How to put a password on the application on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways

Why put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi 8?

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular MIUI-shelled smartphone that offers several built-in privacy protection tools. Passwording apps is relevant if you:

Share your phone with family members or colleagues and want to hide personal correspondence on WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber.

Keep sensitive information in the gallery or notes (document scans, passwords, financial data).

- Fear that if you lose your device, third parties will have access to banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) or social networks.

Unlike the iPhone, where the application lock is implemented through Screen time, MIUI has two standard solutions: App Lock (built-in lock) and Second Space (isolated profile), you can also use third-party programs if standard features are not enough, then we will analyze each method with the characteristics of Redmi 8.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8 firmware MIUI 12 App Lock interface may be different – check the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you MIUI 10/11, Some menu items will be called differently (e.g., "Security" → "Protection of confidentiality").

Method 1: Built-in App Lock (application lock)

The easiest method is to use the standard App Lock, which blocks access to selected programs with a password, fingerprint, or pattern lock, and works on all versions of MIUI, including Redmi 8.

How to turn on:

1. Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application lock (in older versions: Security) → Application lock).
3. Click Enable and set a password (minimum 4 digits) or a pattern lock.
4. Select the applications from the list you want to block (e.g. Gallery, Messages, Bank).
5. Activate the switch Request a password when you open.

✅ Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 No need to install additional programs.
• 👆 Works with biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition if configured).
• 📱 The lock is triggered instantly when the application is opened.

❌ Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not hide notifications of blocked applications (their text will be visible on the lock screen).
• 🔄 When resetting phone settings, App Lock is turned off.
• 📵 It does not work in safe mode (safe mode).

Make sure that the phone has a primary password (PIN or pattern lock) installed.

Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Check if your app supports locking (some system utilities are not blocked)

Backup important data (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup)-->

Method 2: Second Space (Second Profile)

Second Space is an isolated environment in MIUI that creates a second desktop with separate applications, settings, and data, which is suitable if you want to hide some programs and files completely.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password for a new profile).
3. After you create, go to Second Space Settings and select apps that will only be available there (e.g. Instagram, Photos).
4. Return to the home screen and pull down the notification bar – a switch between profiles will appear.

🔹 Important: Redmi 8 Second Space does not support biometric authorization (only a password or a graphical key), and some applications (for example, Google Play Store) may work unstable in an isolated profile.

Built-in App Lock

Second Space (second profile)

Application side (e.g. Norton App Lock)

I don't use a lock.

Another option-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can install third-party programs from Google Play.

• 🔐 Norton App Lock – a secure lock with support PIN, password and fingerprint.
• 🛡️ AppLock by DoMobile – allows you to block not only applications, but also individual functions (for example, the application is blocked, USB-debugging APK).
• 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight application with a minimalist interface.

⚠️ Note: Third-party programs require device administrator rights or Special features that may conflict with MIUI Optimization: On the Redmi 8, this sometimes leads to optimization:

• Unintentional closure of blocked applications.
• Slow down the phone (if the program is running in the background).
• A conflict with Xiaomi’s App Lock (better to use one or more of them).

How to install Norton App Lock:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and accept the terms of use.
3. Set a password (at least 6 characters are recommended).
4. Enable the Administrator of the device in the security settings (the application itself will suggest to do this).
5. Select the programs to block from the list.

💡

If after installing a third-party lock, applications begin to lag, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Castle name] → Battery and turn off optimization MIUI for this application.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you set up a lock on Redmi 8, users face typical problems.

1. App Lock does not ask for a password

If you have enabled App Lock, but the apps open without asking for a password:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 📱 Check if the Application Lock is disabled in the settings (Applications) → Application lock → Switch at the top).
• 🔧 Make sure that no exception is set to Settings for the blocked application. → Battery → Application power management.

2.Forgotten Second Space password

If you forgot the password from the second profile, you can restore access only through resetting the settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Remove Second Space (this will remove all data from an isolated profile!).
3. Recreate Second Space.

⚠️ Note: Second Space reset does not affect the main profile, but all data (photos, messages, applications) from the second space will be permanently deleted.

3 Third-party lock is not working after MIUI update

After updating the MIUI firmware, some third-party blockers cease to function.

• 🔄 Update the lock app to the latest version on Google Play.
• 📲 Reinstall the program (remove and install again).
• 🔧 Enable permission for it Special features in the phone settings.

How to strengthen protection: additional tips

In addition to blocking applications, Redmi 8 can improve security in the following ways:

1. Hiding notices

To prevent messages from blocked applications from appearing on the lock screen:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Select an app (such as WhatsApp).
3. Turn off the switch Show on the lock screen.
4. Enable Hide the contents of notifications.

2. Data encryption

Redmi 8 can encrypt the entire contents of your phone:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Security → Phone Encryption.
2. Set your password (should match the main one) PIN-phone-code).
3. Connect your phone to charge (the encryption process takes 30-60 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After encryption, resetting settings through Recovery will lead to complete loss of data – it will be impossible to restore them!

3. Two-factor authentication in applications

For critical services (banks, social networks) set up 2FA:

• 🏦 In banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) enable confirmation by SMS or push-notification.
• 📧 In mail (Gmail, Yandex Mail) use authentication applications (Google Authenticator, Authy).
• 🔑 For Telegram and WhatsApp, set an additional password in your account settings.

💡

The combination of built-in lock (App Lock) and two-factor authentication in the applications themselves ensures maximum data protection on Redmi 8.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

The choice of blocking method depends on your tasks:

💡 Tip: If you often pass your phone to colleagues or friends, combine App Lock for individual applications and Second Space to completely isolate personal data:

• In Second Space, transfer the Gallery, Notes and Files.
• Using App Lock, block Messages and Calls in the main profile.

FAQ: Frequent questions