How to put a password on the applications in Xiaomi Redmi 9A: a complete guide with pictures

Why blocking apps on Redmi 9A is not a luxury, it’s a necessity

In the era of digital threats, even the budget Xiaomi Redmi 9A stores data that is worth protecting: instant messengers, banking apps, personal photos. Statistics show that 68% of personal information leaks occur due to unauthorized access to an unlocked smartphone. Meanwhile, password blocking on MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) is implemented in an unobvious way – it is often simply not noticed in the settings.

In this article, you’ll find 5 proven ways to password apps in Redmi 9A, from built-in features to trusted third-party solutions. We’ll take a look at the nuances of each method, compare them in terms of security and convenience, and caution against common bugs that negate security, such as did you know that the password for apps in MIUI 12+ automatically resets after resetting your phone to factory settings, unless you enable sync with Mi Account?

Method 1: Built-in Application Protection in MIUI

The most obvious and safe method is to use the regular MIUI tool, which requires no additional software installation and is integrated into the system at the kernel level, but there is a caveat: in Redmi 9A, this feature can be hidden depending on the firmware version.

To activate the protection:

1. Open the Settings. → Password and security.
2. Select Application Protection (if not, see spoiler below).
3. Enter the main password from the phone (the same as to unlock the screen).
4. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to block.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Maximum system integration – does not conflict with other functions.
• 🚀 Minimum battery consumption (unlike third-party applications).
• 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Account – passwords will be saved after reset.

💡

If you use a fingerprint to unlock your screen, you can also link it to app protection. To do this, after setting your password, go back to Settings → Password & Security → Fingerprint and add it as an alternative way to log in.

Method 2: Blocking through the “Dual Apps”

The second space in MIUI allows you to create an isolated profile with a separate set of applications and data, not exactly password-blocking, but a reliable way to hide sensitive programs from prying eyes, while the main space remains accessible without restrictions.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Once created, go to the second space and install the apps you want to hide (such as banking or instant messengers).
4. Return to the main space and open the second space settings. → Password protection to set up PIN-code.

Comparison with the first method:

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (TOP-3 verified)

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, third-party utilities will come to your aid, and we've tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones for the Redmi 9A:

1. AppLock (by DoMobile Lab)

• 🔐 Support for fingerprint and face ID (on models with appropriate sensors).
• 📸 Geolocation blocking (for example, automatically block messengers at work).
• 🔄 Backup of settings to the cloud.

Disadvantage: The free version shows ads.

2. Norton App Lock

• 🛡️ Deletion Protection – Application cannot be uninstalled without password.
• 📊 Log of Attempts to Enter with Intruder’s Photo (If Camera is Enabled).
• 🔗 Norton 360 integration for integrated security.

Requires registration of a Norton account.

3. Smart AppLock

• 🎨 Customization of the lock screen (you can set your own picture).
• ⏱️ Automatic lock timer (for example, after 5 minutes of inactivity).
• 🔕 Invisible mode – the app icon is hidden from the menu.

Minus: In the background, it consumes up to 3% of the battery per hour.

Warning: Some blocking applications (especially from unverified sources) may collect your data themselves.Always check the permissions the program requests when installing!

💡

Third-party AppLocks are convenient but require constant updates, and if a developer stops supporting an app, its vulnerabilities can become a loophole for hackers.

Method 4: Hiding applications without password (for quick access)

If you don't want to lock things down, but you want to keep apps out of sight, MIUI has Hidden Apps, which doesn't protect data with a password, but makes programs invisible in menus and search.

How to hide the application:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen.
2. In the menu that appears, select Hide the application (or Remove from the home screen → Hide).
3. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in Settings → Apps.

To return the hidden app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show Hidden Apps.
3. Find the right application and uncheck the hidden box.

💡

Hidden applications can still be run through a system search (swipe down on the home screen). To avoid this, turn off search for hidden programs in Settings → Device Search → Search Search Search → Search Settings.

Method 5: Blocking through Google Play Protection (for parental control)

If your goal is to restrict access to apps for a child or an inexperienced user, use Google Play Protection, which allows you to:

• 🔞 Block the installation of applications by age rating.
• 📱 Limit the time of using specific programs.
• 🔒 Demands. PIN-code.

How to set up:

1. Open Google Play Store → Settings → Family → Parental Controls
2. Enable parental control and install PIN-code.
3. Select Restrictions for apps and games and set up filters.
4. To block already installed applications, use Google Family Link (requires separate installation).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not block system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
• ❌ It only works for Google accounts linked to a family group.
• ❌ Your child can bypass the restrictions if they know your Google account password.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a properly configured lock can fail due to common bugs, and this is what you can't do when protecting applications on Redmi 9A:

⚠️ Attention! Never use the same password to lock apps and unlock the screen. MIUI This allows you to bypass the protection through Settings. → Password and security → Resetting the password if the attacker knows PIN screen-on.

Error 1: Disabling sync with Mi Account

If you haven't linked the device to your Xiaomi account, after resetting the settings, all the passwords from the apps will be reset.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Make sure that data synchronization (including security settings) is enabled.

Mistake 2: Ignoring updates

Third-party AppLocks often contain vulnerabilities that are patched in newer versions. Check for updates once a month:

1. Open Google Play → My Apps → Updates
2. Find your AppLock in the list and update it.

Error 3: Using Simple Passwords

Passwords like 1234 or 0000 are cracked in seconds.

• 🔢 Length of at least 6 characters.
• 🔤 Combination of numbers and letters (e.g, k7T9p2).
• 🔄 Change the password once in a while. 3-6 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app blocking in Redmi 9A