How to set a password for applications in Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 9 has become one of the most popular budget devices due to the balance of price and functionality. However, even in such an affordable device, users often face the need to hide personal data from outsiders. Setting a password on individual applications is not a luxury, but a real need: someone wants to protect correspondence in messengers, someone – financial applications, and someone simply does not want children to accidentally delete important files.

In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to restrict access to applications on Redmi 9, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions with advanced settings. You will learn how to block applications through Second Space, why you sometimes can not put a password on individual programs, and what alternative methods of protection exist for Xiaomi owners.

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

The most obvious and safe method is to use the MIUI tool that is on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9. This feature does not require installing additional programs and works at the system level, which guarantees security. However, there is one important caveat: application blocking is only available if the device has a pattern lock, PIN or password to unlock the screen.

To activate the protection:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. The system will suggest creating a password to lock (if it doesn't already exist) and then come up with a combination and confirm it.
3. In the list of installed programs, select the ones you want to protect (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
4. Activate the switch next to the name of the application.

Now, every time you run a secure application, the system will require you to enter a password, and the important thing is that if you forget the password from blocking the applications, you can only reset it through a full reset of the smartphone settings to the factory, which is because MIUI does not provide for restoration of access through the Xiaomi account or other methods.

Make sure that the smartphone has a lock screen password|Remember or write down the password from blocking applications|Check that the selected applications are updated to the latest version|Disable auto-update of protected programs (so that settings do not get lost)-->

Another thing to note is that some system applications (like Settings or Phone) may not show up in the lock list, and this is a MIUI restriction that you can't get around without root permissions, and you should also consider that once you update your firmware, your lock settings are sometimes reset, so check again after you update.

Method 2: Using the "Second Space" to be completely isolated

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with a separate set of apps, files, and even wallpapers, a solution that is suitable for those who want to not just block individual programs, but completely hide their presence on the device, for example, you can install instant messengers and banking applications only in the second space, and basically leave the “clean” system.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you will need to create a separate password to log in).
3. After creating, restart your smartphone and select the right space when you turn on.
4. In the second space, install the required apps via Google Play or Mi App Store.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: applications from one space are not visible in another.
• 📱 Different settings: you can use different wallpaper, sounds and even accounts.
• 🛡️ Additional protection: A separate password is required to enter the second space.

But there are downsides: First, the second space takes up extra memory (about 1-2 GB), which can be critical for the Redmi 9 with 32 GB of internal memory; second, some applications (such as banking) can block work in the sandbox due to suspicions of insecurity; It is also inconvenient to constantly switch between spaces – this is not suitable for frequent transitions.

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

If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough, you can use third-party programs from Google Play, the most popular solutions are AppLock, Norton App Lock and Smart AppLock, which offer advanced settings, such as:

• 🔐 Different types of lock (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint).
• 🕒 Automatic lock timer (for example, after 5 minutes of inactivity).
• 📸 Protection against screenshots in blocked applications.
• 🚫 Geolocation blocking (e.g. at work).

How to install and configure AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (check it’s the official version from developer DoMobile Lab).
2. Launch AppLock and set a master password.
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
4. In the settings (⚙️) activate additional options: blocking notifications, hiding the application icon, protection from deletion.

Warning: Third-party software can slow down a smartphone, especially if many apps are protected at the same time, and some banking services (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block access if they detect third-party locker applications, in which case you will have to choose between convenience and security.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up your lock correctly, Redmi 9 users sometimes find it difficult to do so, and let’s look at the most common situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: After the MIUI update, the application lock settings reset.

This is a well-known feature of Xiaomi firmware, to avoid losing settings:

• 📋 Write down a list of blocked apps before updating.
• 🔄 After the update, check the Settings section. → Annexes → Block applications and set it up again.
• 🚫 Do not upgrade via Fastboot if you use a lock – this can cause a reset.

Problem 2: Some apps (such as Telegram or VK) are not blocked.

This is because MIUI does not support blocking applications that use overlays.

• 🔧 Turn off the “Map on top of other windows” permission for the problem application in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔒 Use a second space or third-party locker applications.

💡

If the Suddenly app locking stopped working after changing the theme, try returning the standard MIUI theme.

Problem 3: Forgot the password from blocking applications.

Unfortunately, MIUI has no official way to recover the password from blocking applications.

• 🔄 Reset your smartphone settings to factory (loss of all data!).
• 🔓 If you had Mi Account enabled, try unlocking your device through it (but this only works for the lock screen, not for apps).

⚠️ Note: Do not use software to reset your application lock password from unverified sources. Most of these utilities require root rights and may contain malicious code. Xiaomi does not provide official tools to circumvent this protection.

Additional security measures for Redmi 9

Passwording apps is only part of a comprehensive approach to data protection, and to keep your Redmi 9 as secure as possible, we recommend:

1. Set up biometric authorization: 👆 Add a fingerprint to the settings → Password and security → Fingerprint. 👤 Set up facial recognition (but remember it’s less reliable than a print).

Activate device encryption:

Go to Settings → Additional → Privacy → Encryption and credentials and enable encryption. This will protect the data even if an attacker extracts flash memory from a smartphone.

Use Mi Account for remote management:

Link the device to your Xiaomi account (Settings → Xiaomi Account) and this will allow you to block or erase data from your smartphone remotely via i.mi.com.

Also, pay attention to application permissions. Many programs request access to contacts, location or camera without real need. Regularly check these settings in Settings → Apps → Permissions and revoke unnecessary rights. For example, why does the messenger need access to your SMS or files?

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The combination of application password + biometrics + data encryption makes your Redmi 9 virtually invulnerable to most threats, but remember: no amount of protection will help if you use simple passwords like "1234" or "qwerty".

Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones: what has changed in the new models?

If you’re considering switching to a newer Xiaomi model, it’s helpful to know how the app lock system has evolved, with additional options coming to the Redmi Note 10 and later:

• 🆕 Time-blocking: You can set automatic restrictions (e.g., block games after 22:00).
• 🔍 Hidden apps: the ability to completely hide program icons from the menu (available only through search).
• 🛡️ Improved biometrics: Support for in-screen fingerprint scanner (instead of the back scanner as in Redmi 9).

However, the basic principles of blocking remained the same. For example, in MIUI 13 and MIUI 14, it is still not possible to restore the password from blocked applications without resetting the settings, and in newer versions of firmware, there are sometimes bugs with blocking after updating - so always make a backup before updating.

If you are planning to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone and you are critical to the function of blocking applications, look for models with a Snapdragon 7xx/8xx chip (for example, Poco F4 or Xiaomi 12T).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions