How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 proven ways

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Xiaomi Redmi 8, despite its budget category, offers several ways to restrict access to applications, from built-in MIUI features to third-party solutions. However, many owners face a problem: standard security settings in this model are hidden or work differently than in the flagships of the brand.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for setting passwords for applications, from official Application Blocking in MIUI to use Second Space and third-party programs like AppLock. We will focus on the nuances associated with Redmi 8: why some features may be missing, how to circumvent restrictions and what to do if the password is forgotten.

Important: the procedure is different from that used on new Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), where the application lock is placed in a separate menu. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 11-12, the path to settings is different, and some options may require pre-activation.

1. Method: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The most reliable method is to use the standard application lock feature, which is sewn into Xiaomi firmware, but on Redmi 8 it can be hidden or require additional actions to activate.

First, check the MIUI version: go to Settings → About → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have version 11 or 12, the feature should be present. Older firmware (MIUI 10 and below) may not have it, in which case move to the second method.

Make sure that the phone has a pattern lock installed or PIN-code

Update MIUI to the latest version available

Check the space available (at least 500 MB is required)

Close all applications you want to block-->

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Scroll down and select Application Lock. If this is not the case, tap on Additional (three dots in the upper right corner) and activate the hidden features display.
3. The system will ask you to create a master password (if you don't already have one), use a combination that you won't forget, but which is difficult to find!a0m1_8.
4. Once you create a password, you will see a list of installed apps. Select the ones you want to block (e.g. Gallery, WhatsApp, SMS).
5. Activate the switch next to the application name. Now, you'll need to enter a password every time you run it.

An important nuance for Redmi 8 is that if the application lock function is not available even after the update, it may be due to regional firmware. For example, in European versions of MIUI, some security options are disabled by default.

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If the app lock doesn't work after setting up, restart the phone.Sometimes the MIUI security service requires a restart to apply the changes.

2. Method: Use of Second Space (second desktop)

If the built-in lock is not available, the alternative is to create a second desktop (Second Space) and move sensitive applications there, which does not require the installation of third-party programs and securely isolates data.

Second Space is a separate account on the phone with its own settings, applications and files, switching between spaces is password protected, and the method is minus: you have to duplicate some applications (for example, messengers) and configure them again.

• ✅ Pros: complete data isolation, no risk of leakage through third-party application vulnerabilities.
• ❌ Cons: takes up extra space, uncomfortable for frequent switching.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions, and you will be asked to set a password to switch between spaces.
3. After you create the second desktop, install the applications you want (they are not automatically copied!).
4. To switch between spaces, swipe down the notification bar and tap the user icon (or use a gesture if it is set up).

⚠️ Note: When you delete Second Space, all data and applications will be permanently erased. Pre-restore important files through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the first two methods don't work, you'll have a third-party lock manager installed, and the most popular solution is DoMobile Lab's AppLock, but there are alternatives: Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock, which offer advanced features like fingerprint locking, icon masking, and automatic application closure after inactivity.

Third-party apps have the advantage of flexibility in settings, such as AppLock, where you can:

• 🔒 Set different passwords for different applications.
• 🕒 Set up a lock schedule (for example, only during working hours).
• 📸 Take a photo of someone who is trying to crack the password (Hacking function).
• 🔄 Block your phone settings so the attacker can’t disable AppLock.

How to install and configure:

1. Download AppLock from Google Play (or AppGallery if the Play Market isn’t available).
2. When you first start, set a master password. We recommend using at least 8 characters with a combination of letters and numbers.
3. In the main menu, select the applications to block (for example, Instagram, Bank-Client, Photos).
4. Activate additional options: Hide notifications so that the contents of messages do not appear on the lock screen; Fake password to enter false code in case of coercion; Autoblock – automatic closure of the application after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.

⚠️ Note: Third-party locking apps may conflict with Xiaomi's battery optimizers. After installing AppLock, add it to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → AppLock → No restrictions.

Built-in MIUI lockdown

Second Space (Second Space)

Third-party applications (AppLock, etc.)

I don't use a lock.

Another option-->

4. Problem Solving: Changing the firmware region to access the lock

If your Redmi 8 doesn’t have App Lock, it may be due to regional firmware, such as European (EEA) and Global (Global) versions of MIUI, some security options are disabled for legal reasons, and the solution is to change the firmware region to China or India, where these features are available by default.

Important: changing the firmware region can lead to data loss and unstable operation of some services (for example, Google Pay).

Instructions for changing the region:

1. Download the firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select China Stable or India Stable region).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root directory (not in the folder!).
3. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.
5. Specify the path to update.zip and wait for the update to complete.

After changing region, check for the application lock feature in Settings → Passwords and security. If it is not available, try resetting your phone settings (but this is a last resort!).

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Changing the firmware region is a radical method that should only be used if other blocking methods are not available, and after the procedure, accounts and applications may need to be reconfigured.

5 How to Reset Your Password If You Forgot It

Forgotten passwords from app locking or Second Space are a common problem, and depending on the method of locking, the ways to restore access vary:

If the password of the built-in MIUI lock is forgotten:

Unfortunately, there is no official way to reset the password from Locking apps without losing data.

• 🔑 Remember your password (try the combinations you use frequently).
• 📱 Reset your phone to factory settings via Recovery Mode (all data will be deleted!).
• 🔧 Use Mi Account to unlock (not working on all firmware).

If you forget the Second Space password:

To reset the password of the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Slip on Delete Second Space (you will need to enter the password of the main space).
3. Confirm deletion. All data from the second space will be erased!

If you forgot your password in AppLock:

Most third-party apps have an email recovery or secret question feature.

1. On the password entry screen, tap on Forgot your password?
2. Enter the email address provided during registration.
3. Follow the instructions in the password reset letter.

⚠️ Warning: If you don’t remember an email or a secret question, the only way to get access back is to delete AppLock via Settings. → This will automatically unlock all applications, but remove the lock settings.

6. Additional security measures for Redmi 8

Passwords are only part of the protection, and to keep data as secure as possible on Redmi 8, we recommend:

• 🔐 Activate device encryption: Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and accounts → Encrypt the phone. It takes 30 to 60 minutes, but then the data will be protected even if the phone is stolen.
• 📱 Set up a lockdown. SIM-card: this will prevent your number from being used on another phone. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map.
• 🛡️ Disable debugging by USB (If not used: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to open Developer Settings, then Developer Settings → Debugging by USB.
• 🌐 Use it. VPN for public networks: this will protect traffic from interception in open Wi-Fi.

It is also useful to set up automatic screen lock after a short period of time. To do this, go to Settings → Lock screen → After 30 seconds of inactivity. This will reduce the risk of unauthorized access if you forget your phone in a public place.

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To check how secure your Redmi 8 is, use the built-in Security Audit in Settings → Passwords & Security → Security Audit. The system will scan the device for vulnerabilities and suggest fixes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Redmi 8