How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi: all ways to protect

Why to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life: personal correspondence, bank data, photos and work documents are stored here. But what if the phone falls into the wrong hands? Even short-term access to an unlocked device can lead to leakage of confidential information. Statistically, 38% of users have experienced at least one situation when someone without permission viewed their smartphone.

Owners of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11 Prime or other models often do not realize that the MIUI branded shell has built-in tools to block individual applications, which allows you to protect messengers, banking programs or a gallery without having to install an additional PIN on the entire phone.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current techniques, from standard MIUI features to ADB circumvention, which apps can be protected, how to get around common setup errors, and what to do if you forget your password, and finally, the answers to the frequent questions that owners of Xiaomi and Redmi have.

Method 1: Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the MIUI tool, which is available on most Xiaomi Redmi devices (except for models for the European market with "lightweight" firmware), which allows you to set a password, fingerprint or pattern lock to any application, including WhatsApp, SberBank Online or Gallery.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set the unlock method (it is recommended to use the same as for the lock screen).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to protect.
4. Activate the Lock switch next to each of them.

After that, when you first run a secure application, the system will require you to enter a password. Please note that if you use a fingerprint, you can only use it after you have successfully entered it. PIN-code (this is a security measure from the MIUI).

Make sure the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI|Check that the “App Block” feature is available in your area|Remember or write down your password in a safe place|Turn off the “Smart Block” in the screen settings if it interferes with work-->

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If your menu does not have the option “Block Apps”, try to search for “app lock” in the settings – sometimes the function is hidden under the English name.

Method 2: Use of Second Space (Dual Space)

Second Space in Xiaomi Redmi allows you to create a separate work profile with your own apps, settings and data, which is not exactly a lockdown, but a reliable way to hide personal information, for example, you can transfer all messengers and banking applications to Second Space, and leave the main profile for work or public programs.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After creation, navigate to a new space through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
4. Install the right applications and set them up.

Now, when you switch between spaces, the system will require a password, which is especially useful if you don't just lock an application, but you want to completely isolate its data.

• 💬 Messengers with personal correspondence (Telegram, Viber)
• 💳 Banking applications and wallets (Tinkoff, UMoney)
• 📷 Photo gallery
• 📊 Notes with confidential information applications

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If your version of MIUI does not have a built-in lock feature, you can use third-party programs.

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint and lock Wi-Fi/geolocation.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – from the well-known antivirus, with additional protection against hacking.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block not only applications, but also individual functions (for example, mobile data).

But there are nuances: Google has limited the capabilities of these programs since Android 10, and newer versions of MIUI (such as MIUI 14 on the Redmi Note 12) may run unstable or require additional permissions through ADB.

Instructions for setting up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Set a master password (require to write it down!).
3. Select the applications to block in the section Blocked applications.
4. In the settings, activate Hide notifications so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may conflict with AppLock. If the blocker stops working after installation, add it to the antivirus exceptions or turn off real-time protection.

Method 4: Blocking through ADB (for advanced users)

Since Android 10, Google has banned third-party apps from blocking other programs from running without special permissions, but this restriction can be circumvented through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi on MIUI 12/13/14, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant [package_name] android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE where [package_name] — Blocker application identifier (e.g. com.domobile.applock for AppLock).
4. Reset the device.

After this procedure, the third-party blocker will receive extended rights and will be able to work even on new versions of Android. However, beware: the wrong ADB commands can disrupt the system.

Built-in MIUI|Second Space|Third-party app (AppLock, etc.)|ADB|Do not use lock-in-->

What to do if I forget the password from the lock

The situation when the user forgets the password from the blocked application is common.

For the built-in MIUI function:

• If you used your Mi Account to block, reset your password via i.mi.com.
• If the password was local, try entering the last used PIN from the lock screen (sometimes MIUI syncs them).
• In extreme cases, reset your settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (app data will be deleted!).

For third-party blockers (AppLock, etc.):

• Most programs have an email recovery function – check emails from the developer.
• If you have a secret question, answer it.
• For DoMobile Lab’s AppLock, you can reset your password via the command: adb shell am start -n com.domobile.applock/.recoverpassword.RecoverPasswordActivity

⚠️ Warning: If you used Second Space and forgot your password, you can’t restore access to it without completely resetting your phone. MIUI Does not provide official tools to unlock the second space.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up application lock, Xiaomi Redmi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is the battery optimization conflict, where MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, causing the blockers to stop working, to avoid this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your blocker (like AppLock) and select AutoRun → Enable.
3. In the section Background Limitation set Without restrictions.

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If the lock stops working after the MIUI update, check the battery optimization settings first. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by disabling the restrictions for the locking application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps in Xiaomi Redmi