Why put a password on apps in Redmi Note 7?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 stores a lot of sensitive information: instant messengers, bank app data, personal photos. Even if you trust others, random access to your phone can lead to data leakage, for example, a colleague can see your messages, and a child can accidentally delete an important file.
Redmi Note 7 owners often face the problem: how to restrict access to individual applications without blocking the entire phone? PIN-The code or pattern lock only protects the unlock screen, but does not prevent the running of installed programs. MIUI There are built-in tools for this task – App Lock and Second Space, as well as third-party solutions.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to protect applications on the Redmi Note 7, including hidden MIUI features that 80% of users don’t know about, learn how to set a password even for system utilities, what methods work without root rights, and how to get around typical configuration errors.
Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI
The easiest and most reliable method is to use the standard App Lock feature, which is available on all versions of MIUI 10 to 14 and does not require additional software installation, the main advantage is that the lock works at the system level, so it is difficult to get around it.
To activate App Lock:
- Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
- Click Enable and set the password (you can use the same one as for the lock screen).
- Select the apps from the list you want to protect (e.g. WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
- Activate the switch next to the name of each application.
After that, every time you run the secure software, you'll ask for a password, and the important thing is that if you forget the code from App Lock, you can only restore it through your Mi Account (linked to your phone).
Make sure your phone is connected to Mi Account|
Remember or record the password from the lock screen |
Update MIUI to the latest version (old versions of App Lock are unstable)|
Shut down. VPN (It can block access to security settings)-->
Features of App Lock on Redmi Note 7
The function does not only support PIN-code, but:
- 🔢 pattern lock – convenient for those who are used to unlocking swipes.
- 👆 Fingerprint – works only on models with a sensor (in Redmi Note 7 it is located on the back panel).
- 📱 Face unlocking is less reliable, but suitable for quick access.
Note that if you use a fingerprint, the system will still require you to enter a password after you reboot your phone or after 72 hours of unblocking, a security measure from Xiaomi that cannot be turned off.
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If App Lock doesn't show up in the settings, check the firmware region. In European and global versions of MIUI, the feature is available by default, and in Chinese (CN) it may not. Solution: reflash the phone on MIUI Global or use the 2/3 method.
Method 2: Second Space – Separate Work Profile
Second Space is a unique MIUI feature that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data, essentially a phone in a phone where you can hide personal information under an additional password.
How to set up Second Space on Redmi Note 7:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
- Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions.
- Set a separate password for the second profile (may differ from the main one).
- Move the apps to Second Space via the Second Space Settings menu.
Now, when you switch between profiles, you'll ask for a password, and the advantage of this method is that you can hide not only apps, but also notifications, files, and even call history, and you'll have to duplicate some programs (like messengers) in both profiles.
| Criteria | App Lock | Second Space |
|---|---|---|
| Password required at each launch | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (only when changing profiles) |
| Support for biometrics | ✅ Yeah (print, face) | ❌ No. |
| Hiding notices | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| It works without the internet. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Difficulty setting up | ⭐⭐ (simple) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) |
Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party programmes|Not protecting the applications|Another option-->
When to choose Second Space?
This method is suitable if you need:
- 🔒 Hide not only applications, but also files, contacts, SMS.
- 📱 Separate work and personal data (e.g. two WhatsApp accounts).
- 🛡️ Protect yourself from spyware (they don’t see the data in the second profile).
How to transfer applications between profiles?
Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking
If you don't like the built-in MIUI, you can use Google Play, which offers advanced features like time locking, calculator masking, remote control, but there are risks to this method:
- 🚨 Data Leakage – Some applications collect information about blocked programs.
- 🔋 Battery consumption – background work of utilities increases energy consumption.
- 🛠️ Conflicts with MIUI — Failures may occur after system updates.
Top.-3 Proven programs for Redmi Note 7:
- AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) – supports locking by geolocation, takes photos of the attacker.
- Norton App Lock is a reliable version of the antivirus giant, integrated with Norton Security.
- Smart AppLock is a light utility with minimal resource consumption.
How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play (like AppLock).
- Launch the program and set a master password.
- Select the applications to lock in the Protection menu.
- Set up additional settings (such as Hidden Mode or Time Lock).
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Third-party locking apps may conflict with Xiaomi’s App Lock.If the phone starts to brake or overheat after installation, disable one of the locking systems.
⚠️ Note: Some banking apps (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block the work on phones with installed lock programs.If after setting up you can not log in to the bank, remove the third-party AppLock and use the built-in App Lock from Xiaomi.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you set up app locking on Redmi Note 7, users experience typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
1. App Lock does not save settings
If after restarting the phone the lock is reset:
- 🔄 Check if sync with Mi Account is enabled (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization).
- 📱 Update. MIUI up to the latest version (in old firmware bugs with resetting settings).
- 🧹 Clear the app's cache Settings → Annexes → Application management → Application lockdown → Clear the cache.
2.Forgotten password from App Lock
The only official way to recover is through Mi Account:
- On the password entry screen, click Forgot the password.
- Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
- Follow the instructions for resetting the code.
If your account is not tied or you have forgotten the data from it, you will have to reset your phone to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) you can reset the password App Lock through the TWRP. However, this requires technical skills and can lead to data loss.
3.Second Space does not open
If the second profile has stopped running:
- 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15% Second Space can be locked.
- 📴 Restart your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🛠️ Reset Second Space settings via Settings → Special facilities → Second Space → Reset (data will be deleted!).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of blocking method depends on your tasks:
- 🔐 Maximum protection → App Lock + fingerprint.
- 📂 Hiding data → Second Space.
- 🛡️ Additional functions (geolocation, masking) → Third-party programmes.
For most users, the Redmi Note 7 is the best App Lock: it does not require the installation of additional utilities, works stable and is supported by Xiaomi. Second Space is suitable for those who want to completely isolate personal data, and third-party programs for enthusiasts who are willing to sacrifice performance for the sake of advanced features.
If you use your phone for work, we recommend combining methods: for example, block messengers through App Lock, and store working documents in Second Space.