How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi Redmi 9: official and hidden ways

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a task that many users put off until they encounter unpleasant situations. Anyone can access instant messengers, banking apps or photos, from curious children to attackers who picked up the screen unlock. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several built-in tools to restrict access to individual programs, and also supports third-party solutions.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to set a password for applications for Redmi. 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), They have pros and cons, and we'll give you recommendations on how to choose a method depending on your needs. MIUI, which are not mentioned in the official guides, but which can significantly increase the level of protection.

Why is standard screen locking not enough?

Many users mistakenly believe that PIN-The code or the pattern lock to unlock the screen is completely protective of the data:

• 🔓 Temporary access: even if you give the phone “use for a minute”, during this time you can have time to open messengers or mail.
• 🛠️ Vulnerabilities MIUI: In some versions of the firmware there are bugs that allow you to bypass the screen lock through the Recovery Mode.
• 👶 Children and Pets: Accidental tapping can lead to texting or purchases in games.
• 🕵️ Social Engineering: Attackers can spy on your PIN Over your shoulder or guess a simple pattern lock.

Kaspersky statistics show that 38 percent of smartphone data breaches are due to physical access by third parties to the device, and only 12 percent of Xiaomi users use additional application protection beyond standard locking, and if you’re one of the majority, it’s time to fix it.

Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI

The easiest and most official way is to use the App Lock feature built into the MIUI shell.It is available on all versions of the Redmi 9 firmware (including MIUI 12/13/14) and allows you to block applications with a password, fingerprint or face unlock.

How to turn on App Lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set the primary password (it will be used to unlock).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to protect (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
4. Activate Hide notifications so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It does not require the installation of third-party programs.
• ✅ It works with biometrics (Face) ID Fingerprint).
• ✅ You can block system applications (for example, Settings or Contacts).

However, the App Lock has its disadvantages:

• ❌ If you forget the password, you can reset it only through a complete reset of the phone (loss of data!).

⚠️ Note: If you use the Face-Unlocked App Lock, turn off the “Unlock When Screen is Turned On” option in the security settings. Otherwise, the phone may unlock accidentally (for example, when you pull it out of your pocket).

Method 2: Second Space – a dual system with a separate password

The MIUI's Second Space feature was originally designed to separate work and personal data, but it can also be used to protect applications, and the idea is that you create a second independent profile with your own password, and you transfer sensitive applications to it.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a new PIN or password).
3. Once you have created a profile, go back to the main space and open Second Space Settings.
4. In the Applications section, select the programs you want to hide from your main profile (they will only be available after you enter the Second Space password).

The benefits of Second Space:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: applications in the second profile are not visible in the main and vice versa.
• 📱 You can use different wallpapers, settings and accounts (for example, a separate Google account).
• 🔄 Quickly switch between profiles through the notification panel.

⚠️ Attention: Second Space cannot use device-based banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) that can block access by detecting an "unfamiliar" environment.

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock, Norton App Lock, etc.)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party programs that offer advanced features such as:

• 📊 Login Attempts Statistics (Who and When Tried to Open a Locked Application).
• 📸 Photos of the attacker catching (some programs take a picture through the front camera when the password is incorrectly entered).
• 🔄 Remote lock through SMS-Useful for stealing your phone).
• 🎭 Masking for a system application (so that the attacker did not guess about the installed AppLock).

Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi 9:

How to install and configure a third-party AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (e.g. AppLock by DoMobile Lab).
2. Run the program and set the main password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers).
3. In the Appendix section, mark the programs you want to block.
4. Activate additional options: Hide notifications → for privacy. Block installation / deletion → so that no one can delete AppLock. Fake glitch → when you enter an incorrect password shows a “system error”.

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Before installing a third-party AppLock, check its reputation on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers).Some programs may contain advertising modules or collect data.

Hidden MIUI features for additional protection

In addition to standard methods, MIUI has little-known settings that improve security:

1.Blocking through "Guest Mode"

If you need to transfer your phone temporarily but don’t want to set up Second Space, use Guest Mode:

• Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the user's Avatar.
• Select Guest → the phone will reboot to a “clean” profile without your data.
• To return, click on the avatar again and select your profile (password entry is required).

2. Prohibition of Installation of Applications from Unknown Sources

To prevent the installation of malware:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights.
• Select Install Unknown Applications and disable the resolution for all browsers.

3. Data encryption

If your phone has critical data, activate encryption:

• Open Settings → About Phone → Encryption and Accounts.
• Click Encrypt your phone (the process will take 30-60 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Once encrypted, resetting the password without losing data will not be possible. PIN or password on paper and keep it in a safe place!

What to do if you forget your App Lock or Second Space password?

The situation when the user forgets the password from blocked applications is common. Unfortunately, MIUI does not have a password recovery function - this is done for security.

1.Reset via Mi Account (App Lock only):

• On the App Lock password entry screen, click Forgot your password.
• Enter the Mi Account details linked to the phone.
• Follow the instructions for resetting (confirmation by SMS or email may be required).

2. Delete App Lock data via ADB (for advanced users):

adb shell pm clear com.miui.applock

This command will reset the App Lock settings, but it won't affect the application data.

• Developer Mode and USB Debugging enabled.
• Computer with installed ADB-driver.

Second Space reset:

• Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
• Click Delete Second Space → The second profile will be erased, but the main profile will remain intact.

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If you haven’t linked your Mi Account to your phone, the only way to reset your App Lock is to completely reset your Wipe Data in Recovery Mode.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔐 Maximum protection: Second Space combination + App Lock + encryption.
• 📱 Convenience: App Lock with fingerprint unlocking only.
• 🛡️ Additional features (cracker photo, remote lock): third-party applications such as Smart AppLock.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Protection: Guest Mode or Second Space with Simple PIN.

If you use your phone to work with confidential information (bank data, corporate mail), we recommend:

1. Activate App Lock for all critical applications.
2. Set up Second Space for individual accounts.
3. Install a third-party AppLock with the photofixing function of hacking.
4. Disable notifications on the locked screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Redmi 9