Owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones often face the need to hide personal correspondence or financial data from prying eyes. Model Redmi Note 10 Pro, working on the basis of shells MIUI or HyperOS, offers built-in tools to solve this problem without installing third-party software.
Protecting sensitive information becomes critical when children or colleagues can use the phone. Standard locking doesn't work if the device is already unlocked. That's why locking apps is the second, but equally important, level of security. In this article, we'll take a look at all the details of privacy settings.
The process of activating the security takes only a few minutes, but many users are unaware of the hidden features of the system, we will look at standard methods, working with Second Space and hidden applications, and also focus on biometric authorization methods that make logging into programs as fast and convenient as possible.
Standard application lock through security settings
The basic security method is built directly into the Security system application, a native tool that doesn't require you to download additional files from the store. To get started, you need to open the settings menu and find the appropriate section. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi devices.
Once you log in, you'll need to create a unique access code. The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock, a digital pin code or a letter password. The pattern lock is often considered less reliable, since fingerprints on the screen can reveal the combination, so experts recommend using a mixed type of protection. Be sure to link your Mi Account to restore access in case you forget the code.
Once you have a shared password, you will have a list of all the programs installed, and you can selectively activate the protection for specific programs, such as a gallery, messages, or bank clients.
- 🔒 Open the Security app on the home screen.
- 📱 Select Application Protection in the Tool List.
- 🔑 Create and confirm a strong password or pattern lock.
- ✅ Activate switches opposite the desired programs in the list.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from application protection and do not link the Mi Account, you can only reset the protection by completely resetting the data, which will lead to the loss of all information on the device.
Set up biometric unlocking for programs
Using biometrics makes access to secure data much faster. The Redmi Note 10 Pro features a screen-based fingerprint scanner that works quickly and accurately. To activate this feature, you need to have your biometrics stored in the system already. Without this step, fingerprint unlocking won't work.
There is a separate switch in the application protection menu that uses fingerprint unlock, and when activated, the system will ask for a finger instead of a password every time a secure program is run, which is especially useful for frequently used messengers, where constant code entry can be annoying.
Face unlock is also available, but it's less secure than a fingerprint scanner because it uses a conventional front-facing camera. In poor lighting, this method can be unstable. It's recommended that you combine methods: use biometrics for quick access, and keep your password in mind as a backup.
- 👆 Go to the settings Application Protection.
- 🧬 Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- 🖐️ Activate the item Unlock by fingerprint.
- 👁️ If necessary, adjust facial recognition for additional convenience.
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For maximum speed, add the same finger to the system twice as different fingerprints on the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
Hidden Apps (Hidden Apps)
One of the most popular features in the MIUI shell is the ability to not only block, but also completely hide the application icon, which is called Hidden Applications, and when it is activated for a particular program, its icon disappears from the desktop and from the menu of all programs, becoming visible only through a special input.
To access hidden programs, a special gesture or code is used in a standard Themes app or through search. Often users forget exactly how they hid the data, so it is important to remember the login method. In different versions of the firmware, the mechanic may change, but most often, enter the program name in a search, followed by clicking on a hidden icon.
It's important to understand the difference between locking and hiding. Locking leaves the icon visible, but requires a password to run. Hiding removes the icon completely, and without knowing the secret of access, you can't find the program. It's ideal for stored photos or documents.
Path to setup: Settings → Applications → Hidden applications| Parameter | Application lockdown | Hidden applications |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility of the icon | You can see it on the menu. | Hidden completely. |
| Action required | Password/fingerprint input | Special gesture or code |
| Notifications | Could come. | Usually hidden. |
| Level of privacy | Medium. | High-pitched |
The use of Second Space (Second Space)
For those who want maximum data separation, Xiaomi has a "Second Space" feature, which is basically creating a second user profile inside a smartphone, and you get a clean desktop, separate gallery, contacts, and installed apps that don't overlap with the main space.
Switching between spaces is instantaneous, through a label or a fingerprint, so you can set one finger to open the main profile and the other to the hidden one, and this allows you to keep your work and your personal lives strictly separate, which is not something you can do by locking individual programs down.
It takes a little longer to create a second space than simply setting a password, because the system creates a new file structure, but the result is worth it: no one with access to your unlocked phone in the main mode will even know that a second profile exists unless they know a special password or fingerprint.
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Second space.
- ➕ Click the Enable button and wait for the profile creation.
- 🔐 Set a separate password or fingerprint to enter.
- 📲 Install the necessary apps in the second space via GetApps or Google Play.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, photos and applications inside it will be permanently deleted.
What happens to the notifications in the second space?
Solutions to Access Problems and Errors
Despite the stability of MIUI, users may experience a situation where the system does not accept a password or recognize a fingerprint, often the problem lies in updating the system or a malfunction of the Google Play Services service, in which case you should not panic and try to reset the device.
The first step should always be to try to restore through your Mi Account. If you linked your account when you set up security, the system will suggest resetting your password after you enter your login and password from your account. This is the only official way to regain access without losing data.
If the problem is the fingerprint scanner, try to clear the data from the Security app or recreate the fingerprint in the biometric settings, sometimes by simply rebooting the device, which resets temporary errors in the fingerprint module.
The command to reset security settings (requires ADB):
adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenterIn the rare cases where nothing works, you have to resort to a complete reset of your phone settings, and make sure you have a fresh backup of all your important data in the cloud or on your computer before doing so.
☑️ Actions with a forgotten password
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bypass the password on apps if I know the unlock code of the screen?
Will the alarm go off if the Clock app is blocked with a password?
Are notifications from blocked apps visible on the lock screen?
Will the installed protection survive the resetting of the phone's settings?
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The combination of security techniques (password + hiding + second space) creates an almost insurmountable barrier for unauthorized persons.
Final safety recommendations
Protecting your privacy on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not a one-off action, but a process. Regularly check which apps have access to your data and update passwords. Don't use simple combinations like "1234" or geometric shapes that are easy to guess from the tracks on the screen.
Use all the tools available in the MIUI shell in a comprehensive way, combining icon hiding, biometrics and second space to create a strong digital strength, and remember that the security of your data depends primarily on your care and foresight.
Keep an eye out for system updates, as they often come with security patches that close vulnerabilities. Only the latest version of the software ensures that all the security mechanisms built into your smartphone work correctly. Take care of your data and enjoy the safe use of technology.