To avoid this, system programs are often hidden by default or marked with a warning in the list of applications to block system applications. If you blocked an important system application, try finding it in the protected list and disable the slider by pre-authorizing.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your phone to a factory setting will delete all data, including your App Lock password, but also destroy all your photos and contacts. Use this method only as a last resort if your Mi Account doesn't help.
If the app stopped asking for a password after the system update, check the permission settings. In the new versions of Android and MIUI, security applications require special permissions for "Above Other Windows" and "Data Use." Go to Settings → Applications → Security → Permits and make sure that all the necessary points are active. Also try to clear the cache of the "Security" application without deleting its data.
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Always link your Mi Account to the App Lock feature – this is the only reliable way to restore access to data without losing information in the case of a forgotten password.