How to put a password on the application in the phone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Protecting sensitive data in a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI firmware offer several built-in mechanisms to restrict access to applications, but not all of them are obvious to ordinary users. If you are looking for a way to hide personal correspondence in instant messengers, block access to banking applications or simply restrict the use of certain programs by children, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

Unlike iOS, where the app lock feature is implemented through Screen time, MIUI does not have a universal out-of-the-box solution, but the manufacturer has provided alternative methods from using Second Space to setting up Parental Controls. In addition, there are third-party applications with advanced capabilities that integrate into the system without root rights. We will look at all the current methods, including their pros and cons, and also give recommendations for choosing the best option for your Xiaomi model.

1. Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

Since MIUI 12, the App Lock option has been introduced in firmware, which allows you to set a password or graphical key for selected programs, a feature that works on most modern Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12 series, POCO F3/F4/F5 and the flagship Xiaomi 13/14. However, its availability depends on the regional version of the firmware - in some countries the option may be hidden.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. If the feature is not in the menu, try the path: Settings → Special features → Block applications.
3. Click Enable and set a password (it is recommended to use a combination of numbers and letters).
4. Select applications from the list that you want to block.

Important: The password to block apps is different from the main password to unlock the screen, and if you forget it, you can only restore access through a reset, which will delete all data on the device.

Remember or write down your password in a safe place|Check the version. MIUI (must be at least 12 years old)|Update the firmware if the function is missing|Create a backup copy of important data-->

2.Use of the "Second Space" to isolate applications

The second space is a unique MIUI feature that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate settings, applications and data, which is suitable for users who want to completely hide certain programs (such as messengers or social networks) from prying eyes, while the main space remains accessible without additional passwords.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a password to enter the second space (you can use a fingerprint).
4. In the new space, install the desired applications and configure them.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete data isolation: applications in the second space are not displayed in the main.
• 📱 Use different Google and Mi Accounts.
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces through the notification panel.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ It takes up additional space in memory (up to) 2-3 GB).
• ⏳ It takes time to set up the initial setup.
• 📵 Some system applications (e.g. Calls) are duplicated in both spaces.

Built-in application locking|Second space|Third-party annexes|Parental control|I don't use it.-->

Parental Controls: Restricting Access for Children

If your goal is to limit access to apps for a child, the best solution is Parental Control, which allows you not only to block individual programs, but also to set time limits, as well as filter content, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 11 and later.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Parental control.
2. Create a profile of your child by indicating their age.
3. Select applications that you want to block or limit in time.
4. Set a password to change settings (this must be a complex password different from the main one).

Additional opportunities:

• 🕒 Setting daily limits on smartphone use.
• 📵 Blocking purchases on Google Play and Mi Store.
• 🌐 Filtering Web Content Through SafeSearch.
• 📊 Viewing reports on child activity.

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If your child knows your primary unlock password, be sure to activate the Password Request function when you turn on the lock screen settings, which will prevent you from bypassing parental controls through rebooting the device.

4. Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 solutions

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party software that offers advanced features such as fingerprint locking, calculator masking, or hiding the icons of blocked applications. Here are three proven solutions that are compatible with Xiaomi:

Warnings when using third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Some blocking programs (especially from unverified sources) may contain malicious code or collect your data.Install only high-ranking apps and high-downloads on Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: After installing a third-party blocker, turn off battery optimization for it in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization, otherwise the program may spontaneously shut down.

5. Hiding applications without password: alternative methods

If you don’t need a password, but just want to hide the apps from prying eyes, MIUI has several built-in ways:

Method 1: Hiding in the application menu

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
3. Tick the programs that you need to hide and confirm the action.

To return hidden apps, repeat the same steps and uncheck the boxes.

Method 2: Use of restricted folders

• 📁 Create a folder on the home screen and move the desired applications to it.
• 🔐 Set the password on the folder after a long press. → Folder settings → Password protection (not available on all versions) MIUI).
• 👁️‍🗨️ For additional disguise, rename the folder to a neutral name (for example, "Games" or "Utilities").

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up the lock on Xiaomi applications, users often encounter typical errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Application Locking is not in the settings

• 📱 Reason: An outdated version MIUI (below 12) or regional firmware without this option.
• 🔧 Solution: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update system. If no updates, install a global version MIUI manually (instructions on the forum) XDA Developers).

Problem 2: Application lock password is not accepted

• 🔑 Cause: Conflict with other protected features (e.g. Safe Folder or Private Mode).
• 🔧 Solution: Reboot your device. If it doesn't help, reset your password through Mi Account (requires account binding).

Problem 3: Third-party blocking app doesn't work

• 🛑 Reason: MIUI Blocks the application’s background activity due to battery optimization.
• 🔧 Solution: Add the program to the exceptions: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption management → Select the application → No restrictions.

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If the application lock function is gone after the MIUI update, try resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Home Screen → Reset. This often restores hidden options.

7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of locking method depends on your goals and the model of the smartphone. Below is a comparison table that will help determine the best option:

Important: On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or Xiaomi 12T), the second space is more stable than on smartphones with Mediatek chips (for example, Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions