How to put a password on the application in the phone Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is one of the key tasks of the modern user. Even if you do not keep state secrets on Xiaomi, access to messengers, banking applications or social networks can lead to leakage of confidential information. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers several built-in ways to restrict access to individual programs, and for advanced functions you can always use third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss 4 working methods for passwords on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from standard tools to hidden features and reliable third-party utilities. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models, and we will also explain how to avoid common security errors. If you are worried about the security of your data or just want to restrict access to certain programs for children, this guide is for you.

1. Built-in “Application Lock” function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way to protect applications is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 firmware and later, which requires no additional software installation and is integrated into the security system.

To activate the lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Lock (in some versions of MIUI, it may be called Privacy → Application Lock).
3. When you first start the system will offer to create a pattern lock, PIN-code or use a fingerprint. Choose a convenient option.
4. In the list of applications, tick the programs that you want to protect.

After setting up the locked application, a password will be requested every time you open it, and it is important that if you use a fingerprint, make sure it is saved correctly (check Settings → Fingerprints and Security).

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If there is no program in the list of blocked applications, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from this article.

• ✅ It works without root rights and third-party programs
• ✅ Supports different types of unlocking (PIN, pattern lock, biometrics)
• ⚠️ Some system applications (e.g. Settings) cannot be blocked
• ⚠️ After resetting the settings, the lock is reset.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function for complete isolation

If you need to not just block individual apps, but create a completely isolated environment with your own programs and data, use the Second Space feature, which is analogous to the guest mode on Android, but with more flexible settings.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a new space (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After rebooting, choose which space you want to work in (main or second).
4. Install the desired applications only in the second space – they will not be visible in the main.

The advantage of this method is that you can completely hide the presence of certain programs (such as messengers or banking applications) from prying eyes. However, note that Second Space takes up additional space on the device and can slightly reduce performance on weak models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31).

3. Third-party applications for blocking: AppLock and analogues

If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough, you can use third-party utilities, and one of the most popular is DoMobile Lab's AppLock, which offers enhanced features over standard tools:

• 🔒 Blocking not only applications, but also individual functions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, settings)
• 📱 Support for fake reset (when entering the wrong password shows an empty screen)
• 🔔 Hiding notifications from blocked programs
• 🕒 Lock timer (automatic protection activation at certain times)

How to install and configure:

1. Download AppLock from Google Play (or APKMirror if the app is not available in your area).
2. When you first start, set a master password (it is recommended to use a complex combination).
3. In the main menu, select the applications to lock.
4. In the settings (⚙️ → Advanced Protection: Activate Prevent uninstall so that an attacker cannot delete AppLock without a password.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) can use Conflict with AppLock to block it. If, after installing security, apps continue to open without a password, add AppLock to the antivirus exceptions.

4. Hidden MIUI features: locking through "Children's Mode"

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature called “Children’s Mode” that can be adapted to block apps, which is suitable if you want to restrict access to certain programs for a while (for example, for a child or a guest).

Algorithm of settings:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for Children.
2. Activate the mode and ask PIN-code (it will be requested upon exit).
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones that are allowed to be used. All other programs will be blocked.
4. Click Start mode for children - the device will restart in limited mode.

The downside of this is that it blocks all apps except those allowed, not the other way around, but it can be useful if you're temporarily transferring your phone to someone and want to restrict access to only a few programs (like your camera and browser).

Remember or write down a master password|Check the compatibility of the method with the version MIUI|Make a backup copy of important data|Disable Auto-Update of Blocked Applications-->

5 Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Your Password Doesn't Work

Even after you set up your lock correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes run into problems, and here are the most common situations and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — Some features may not be available in old firmware (update via Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔄 Conflicts with other programs – disable antivirus and optimizers (e.g. Clean Master or Security Master).
• 🔋 Battery Optimization – Add App Lock to Exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) A1/A2 with pure Android) built-in application lock may not be available, in which case use third-party utilities or create a guest profile through Settings → System system → Users.

6 Additional Security Measures: What More Can Be Done

In addition to blocking individual applications, we recommend to strengthen the protection of the device as a whole:

• 🔐 Set the password on SIM-map (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-This will prevent unauthorized use of your number.
• 📲 Activate device encryption (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials. This will protect data even when you physically access your phone.
• 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication for important accounts (Google, Mi Account, banking apps).
• 🚫 Disable the installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Privacy → Special permissions) to prevent the installation of malware.

If you often pass your phone to colleagues or friends, consider using guest mode (available on MIUI 12 and later).

1. Pull down the notification panel and tap on the user's avatar.
2. Select Add Guest.
3. Set up restrictions for your guest profile (such as banning calls or access to a gallery).

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The combination of built-in app lock (App Lock) and device encryption ensures maximum data protection on Xiaomi smartphones, even if the phone falls into the wrong hands.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi