How to Protect Apps with a Password on Xiaomi Redmi: The Complete Guide

Why put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones store a huge amount of personal information: instant messengers, banking apps, photos and work documents. Even if you trust others, accidental access to the phone can lead to data leakage or unwanted actions. Statistics show that 38% of users have at least once experienced a situation when someone without permission opened their applications.

Owners of Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5 often don’t know that MIUI already has built-in tools to block applications, and many install third-party programs that not only duplicate functionality, but can also collect data about your passwords (more about this in the security section).

Method 1: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The most reliable and recommended method is to use the standard application lock feature in MIUI 12/13/14. It does not require superuser rights, does not load the system and is integrated with biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition).

The instructions are relevant for models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12/13 (modifications)
• 📱 Redmi 10/10A/10C older
• 📱 POCO X3/X4/X5 and POCO F3/F4/F5
• 📱 Xiaomi 11T/12T/13 (if MIUI, not global)

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking Applications
2. Click Enable and come up with PIN-code (minimum 4 digits, better 6)+)
3. Select applications from the list (e.g. SberBank Online, Telegram, Gallery)
4. Activate Hide Notifications so that content does not appear on the lock screen

Remember. PIN-code or save it in the password manager|Check if your fingerprint is added to the system|Disable Auto-Running of Blocked Applications|Make a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Attention: If you forget PIN-code from blocking applications, you can only reset it through a full reset of the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. This will delete all data from the device!

Method 2: Use of Second Space (Dual Space)

Second Space creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and even wallpaper, ideal if you want to hide not only individual programs, but all activity (for example, work chats or personal accounts).

How to set up:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Double space
• 🔐 Set a password to log in (you can use a pattern lock)
• 📲 Select applications that will only be available in Second Space
• 🔄 Switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen (set to Security) → Lock screen)

Second Space’s main advantage is that it can create a completely isolated environment, for example, you can install WhatsApp in both spaces with different accounts, and some apps (such as banking) can block work in the sandbox due to security policies.

Built-in application lock |Second Space |Third-party programs |Do not use lock-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (pros and risks)

Google Play has hundreds of apps to block other apps, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock, which promise additional features like geolocation or schedule locks, but have critical flaws:

• 🚨 Data collection: Many apps (especially free ones) request permissions to access notifications, contacts, and even the right to access the information. SMS. This allows them to intercept codes from bank messages.
• 🔋 Battery consumption: Third-party back-end locker processes increase power consumption by 15–25% (Redmi Note 11 Pro tests)+).
• 🛡️ Reliability: Built-in lock MIUI uses hardware encryption, and third-party programs often bypass software protection that can be hacked.

If you still decide to use a third-party solution, follow the rules:

1. Install only applications rated ≥4.5 and ≥1M downloads.
2. Before installing, check the permissions in Google Play (for example, android.permission.READ_SMS — red-flag!).
3. Turn off the blocker auto-start in Settings → Applications → Auto-run.
4. Update the program regularly (vulnerabilities in older versions are exploited by hackers).

⚠️ In 2023, Kaspersky researchers found that 12 of the 50 popular app blockers on Google Play contained malicious code to steal data. All of them were deleted, but new ones appear annually!

Hidden MIUI features for additional protection

In addition to standard methods, MIUI has little-known security features:

1. Hidden folders in the Gallery: Move personal photos/video to the Gallery → Albums → Hidden albums. They will only be available after you enter your password (you can attach to your fingerprint) It works even if the Gallery app is not blocked.
2. Blocking over the network: In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Network Blocking can prevent access to certain applications when connecting to specific networks (for example, blocking TikTok at work).
3. Incognito mode for applications: Some system applications (such as Browser or Records) support incognito mode. Activated by long tap on the desktop icon → Run in hidden mode.

These features don’t replace full lock, but add an extra layer of protection, such as hidden albums in the Gallery will be unavailable even if someone unlocks the app itself through Second Space.

💡

If you often share your phone with colleagues or friends, create a guest profile in Settings → System → Multiple users, which will only have basic apps (phone, camera), and personal data will remain hidden.

What to do if the lock is not working?

Sometimes users face problems:

• 🔄 Password not accepted: Make sure Caps Lock or other keyboard language is not enabled. MIUI password is case sensitive!
• 📱 Application not blocked: Check if it is added to exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Application power management).
• 🔋 Fast battery drain: Turn off Autosynchronization for blocked apps in Xiaomi account settings.
• 🔐 Biometrics Doesn't Work: Remove and Add the Print Again to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.

If the blocking function is lost after the MIUI update:

1. Check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. In some regional builds (for example, for Europe), the function may be disabled.
2. Reset security settings: Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Reset security settings (does not delete data!).
3. Install a manual update via MIUI bootloader (choose a stable version for your model).

💡

If the application lock is gone after reset, try manually activating it using ##4636## → Testing → Security Settings. This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices.

Security: How to Avoid Losing Access to Your Data

Even the most reliable methods of blocking can fail, if you do not follow simple rules:

• 🔑 Don't use simple passwords: Combinations like 1234, 0000 or date of birth are hacked in 10 seconds with bruteforce attacks. Minimum length is 6 characters with numbers and letters.
• 📱 Link Xiaomi account: This will allow you to restore access to Second Space after reset via cloud.xiaomi.com.

Special attention is paid to social engineering. Attackers often call on behalf of Xiaomi Support and ask for a lock code for "security checks." Xiaomi employees never ask for passwords over the phone or in chat rooms!

FAQ: Frequent questions about app blocking