How to Password Android Xiaomi Apps: The Complete Guide

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a task that is becoming more and more relevant with the growing amount of confidential information in instant messengers, banking applications and social networks. PIN-The code to unlock the screen, the individual apps are vulnerable, and anyone can open them, and they can access your phone for a few minutes, MIUI Offers several built-in mechanisms for blocking applications, and also supports third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to protect applications with passwords on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from the standard features of Second Space and App Lock to hidden features of Private Mode and Digital Wellbeing settings. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI 12-15, and also consider how to avoid typical errors (for example, when a password is not saved or the application is not blocked).

1. Built-in App Lock function: the easiest way

The most obvious and versatile method is the use of the built-in App Lock utility (also known as App Lock in Russian firmware), which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 8 and newer, including the latest versions of MIUI 14/15. The main advantage of this method is that it does not require the installation of third-party applications, and the lock works at the system level, which makes it difficult to bypass it.

To activate App Lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Lock (or App Lock in English firmware).
3. When you first start, the system will prompt you to create a master password (may coincide with the PIN-lock screen code or different).
4. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block (for example, Gallery, WhatsApp, SberBank Online).
5. Configure additional options: Hide notifications (so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen) and Request password at each opening.

Importantly, if you use a fingerprint to unlock your screen, you can also link it to App Lock. In the application lock settings, enable the option to allow fingerprint unlocking. However, note that this method is less reliable than a password, you can play the fingerprint from a high-resolution photo.

Make sure that the MIUI version is not lower than 8

Create a backup copy of your password in Mi Account

Disable battery optimization for system applications

Check if App Lock is in conflict with antivirus-->

2.Second Space: A separate profile with a password

Second Space is a Xiaomi version of Android’s Multi-User technology, but with advanced features, which allows you to create a completely isolated profile with your own apps, settings, and even a separate password, which is suitable if you want to not just block individual programs, but completely hide their presence from outsiders.

How to set up Second Space:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space.
• 🔒 Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to create a new password or PIN).
• 🔄 After creating, switch between swipe profiles down the notification panel (Face or Profile icon).
• 📦 Install the apps you want only in Second Space – they won’t be visible in your main profile.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete isolation: Second profile applications and files are not visible.
• ✅ You can use different Google and Mi Account accounts.
• ✅ Supports separate lock screen settings and notifications.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes up additional memory space (each profile has its own caches and data).
• ❌ Some system applications (e.g. Camera) are duplicated in both profiles.

Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party applications (e.g. Norton App Lock)|I don't use a lock.|Another option-->

3. Private Mode: Hiding Files and Applications

Private Mode (also known as Privacy Mode) is a MIUI feature that allows you to hide not only files in the Gallery or Explorer, but entire applications. Unlike App Lock, it uses encryption, which makes the method more reliable. However, there is a caveat: Private Mode requires you to link to a Mi Account, and without it, you will not be able to restore access to hidden data.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Privacy → Private Mode.
2. Activate the function and create a password (it may differ from the main one). PIN-phone-code).
3. Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Select the app you want to hide and click Hide in Private Mode.
5. Now the application will be available only after entering a password in Private Mode (the icon appears in the notification panel).

Important: Private Mode doesn't block apps, it hides them from the installed list.

• 🔍 The application will not appear on the menu and on the desktop.
• 📱 It cannot be opened through search or voice assistant.
• 🔒 Access requires you to enable Private Mode in the notification panel each time.

4.Blocking through Digital Wellbeing (for parental control)

If you need to not just password-protect your app, but limit your time of use (for example, for a child or self-control), Digital Wellbeing is a good tool. It is built into Android 9 and later, so it is available on all modern Xiaomi smartphones.

• 🕒 Set a time limit for using the application.
• 🔒 Block access after the limit (entry required) PIN-code).
• 📊 View usage statistics.

How to set up a lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Digital Wellbeing and Parental Control.
2. Select the Toolbar and find the application you want to limit.
3. Click on the Hourglass icon and set the daily limit.
4. Activate the option to Block the application after the limit has expired.
5. Ask. PIN-Unlock code (it may differ from the main password of the phone).

5. Third-party applications: when embedded functions are not enough

If you need advanced features (such as geolocation locking, automatic hiding when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network, or a fake password for guest mode), you should consider third-party solutions.

• 🔐 Norton App Lock – supports fingerprint locking, has the Intruder Selfie feature (photos of someone trying to find a password).
• 🛡️ AppLock by DoMobile Lab – allows you to block system settings, incoming calls and even Play Market.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – can automatically unlock applications in trusted networks (for example, at home).

Warnings when using third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Kaspersky) may conflict with App Lock from third-party developers, causing persistent password requests or crashes.

⚠️ Note: Google Play lock apps often collect data about your activity. Check the permissions in the Settings menu before installing → Annexes → Permits and disable access to contacts, messages or geolocations if they are not needed for the job.

How to install and configure Norton App Lock:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Create a master password (it is recommended to use a combination of 8+ characters with numbers and special signs).
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
4. In the settings, activate Stealth Mode (hiding the app icon from the menu) and Intruder Selfie.
5. Set up exceptions for trusted devices (like Android Auto in the machine).

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If you’re using a third-party App Lock, add it to the battery optimization exception list (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).This will prevent the lock from spontaneously shutting down.

6. Problem Solving: Password is not working or the application is not blocked

Even after you set up your lock correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter errors, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: App Lock does not save password

If you reset your password after rebooting your phone or updating your MIUI, follow these steps:

1. Check if Auto Clean is disabled in Settings → Storage → Cleaning.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (old firmware had bugs with saving passwords).
3. Reset App Lock settings through Settings → Passwords and Security → App Block → Reset.

Problem 2: The app is not blocked by your fingerprint

If App Lock ignores the fingerprint scanner:

• Remove and re-add the fingerprint to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.
• Check if the option to Allow fingerprint unlock is enabled in the App Lock settings.
• Clear the cache of the Settings application → Applications → App Management → App Lock → Storage → Clear the cache.

Problem 3: Second Space will not open after the update

If after the update of MIUI the second profile stopped working:

1. Restart your phone and try to switch again through the notification bar.
2. If it doesn’t work, reset Second Space through Settings → Special Features → Second Space → Delete Second Space (data will be lost!).
3. Recreate the profile.

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If neither method works, check if Security or MiuiDaemon system applications are disabled in the settings. Deactivation of these can disrupt App Lock and Private Mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi