The Redmi Note 8 Pro series has long proven to be reliable devices with an excellent balance of price and performance, but protecting personal information remains a priority for every owner. The MIUI operating system, which is based on Android, has a powerful built-in security mechanism that allows you to hide confidential data from prying eyes. Installing locks on individual programs is not just a convenience, but a necessary precaution in today’s digital world.
Many users mistakenly believe that to limit access to the gallery, messengers or banking customers, you need to download third-party software from the Google Play store. In fact, Xiaomi engineers built a full-fledged protection module directly into the system shell. It works more stable than any other analogues and does not consume battery power in the background. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating protection, adjusting biometrics and eliminating possible difficulties.
Before we get to the practical steps, it is important to note the importance of linking a Mi Account, a security requirement that ensures that even with a complete flashing of the device, your data will remain under control. If you are not already logged in, the system will suggest doing this during the configuration process of the feature, which is not recommended to ignore, since it is the key to regain access in case of forgetting a password.
Preparation for data protection settings
The first step will be to check the basic security settings of your Redmi Note 8 Pro. The system requires that the device already has the basic method of unlocking the screen, whether it is a pattern lock, a digital pin code or a fingerprint. Without this foundation, activation of additional layers of protection is impossible, since it is the main code that serves as a backup login method.
Also make sure your software is updated to the latest available version. In the Settings menu → Phone, you can check for updates. Older versions of MIUI may contain bugs in the security module that have been patched by developers in more recent builds. The stability of the feature depends on the relevance of the firmware.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously reset security settings to factory settings, the feature may require a full re-activation with a new account attached.
It's important to decide which programs you want to hide, and it allows you to select applications from a preset list, but some system utilities may not be available to block, so that you don't have any conflicts with the operating system, and user applications like WhatsApp, Viber, or the gallery are blocked without restrictions.
Step-by-step instruction for activating the lock
The process of enabling protection is intuitive, but requires careful choice of settings. Open the standard Security app, which has a green icon with a shield and is preinstalled on all Xiaomi devices. In the bottom menu, find and select Application Protection. If you see a suggestion to activate the feature, click the corresponding button.
The system will suggest creating a unique password other than the screen unlock code, which can be a four-digit numeric code or a pattern lock, come up with a combination that is easy to remember but hard to guess, after you enter the code, you will need to confirm it by re-entering it, then the question of the account binding - be sure to select Yes and log in to your profile.
☑️ Setup of protection
Once you successfully create a password, you'll open up a list of all the programs you've installed. Just switch the slider opposite the application to the active state. From now on, every time you run the program you've chosen, the system will ask for the code or fingerprint you've entered, and it takes no more than a minute, but it provides a strong barrier for the curious.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use simple combinations like 1234 or 0000. Attackers often test for such obvious options first when trying to access them.
Using biometrics for quick access
Entering a password every time can be tedious, so Redmi Note 8 Pro suggests using a fingerprint scanner. There's a "Use fingerprint" option in the application protection settings, and by activating it, you can open blocked programs with the touch of the sensor, which greatly speeds up the process and increases the comfort of use.
It also supports face unlock if it is available in your firmware version. However, it is worth considering that facial recognition on medium models is less secure than a fingerprint scanner, as it can be tricked by a photo.
If the print is not read, the system will automatically prompt you to enter a graphical or digital password, which is standard security procedure. Don't worry if the sensor does not react the first time in conditions of high hand humidity, in such situations, an alternative method of input remains the only correct solution.
Application Hiding Function in MIUI
In addition to setting a password, the MIUI shell allows you to completely hide application icons from your desktop, a feature called Hidden Apps, which is in the same settings menu as the protection, and by enabling it, you can add programs to a special hidden list, and they disappear from the home screen and from the menu of all applications.
A special gesture or code is used to access hidden programs, most often a set of asterisks in the Phone app (for example, #123#) or a swipe up at a specific location on the desktop if this option is enabled in the theme settings, which creates an additional level of privacy, since an outsider will not even see that the application is installed.
The app continues to run in the background, receive notifications and consume traffic. If you want the program to not show any signs of life before you log in, it is better to use flight mode in combination with hiding or disable notifications in the settings of the system itself.
Comparison of data protection methods
Different methods of restricting access have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the difference between them will help you choose the best security strategy for your use case.
| Method | Level of protection | Convenience | Difficulty bypassing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Password to the application | High-pitched | Average. | Tall. |
| Hiding the icon | Medium. | High. | Low. |
| Second space | Maximum | Low. | Very high. |
| Guest mode | High-pitched | Average. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, the app password is the middle ground between security and convenience. Hiding icons is more suitable for protection from children or a casual glance, but it will not save from a technically literate person. The second space creates a completely isolated environment, which is ideal for separating work and personal life.
⚠️ Note: Second Space requires significant memory resources, and on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it works consistently, but can slightly increase power consumption when using both profiles actively.
Solving problems and resetting password
Users often face a situation where the password is forgotten. Unlike older versions of Android, modern security systems Xiaomi does not allow you to simply reset the code without verifying your identity. If you forgot the password, the input screen will be available link Forgot the password?. By clicking on it, the system will prompt you to answer the security question or log into the Mi Account.
If the check question wasn't asked in the initial setup, the only way to get back access is to completely reset the phone, a radical measure that will remove all data from the device, which is why it emphasizes the importance of regularly backing up to the cloud or to the computer.