How to set a password for applications in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the complete guide

Why put a password on apps in Redmi Note 8?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular devices among users who value balance of price and functionality. But even with the built-in protection mechanisms of MIUI, personal data in the applications remains vulnerable. Imagine a situation: you let a friend's phone show photos, and he accidentally opened a messenger with personal correspondence or a banking application, the consequences can be unpleasant, from awkward moments to financial losses.

Statistics show that more than 60% of Xiaomi users do not use additional application protection, relying only on locking the screen. PIN-A code or fingerprint is not saved if the phone is already unlocked. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to password applications in Redmi Note 8 - from built-in features. MIUI Up to third-party solutions with enhanced capabilities.

It's important to understand that password protection is not just about privacy, it's about financial data security, for example, if you have SberBank Online, Tinkoff or PayPal on your phone, accessing them without additional authentication can lead to theft of funds, and even if you're confident in your loved ones, it's better to be safe.

Method 1: Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the standard application lock feature available in MIUI firmware, which requires no additional software installation and works steadily, the main advantage is integration with Xiaomi system mechanisms, which eliminates conflicts with updates.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Enter the current password from the Mi Account (if the account is not tied, the system will prompt you to create it).
3. Select the apps you want to protect by moving the slider to the right.
4. Set up the type of lock: Password, fingerprint or face recognition.

Please note: if you use facial recognition, the system may request a backup PIN-crash code, also in the MIUI There is an option “Hide notifications” for blocked applications – this will prevent the display of confidential information on the lock screen.

Linking your Mi Account to your phone

Remember the backup. PIN-code

Check the list of applications to block

Disable Auto-Run for Secure Applications-->

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings, all data on blocked apps will be deleted. To restore access, you will need to reconfigure the lock after resetting.

Method 2: Using "Second Space" to Isolate Applications

The MIUI's Second Space feature allows you to create a separate user profile with unique settings and apps, not exactly a password for apps, but an effective way to isolate personal data, for example, you can move WhatsApp, Telegram and banking apps to a second space, and leave the main profile for public programs.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Create a new space by following the instructions (you will need to create a separate password).
3. Install the apps you want in the second space via Google Play or Mi App Store.
4. Return to the main space and remove duplicate applications (if they are not needed).

The advantage of this method is complete isolation, even if someone accesses the main profile, they will not see the application from the second space, but there are also disadvantages: applications in the second space will not sync with the main profile (for example, notifications from Telegram will have to be checked manually).

💡

If you switch between spaces often, add a shortcut to the home screen for quick access. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen → Widgets → Second Space.

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party programs. One of the most popular solutions is DoMobile Lab’s AppLock, which allows you not only to set a password for individual programs, but also to adjust a pattern lock, security issue, or even unlock by time (for example, only during business hours).

How to install and configure:

1. Download AppLock from Google Play (link: Open).
2. When you first start, set the main password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers).
3. In the "Applications" section, select the programs you want to block.
4. Set up additional parameters: 🔒 Hidden mode – hides the AppLock icon in the app menu. 📸 Blocking by photo – unlocking after taking a selfie. ⏰ Lock timer – Automatic lock after a predetermined time.

Advantages of AppLock:

• 🔐 Support for multiple blocking profiles (e.g., separate passwords for social networks and banking applications).
• 📊 Log of attempts to enter - records all unsuccessful attempts to unlock with time.
• 🔄 Backup of settings to the cloud.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may conflict with AppLock, considering it as potentially dangerous software. If after installation, lags appear, add the application to the exceptions of the antivirus.

How to put a password on system applications (Gallery, Contacts, Messages)

Redmi Note 8 can block not only third-party programs, but also system programs — Gallery, Contacts, Messages and even Settings. This is suitable for both built-in MIUI and third-party applications like AppLock.

For system applications:

• 📁 Gallery: Lock hides thumbnails of photos in preview, but files remain accessible through file manager.
• 📞 Contacts: You can block access to the list, but calls will still be made.
• ⚙️ Settings: Locking prevents system settings from changing (useful for parental controls).

If you use Google Photos for backup, please note: blocking the MIUI Gallery does not affect access to photos via the web version of photos.google.com.

1. Enable two-factor authentication in your Google account.
2. Set up remote data erasure via Find My Device.

💡

Blocking system applications does not replace encryption of data. To fully protect sensitive information, use the Encryption feature in your phone security settings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting passwords for apps, users often encounter common problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

1. Forgot the password from blocking MIUI applications

If you have forgotten your password, the only official way to recover is through your Mi Account:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Restore access to your account via email or phone.
3. After successful login, the password from blocking applications will be reset.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Account was not linked to the phone, it will be impossible to restore access to blocked applications without resetting the settings.

2. applications are blocked accidentally (false positives)

If the AppLock or built-in MIUI lock is triggered for no reason:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache in the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → AppLock → Memory. → Clear the cache).

3. Fingerprint unlock does not work

The problem may be related to:

• 👆 Incorrectly added fingerprint (rewrite it in Settings) → Lock screen → Fingerprint).
• 🔋 Low battery power (at levels below 15%, the sensor may be switched off).
• 🧴 Dirty or wet sensor (wipe it with a dry wipe).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions