Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphones, working on the shell of MIUI, often face the need to hide personal information from prying eyes. the model, released in 2019, is still popular due to performance, but data privacy issues are more relevant than ever. Standard features of the system allow you to limit access to the gallery, messengers and banking applications without requiring the installation of third-party software.
The activation procedure is built deep into the system settings and uses MIUI security to encrypt access, which means that even if an attacker unlocks the screen of a smartphone, they will not be able to run secure programs without additional code or fingerprint. It is important to understand the architecture of these restrictions so that they do not lose access to their own data when you change your password.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each setup step, look at the nuances of biometric sensors and answer frequent questions that users of Xiaomi Mi 9. You will learn how to create a reliable barrier to your personal data and what hidden features are available in the security menu.
Preparing a security system before setting limits
Before you start blocking individual programs, you need to make sure that the basic level of protection of the device is configured correctly. MIUI Security requires a basic method of unlocking the screen, whether it is a pattern lock, PIN-Without this step, no further settings will be possible because the system will not be able to identify the owner of the device.
It is recommended to pre-link your Mi Account, as it serves as the main tool for restoring access in the case of a forgotten password. If you reset your phone to factory settings or forget the application protection code, it is the account that will allow you to regain control of the device. Ignoring this step can lead to a complete locking of important data without the possibility of recovery.
Also worth checking for updates to the system application Security, developers periodically release patches that fix vulnerabilities in the encryption mechanism, go to the GetApps store or system settings to make sure you have the latest version of the security components installed.
⚠️ Note: Passwording apps does not replace the need to encrypt the device itself. If the phone is removed from the case and connected to another reader, the data can be read unless full disk encryption is enabled.
Make sure the device has a Find Device feature on it, which adds an additional layer of protection, allowing you to remotely lock your smartphone or erase data in the event of a theft. A comprehensive approach to security begins with checking these basic parameters before fine-tuning access to the software.
Step-by-step: activation of application protection
The main setup process is through the built-in system application, which is pre-installed on all devices of the brand. To start, open the Security menu (green icon with a shield) on the home screen or in the Tools folder.
If you see this item for the first time, the system will suggest creating a unique password for this section. The application password may differ from the unlock password for the screen, which adds an additional layer of security. Come up with a combination that is difficult to guess but easy to remember.
Once you create the code, you will be asked to link your Mi Account, which is a requirement for the ability to reset the forgotten password, and the next step is to choose the type of unlock: you can use the same method as the screen, or you can configure a separate one, and after confirming the settings, a list of all installed programs will open.
☑️ Setting up application protection
All the installed programs are available on the list, you have to activate the switch against the apps you want to hide, usually users protect WhatsApp, Telegram, the gallery and bank clients, and after activating the switch, when you try to run the program, the system will request verification of identity.
Set up biometric unlocking for quick access
Xiaomi Mi 9 features an advanced ultrasonic fingerprint scanner built directly into the screen. Using biometrics greatly speeds up the process of entering secure applications, eliminating the need to enter digital code or draw a pattern lock every time.
To activate this feature in the Application Protection menu, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner. In the settings menu that opens, find the "Unlock fingerprint" option and activate it. The system may ask you to confirm the action with your primary security password.
It is important to note that to work with this feature, your fingerprint must be registered in the main settings of the system (Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints). If there are several fingerprints, any of the registered fingers can unlock the application, which can be both convenient and unsafe in certain situations.
In addition to fingerprints, MIUI allows you to use facial recognition to log into applications. However, it is less reliable than a fingerprint scanner and can be bypassed with a photo. Use facial unlock only for basic protection against random gaze, but not for storing critical data.
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Use different fingers to unlock the screen and log in to apps if you share your phone with loved ones, such as your thumb for the screen and your index finger for secret apps.
The Hidden Space Function: The Second Level of Privacy
In addition to a simple launch password, the Xiaomi Mi 9 features Hidden Apps, which allows you to completely remove the program icon from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. For the average user who has taken the phone in his hands, it will seem that the program is simply not installed.
To activate this mode, go to the Application Protection settings and select the Hidden Applications tab, and here you will see a list of programs that can be masked. Once activated, the icon will disappear, and you will only be able to access it through a special input field.
It uses a gesture or search bar to call hidden applications, depending on the version of MIUI, it can be swiping two fingers to the sides on the desktop or entering special code in a search, which creates a "secret move" effect that only the owners of the device know about.
| Protection function | Level of security | Difficulty bypassing | Impact on speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch password | Medium. | Low (visible name) | Absent. |
| Hidden applications | High-pitched | Medium (access code required) | Minimum |
| Second space | Maximum | High (separate OS) | Notable (RAM expense) |
| Encryption SD-map | High-pitched | High (requires a key) | Average (reading speed) |
Keep in mind that hiding applications is not a complete encryption of data. If an attacker has programming skills or access to debugging tools, he can detect traces of hidden software, so for maximum protection, it is recommended to combine the concealment with a launch password.
Use of the Second Space for Total Isolation
For users who want the highest level of privacy, Xiaomi offers a “Second Space” feature, which is essentially creating a second user profile inside a single smartphone, with its apps, photos and accounts.
Switching between spaces is instantaneous through a special label in the notification curtain or through a fingerprint. You can set the system so that one finger opens the main space and the other one opens the secret space. To an outsider, the phone will look like normal, even if it is unlocked.
In Space Two, you can set separate passwords, use other Google and Mi accounts. This is ideal for separating work and personal life or storing highly sensitive information. The applications in the two spaces work independently, and the data between them does not overlap without your explicit permission.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the Second Space will permanently delete all data stored inside it.Be sure to back up important files to an external medium or to the cloud before resetting.
Creating a second space requires additional storage space. On the Xiaomi Mi 9 with its storage capacity, this is not a problem, but it is worth considering that some heavy games or applications may work less stable if system resources are distributed between two active profiles.
Can you hide the fact of the installation of the second space?
Solving common access issues and errors
Users may encounter various difficulties in using application protection, often because the system stops recognizing the fingerprint or the password is not accepted, this may be due to a software failure or corruption of the security configuration files.
One of the common problems is time desynchronization: If the date and time on the device are downed, the security certificates may stop working correctly and the secure applications will be blocked. Always check if you have automatic time synchronization over the network.
If you forget your application protection password, the system will suggest resetting it through the attached Mi Account. You need to enter the wrong password several times, after which the link will appear "Forgot the password?" Following the instructions on the screen will allow you to restore access, but this requires an active Internet connection.
In some cases, applications can crash when you try to enter a password, which often happens after you update your MIUI system. The solution may be to clear the Security app cache through the application management menu or remove updates to that system component.
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Regularly checking the operability of biometrics and the relevance of backup access codes is a guarantee that you will not lose access to your data at a critical time.