How to Password Apps in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: The Complete Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it is not immune to prying eyes. If you store private messages, banking apps or sensitive photos on your phone, password blocking becomes a necessity. In this article, we will examine all the available protections, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions, and also tell you how to avoid typical configuration errors.

It's important to understand that blocking apps is not the same as locking a screen or encrypting data; it only protects against random access, not targeted hacking (e.g., through an engineering menu or settings reset), but for most users, that's enough. Next, detailed instructions with the Redmi Note 9 and current versions of MIUI 12/13/14.

1. Method: Built-in App Lock in MIUI

The most reliable and simple method is to use the standard App Lock feature, which is the default MIUI firmware, which requires no additional software installation and is integrated with system security settings.

To activate App Lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select the option “App Lock” (App Lock).
3. When you first start the system will offer to create a pattern lock, PIN-code or use a fingerprint.
4. After setting up, select the apps you want to block (such as WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Full system integration – does not slow down the phone.
• 👆 Support for biometrics (fingerprint/face).
• 🔄 Automatic locking after rebooting.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your App Lock password, you can only reset it through your Mi Account (internet required!

Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your phone | Remember or record backup PIN| Disable notifications for blocked applications (optional) | Check your fingerprint (if you plan to use)

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2. Method: Hidden folders and "Second Space"

If you want to not just block an application, but hide it completely, MIUI has a Second Space feature, which is a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, and you can switch between spaces through the notification panel.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the creation wizard (you will need to specify a password to log in).
3. Install the required applications only in the second space.

Cons of this method:

• ⚠️ It takes up additional memory (system files are cloned).
• 🔄 Uncomfortable to switch for frequent activities (e.g. checking email).
• 📱 Not all apps support two-space work.

Built-in App Lock|Second space|Third-party annexes|Don't block apps|Another option-->

3. Method: Third-party applications for blocking

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

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports locking on time, geolocation and even over the Wi-Fi network.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – with additional screenshot protection.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – Minimalist interface and low power consumption.

How to install and configure (in the example of AppLock):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Start and create a master password (do not use your date of birth!).
3. Select the applications to block in the Privacy section.
4. Activate additional options (e.g. Prevent Uninstall so that an attacker can’t remove the blocker).

⚠️ Note: Third-party blockers may conflict with MIUI, If they have memory optimization features, add the app to the auto-clean exceptions to avoid crashes: → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

4. Features of blocking system applications

Not all applications in Redmi Note 9 can be blocked through App Lock, for example, system utilities like Settings, Phone, or Messages can ignore the lock or require additional permissions.

How to get around the restrictions:

• 🔧 For settings, use the Second Space - it will have a separate settings section.
• 📞 For Phone and Messages, set up a lock SIM-map (PIN-code through Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map.
• 📂 For Files (Conductor), create an encrypted folder: Files → Personal. → Create an encrypted folder.

Important: blocking system applications can disrupt your phone! For example, if you block Google Play Services, apps from the Play Market will stop updating.

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If you want to block access to Google Photos or other cloud services, you better use two-factor authentication (2FA) in the app itself, which is more reliable than system locking, and will protect data even if you steal your phone.

5 How to reset your password if you forgot

Forgot your password from App Lock or a third-party blocker? The recovery methods depend on the blocking method:

For the built-in App Lock:

1. On the password entry screen, click Forgot the password.
2. Enter your Mi Account details (email and password).
3. Follow the instructions for resetting (web will be required).

For third-party applications:

• 🔑 Restore access via email (if tied during installation).
• 📧 Write in support of the developer with proof of account ownership (checks from Google Play).
• ⚠️ In extreme cases, reset your phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all data!

⚠️ Warning: If you used Second Space and forgot your password, you can't restore access to the data, it's encrypted separately.

6. Additional security measures

Blocking apps is only part of the protection, so as to maximize the security of data on the Redmi Note 9:

• 🔐 Enable device encryption: Settings → Passwords and security → Encrypting the phone (to borrow) ~1 hour, the phone should be charged at 80%+).
• 📱 Set up Smart Lock to unlock in secure locations (home, work): Settings → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed that allow you to bypass the lock.
• 🚨 Install Find Device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device) for remote data erasure when stolen.

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The combination of App Lock + Device Encryption + Mi Account with two-factor authentication makes the Redmi Note 9 virtually invulnerable to most attacks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions