How to put a password on Android applications Xiaomi: all ways to block

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a challenge that has become increasingly relevant with the increasing amount of sensitive information in instant messengers, banking apps and social networks. Even if you’re not handing the phone over to the wrong hands, random access to apps can lead to data leaks, unauthorized purchases or changes in settings. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in mechanisms to block applications, and third-party solutions expand the possibilities of protection.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to password apps on Xiaomi Android devices (including Redmi, POCO, Mi 11/12/13 From standard functions Secure Space and Application Lock to hidden features MIUI 14/15 And with reliable third-party applications, you'll find a solution that's tailored to your needs, and we'll focus on getting around the limitations of new versions. MIUI, where some functions may be hidden or moved.

1. Built-in application locking in MIUI (the easiest way)

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Application Lock feature available on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, which requires no additional software installation and is integrated into the security system.

To activate the lock:

  1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
  2. Select Application Blocking (on some firmware, the item may be called Privacy → Application Blocking).
  3. Enter the password from your Mi Account or set a new PIN/pattern lock.
  4. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).

After activation at each run of the blocked application, the system will require a password. Please note: this method does not work for system applications (for example, Settings or Phone). MIUI, non-deactivated.

Make sure the device has the latest version of MIUI | Check that your Mi Account is linked to your phone | Remember or save your lock password (cannot be restored without resetting your phone) | Disable auto-renew MIUI if you are afraid of losing the feature after the update-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for European Region) Application Blocking can be disabled by default, in which case, try changing the region in the Mi Account settings to India or China - this often solves the problem.

2.Second Space – Double profile with password

Secure Space (or Second Space) allows you to create a second user profile on your phone with a separate desktop, apps, and settings, a technique that works if you want to not just block individual apps, but completely isolate some of the data.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Secure Space.
  2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
  3. After creating, switch between swipe profiles down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).
  4. In the Main Space, remove or hide applications that should only be available in Protected.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔒 Complete data isolation: applications in Secured Space are not visible in the main profile.
  • 📱 The ability to use different accounts (for example, a personal WhatsApp in one space, a work one in another).
  • 🔄 Quick switch without rebooting.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Takes up additional space on the device (each space has its own cache and data).
  • ⏳ Some applications (such as banking) may block Second Space because of suspected fraud.

Built-in application lock |Second Space |Second-Space |Second-Space |Space-Free Apps |Shiding applications |Do not use lock--->

3. Hiding applications without password (for quick access)

If you don't need a password but want to hide apps from prying eyes (like children or colleagues), MIUI has a Hide App feature that doesn't block startup, but removes icons from desktop and menus.

Instructions:

  1. Press the free space on the desktop with your finger and select Desktop Settings.
  2. Go to Hide Apps (or Hidden Apps on newer versions of MIUI).
  3. Tick the apps you want to hide and click Ready.
  4. To return hidden apps, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.

Where to look for hidden applications:

  • 🔍 Through a search by phone (swipe down on the desktop).
  • 📂 All applications in the menu (if the option to display hidden ones is enabled).
  • 🔑 In Settings → Annexes → Application management (all are displayed, including hidden ones).

💡

If you have hidden a system application (such as a Camera or Phone), it can only be returned through desktop settings. Some applications (such as the Google Play Store) cannot be hidden with standard MIUI tools.

4. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock and analogues)

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you (for example, due to a lock reset after a reboot), you can use third-party applications.

  • 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports PIN, graphical key and fingerprint.
  • 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Additional Malware Protection.
  • 📱 Smart AppLock – lightweight solution with minimalist interface.
  • 🔒 Locx – lock with the possibility of masking under the system window.

How to set up AppLock:

  1. Install the app from the Google Play Store.
  2. When you first start, set a master password (save it in a safe place!).
  3. In the list of applications, select the ones you want to block.
  4. In the settings, activate the options: 🔄 Auto-run (to keep the lock running after the restart). 📱 Deletion protection (requires a password to uninstall). 🕵️ Hidden mode (applock icon will be masked).

Warnings when using third-party blockers:

  • ⚠️ Some applications may conflict with MIUI Optimization (disable it in the developer settings if the lock doesn’t work).
  • 🔋 Blockers consume an extra battery (especially if detachment protection is enabled).
  • 📥 On new versions of Android (13)+) Third-party blockers may require permission for Special Access (Settings) → Special facilities → Special access).

What if AppLock stopped working after the MIUI update?
If after the update MIUI The third-party blocker has stopped functioning, try: 1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → AppLock → Storage. 2. Reinstall the application from the official website (not from the Play Store, if there is an outdated version). 3. Enable compatibility mode in the AppLock settings (if any). 4. Reverse to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a service pack (risky, only for power users!).

5.Blocking through Digital Well-Being (for Parental Control)

The MIUI Digital Well-Being feature is originally designed to limit device usage time, but it can be adapted to block applications, a method that is suitable for parental control, as it allows you to set time limits and a launch password.

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls.
  2. Choose your profile or create a child profile.
  3. Go to the Application Use Timer.
  4. Select an app (such as YouTube or Games) and set a 0 minute limit.
  5. Activate the option to request a password to renew.

Now, when you try to open a blocked application, the system will require you to enter a password from Mi Account, which is not as reliable as specialized blockers, but is well suited to restricting children's access to certain applications.

Locking methodLevel of protectionPost-reset resetSuitable for
Built-in MIUI lockMedium.Yes.Quickly blocking individual applications
Protected spaceHigh-pitchedNo.Complete data isolation
Hiding applicationsLow.No.Visual concealment without password
Third-party AppLockHigh-pitchedDepends on the settings.Advanced protection with additional features
Digital well-beingLow.No.Parental control

6 Additional Security Measures: What More Can Be Done

In addition to blocking applications, Xiaomi can strengthen data protection in the following ways:

Setting up the screen lock:

  • 🔐 Use a strong password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters) instead of using a password. PIN or.
  • 👆 Enable Blocking After Sleep in Settings → Lock screen → Additionally (the phone will be locked immediately after the screen is turned off).

Encryption of the device:

  • 🔒 B Settings → Passwords and security → Encrypt your phone and activate full encryption (it takes 30 to 60 minutes, the phone needs to be charged at 80 minutes%+).
  • ⚠️ After encryption, resetting the password without data loss will be impossible!

3. Restriction of rights for applications:

  • 📱 B Settings → Confidentiality → App permissions disable unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to contacts or location for games).
  • 🔄 Regularly check the list of applications with administrator rights in Settings → Passwords and security → Administrator rights.

Two-factor authentication for Mi Account:

  • 🔐 Link your phone number and email to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Account security.
  • 📱 Enable confirmation on SMS or through the Mi Security application.

💡

Even if you block all critical apps, remember to protect your Mi Account account itself. If you lose access to it, you will not be able to restore passwords from blocking or protected space!

⚠️ Attention: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and installed custom recavery (TWRP) All locking methods can be bypassed by resetting settings. If you want maximum security, do not unlock the bootloader without the need to!

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi

Can I put a password on system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages)?
No, the built-in MIUI lock doesn't work for system applications. However, you can: Use Secure Space and move system applications there. Install a third-party blocker (like AppLock), but some system applications can be blocked unstable. Alternatively, for Settings, disable the icon from the menu (press on the desktop → Desktop Settings → Hide Apps), but access to them will remain through the notification panel.
How to reset the password from blocking applications, if you forgot?
If you forget the password from the built-in lock MIUI: Try entering the Mi Account password (sometimes it fits). reset all phone settings via Settings → The phone. → Reset settings (data will be deleted!). For third-party blockers (e.g. AppLock): Use the recovery function by email (if you have been set up). Reinstall the app - sometimes it resets the password (but not always). ⚠️ Without resetting the phone, it is almost impossible to restore access to blocked applications!
Does the application locking work on POCO and Redmi?
Yes, all of the methods described work on POCO and Redmi devices, as they use MIUI firmware (possibly with minor changes in menu item names). Exceptions: On POCO F1/F2/F3 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), the built-in MIUI lock may not be available. On the Redmi Note for the global market, the Protected Space feature is sometimes disabled (region change). Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone - if it is newer than MIUI 12, all features should be available.
Can I block notifications on a locked screen?
Yes, for this: Go to Settings → Notifications → On the Lock screen. Select Don’t Show Notifications or Hide Confidential Content. For individual applications (like Telegram or Gmail), set up the notification display in Settings → Notifications → Notification Management. Also in Settings → Lock screen, you can turn off notification display on the locked screen completely.
How to protect applications from removal or change?
To prevent accidental (or intentional) removal of blocked applications: 🔒 B Settings → Annexes → App Management select the app and turn off the Remove option (if available). 🛡️ For third-party blockers (such as AppLock), enable Deletion Protection in the application settings. 📱 Hidden applications in MIUI You can not delete it through the standard menu – only through Settings. → Applications: For system applications (such as Gallery or Camera), the only way to protect is Secure Space.