How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: 3 proven ways

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is the number one challenge in the digital age. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 owners often face the need to restrict access to instant messengers, banking apps or social networks, especially if the phone is used by several people or has to be left unattended. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers built-in tools to block applications, and third-party solutions expand the possibilities of protection.

In this article, we’ll break down three working methods: Xiaomi’s standard App Lock, Second Space’s feature for creating an isolated profile, and reliable third-party apps like Norton App Lock or Smart AppLock. Each method has its pros and cons, from speed to security level. For example, in MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 10, locking through App Lock works instantly but does not protect against reset via Recovery, whereas third-party utilities can offer two-factor authentication.

It is important to consider the firmware version: on older MIUI builds (below 12.5), the App Lock interface may differ, and in some regional firmware, the Second Space function is disabled by default. Before you start, check the relevance of the software in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.

1. Method: Built-in App Lock in MIUI

The easiest and fastest method is to use the standard App Lock, which is integrated into the MIUI shell, which allows you to block individual applications with a password, fingerprint or pattern lock, the main advantage is that you do not need to install additional software, which saves space in memory and does not load the system.

To activate App Lock:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• 🔒 Set a password (it is recommended to use a combination of 6).+ numeral).
• 👆 Select applications from the list that you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
• 🔄 Enable Hide Notifications to prevent content from being displayed on the Lock screen.

Note that if you use a fingerprint to unlock it, you can attach it to the App Lock in the same menu, but when you reset your phone to factory settings through Recovery, all the App Lock locks are automatically removed, which is a weakness of the method.

Make sure MIUI is updated to the latest version | Backup important data | Remember password from Mi Account (linked to App Lock) | Disable autocleaning cache for blocked applications-->

2. Method: Second Space - isolated profile

The Second Space feature in Redmi Note 10 allows you to create a completely isolated work environment with separate applications, data and settings. This is the ideal solution if you need to not just block applications, but completely hide their presence. For example, you can install messengers or banking programs only in Second Space, leaving the main profile “clean”.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password to switch between profiles).
3. After creating the second profile, install the desired applications in it through Google Play or Mi App Store.
4. Return to your main profile – applications from Second Space won’t show up on the menu or desktop.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Complete data isolation: files, messages, and settings do not overlap between profiles.
• 👤 The ability to use different accounts (for example, two Telegram or Instagram on the same phone).
• 🛡️ Protection against accidental access: without a password, the second profile remains inaccessible.

💡

If your MIUI firmware doesn’t have a Second Space option, try upgrading to a global or European version of the software.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ It takes up additional memory space (about 1-2 GB under the second profile).
• ⏳ Switching between profiles takes time (about 5-10 seconds).
• 🔄 Some system applications (e.g. Camera or Phone) are automatically duplicated.

Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Blocking

If the built-in MIUI tools aren’t enough, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play, popular solutions such as Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock or AppLock by DoMobile Lab. They offer advanced features such as:

• 📸 Facial block (recognition through front camera).
• 🔢 Two-factor authentication (password) + PIN).
• 📊 log of attempts to enter (time fixation and geolocation of unsuccessful attempts).
• 🔕 Invisibility mode (app icon is hidden from menu).

Instructions for setting up on the example of Smart AppLock:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set a master password (it is recommended to use a combination of 8+ characters).
3. In the main menu, select the Applications and mark the ones to be blocked (for example, VK, Tinkoff, Photos).
4. Activate additional options: 🔄 Autolock after closing (the application is blocked immediately after folding). 📱 Deletion protection (requires a password to uninstall the utility). 🔇 Hidden mode (Smart AppLock icon disappears from menu).

Comparison of popular applications for blocking:

Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party utilities (Norton, Smart AppLock)|Does not protect |Another method-->

Warnings when using third-party utilities:

⚠️ Note: Some blocking applications (especially from unverified sources) may contain malicious code or collect data about your activity.Install only high-rated utilities (4.5)+ Google Play and a lot of reviews (100K+ download).

⚠️ Note: If you forget the master password from a third-party App Lock, it will be difficult to restore access to blocked applications. Many utilities do not provide a password reset function via email or SMS.

4. Additional security settings

In addition to blocking applications, Redmi Note 10 can be enhanced protection system means:

• 🔐 Encryption of the device: In the menu Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Encryption can encrypt all the data on the phone, and it takes 30 to 60 minutes, but then you can't access files without a password.
• 👤 Hidden albums in the Gallery: The standard Gallery app from Xiaomi has a hidden folder feature. → More. → Hide. → set the password.
• 📱 Lockdown SIM-maps: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-maps can be installed PIN-mobile-network.

For maximum safety, combine several methods.

• Use App Lock for messengers.
• Move your banking apps to Second Space.
• Install a Smart AppLock for social media with two-factor authentication.

💡

The combination of built-in MIUI tools and third-party utilities provides the highest level of protection, but can reduce the performance of the phone by 5-10% due to background activity.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up the application lock, Redmi Note 10 users encounter typical errors.

Problem 1: App Lock does not ask for a password when you open the app.

• 🔹 Check if the option Block Apps is enabled in the settings.
• 🔹 Reboot your phone – sometimes a service MIUI glitch.
• 🔹 Make sure the application is not added to the exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).

Problem 2: Second Space disappeared after the MIUI update.

• 🔹 Update the firmware to the latest version (in some builds, the function is disabled).
• 🔹 Check regional settings: Second Space may not be available in Chinese firmware.
• 🔹 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings (data not deleted).

Problem 3: Third-party App Lock does not block apps.

• 🔹 Provide the device administrator rights to Settings → Annexes → Special access.
• 🔹 Disable battery optimization for the application (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🔹 Reinstall the utility - there may be conflicts with the cache.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of blocking method depends on your tasks:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If you need a simple lock for 2-3 applications → Use the built-in App Lock.
• 🔹 If you want to hide the presence of apps (for example, from children or colleagues) → Set up Second Space.
• 🔹 If maximum security is important (two-factor authentication, log log log log of login attempts) → Install a Smart AppLock or Locx.

7 Precautions

When working with the application blocking on Redmi Note 10, consider the following nuances:

⚠️ Warning: If you use Second Space, update your firmware regularly. MIUI below 12.5 were vulnerabilities that allowed to bypass the lock ADB.

Tips for reliable protection:

• 🔐 Use different passwords for App Lock, Second Space and Mi Account, making it harder to access when data is leaked.
• 📱 Check the list of blocked apps regularly – after updates MIUI settings can be reset.
• 🔄 Don't keep your passwords in notes or screenshots on your phone. There are password managers like Bitwarden or KeePass for that.
• 🛡️ Enable Find the device in your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Find the device. This will help lock the phone remotely when you lose it.

If you are planning to sell or transfer your phone, remember to:

1. Remove all locks in App Lock and Second Space.
2. Untie Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Sign out.
3. Perform reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions